Mark Whitfield Jr., a Jazz Camp alumnus, will be on drums as the Alexa Tarantino Quartet takes to the Jazz Festival stage following Friday night’s gala. (Courtesy photo)
In 1999, one of the jazz festival’s dedicated volunteers had a father who was a caterer, and he convinced organizers that it would be fun to have a party on-site where he cooked all the food himself.
So before Diana Krall takes to the main stage at the third annual Litchfield Jazz Festival, the inaugural Friday night gala was launched and was a huge success, organizers said.
People had a blast, and organizers have kept the tradition going ever since: The 2024 Litchfield Jazz Festival’s Opening Night Gala begins Friday at 5:45 p.m.
Today, Chef Charlene Dutka does the honors with delicious treats and sweets, Litchfield Distillery offers a wide selection of premium adult beverages, and Van Doren Vineyards serves up vintage French wines.
All of this takes place indoors and outdoors at the beautiful Pelacos Arts Community Center at the picturesque Frederick Gunn School in Washington, Connecticut.
And music. Ah, music!
For 28 years, Litchfield Jazz Camp has been nurturing young jazz musicians, many of whom are now performing at top clubs and festivals around the world. Each year we welcome a new cohort of campers who are already showing signs of future greatness. The best of these young musicians will be invited to perform for gala attendees during the opening weekend, creating a party that will be remembered forever.
Stephen Fiefke arrives at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles on February 5, 2023. He will play piano with the Alexa Tarantino Quartet at the Richfield Jazz Festival on Friday night. Grammy Award winner Fiefke is Tarantino’s husband. (Associated Press)
Friday’s 29th annual Litchfield Jazz Festival concerts will kick off with the Founder’s Choice Jazz Camp Combo opening with the Alexa Tarantino Quartet at 7:30 p.m., featuring some of this year’s best campers.
Alexa, who attended Litchfield Jazz Camp at age 14, is currently principal saxophonist with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and has performed with many artists, including Wynton Marsalis, Cécile McLorin Salvant, and Arturo O’Farrell, and she has recently emerged as a quartet leader.
Philip Norris plays bass for the Alexa Tarantino Quartet. (Contributor)
Alexa will be joined by Stephen Fiefke on piano, Mark Whitfield Jr. (also a Jazz Camp alumnus) on drums, and Philip Norris on bass. Stephen, who has the honor of being Alexa’s husband, has recently won other awards, most notably winning the 2023 Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble, becoming the youngest bandleader ever in that category.
Proceeds from Friday night’s gala will help support 20 percent of the music scholarship recipients in need at Jazz Camp each year.
Tickets for the gala include reserved seating at the festival and must be purchased by July 25. Tickets for Friday’s mainstage concert are also on sale and can be purchased online through Friday at LJF2024@eventbrite.com.
