The Avram Theater at Stony Brook Southampton began its concert series, The Jazz Loft @ Southampton, with a performance titled "Jazz As Democracy" on April 24. This performance celebrated jazz legends Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, Nina Simone, and John Coltrane, along with original pieces from band members, marking the start of a five-concert series spanning spring and summer.
Thomas Manuel, jazz curator and founder of the Jazz Loft, shared, "Our first concert was a great success and a wonderful way to kick off what promises to be an inspiring and incredible series." Manuel, who played the trumpet, performed alongside Darrell Smith on drums, Mala Waldron on piano, Dean Johnson on bass, John Marshall on tenor saxophone, and Joe Devassy on trombone.
The repertoire included rare selections such as "Left Alone," composed by Mal Waldron and Billie Holiday in 1958. The piece was never recorded before Holiday's death. Waldron was both an accompanist for Holiday and father to Mala Waldron, who played in the opening concert. Manuel praised the venue: "The Avram Theatre is just an incredible venue with marvelous acoustics."
Wendy Pearson, vice president of strategic initiatives at Stony Brook Southampton, remarked on the event's significance: "The launch of The Jazz Loft @ Southampton was a joyful and powerful start to what we hope will be a lasting tradition of arts programming at Stony Brook Southampton."
Upcoming events in the series will feature prominent jazz artists such as Grammy winner Dan Pugach with vocalist Allison Rumley on May 29, Project 464 on June 19, Latin Jazz musician Carlos Jimenez with Mambo Dolcet on July 24, and the Jazz Loft Orchestra on August 28. Additionally, parallel exhibits at the Avram Gallery will highlight artist Vincent Quattroche and music figure Xavier Cugat.
Pearson expressed her excitement about the series, saying, "Collaborating with Dr. Tom Manuel and The Jazz Loft has been a true pleasure, whose talent and generosity have helped bring The Avram Theater back to life in such an inspiring way."