Music at the Mansion Week 2

The Music at The Mansion series continues on the grounds of the Long Hill Estate Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. (weather permitting) with one of the most popular jazz ensembles in the area, the Hartford Jazz Orchestra.  The HJO first began its Monday night tradition in 1965 and has been working under various directors ever since.  The ensemble hits its stride in the 1980s, working regularly at the 880 Club in Hartford, using many arrangements by Chic Chicetti, who later went on to direct the band. After his passing, the baton landed in the hands of Donn Trenner, whose resume includes stints as music director for Shirley McLaine, Ann-Margaret and Rita Moreno.  Middletown resident Seb Giacco, an alto saxophonist and flutist of the highest order, is one of two members who has been with the HJO since its inception.

For many years, the band featured Bobbi Rogers as its lead vocalist - she retired several years ago.  The Mansion concert will be the first for Nicole Pasternak, a New York City-area resident who has been busy on the jazz scene since the mid-1980s. She sings with ensembles large and small and has become more active in recent years (her children are now grown up.)  Seb Giacco is excited to have her joining the band.

The grounds open to the public at 5:30 p.m. with parking available at Snow School and Mercy High School.  The concerts are free and open to all.