JAS Café Summer Series passes on sale now
Courtesy photo
Jazz Aspen Snowmass (JAS) announced the 2024 Summer Cafe Series, which includes six performances on the Rooftop of the Aspen Art Museum and a night of music showcasing the JAS Academy Afro-Caribbean Big Bans students with special guests at the Hotel Jerome Ballroom.
The series kicks off on Friday, July 12 with Grammy-winning R&B/Soul artist Jamison Ross, whose music emanates from the intersection of R&B, gospel, and blues supported by modern production and contemporary soul. Smokey-voiced singer/songwriter and virtuoso contemporary jazz pianist Jarrod Lawson, making his JAS debut, will perform with his quartet on Saturday, July 13. Bria Skonberg will be joined by fellow trumpeter & vocalist Benny Benack III and her quartet for shows on Sunday, July 14. Expect a swinging, jazzy, and joyous celebration from two rising stars who channel Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong’s legendary musical partnership.
On Saturday, Aug. 10, JAS will present a celebration of calypso and reggae at the Hotel Jerome Ballroom. Vocalist Rene Marie will join the twenty students selected for the JAS Academy Afro-Caribbean Big Band program for a musical celebration of the Caribbean-born legendary vocalist Harry Belafonte. Led by Trinadad-born composer and trumpeter Etienne Charles, this night of music will transport attendees from the Hotel Jerome Ballroom straight to the Islands.
Sharing the bill on Aug. 10 is Jamaican-born virtuoso pianist Monty Alexander with his high-energy musical tribute to reggae legends like Bob Marley, the Harlem-Kingston Express. Backed by the full JAS Academy Afro-Caribbean Big Band, this performance is guaranteed to bring audiences to their feet.
The new vocal supergroup and 2024 Grammy winners, Saje, will perform at the Aspen Art Museum on Friday, Aug. 16. Award-winning blues, soul, and Americana singer Shemekia Copeland, daughter of the legendary Chicago bluesman Jonny Copeland, brings her belting blues and sizzling band to perform on Aug. 17. The series closes on Sunday, Aug. 18, with a group of all-star contemporary jazz musicians, The Lao Tizer Trio, and special guests Eric Marienthal on sax, Elliot Yamin (a previous American Idol finalist) on vocals, and Karen Briggs on violin.
All Aspen Art Museum performances will take place at 6:30 ($75) and 8:45 ($55) each night. The Rene Marie/JAS Academy/Monty Alexader show at the Hotel Jerome will start at 7:30 p.m.($75/reserved seats $45/Gen. Adm/SRO).
For tickets and more information on the JAS Café series, the JAS Academy, and other JAS events, visit jazzaspensnowmass.org.
