Hamptons Jazz Fest 2023 Launches at The Church

It must be summer because Hamptons Jazz Fest is launching its 2023 season at The Church! Hamptons Jazz Fest, produced by The Jam Session Inc., is a series of performances that brings together world-class musicians in the fields of jazz, Latin, and world music to the East End. Kicking off the season at The Church in Sag Harbor on Thursday, June 29, is vocalist Nicole Zuraitis accompanied by Grammy-nominated Israeli drummer and composer Dan Pugach, and his award-winning nine-piece ensemble (nonet). The nonet’s compositions are conceived for six horns and a trio rhythm section. The evening begins with a social hour at 5:30 p.m. with festive food and drink available for purchase followed by the concert from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Zuraitis is the premier vocalist for both the Birdland Big Band and the Dan Pugach Nonet; she headlines at iconic New York jazz clubs like Dizzy’s Club, Birdland, the Blue Note, the Carlyle and the late, great 55 Bar. The nonet focuses on original music, though the arrangement of “Jolene” by Dolly Parton from the 2018 debut album “Dan Pugach Nonet - Plus One” was Grammy nominated for Best Arrangement for Instruments with Vocals.

When asked about the nonet’s performance at On Stage at Kingsborough, executive director Anna Becker stated, “The Dan Pugach Nonet delivered a gorgeous evening of joyful jazz. Nicole’s vocals and the band’s musicianship is just outstanding, whether charming us with standards or taking our breath away with original compositions. The huge crowd was just thrilled.”

Similar to last year, The Church’s studio/ground level will transform into a jazz club for the concert. The Church is at 48 Madison Street in Sag Harbor. Tickets are $40 (35 members) and $15 for those 18 and under. A ticket includes one comp drink. Visit thechurchsagharbor.org for details.

For the full lineup of concerts, visit hamptonsjazzfest.org. Concerts will run through early September and be held at venues across the East End, including Southampton Arts Center, Parrish Art Museum, LTV Studios and The Church, as well as local libraries.