Acclaimed jazz artists in concert Saturday
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The 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center will present acclaimed jazz musician Camille Thurman in concert with the Darrell Green Trio as the headlining artists for the Fredonia Jazz Festival on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The concert is presented in partnership with the Fredonia Jazz Society.
As an accomplished composer, esteemed saxophonist, vocalist, and unique interpreter of the jazz tradition, Camille Thurman is quickly becoming one of the leading standard bearers of the art form, making a considerable and dynamic contribution to the legacy of jazz while paying tribute to its heroes.
Referred to as the "classic double threat" by NPR, Thurman excels on both tenor saxophone and vocals, establishing herself as a powerhouse virtuoso musician and an electrifying, trailblazing artist.
The New York City-born artist has drawn comparisons to Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Dexter Gordon, and Joe Henderson. DownBeat Magazine describes her as a performer poised to shape jazz for decades to come. She made a historic and memorable impact as the first woman to perform and tour full-time with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in the tenor saxophone chair from 2018 to 2020.
As a respected bandleader and composer, she has headlined numerous prestigious concert venues and Jazz festivals around the world, including the Kennedy Center, and Alice Tully Hall.
Thurman has released five full-length recordings and has been nominated for an NAACP Image Award. Her latest project, "Confluence: Vol 1," is a collaboration with master drummer Darrell Green and his quartet. Innovative master drummer Green is one of today's jazz scene's leading, most sought-after masterful drummers. As a prolific sideman, bandleader, educator, clinician, composer, and producer, he developed his mastery in the heart of Oakland, CA.
Green's drumming style uniquely blends modern post-bop, gospel, and classical influences. His solos are a testament to his effortless technique and captivating rhythms, which breathe life into the music and transport audiences on a spiritual journey. While Jazz is his primary focus, Green's versatility extends to every genre, from straight-ahead Jazz and Rock, to Latin and West African music.
His talent has taken him to renowned concert halls and music festivals in more than 50 countries worldwide. His performances have graced prestigious venues such as Jazz At Lincoln Center's Appel Room, The Blue Note Jazz Club, Birdland, The Kennedy Center, Alice Tully Hall, and the Montreux Jazz Festival, solidifying his status as a globally recognized musician.
Green tours and leads projects with his trio, quartet, and quintet. In 2017, Green and Thurman were selected to join the American Music Abroad Cultural Ambassador Program -- touring five African countries (Senegal, Mozambique, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Mauritania).
General Admission tickets are $45, $40 (Opera House Members, Jazz Society Members), and $10 (Students). They can be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 716-679-1891, Tuesday-Friday, 12-4:30 p.m. They can be purchased online anytime at www.fredopera.org.
The 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center is a member-supported not-for-profit performing arts center with a mission to "present the performing arts for the benefit of our community and region ... providing access to artistic diversity ... and high-quality programming at an affordable price." It is located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.fredopera.org.