Guests invited to exclusive concert in South Windsor; event benefits annual jazz camp

LITCHFIELD — A fundraiser to support the Litchfield Jazz Camp, run by Litchfield Performing Arts and Litchfield Jazz, is scheduled for Dec. 17 at Telefunken Soundstage in South Windsor, with a second concert on April 29.

“We are offering the chance for up to 40 friends and supporters to attend our newly minted winter/spring fundraisers in person,” event organizers said in a statement.

The evenings will begin a 6:45 p.m. with a pre-concert reception. Concerts will begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. The LPA will sell no more than 40 tickets, purchased in advance, for $125 per person, the standard benefit ticket price. Tickets for both concerts can be reserved in advance or for December only, and proceeds will support programs and need-based scholarships at the Litchfield Jazz Camp.

Native Soul is performing Dec. 17. Bandmates include four great names in jazz: bassist Marcus McLaurine, saxophonist/flutist Peter Brainin, pianist Noah Haidu, and drummer Steve John, with special guest, trumpeter Freddie Hendrix. Hendrix has performed with the Count Basie Orchestra, the Christian McBride Big Band, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys.

For their first-ever appearance for Litchfield Jazz, the group’s performance will be “To C.T. With Love”: A tribute to the legendary Clark Terry. The tune by the same name was written by McLaurine for Native Soul’s most recent record, What Is That Isn’t (Cellar Music) and inspired the group to record an upcoming full-scale tribute to the late trumpeter.

Note: While the live show has a limited audience, all shows will be shown live online free of charge, thanks to an anonymous donation and gifts from friends, according to Litchfield Jazz.

Litchfield Jazz Festival / Contributed photo The Litchfield Jazz Festival will present two benefit concerts in December and April at the Telefunken Sound Stage in South Windsor, with limited guest seating.