Ray Conniff 100 FREE Concert at Capron Park in Attleboro, MA

Ray with white hair and beard

Rau Conniff

by Rick Foster

ATTLEBORO, Ma.  — As a noted big band era musician and arranger, multi-million album-selling orchestra and chorus leader and Grammy winner, the late Ray Conniff stands alone among musical greats who got their start in the Jewelry City.

Beloved by audiences from Rio to St. Petersburg, Russia, Conniff blazed a musical trail through the 1950s and 60s and received a Grammy Award for his version of “Somewhere My Love” (Lara’s Theme) from the movie blockbuster Dr. Zhivago. He also orchestrated hits for many of the postwar era’s brightest stars and played a major  role in launching the career of Johnny Mathis.

Now, Conniff lovers will get a chance to celebrate what  would have been the great bandleader’s 100th year with a free outdoor concert 2 p.m. Sunday, July 17 at Capron Park.

Back by popular demand this year will be trombonist-bandleader Dan Gabel and the Abletones Dectet playing big band hits associated with Conniff and his contemporaries. The knowledgeable Gabel will also flesh out the story of the young Conniff whose musical career started with a band made up of his Attleboro High School classmates and rose to the pinnacle of stardom.

Born in Attleboro in 1916, Conniff became a mainstay of the swing era playing with bands ranging from Bunny Berigan to Bob Crosby and Artie Shaw. After service in World War II, he became a noted arranger, orchestra leader and hit-maker who ultimately sold an incredible 70 million records as leader of his orchestra and chorus.

Dan Gabel and The Abletones have blazed their own trail to the height of musical excellence, having   played for Gov. Charlie Baker’s inauguration, former Gov. Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh as well as countless concerts, town commons and special occasions.

The once-a-year free Ray Conniff Memorial Concert is funded by a generous anonymous donation and held with the cooperation of the Attleboro Park Commission.

 

HOT STEAMED JAZZ FESTIVAL IN ESSEX JUNE 21, 22 AND 23

 

 

www.hotsteamedjazz.com/

 

(Essex, CT) — Experience New Orleans style traditional jazz in Connecticut as The Hot Steamed Jazz Festival turns up the heat, during the weekend of June 21, 22 and 23. Proceeds from the festival, which is located at the Essex Steam Train, benefit The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, CT, founded by the late Paul Newman.

More than 13 bands, ranking in the Top 20 in jazz polls for their instrumentation will perform in simultaneous sessions under two tents on the grounds, adjacent to the Steam Train. A Gospel service, which is free and open to all, is scheduled for Sunday, June 23 at 10:30 am and, in addition to the Festival All Star Band, features vocalists Jane Campedelli of Florida and Connecticut’s own child vocalist Jason Senn of Essex.

The festival takes place rain or shine. Seating is provided under the tents.
Friday 5-10:45pm – Saturday 10am-4:45pm  5-10:45pm  –  Sunday 10am-4:45pm

THE BANDS scheduled to appear at the  2013 Hot Steamed Jazz Festival include:

 

A complete band performance schedule is available at the festival’s website, www.hotsteamedjazz.com.

 

Food and concessions such as popcorn, coffee and soda are available at the festival. Guests are invited to bring their own beer and wine. No hard liquor is allowed.

 

Festival sponsors include:

Essex Savings Bank/Essex Financial Services
Clark Corporation
David Florence
Bob Johnson
Bob’s Discount Furniture
Glenn Connolly
Arris
Karen Torrenti
Shore Discount Liquors
as well as individual sponsors

 

Ticket prices per person are $100 for the full weekend sessions; $60 for an all-day Saturday pass (11 am – 10:30 pm); $35 for the Friday afternoon, Saturday afternoon, Saturday evening or Sunday sessions.  Youth tickets under age 12 are $8.00.

To purchase tickets, call 1-800-348-0003 or visit the festival website at www.hotsteamedjazz.com.

Proceeds benefit the Hole in the Wall Jazz Camp

Hot Steamed 2012