The 2018 Front Porch Concert Series at Jackson College returns with new features.
The 2018 season of Jackson College’s “Front Porch Series” Concerts this summer will feature Albion’s “River Jazz” on June 14, Trombonefest on June 17, the Jackson Community Concert Band’s Pre-Fourth of July Concert on June 21, and the Capital City Brass Band on June 26. All concerts will begin at 7 p.m. outside the Potter Center at Jackson College.
· River Jazz on June 14 – Come enjoy breezy standards, jazz, and blues as performed by local professionals Jim Stuart (trumpet/vocals), Mike Pelham (percussion), Dan Palmer (guitar), Dan Bickel (bass/vocals), and Trent Harris (saxophone). The group has performed together for over two years in and around Jackson, Brooklyn, Napoleon, Cement City and Albion. They look forward to sharing some existential, improvisational, and recognizable tunes dating back to the 1930s, all the way to Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, the Beatles, Herbie Hancock and beyond.
· Trombonefest on June 17 – Now in its 34th year, and following an exciting 2017 performance at JC, Trombonefest truly offers something to every musician and music fan. This year, works by Beethoven and Pachelbel will be presented, along with some of last year’s favorites including Bruno Mars and Santana. New to the list will be music by Michael Jackson, Taylor Swift, and a special appearance by some of the orphans from the Jackson Autism Support Network production of “Annie” who will steal your hearts!
· Jackson College Community Concert Band Pre-Fourth of July Concert on June 21 – Works by John Philip Sousa, Edwin Bagley, John Barnes Chance, Francis McBeth, Glen Miller, Malcolm Arnold…and even a Tina Turner/Celine Dion-inspired arrangement of “River Deep, Mountain High” featuring Karen Kidder Barrett of Alibi fame, fit our theme: “music that is appropriate to play outside.”
· Capital City Brass Band on June 26 – Featuring professional musicians from Jackson, Lansing, and all areas in-between, the award-winning Capital City Brass Band will again wow the audience with technical proficiency, inspiring sound quality, and a little musical trick-of-the-trade: intonation. Hear 30 musicians effortlessly sound like 100 on classic and modern brass band literature, as well as modern adaptations.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy these fun, free musical events! In case of inclement weather, concerts will move indoors.