Event
New Orleans Piano Night
New Orleans Piano Night in Petaluma
1st in the series: The Roots and Branches of American and World Music
Featuring: from New Orleans, LA Joshua Q. Paxton plus John Allair, Sarah Baker, Sasha Smith, and Dr. Joel Rudinow
Friday, October 9, 2009, 8pm
Carole L. Ellis Auditorium, Petaluma Campus
Among New Orleans' distinctive contributions to American and world culture is a rich and highly original tradition of piano music. Join us as we celebrate this still living tradition in the manner of the annual Jazz & Heritage Festival Piano Night, with New Orleans' own Joshua Q. Paxton.
Like much of the great music to come out of New Orleans, Joshua Paxton's playing defies one-word description. Starting with conservatory-trained technique, he combines the accessibility of blues and soul with the harmonic sophistication of jazz, sprinkled with the intricate rhythmic energy of funk and Afro-Cuban music. From his study of New Orleans legend James Booker he learned the art of getting the fullest possible sound from the piano by creating distinct, multiple parts -- playing with two hands what would seem to require at least three. He applies these elements to both his original compositions and his surprising, fresh interpretations of standards.
Also performing will be Petaluma's John Allair. Piano tuner to the stars by day, long-term ivory tickling sideman to Van Morrison, and bandleader by night, John Allair's piano performances are always dazzling.
Sonoma State University Professor Sarah Baker has a long and storied history as a piano player in the Redwood Empire. On this occasion Sarah will represent the music of Lil Hardin-Armstrong - piano player, composer, arranger and wife of Louis Armstrong - the most prominent woman in early jazz.
Also, Sebastopol piano prodigy Sasha Smith, now blazing a name for himself in Los Angeles, makes a triumphal return to Sonoma County. SRJC's Dr. Joel Rudinow, an alumnus of Elvin Bishop's touring band, will also perform.
Funded by a grant from the Santa Rosa Junior College Foundation  Randolph Newman Cultural Enrichment Endowment.
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LocationCarole L. Ellis Auditorium
680 Sonoma Mtn. Pkwy
Petaluma, CA 94952
United States
Categories
Kid Friendly: No |
Dog Friendly: No |
Non-Smoking: No |
Wheelchair Accessible: No |
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