Hot Springs JazzFest to feature Grammy Award-winning artist
The 27th Hot Springs JazzFest, set for Aug. 30-Sept. 2, will feature Grammy Award-winning saxophonist, pianist and vocalist Matt Catingub as the guest artist.
Catingub’s musical career began early, conducting his first orchestra at 15 years old and performing at the Monterey Jazz Festival at 17. As an accomplished jazz artist, he notably played in and wrote music for George Clooney’s film “Goodnight and Good Luck,” a news release said.
This year Catingub will first perform at the Classical & Jazz Blow Out on Aug. 31 in the Hot Springs Bathhouse Theatre. The Arkansas Brass classical quintet and the Anything That Moves jazz combo will come together in a singular evening of classical music and jazz music combining to create a harmonious explosion. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets for Jazz Society members are $50 for dinner and the show or $35 for show only. Nonmember tickets are $55 for dinner and the show or $40 for show only.
Continuing on Sept. 1 at the free outdoor concert “Jazz in the Streets,” Catingub will perform with the University of Arkansas in Monticello’s jazz band directed by Jason Smith. The UAM band will be introduced earlier in the week to Catingub and have the opportunity to learn and rehearse with this master musician before their performance on Saturday. Bringing accomplished, professional musicians to Arkansas and pairing them with a university jazz group is an opportunity to support the education of budding musicians in Arkansas.
The 27th Hot Springs JazzFest is produced by the Hot Springs Jazz Society and presented in venues throughout Hot Springs National Park with entrance ranging from free to $55. Artists from Arkansas and the nation are scheduled for concerts, including an intimate concert in the historic Ohio Club with the Dixieland group Spa City Stompers; the unique Classical & Jazz Blow Out with a surprising combination of jazz by Anything That Moves and classical music by Arkansas Brass quintet; the traditional free outdoor concert “Jazz in the Streets;” and several other jazz programs.
Visit http://www.HSJazzSociety.org or call 627-2425 for a full schedule or to purchase tickets.