Summer Fun (Part One: 7/20-22)

Monday July 20:
The Monday Night Jazz in Bushnell Park series continues with an exciting double bill. The free concert begins at 6 p.m. with Ed Fast & Conga Bop. The sextet plays exciting Latin-jazz that will have you off your blanket or out of your chair in no time. Headlining the event is pianist/composer Michelle Rosewoman & Quintessence. Rosewoman (pictured left) is a dynamic player, incorporating many different styles into her music. She's assembled a dynamite band, including drummer Tyshawn Sorey and saxophonist Loren Stillman.
To find out more, go to www.hartfordjazzsociety.com.

Tuesday July 21:
The final event in the Wesleyan Center for the Arts "Days" series features Music from China (the name of the group and its repertoire.) The concert/talk, led by MFC artistic director Wang Guowei, will concentrate on the work the quartet has accomplished since its inception 25 years ago. Though they incorporate many traditional Chinese instruments, the group has commissioned over 110 new works. The event, which takes place at 12:10 p.m. in the World Music Hall (Wyllys Avenue), is free and open to the public. For more information, go to www.wesleyan.edu/cfa.

The Summer Sounds Concert Series continues on Middletown's South Green at 7 p.m. with the brass quintet known as Five in Time. In case of rain (which seems to always be in the forecast lately), the concert moves indoors to South Congregational Church, corner of Main & Pleasant Streets.

Jorge Arevalo Mateus leads a Latin Jazz Workshop at 7:30 p.m. in MAC650, 650 Main Street. All musicians are invited to participate. For more information, call 343-1516.

Wednesday July 22:
The sextet known as Planet Zydeco is the 3rd show in the Music at Mansion series at the Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate - well, it was supposed to be the final show but the Eight to the Bar show had to be rescheduled from July 1 to the 29th. In any event, this rocking ensemble, based in Northern New England, is known for its rollicking versions of Louisiana Cajun dancehall music. Accordion player Rose Sinclair (who has worked with local heroes Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem) leads the ensemble that also features Peter Pettengill and Nick Keil on twin electric guitars and harmony vocals, Alan Bradbury on bass, Paul McTaggart on drums, and Suzanne Wozniak on rubboard. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 347-1064.

Here's a video taste of Planet Zydeco:


Planet Zydeco Hot Tamale Baby via Noolmusic.com