The Arizona Jewish Historical Society is pleased to announce its 2021 Summer Music Series. This year’s series is called “Jews and Jazz” and will feature one virtual concert and two live onsite performances at the Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center. All onsite performances will follow Covid-19 protocols as determined by the CDC and Arizona Department of Health. Please visit azjhs.org/musical-concerts for tickets and information.
Sunday, June 6th at 3 pm, Emmet Cohen in Concert (VIRTUAL PERFORMANCE – ONLINE).
Multifaceted American jazz pianist and composer Emmet Cohen is in the vanguard of his generation’s advancement of music and the related arts. Downbeat Magazine observed that his “nimble touch, measured stride and warm harmonic vocabulary indicate he’s above any convoluted technical showmanship.” Cohen notes that performing jazz is “about communicating the deepest levels of humanity and individuality; it’s essentially about connections,” both among musicians and with audiences. He is the winner of the 2019 American Pianists Awards and the Cole Porter Fellow of the American Pianists Association. Tickets for this online performance are $10 for AZJHS Members; $15 for non-Members.
Sunday, July 25th at 3 pm: Chris and Johnny Rice – Jazz, Ragtime, Classical, and More. (Live IN PERSON PERFORMANCE).
Originally from Phoenix, full of energy and commitment, armed with the finest training imaginable, and winners each of gold medals in an international Chopin competition, The Rice Brothers have emerged onto the world stage as inspiring artists. They were invited to perform their debut concert in New York City’s Carnegie Hall, where their performance thrilled the audience and elicited multiple standing ovations. They have been enthusiastically received by audiences of all ages and walks of life in venues throughout America and in Europe. Tickets are $20 for AZJHS Members, $25 for non-members.
Sunday, August 22nd at 3 pm: Jazz con Alma with Special Guest Todd Herzog (LIVE IN PERSON PERFORMANCE)
Beth Lederman has been playing keyboards professionally for more than 35 years. She is a mainstay in the Phoenix jazz and Latin scenes, but her influences and experiences are widely spread across many different musical styles. From samba to swing to pop music, it’s all played with heartfelt integrity. She will perform with her group Jazz con Alma. Todd Herzog’s musical education includes being a vocal jazz major in college and it shows in his phrasing and great interpretations of jazz standards. Although he is well known as the cantorial soloist for Temple Soleil, Beth and Todd have collaborated on several projects in the past and have a wonderful synergy when creating music. Tickets are $20 for AZJHS Members; $25 for non-members.
Underwriting for this series is provided by Diane and John Eckstein and Nancy and Stu Siefer. Additional funding provided by the City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture.
