New Bedford JazzFest (NBJF) proudly announces its first concert in its Acoustic Jazz Series. The Peter Hand Trio will be the featured performers on Sunday, May 25, from 4:00-6:00 PM at the newly renovated venue, the historic Steeple Playhouse, 159 William Street, New Bedford.
Guitarist, composer and arranger Peter Hand leads his own big band, ten-piece band and smaller groups, and his music encompasses a wide variety of original compositions, new interpretations of jazz classics and Latin & Brazilian jazz. After studying in New York, Hand went on to Berklee College of Music, graduating with a Bachelor of Music degree in composition.
Hand’s recordings include three highly acclaimed big band albums on Savant Records and his newest small band album, Blue Topaz, on the Whaling City Sound record label. He has worked with many top artists and bands as a leader, arranger/composer and sideman, including Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
He will be accompanied by David Zinno on acoustic bass. Zinno has been performing professionally since 1980 and is on the faculty at URI, Salve Regina and Brown University. He has made over sixty recordings.
Rafael Barata will be featured on percussion. Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Barata has won two International Brazilian Drums contests: at the age of 15, and the Batuka Masters 2000 at the age of 20. He has recorded with internationally acclaimed artists including Herbie Hancock, and Esperanza Spalding.
Early bird tickets are $22-$25, with general admission $27 at the door. All tickets are available at steepleplay-house.org. The festival takes place rain or shine, as it is indoors. The building is completely accessible to all, and there is free parking on the street, as well as in the adjacent parking lot and Elm Street Parking Garage.
Doors will open at 3:30 PM. Acoustic Jazz concerts will have concessions and soft drinks available for purchase.
The series will continue in June, July, and August, with local live acoustic jazz in an informal setting, ideal for questions and conversation. Stay tuned for upcoming concerts in the Acoustic Jazz Series on June 15, July 20, and August 24.