America’s best jazz-pop vocal quartet – The Manhattan Transfer at the Colonial Theatre in Keene, NH

The Manhattan Transfer at the Colonial Theatre
October 9, 2009
Keene, NH
“A jazz-pop vocal phenomenon, for over 35 years…”

Back in 1972, a group of four American singers put their jazz vocals together to release their first album under the new line-up, The Manhattan Transfer. As they skyrocketed through the Box charts throughout the 80′s and 90′s, they reached the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1998. Since that time, they have continued to stay together and produce more albums with their sizzling four part jazz harmonies. Now, you may have the chance to see them live at the Colonial Theater. The Colonial in Keene, NH continues to fulfill its promise as the flagship performing arts center for the Monadnock region, presenting some of the best performers from around the world. On Friday, October 9, 2009 at 8pm, the Manhattan Transfer will be performing at this truly cultural town hall and destination venue. Tickets are currently selling from 44-58 depending on the seat. Click here for more information on the theater, directions, ticket prices, and much more.

A few tunes you may know are:
Operator – the 1st hit single in 1975
Birdland – brought their 1st Grammy award (Best Jazz Fusion Performance, Vocal, or Instrumental) in 1980
Tuxedo Junction – their theme song debuted on their 1st album in 1975
Boy from New York City – a cover from the 1965 hit by The Ad Libs and won Grammz award in 1981
Route 66- another Grammy-winning rendition in 1982
White Mystery – best-loved song R&B- chart single
Twilight Zone – their 2nd U.S. top hit

A great way to finish off the weekend is to relax with the Stress Reduction Package with the Chesterfield Inn. On this weekend getaway offer, you’ll receive a massage or facial at Devine Day Spa, a bottle of Chardonnay and chocolate covered strawberries on arrival, two nights stay, one gourmet dinner for 2, and full country breakfast each morning. This comfy, and relaxing farmhouse inn is located only 25 minutes down Rte. 9 and will make your work-week stress disappear with all their luxurious amenities.

2008 Newport, Rhode Island JVC Jazz Festival

At least 50 years ago, Jazz pianist George Wein presented the first outdoor music festival dedicated to strictly jazz. As time grew on and the jazz culture evolved, the annual festival transformed into today’s Newport Jazz Festival. Having sponsored over 117 popular Jazz festivals since the 1980′s, the JVC International Jazz Festival Program is proud to yearly introduce prestige musicians in Newport, Rhode Island. 

Chris Botti and Ledisi will kick off the festival at 8:00 P.M. on Friday, August 8th, located at the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino. The following days filled of jazz will be hosted on the three stages of historic Fort Adams State Park on August 9th and 10th. The Main Stage showing more bigger acts, the Pavillion suiting most trios and quartets, and the Waterside Stage hosting piano soloists and small ensembles you are assured great Jazz music. As there are several other JVC Jazz Festival locations such as Miami, New York, Chicago and few others, Newport, Rhode Island is the only to entertain in perfect weather, a stunning view and a friendly environment.

Looking for a place to spend your jazz filled weekend? Check out previous blog entries or visit the Distinctive Inns of New England website to learn more about specials and packages at The Cliffside Inn located in the heart of Newport, Rhode Island. 

Below is a brief schedule of what is planned for this upcoming weekend. 

INTERNATIONAL TENNIS HALL OF FAME – FRIDAY, AUGUST 8 – SHOWING AT 8PM
Chris Botti
Ledisis

FORT ADAMS STATE PARK – SATURDAY, AUGUST 9 – SHOWING AT 11:30 AM & 7:00 PM
Aretha Franklin
Chris Botti
Wayne Shorter Quartet
Dave Holland, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Chris Potter, Eric Harland
Ledisi
Lettuce with Fred Wesley
Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band
Charlie Haden, Ethan Iverson, Bill Frisell
Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey
Christian Scott
Warren Vache Quintet
Aaron Goldberg Trio
Melody Gardot

FORT ADAMS STATE PARK – SUNDAY, AUGUST 9 – SHOWING AT 11:30 AM & 7:00 PM
Sonny Rollins
Herbie Hancock
Anthony Hamilton
Guillermo Klein Y Los Gauchos
Soulive with Fred Wesley
Lionel Loueke Trio
Chris Potter’s Underground
George Wein and the Newport All-Stars featuring Anat Cohen-Howard
Alden
Marco Benevento Trio with Chris Potter
Mark Rapp Band
Empirical
Esperanza Spalding
*All artists are subject to change