Jazz in the Green Mountains: Local Legends & the Growth of Jazz in Vermont

135 Church Street,Burlington VT 05401

09 June, 2022

Description

This panel will examine the popularity of jazz in VT, with local legends sharing stories of the rich history of the genre in the state. How did jazz become so popular in Vermont? That Burlington is now celebrating its 38th year of a ten-day music festival devoted exclusively to jazz is truly amazing. In this hour-long panel, we will hear firsthand from some of Vermont’s longstanding contributors and stalwarts of the genre as to how this phenomenon came to be. Moderated by veteran broadcast journalist Fran Stoddard, our panelists discuss how jazz was first introduced to the state and how generations of jazz musicians helped cultivate a resounding interest. Panelists will also discuss the venues and nightclubs where jazz was most supported, and how touring big bands and other jazz ensembles made their way to the Green Mountains. Panelists include guitarist Paul Asbell, musician and educator Rich Davidian, bassist and mandolin player Will Patton, pianist and teacher Rob Guerrina, and jazz singer Jenni Johnson.