Jan Knippers Black Bread & Roses Music Series at the Center for Change
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Our next concert is…
Songs from the Sixties and The Great American Songbook with Singer/Guitarist Stefani Mistretta
Get your tickets now or become a sponsor here
Plan on experiencing delightful music, savoring yummy appetizers, imbibing tasty sips, and sharing enjoyable socializing – all in the welcoming, casual setting of the Center for Change.
Date: Sunday, 15 October 2023
Time: 5:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M.
Program: 5:30pm Appetizers & beverages (wine, beer, sparkling waters); 6-7:30pm (or later!) concert with breaks to socialize
Location: 1238 Fremont Blvd., Seaside 93955 (Center for Change – Democratic Party Headquarters).
Parking: Allow time for curbside parking along the area streets.
Limited open seating/tickets: MAKE YOUR CONTRIBUTION HERE
Individual reservations – sliding scale donation $20-$30 for each ticket – open seating – Make a donation of any size and come join us!
Event sponsor – posted acknowledgement and 2 tickets for $99
About Stefani Mistretta:
A Louisiana native, Stefani left “for the summer” heading across the country
“before the ink was dry” on her diploma from LSU (B.A. with a major in
English.) Since arriving in California in May of 1970, Stefani has worked
in many areas, from local Tour Guide, to English Pronunciation Coach (TESOL
Graduate Certification SJSU) at The Monterey Institute of International
Studies (now Middlebury Institute.)
After teaching guitar classes, and having many solo gigs at local venues,
Stefani formed a trio called “Rhythm and Rouge,” specializing in three-part
harmonies and an eclectic collection of songs.
Stefani and the trio volunteered to play music for many local non-profits
whose values they support including the Seaside Library, Monterey Peace and
Justice Center, Visiting Nurse Association, Sustainable Seaside, and the
Women’s March.
She began singing and playing twice a month for the Memory Care Unit at The
Park Lane almost ten years ago, and continues to do so now. For that
audience she has learned songs, written as early as 1918, from “The Great
American Songbook.” As well as the jazz chords to go with them!.
Save the date: Friday, 10 November 2023 – 6-8pm – Evergreen Duo (Lisa Marie Bohn and Scott Slaughter)
Save the date: Sunday, 19 November 2023 – 4-6pm – Violinist Adam Scow
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About the Jan Knippers Black Bread & Roses music series:
Inspired by the life of the late Professor Jan Black of Monterey, we are delighted to offer the Jan Knippers Black Bread & Roses Music Series. Her 1901 Willard upright piano is calibrated to a concert pitch and now resides at the Center for Change. (Why “Bread & Roses?” More here.)
Stay “tuned” for an array of outstanding local musicians offering their talent in this relaxed, intimate venue during 2023, the inaugural year. Past concerts in the series are listed below
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Past concerts in the series…
(Some will return for encore performances! Let us know your favorites and recommendations for future artists, please: MCDCC.Events@gmail.com or phone 831-333-0101 or fax 831-222-3231. Thank you)
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Heartstrings: Acoustic Music from Around the World
Date: Tuesday, 19 September 2023
Time: 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
About Heartstrings:
Photo by Kira Godbe
For over 20 years, this local Monterey County band has brought their fresh and unique sound to traditional acoustic string music from around the world: US America, Ireland, Eastern Europe, Sweden, and more.
Heartstrings features Laura Burian (violin), Marj Ingram Viales (guitar), Paulette Lynch (hammered dulcimer), Mike Osgood (mandolin), and Rick Chelew (bass).
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Harpist Tara Ragsdale-Cronin – Classics and Modern Favorites
Plan on experiencing classical and modern music, savoring yummy appetizers, imbibing tasty sips, and sharing enjoyable socializing – all in the welcoming, casual setting of the Center for Change.
Date: Sunday, 20 August 2023
Time: 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.
About Tara:
Tara Ragsdale-Cronin is a harpist from Del Rey Oaks who has been playing for over twelve years. She was drawn to the harp because of its serene, acoustic sound that provides a calming energy.
She has performed as a guest musician with Youth Music Monterey, Sequoia Symphony, the Santa Cruz Orchestra, and others.
While drawn to classical music, Tara’s repertoire includes modern popular favorites as well.
Tara is currently studying at California State University – Monterey Bay majoring in film and minoring in music.
