For the first time, one of the more popular Foothills activities in the summer is free to attend.
Starting June 4, the La Encantada Summer Concert Series will feature an eclectic line-up of talented jazz musicians, performing one-of-a-kind shows in an elegant garden courtyard. Acts in the free series include local and world-renowned musicians, playing everything from Dixieland to Latin jazz.
The summer concerts, returning this summer on a new night and sponsored again by Tucson Federal Credit Union, offer an evening of upbeat music in a beautiful setting. Attendees can enjoy front-stage seating or dancing to musical beats, with shows occurring alternating Saturdays at 7 p.m., from June 4 to Aug. 27.
Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to enjoy the free performances in comfort. Non-alcoholic drinks will be sold in the courtyard, and concert-goers can stop by delicious La Encantada restaurants before or after the show to enjoy food and drinks as well.
The first performer of the year, Nick Stanley, will let his fingers do the talking as he energizes the evening with foot-tapping, body-swaying piano jazz, on June 4.
Stanley began playing piano at age 8 and has been listening to “the greats” since he was very young. Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Harry Connick, Jr., and Nat King Cole include the many influences on his music today.
Stanley studied with musical masters from Philadelphia and New York. He plays frequently with bassist, trumpeter and educator Scott Black, Pete Swan and others. In 2008 he released his debut album, “Introducing Nick Stanley.”
La Encantada’s summer line-up is:
June 4: Nick Stanley, piano and jazz
June 18: Mark Willis, piano, vocal, jazz and Broadway tunes
July 2: The Jay Rees Quartet, jazz
July 16: River Road Ramblers, Dixieland jazz
July 30: Raw Material with Glenn Gross, classic jazz standards
Aug. 13: Larry Redhouse, piano jazz/fusion
Aug. 27: Tesoro, Latin jazz
For more information, visit http://saaca.org/events-summerconcert.html or call 797-3959.
