Spoleto Festival USA’s forthcoming Jazz Series features an international variety of artists at the Cistern, Gaillard Auditorium, and the Recital Hall at the Simons Center for the Arts. It’s another impressive lineup this year.
Jazz vocalist Tierney Sutton and “a band of stellar musicians” swing through elegant sets at the Cistern on Fri. May 22 and Sat. May 23. The band’s latest is titled On the Other Side.
French violinist Florin Niculescu (of Biréli Lagrène’s Gipsy Project), an acclaimed jazz/classical player with deep gypsy roots, makes his U.S. debut at the Cistern on Sun. May 24. Fest organizers say he “harnesses the fire of his gypsy roots with classical training to create a scintillating new voice in jazz.”
Italian pianist and composer Ramberto Ciammarughi — a musician known for his original compositions, amazing technique, fiery playing style, and “improvisations of remarkable clarity and dynamism” — stole the show last year at the Cistern while playing in saxophonist Stefano “Cocco” Cantini’s combo. Known in Italy and Europe as an exceptional pianist, composer, and improvisor, Ciammarughi spent time working with a variety of jazz artists, including bassist Miroslav Vitous and many of the northern Italian musicians on the festival circuit. He makes his solo U.S. debut with six concerts at the Simons Center starting on May 25.
Jake Shimabukuro, a young Hawaiian ukulele virtuoso (and rock/pop fan) who has “single-handedly transformed the ukulele from a traditional Hawaiian instrument into a source of unlimited musical possibilities,” plays at the Cistern on Sat. May 30.
Jazz vocalist René Marie and her trio (featuring Charleston-based jazz drummer Quentin Baxter) provided one of highlights of the 2007 Wachovia Jazz series. She returns to the Gaillard on Fri. June 5 in support of a new album Voice of My Beautiful Country.
Additional Spoleto “special event” shows include acoustic string quintet The Punch Brothers, led by composer/singer/mandolinist Chris Thile (of Nickel Creek fame), who visit the Cistern on Thurs. May 28 in support of an album titled Punch (Nonesuch).
Call (843) 579-3100 and visit www.spoletousa.org for more.
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