Jazz, Pop, and Classics with Vocalist Miranda Perl and Guitarist Adam Astrup
Date: Monday, 7 August 2023
Time: 6:00 P.M. -8:00 P.M.
About Miranda and Adam:
Miranda Perl is a vocalist and educator from Monterey, California. She graduated from the prestigious Jazz program at the University of Northern Colorado and performed as a member of their jazz vocal ensemble recognized by Downbeat Magazine as one of the nation’s top collegiate vocal ensembles.
Since returning to Monterey in 2020, she has been active in the local Jazz and Education scenes, and has performed at Herb Alpert’s Vibrato in Los Angeles, and Kuumbwa Jazz Center, among many others, with artists such as Bobby McFerrin, Gary Meek, Cindy Alexander, Grammy-nominated Dennis Murphy, and pianist Jon Dryden.
Originally from Minnesota, Guitarist/Composer Adam Astrup has been active in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Monterey, and Northern Colorado Jazz Scenes. He has worked with artists such as Greg Gisbert, Matteo Sabattini, Gary Meek, Drew Zaremba, and Bobby Medina, as well as many others. Adam graduated from the University of Northern Colorado’s Jazz program in 2020.
Together, Adam and Miranda perform the best of the American Songbook, featuring fresh takes on modern pop tunes and classic hits from legendary artists Stevie Wonder, the Beatles, and more. Rooted in the jazz tradition, Miranda and Adam’s sound is modern and innovative.
Songs from the Sixties and The Great American Songbook with Singer/Guitarist Stefani Mistretta
Date: Friday, 14 July 2023
Time: 6:00 P.M. -8:00 P.M.
About Stefani Mistretta:
A Louisiana native, Stefani left “for the summer” heading across the country
“before the ink was dry” on her diploma from LSU (B.A. with a major in
English.) Since arriving in California in May of 1970, Stefani has worked
in many areas, from local Tour Guide, to English Pronunciation Coach (TESOL
Graduate Certification SJSU) at The Monterey Institute of International
Studies (now Middlebury Institute.)
After teaching guitar classes, and having many solo gigs at local venues,
Stefani formed a trio called “Rhythm and Rouge,” specializing in three-part
harmonies and an eclectic collection of songs.
Stefani and the trio volunteered to play music for many local non-profits
whose values they support including the Seaside Library, Monterey Peace and
Justice Center, Visiting Nurse Association, Sustainable Seaside, and the
Women’s March.
She began singing and playing twice a month for the Memory Care Unit at The
Park Lane almost ten years ago, and continues to do so now. For that
audience she has learned songs, written as early as 1918, from “The Great
American Songbook.” As well as the jazz chords to go with them!.
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An evening of swing, pop, and jazz with Pianist Bob Phillips
The first event in the Jan Knippers Black Bread & Roses Music Series
Date: Wednesday, 28 June 2023
Time: 6:00 P.M. -8:00 P.M.
About Bob Phillips:
A consummate musician and without a doubt one of the finest performers on the Monterey Peninsula, Bob Phillips specializes in all styles of music ranging from swing and pop to classical and jazz, all performed with a mix of integrity and flair.
Bob began his love affair with the piano at the age of 7, and has been playing professionally since he was 17 years old.
Over the course of a career that has spanned almost 6 decades, Bob has gigged at Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, The Waldorf Astoria, Birdland, and The Village Vanguard. He spent a year on Broadway and also ran his own New York studio, hosting rehearsals and auditions, writing special material, and making recordings.
He’s traveled to the Far East with the USO as a pianist and conductor. He also spent time under the employ of The Walt Disney Company, where he collaborated with acts such as Patti Page, Tex Beneke, Mel Torme and the 4 Freshmen.
In 1973, Bob moved to Carmel, California where he has been an active part of the local music scene ever since.
Named “Musician of the Year” by the Monterey Dixieland Festival, and awarded permanent artist in residence, Bob formed the “Sweet Thursday Jazz Band” in honor of local John Steinbeck’s 100th birthday celebration.
Over the years, Bob has produced shows and/or played with such artists as Ali Ryerson, Charles Loos, Al Cohn, Stan Getz, Richie Cole and Rebecca Parris.
Well known for his exceptional technique and versatility, Bob has performed 5 times at the Monterey Jazz Festival and is currently in demand all over Central and Northern California.
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