BRATTLEBORO — On Friday, Dec. 6, at 8 p.m., the Vermont Jazz Center presents a gala performance with the VJC Big Band backing internationally acclaimed vocalist Kevin Mahogany.
This is a dance concert, and more than half the floor will remain open for people to move to the sounds of the VJC's 18-piece orchestra.
According to Newsweek, Mahogany is the standout vocalist of his generation. Born in 1958 in Kansas City, Mo., Mahogany grew up listening to the richly diverse musical sounds of his hometown, where jazz and blues reigned supreme in the early 1900s.
He was tutored at the Charlie Parker Foundation and graduated from Baker University with a BFA in music, English, and drama in 1981.
After establishing himself as a singer, Mahogany recorded three well-received albums with Enja before signing with Warner Brothers.
Mahogany will delve into his repertoire of blues and classic jazz standards in this show. The Big Band is a professional community orchestra composed of musicians from around New England who come together and rehearse often to prepare for this annual event.
The show is $25 general admission or $30 reserved seating, both with dessert buffet included. Subsidized admission for local high school students. This event is handicapped-accessible.
Concert proceeds will help fill the coffers of the VJC scholarship fund - and help complement $10,000 in matching funds generously donated by the Thompson Trust.