Plymouth Arts Center

Plymouth Arts Center

Date Posted: August 05 2010

Written By: chicago jazz

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Warren Wiegratz and Streetlife, the award-winning house band for the Milwaukee Bucks, Bay City Swing, River City Six, Smooth Groove Trio, Tom Muellner Trio, Open Interest Quartet with vocalists, Christine Salerno and Todd Buffa, Subito Jazz Ensemble, Dave Petty Trio, Jazz N’ More with Janice Marie & Joe Schiebinger, and Chris Pipkins & Christopher’s Project are the ten fantastic Jazz Bands that plan to shake up the crowd at the 7th annual Cheese Capital Jazz Crawl for the Arts on Friday, August 13, 2010.

This live jazz extravaganza attracts thousands of music lovers every year to downtown Plymouth, and is the Plymouth Arts Center’s major annual fundraiser and signature event. The 2010 PAC keepsake wristband, which is the fundraising portion of the event, is available now at all venues. Advance sale of the wristband is $10 each and $12 day of the event.

The Arts Center encourages everyone to purchase a wristband this year to show their support of this great event AND...you’ll be able to collect Mardi Gras beads at all venues. In addition to the Arts Center, other jazz venues include: Amore (next to Antonio’s;) The City Club; The Cozy Bar; Exchange Bank Coffeehouse; 52 Stafford Irish Guesthouse; Mill Street Grill; (Plymouth newest restaurant next door to the Arts Center;) and Mark & Tam’s Turner Hall.

The event is generously sponsored by Great Lakes Cheese of Wisconsin, Masters Gallery Foods, Sargento Foods, Sartori Foods, Bordens, with additional support from Midstar Printing, M.A.S. Industries and the G.F.W.C. Plymouth Woman’s Club.

The festivities are kicked off at the Plymouth Arts Center, 520 East Mill Street, in downtown Plymouth, WI at 4pm, where guests will enjoy live jazz entertainment all evening until 11:00pm along with jazz cuisine prepared on the “Big Cheese” grill in the PAC’s Bourbon Street Food & Wine Café on the plaza.

Visitors are invited to the opening reception of “Doors: Gateway to Creativity” a brand new art exhibit by the League of Milwaukee Artists in Gallery 110 North sponsored by Mike & Pat McKenzie of McKenzie Financial Services and Jim & Mary Shields of Plymouth Furniture.
Adding even more excitement to the event is the PAC big Painting Raffle, a Live Auction and Silent Auction, all taking place at the Plymouth Arts Center.

•Plymouth Artist Lori Beringer created and donated a magnificent, original oil painting, “Lilacs and Blossoms,” for this year’s big Painting Raffle. The painting is valued at $2175 and is on display at the PAC. Raffle tickets are available now up until the drawing time: 9pm at the Jazz Crawl, Friday, August 13. Tickets are: $20 for five tickets or $5 each.

•This year’s Live Auction at 7pm in the Arts Center’s plaza features: “Blue Jazz” an original acrylic painting valued at $1700 by Sheboygan Artist Dale Knaak. Knaak created and donated the painting as this year’s signature promotional piece for the posters, flyers and commemorative special posters-$10 and t-shirts-$15. Auctioneer Bill Cain of Plymouth will conduct the auction.

•The silent auction will once again feature original fine art, Mardi Gras Masks, special gift baskets and certificates.

Bidding for the silent auction closes at 9pm along with the big Painting Raffle. You need NOT be present to win.
This year’s fantastic musical line-up is:
Smooth Groove Trio 4pm-7:15pm at the PAC Courtyard
Tom Muellner Trio, 5pm-8:30pm Mill Street Grill
Open Interest Quartet, 5pm-8:30pm PAC Greatroom
Subito Jazz Ensemble, 6:30pm-9:30pm, Exchange Bank Coffeehouse

Dave Petty Trio, 7pm-10pm at the Cozy Bar

River City Six, 7:30-11pm, at the Plymouth Arts Center’s Courtyard

Bay City Swing, 8:30pm-Midnight at Mark & Tam’s Turner Hall

Jazz N’ More, 9-Midnight at the 52 Stafford

Christopher’s Project Quartet, 9pm-12:30am at the City Club
Warren Wiegratz/Streetlife, 9pm-12:30am at Amore

1.Streetlife: warren wiegratz on saxophone, flute, keyboards wasnamed Reed/Brass Instrumentalist of the Year by the Wisconsin Area Music Industry Awards (WAMI) an unprecedented eleven times. Warren Wiegratz has performed and recorded with numerous renowned national and international artists.

