St. Kieran Arts Center celebrates anniversary with Berlin Jazz

Sunday, November 22, 2009

BERLIN JAZZ CONCERT

WHEN: Sunday, November 22, 2009; 2:00pm

WHERE: St. Kieran Arts Center, Main Street, Berlin, NH

TICKETS: $12 and $16

MORE INFORMATION: Call (603) 752-1028 or visit www.stkieranarts.org

Berlin Jazz, the North Country’s popular 18-member Big Band Ensemble, will take the stage at St. Kieran Arts Center on Sunday, November 22 to celebrate the Art Center’s 9th Anniversary and the unveiling of the new 2010 Anniversary Series. This special concert is open to all and tickets are $12 and $6.

True to its mission to present and preserve great American jazz music, Berlin Jazz will showcase individual and ensemble talents, while performing the music of such Jazz and Swing “Greats” as Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Tommy Dorsey and Louis Armstrong. The band’s performance will both energize and soothe the soul with jazz standards, songs from several musicals, and seasonal selections for the upcoming Holidays.

Berlin Jazz has been extremely fortunate over the past twenty two years to attract many talented North Country musicians. Players have come and gone over the years, but the band continues to thrive and pick up new members as soon as a vacancy occurs. Currently, more than half of its members are from regional communities outside of the Berlin-Gorham area, and they travel for weekly rehearsals held at St. Kieran Arts Center from as far away as Chatham, Whitefield and Littleton.

“Berlin Jazz brings the Big Band Era Jazz and Swing to life in a way rarely seen today. They absolutely love what they do and it shows! They are all enthusiastic and exciting musicians. This annual benefit concert will help raise critically needed funds to support supporting the new 2010 Arts Series and the upcoming winter heating season. We sincerely appreciate The Band’s friendship and support of St. Kieran Arts Center!” states, Joan Chamberlain, Executive Director.

St. Kieran Community Center for the Arts opened its doors as a performing arts center in November 2000, when the new non-profit organization was established to keep the historically significant building in public use after the closing of the St. Kieran Church. Over the past nine years, the Arts Center has grown its mission to include both performing and visual arts, outreach to local schools, opened its doors as a “home” to several local arts organizations, and actively supports local artists, historic building preservation and cultural heritage tourism.

This program is made possible through the corporate sponsorship of A. R. Couture Construction and the generosity of Berlin Jazz members, with support from the NH State Council on the Arts, NH American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, National Endowment for the Arts, the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation/North Country.

Other upcoming holiday performances include the Nutcracker Ballet on Sat. Dec. 5 and the North Country Community Chorus Christmas Concerts on December 9 and 11 at 7 PM, and December 13 at 2 PM featuring over 80 voices and conducted by Randy Labnon.

A full schedule of St. Kieran Arts 2010 Events and Main Stage Performance Season Tickets are now available for $150 individuals, $125 for seniors, and $75 students/children. The community is invited to support the arts and the magic of live entertainment by getting or giving a 2010 membership. For further information contact the Arts Center at 752-1028 or visit www.stkieranarts.org.