Cool Jazz By Jade To Offer Pre-Father’s Day Gathering

“Cool Jazz by Jade,” featuring live music by a Westchester, N.Y.-based group, will be offered as a pre-Father’s Day event at Congregation Adath Israel, 115 Huntingtown Road, on Saturday, June 16, at 7:30 pm.

Music will begin at 8:30 pm. Admission is $25 the door.

Hors d’oeuvres and beverages are included in the price, as well as dessert and coffee at intermission. This is an age 21-plus event; BYOB is permitted.

Jim Skinger (pictured), a guitarist from Goldens Bridge, N.Y., is the leader of the group, which also includes keyboardist Doug Malfer, bassist Claude Preece and flutist and saxophonist Ericka Schlenkermann. Mr Skinger has performed at Carnegie Hall, Royal Festival Hall, London, and throughout Europe as well as locally. This summer he will be performing in the Czech Republic. He has also taught at Clark University and SUNY-Purchase.

Organizer Rita Frost of Newtown is excited to be bringing Jade to her hometown.

“The group’s finger-snapping rhythms captivate you so that your body can’t stop swinging and swaying,” said Ms Frost. “Their Brazilian numbers are particularly compelling. The group is very accomplished and are classically trained as well.”

Asked about the group’s name, Mr Skinger explained, “Jade is a precious stone and that is what I think of my musicians. To have this much talent in one ensemble is quite rare and precious.”

In addition to the headliners, guests will be treated to a special performance by special guests Gillian Chanko and Julia Bogdanoff. The girls, both students at Newtown Middle School, will appear during intermission Saturday night.

Residents will remember them from the recent Tom Chapin Concert sponsored by The Little House That Roared, where they brought the house down with their performance of “Bosom Buddies” from Mame. The girls currently study voice and acting at Sabrina’s Encore Productions. They have also appeared in “Newtown’s Got Talent,” Oliver and Beauty and the Beast, among other local productions. 

Calling co-chairs Bonnie Goldstein at 203-459-0089 or Ms Frost, 203-426-8787, for additional information.