The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Concert association plans to stage The Modernistics
MIDDLETOWN — The Boston-based Modernistics, the acclaimed singing and dancing team of Ted and Pamela Powers, will celebrate the Roaring Twenties at the Wadsworth Mansion Thursday evening.
It will be presented by the Greater Middletown Concert Association.
Virtuoso jazz musicians Peter H. Bloom, on flute; Mark Leighton, on guitar; and Dave Zox, on double bass; will also be part of the musical production “The Twenties Roar Again!” according to a press release.
“Exhilarating songs, tap-dance, and instrumentals evoke the vitality and mystique of the 1920s, with a 21st -century groove,” the news release said. “Experience the youthful genius of George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, Hoagy Carmichael, and other master tune smiths as they emerged on the world stage.
Among the many audience favorites are “Blue Skies,” “It Had to Be You,” “Love Me or Leave Me,” “’Swonderful,” “I Want to be Happy,” “Stardust” and
“Let’s Misbehave.”
Meet the artists
Bloom, praised for “exquisite melody” (JazzImprov) and “hip, jazzy flute work” (Allaboutjazz.com), has concertized in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand and is featured on 48 CDs. He has shared the stage with Sheila Jordan, Ricky Ford, Geri Allen, Charles Neville, Jaki Byard and other jazz legends, the press release said.
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 United States with the legendary Jimmy “Sir Slyde” Mitchell. He is acclaimed as a singer, tap dancer and multi-instrumentalist and appears regularly with Billy Novick and other jazz notables.
Pamela Powers, tap dancing and vocals, has performed and taught in the United States, Germany and England. Praised for her lovely voice, her virtuoso tapping, and her charisma on stage, she studied with Harold Nicholas of the iconic Nicholas Brothers and with renowned Broadway choreographer Charles Hughes, the news release said.
Leighton is acclaimed as a jazz and classical guitarist, performs widely, and serves on the faculties of Colby College and St. George’s School. He studied with noted guitarists Sharon Isbin, David Leisner and Robert Sullivan.
Zox has performed with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, the Artie Shaw Band, Herb Reed and the Platters, John Abercrombie, Kenny Werner, Phil Woods, and other illustrious artists. He teaches at Northeastern University, Phillips Academy Andover, and the Ipswich Public Schools.
Tickets are $30 and may be reserved by calling 860343-7555 or 860-346-3369. Proof of vaccination and masks will be required, and there will be socially distanced seating. The mansion is located at 421 Wadsworth St., Middletown.
For information, visit americasmusicworks.com and greatermiddle townconcerts.org.