November 11, 2023
Get ready to be serenaded by the melodic charm of the Library Jazz Band, a cherished musical gem in Yonkers, as they gear up for two spectacular programs in the 2023-2024 season. Graced by the generous support of the Yonkers Arts Initiative grant courtesy of ArtsWestchester, these performances are set to be a treat, and the best part? They’re entirely free for all to relish.
Comprising 17 immensely talented musicians and educators hailing from Yonkers, the Bronx, and Westchester County, the Library Jazz Band is a collective deeply devoted to the classic big band style. While delving into timeless arrangements, they also venture into contemporary renditions of songs by iconic artists like the Rolling Stones and Stevie Wonder.
Celebrating Local Talent and Legacy
The season kicks off with an inaugural concert titled “The Stars in Our Backyard! Library Jazz Band Salutes Local Luminaries, then and now,” on Sunday, November 19, at 2 pm. The venue for this performance is the Yonkers Public Library, Grinton I. Will Library, nestled at 1500 Central Park Avenue. What’s more? A second concert is in the pipeline for Spring 2024 at the Riverfront Branch, ensuring a wider embrace of their musical prowess.
This musical celebration is a tribute to Yonkers’ rich tapestry of musical heritage. It pays homage to local legends who have left an indelible mark on the city’s sonic landscape across the last century. Expect the Library Jazz Band to shine a spotlight on the community by featuring compositions from luminaries such as Ella Fitzgerald and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith fame.
An array of esteemed artists is set to grace this musical extravaganza. Among them is Ralph Lalama, a three-time Grammy recipient renowned for his mastery of the tenor saxophone, alongside Amy London, celebrated for her soul-stirring vocals in New York City’s jazz and Broadway circuits. Adding to the stellar lineup are the Library Jazz Band’s own exceptional members, including the gifted pianist Sarah Jane Cion, the accomplished trumpeter/flugelhorn player Kim E. Burgie, trombonist Rob Susman, and trumpeter Ron Horton.
As the Library Jazz Band tunes up for an unforgettable musical journey, the Yonkers Arts Initiative grant from ArtsWestchester stands as a testament to the community’s dedication to nurturing and celebrating local artistic brilliance. The forthcoming performances promise a harmonious fusion of nostalgia, innovation, and the pulsating essence of Yonkers’ resplendent musical legacy.