Streetlife is widely regarded as the best "house-band" in the NBA. The band combines superb musicianship and vocals with an exciting stage presence in performing a unique blend of R&B and contemporary styles. The band plays at many regional and national music festivals such as Milwaukee's Summerfest and Jazz in the Park, and is well-known as the house-band for the Milwaukee Bucks.

The group has been honored with many nominations and awards at the Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) Awards including " Best Adult Contemporary Group" and "Best Jazz Group" in Wisconsin. Streetlife’s leader and featured artist, Warren Wiegratz is a fixture on the Wisconsin music scene and is a highly sought-after saxophone and Jazz clinician, who performs and instructs in high schools and colleges throughout the Midwest.

He has been featured in articles in the Saxophone Journal, The Leblanc Bell, and the Roland Users Group magazines. Warren's solo version of The Star Spangled Banner has received national critical acclaim and has led him to perform it at sporting events across the country. He has been with several national acts such as Sweetbottom and Oceans. Other members of Streetlife are: Joe Jordan - vocals, Ryan Schiedermayer - drums, Leonard Adams - Bass, Peter McManaman – guitar and new female vocalist Rhonda Begos. For more information please visit their website at www.streetlifejazz.com.

2. Bay City Swing: For over 20 years Bay City Swing has created the exciting sounds of Big Band music in Northeastern Wisconsin. From the lush, sophisticated ballads of Frank Sinatra and Stan Kenton to the frenzied jitterbug swing and shuffle beat of Louis Prima and Benny Goodman, Bay City Swing does it all.

This exciting sixteen-piece band featuring incredible musicianship along with outstanding male and female lead, not only knows how to bring you back to the romance that was the swing era, but also includes contemporary swing classics from artists like Brian Setzer and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Founding band member Shawn Postell - "You know, when I started this group in the early '80's, we were all just a bunch of college kids that liked to play big band music and drink beer. Through the years, besides getting older, the band has evolved into a mature group of dedicated musicians, from a wide variety of backgrounds, who are excited to perform great arrangements at the highest level of musicianship, and still drink a beer or two.

3. Christopher’s Project: Since its inception, this group has put together quite an impressive resume. The group has opened for national and legendary acts as diverse as the Temptations, George Benson, David Sanborn, The Supremes and Jennifer Holiday. They have also performed at corporate functions for notable Corporations such as Northwestern Mutual, Johnson Wax, Quad Graphics and Time Warner.

They have also performed at The Grand Opening Ceremony for The Midwest Express Convention Center and at the political galas for The Governors National Conference and The Mayoral Candidacy Party. They are repeat performers at some of Milwaukee’s annual festivals, Riversplash, Summerfest, Rainbow Summer and Bastille Days to name a few. Christopher’s Project is lead by saxophonist Chris Pipkins, a three-peat winner at Showtime at the Apollo, a prestigious Theater in New York City that showcases the best of up-and-coming talent.

The rest of the group rounds out with Del Bennet on drums (Sister Moon). Eric Hervey on Bass (Darryl Stuermer). Theo Merriweather on keyboards and Darryl Thomas on Guitar (Chameleon).

4. Jazz 'N More is one of Wisconsin's hottest jazz duos and is an opening act for the Kettle Moraine Jazz Festival! Janice Marie is one of Wisconsin's best female jazz singers with a powerhouse voice, theatrical style and stage presence, captivating audiences with her authentic renditions of the great female, Jazz vocalist, Ms. Ella Fitzgerald. Teaming up with Joe Scheibinger, who is called one of the most versatile entertainers in Wisconsin, Jazz ‘N More provides the very best of the American Songbook! Joe specializes in providing a wide range of music and exciting audience participation.

