The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Fall jazz series kicks off Sept. 8
WATERBURY » The Fall Jazz Series at the Palace Theater Poli Club opens with the James Montgomery Band and special guest Marissa Licata on Friday Sept. 8 at the Palace Theater Poli Club.
The series is produced by New England Arts and Entertainment. Showtimes are 7 and 9 p.m., with the bar and doors opening at 6:15 p.m.
Blues legend James Montgomery “brings it on home” as he returns to the Poli Club with special guest Marissa Licata.
Whether it’s recording with Kid Rock, sitting in with Gregg Allman, or fronting his hot band of 30 years, Montgomery plays with authority.
While growing up in Detroit he learned first-hand from the masters — James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, and Jr. Wells — at the legendary “Chessmate.” Over the years, he’s carried on in the tradition and continues to be a vital presence in Blues as one of the most dynamic performers on the scene. James returns to the Poli Club after several previous appearances.
Boston and New York based, Honduran American violinist, Marissa Licata, is a star powerhouse soloist. Her electrifying passion and vibrant presence have been featured on international and world-renowned stages. With over 15 years of classical violin training, and her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the New England Conservatory, Marissa proved her natural versatility on her very first audition for Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull – winning the lead violin spot on his 2006 US tour. She would go on to join Jethro Tull for 5 more international tours. She quickly became high in demand as both a featured soloist and recording artist. Between 2007-2011, Licata collaborated on projects and performed on national and international tours with Alicia Keys, Ben Harper, Ringo Starr, Dave Stewart of Eurythmics, Gloria Estefan, Pras of the Fugees, Jermaine Paul, Elle Varner, Gaby Wilson, and many more.