East Quogue resident and bass player Iris Ornig is passionate about jazz. She has founded East End Jazz, a new nonprofit organization with a mission to bring jazz education to life for all ages, from children to adults.
What sets the organization apart are its interactive workshops. Unlike traditional concerts, East End Jazz allows participants to learn the basics of jazz singing, scatting and rhythm in a fun and inclusive environment. It’s a perfect way to break away from screens and connect with music and community.
East End Jazz’s first workshop performance will be a celebration of Duke Ellington’s 125th birthday on Saturday, June 1, at 6 p.m. at the Southampton Cultural Center at 6 p.m. The interactive performance workshop will be led by Ornig and vocalist Olivia Foschi.
The first 45 minutes are all about involvement with participants taking part in the interactive exercises led by Ornig and Foschi. Then, sit back and enjoy a captivating performance by the Olivia Foschi & Iris Ornig Quartet with pianist Ben Rosenblum and drummer Rodrigo Recabarren joining in. The concert will feature iconic Ellington pieces like “It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing,” “In a Sentimental Mood,” “Take the A-Train,” “Caravan,” “Sophisticated Lady,” and “In a Mellow Tone” and more.
So unleash your inner musician and delve into the world of Duke Ellington. This fun and engaging session will have participants singing the blues, scatting like a pro and feeling the rhythm in no time.
Tickets are $20 ($10 ages 20 and under) at scc-arts.org. Southampton Cultural Center is at 25 Pond Lane in Southampton.
Staff Writer on May 12, 2024