5. The River City Six, Wisconsin's premier Dixieland band specializing in New Orleans/ Chicago style jazz, has entertained aboard the Island Clipper for the past 15 years. Members of the band are: Ken Petersen on trombone, a high school band director from De Pere; and the leader of the band for eight years. Lovell Ives, on trumpet, wears many hats. He is director of the Green Bay Packer band and professor emeritus of the UWGB Jazz Department, which he founded 25 years ago.

Ives is a much sought after jazz clinician, composer and arranger for all types of jazz ensembles including big band. As a trumpet player he has backed up dozens of nationally known celebrities. Ike Smith, nick-named Mr. Outboard, plays a unique vintage stand-up bass and has had his own jazz band for over 20 years, entertaining jazz lovers around Wisconsin. Dan Palmer has been playing clarinet since childhood and is very much at home in classical music as well. He played with the 5th US Army band for many years before putting together his own ensemble Le Jazz Hot which also entertains for Sunset Concert Cruises. Gary Miller of Oshkosh is a much sought after drummer who has played with various bands aboard these cruises for 15 years.

6. Dave Petty Trio is back by popular demand along with Roger Brotherhood and Sue. Dave’s interest in music developed in the later years of the “Swing” era. As a novice musician residing near New York City, Dave watched some live performances by the likes of Ben Webster, Zoot Simms and Benny Goodman.

His saxophone and clarinet styling provide foot-tapping danceable music. Guitarist Roger Brotherhood has been a professional musician since 1966. He attended the University of Wisconsin for two years as a journalism major, and graduated with honors from the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music with a Bachelor of Music degree. He has taught professionally for over 15 years, and has extensive experience recording, playing in clubs and shows, leading his own jazz groups, conducting workshops and clinics, and playing solo.

7. Tom Muellner Trio Renowned Chicago pianist Tommy Muellner, along with vocalist Arlene Bardelle & guitarist/bassist Bill Klewitz have been performing together for many years, including a long stint for many years at the Chicago's famed Drake Hotel. They've also performed at many fine hotels, restaurants, jazz clubs & for private parties all around. Tom is a highly respected jazz pianist and composer, and has received critical acclaim from aficionados and statesmen throughout the jazz world for his piano acumen and creativity.

Neil Tesser, the nationally recognized jazz critic and writer for Playboy magazine and other prestigious publications, sites Tommy as a “pianist and tunesmith of stellar magnitude.” After performing at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee, Mike Drew of the Milwaukee Sentinel Journal said, “Like the late keyboard master Bill Evans, Tom finds classic gems, and creates sophisticated lyric variations.” And this from Hammond organ master Joey DeFrancesco, “Tommy swings, grooves, is soulful, and in total command of his instrument, plus I love him, he’s one of my favorites!” Tom is on many fine nationally distributed recordings.
www.tommujazz.com

8. Subito Jazz– Aimed at continuing the soul of jazz music through yet another generation, SUBITO is a seasonal jazz performance group comprised of mostly college student, some still high school, some music majors, some not. Yet they all share the same passion to play great music: Jazz! SUBITO explores the extremes of the jazz genre by playing everything from big band and swing to funk and rock. Previous performances include 2010 Plymouth Arts Festival, the Highland House of Sheboygan, Sheboygan Memorial Mall Christmas Medley, Sargento Co. Private performance, as well as others. The group is comprised of Alto Sax- Ashlyn Mauer, Tenor Sax- Hailey Thimmig, Trumpet- Brianna Bennin, Trombone- Matt Wolfert, Piano- Spencer Hurlbert, Bass- Caitlynn Winkler, Guitar- Jordan Kusel, Drum Set- Alec Schielke.

9. Open Interest Quartet Together since 2004, OPEN INTEREST plays improvised jazz fused with funk, blues, swing and a touch of good-old rock-and-roll. This fierce quartet performs originals and exciting arrangements of standards from many traditions. OPEN INTEREST has performed at: Bayfest (Green Bay), - The Fox Jazz Festival (Menasha)- ArtStreet (Green Bay) John Salerno: One of the most respected musicians in Wisconsin, saxophonist John Salerno has worked with a variety of notable groups and artists including The Spinners, The Jacksons, Engelbert Humperdinck, Roberta Flack, Joe Williams and many others.

