Modernistics celebrate the Great American Songbook

MIDDLETOWN — The Modernistics, the charismatic singing and dancing team of Ted and Pamela Powers with virtuoso jazz musicians Peter H. Bloom on flute, Mark Leighton on guitar, and Dave Zox on double-bass, will perform “Song and Dance from the Great American Songbook” on Saturday, March 10 in Middletown’s 700-seat state-of-the-art MHS Performing Arts Center, 200 LaRosa Lane.

The show is part of the Greater Middletown Concert Association’s 2017-18 season, and hopes for a large attendance from the general public in Middletown and other Connecticut cities and towns.

The renowned quintet will provide a whirlwind Great American Songbook tour with music by Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen, Hoagy Carmichael, Duke Ellington, Dorothy Fields , Cole Porter, and other master tunesmiths. Crowdpleasing favorites will include “Sunny Side of the Street,” “Paper Moon,” “Bye-Bye Blackbird,” “Let’s Misbehave,” “Top Hat,” “Skylark,” “Night and Day” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing.” Also on tap are sizzling bebop numbers by Charles Parker, Dexter Gordon and Bud Powell.

Peter H. Bloom, praised for his “hip, jazzy flute work” (Allaboutjazz.com), has performed in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand and is featured on more than 40 CDs. He has shared the stage with Charles Neville, Sheila Jordan, Jaki Byard and other jazz greats, and is a veteran of the illustrious Aardvark Jazz Orchestra (45th season).

Mark Leighton is acclaimed as a jazz and classical guitarist, performs widely, and serves on the faculties of Colby College and St. George’s School.

Ted Powers’ career in jazz, blues, and pop includes several years as a solo performer in the south of France and tap-dancing in the U.S. with the legendary Jimmy “Sir Slyde” Mitchell.

Pamela Powers has performed and taught in the United Sates, Germany and England. She studied with Harold Nicholas of the iconic Nicholas Brothers, and with renowned Broadway choreographer Charles Hughes.

Bassist Dave Zox has performed with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, the Artie Shaw Band, Herb Reed and the Platters, John Abercrombie, Kenny Werner, Phil Wood, and other notables.

“We are indeed fortunate to be able to bring The Modernistics to Connecticut for this upcoming memorable evening,” said Barbara Arafeh, president of the Greater Middletown Concert Association.

Tickets are now on sale at $35 (front) and $30 (rear). To purchase tickets call 860-343-7555. There are also student and/or group prices available. All major credit card charges are accepted. Visit www.GreaterMiddletown Concerts.org.