Jazz Club of Sarasota, Orioles Team Up for
“JAZZ IN THE BALLPARK” on April 9 at Ed Smith Stadium
Live big band to feature “The Music of Sinatra and Friends”
with vocalists Lisanne Lyons and George McLain
SARASOTA, FL: The Jazz Club of Sarasota and the Orioles are teaming up for the first time to bring a live, big-band jazz concert to the Left Field Pavilion at Ed Smith Stadium on Saturday, April 9, from 7 to 9 p.m.
The concert, titled “The Music of Sinatra and Friends,” features the Sarasota Jazz Project, a 17-piece big band under the direction of co-founder and tenor sax player George McLain. The high-energy band will perform popular favorites from the fabulous career of Frank Sinatra and his pals, covering music from World War II through the end of the 20th century. Their swinging instrumentals will be enhanced by top jazz soloists, along with vocal classics by sensational Miami-based jazz singer Lisanne Lyons and McLain. The evening will also include a special “Armed Forces Salute” in tribute to veterans and those now in service to our country.
“The Orioles are excited to welcome jazz fans to Ed Smith Stadium’s Left Field Pavilion for another ‘first’ in our Arts in the Ballpark event series,” said David Rovine, Vice President, Orioles-Sarasota. “The Orioles’ partnerships with local cultural organizations like the Jazz Club of Sarasota continue to introduce new entertainment opportunities for our community in a unique setting.”
Peg Pluto, president of the Jazz Club of Sarasota, is equally enthusiastic. “We’re thrilled to present some truly great music, played with all the pizzazz that a big band brings,” she said.
A party atmosphere will prevail in the Left Field Pavilion, where fans can grab ball park food, enjoy the outdoors on a cool Sarasota evening and even dance under the stars to musical selections that will include “All Or Nothing At All,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “In the Mood,” “West Side Story Jazz Suite” and the Sinatra favorite “Come Fly With Me.”
Reserved seats, offered at $30 and $20, include table tops or counters for food and beverages. Parking is $5 in the East Lot, with a portion of proceeds supporting the Sarasota Y.
Tickets may be purchased through the Orioles’ box office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., by phone at 941-893-6300, or online by clicking “Events” at jazzclubsarasota.org. The Orioles’ box office is located at Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th Street in Sarasota.
The Jazz Club of Sarasota was founded in 1980 to preserve, promote, present and educate people about jazz, the original American musical art form. The Club presents a full schedule of 45+ jazz-related events throughout the year including an ongoing concert series, Jazz at 2 concerts, an active scholarship program, Jazz on the Water cruises, the prestigious Satchmo Award, and especially the highly respected annual Sarasota Jazz Festival.
Links:
Arts in the Ballpark overview: http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/bal/spring_training/arts.jsp
Jazz in the Ballpark event: http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/bal/spring_training/jazz.jsp
Jazz Club of Sarasota website: http://jazzclubsarasota.org/events–2
Biographical Notes
SARASOTA JAZZ PROJECT, formed in 2010, is dedicated to the preservation and performance of both classic and current big-band jazz with an emphasis on modern arrangements.
Miami-based jazz vocalist LISANNE LYONS became featured soloist with Air Force bands worldwide including Air Force Academy Falconcaires while serving on active duty. The Sarasota High School graduate has performed nationally with Joel Grey, Woody Herman Orchestra, Maynard Ferguson Band, Arturo Sandoval, Larry Elgart, University of Miami Concert Jazz Band, Fort Worth Symphony, Harry James Orchestra and many more. Lisanne is a recipient of two DownBeat awards and also holds a doctorate in music from the University of Miami. Her happy vibrant vocal stylings leave audiences begging for more.
Sarasota native GEORGE MCLAIN has been involved in music and singing his entire life. He has performed with big bands and jazz musicians in Miami, Los Angeles, Seattle and North Carolina and is a lifetime fan of Frank Sinatra. He is director and co-founder of Sarasota Jazz Project.