John is a published composer and arranger, and has written works for a variety of styles and media. He is in demand as a clinician and adjudicator, judging at many jazz festivals throughout the country, including the prestigious University of Northern Colorado Jazz Festival. In addition to saxophone, John also plays a mean flute and writes many killer arrangements for the band. Chris Salerno is singing with us as well as Todd Buffa - grammy nominated vocalist. He is an extraordinary singer and entertainer. He was the lead vocalist with the group "Rare Silk" -. Greg Pagel – Keyboards Often regarded as the most unusual jazz keyboardist in Wisconsin, Greg Pagel began playing the piano and composing at the age of 9.

He has performed at Jordan Hall and Symphony Hall in Boston, as well as Lincoln Center in New York. He has shared the stage with such notable musicians as Kenny Wheeler, Benny Golson, Joe Maneri, Cecil McBee, Bob Moses, Luciana Souza, Janet Planet, Ricky Ford, Matt Turner and Bobby Vinton.Greg's latest CD, “Plastic Machine Music,” is a daring fusion of jazz with hip-hop and electronica. Craig Hanke – Bass Craig Hanke has been playing bass for 30 years (after he was asked to stop playing violin). He completed degrees in Biology and Music at Lawrence University in Appleton and a PhD in Pharmacology from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Equally facile on upright and electric bass, Craig has a reputation as one of the most solid, dependable, hard-swinging and hard-grooving bassists in Wisconsin. Craig has performed with Diane Schuur, Clark Terry, JJ Johnson, Ellis Marsalis, Ernie Watts, Bobby Militello, Sunny Wilkinson and locally with Janet Planet. In addition to Open Interest, Craig plays with Bay City Swing and many of the area's top musicians.Terry Iattoni – Drums Terry Iattoni, an active performer and educator, has been playing percussion for over 30 years and teaching music for 25 years. Terry’s performance credits include working with Richie Cole, George Graham, John Harmon, David Hazeltine, Geoff Keezer, Ellis Marsalis, WAMI Award Winner “The Mr. Lucky Syndicate”, Jeff Pietrangelo, Chris Salerno and ZIJI, Toni Tennille, Allen Vizzuti, Ernie Watts, Sunny Wilkinson, and the top chart-topping doo-wop group – “The Diamonds.”Terry is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where he studied percussion with Cheryl Grosso and Roger Braun respectively. Terry has taken lessons from drummers Carl Allen and Matt Wilson and has provided clinics, master classes, and camp instruction throughout central and northeast Wisconsin . Terry’s favorite quote by Chick Corea, “Only play what you hear. If you don't hear anything, don't play anything.”
10. Smooth Groove Trio is a local favorite and has performed at the Final Approach Steakhouse at the Burrows Aviation Center as well as the Millhome Supper Club in Kiel. They have graced the Arts Center stage for the past two years for the Big Cheese Drop New Year's Eve party and the Plymouth Arts Center Singers' annual spring concert. Their music style is in the realm of Smooth Jazz playing standards which never age and will always be with us. The trio is comprised of Vern Eliason on Saxophone, Paul Epner on keyboards, and Jim Johnson on Drums.

The Plymouth Arts Center is a 501c3 non-profit membership organization solely supported by membership dues, fund-raisers, grants, sponsorships, and private and corporate donations. While operating Gallery 110 North, a fine art gallery showcasing Wisconsin Artists in changing exhibits, the Arts Center also hosts a wide variety of other events such as: PAC Theatre Company, Plymouth Arts Center Singers, Plymouth Festival of Fine Arts; Wisconsin Performing Artists Series, Acoustic Jam/Open Mic sessions, Mill Street Live Summer Series, Gallery Works TV Show hosted by Kitty Lynne Klich; Plymouth Oktoberfest, ongoing art classes for adults and children; Wonderful World of Women expo and more. The Jazz Crawl is the highlight of summer entertainment presented in downtown Plymouth by the Plymouth Arts Center.

Plymouth Arts Center’s mission is ….to enliven the spirit of our community and to enrich the lives of all by presenting diverse experiences in the arts. For more information: Please contact: Donna Hahn, Executive Director, (920) 892-8409 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (920) 892-8409 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (920) 892-8409 end_of_the_skype_highlighting; email paf@excel.net, Or visit our website: www.plymoutharts.org

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