In a much-anticipated concert, bassist extraordinaire Christian McBride brings his trio to the Coral Gables Congregational Church of Christ’s distinguished Community Arts Program (CAP) on Aug. 16 at 8 p.m.
Philadelphia-born McBride moved to New York City to further his classical studies at the Juilliard School only to be snatched up by alto saxophonist Bobby Watson. Since then the bassist’s list of accomplishments has been nothing short of staggering. As a sideman in the jazz world alone, he’s worked with the best of the very best: Freddie Hubbard, Sonny Rollins, J.J. Johnson, Ray Brown, Milt Jackson, McCoy Tyner, Roy Haynes, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock and Pat Metheny.
Away from the bass, McBride has become quite an astute and respected spokesperson for the music industry. In 1997, he spoke on former President Bill Clinton’s town hall meeting, Racism in the Performing Arts. In 2000, he was named artistic director of the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Summer Sessions. In 2005, he was officially named co-director of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. Also in 2005 he was named the second Creative Chair for Jazz of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association.
In a stellar career that continues to showcase his remarkable talents as a consummate musician, the composer, arranger, educator, curator and administrator reached another milestone with the 2011 release of The Good Feeling, his first big band recording as a leader. For that, McBride won a 2012 Grammy Award.
The McBride trio, including Christian Sands (piano) and Ulysses Owens (drums), will swing the CCGC Community Arts Program 2012 Summer Concert Series to an historic close.
YOUNG MUSICIANS
Running through May is the CAP’s ALL-STAR Jazz Ensemble, “designed to set the standard for a professionally-minded band of young jazz musicians,” by providing serious jazz students ages 14 through 18 “further exposure and development within a valuable network of other career-minded jazz musicians.”
Also through May is CAP’s Young Musicians’ Orchestra, which allows students to interact and perform with fellow string players ages 8-18 “who want to engage in exceptional music learning and performing.”
WHAT: Christian McBride trio
WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 16 at 8 p.m.
WHERE: Coral Gables Congregational Church of Christ, 3010 De Soto Blvd. (across from the Biltmore Hotel) in Coral Gables
COST: Tickets $30-$45
CONTACT: Call 305-448-7421 ext. 153 or visit communityartsprogram.org
More information at communityartsprogram.org
Photo: Christian McBride
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