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 bring together world-class musicians in the fields of jazz, Latin, and world music to the East End of Long Island. Kicking off the season on June 29th 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. To kick off the season, this concert will include festive food and drink available for purchase at the event.
Zuraitis is the premier vocalist for both the Birdland Big Band and the Dan Pugach Nonet; she headlines at iconic NYC 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, filled with the talented sounds of the nonet. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Join us in celebrating the beginning of what we know will be a wonderfully diverse season with a variety of jazz bands from all over the world.
