Wednesday, May 28 2008

Wonders of the Wurlitzer is a time-honored tradition in the City of Providence; people of all ages are welcome to attend and enjoy local organists demonstrating the impressive and rich sounds of this rare and mighty instrument.

The concerts are scheduled throughout the spring and fall and are supported by Providence Performing Arts Center's Annual Fund donors and our sponsors.

For additional information, call (401) 421-ARTS or visit ppacri.org for details and updates.

FEATURING: John Ellis-Saxophones, Marcus Rojas- Sousaphone, Frank Locrasto- organ, Jason Marsalis-drums.

One of the most exciting tenor saxophone players on the current jazz scene, the world is going to hear a great deal more from John Ellis. As both a composer and a musician, Ellis is part of a fresh vanguard of jazz players carrying the music forward to a new generation of jazz fans.

Be on the lookout for John’s forthcoming release, “Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow” which features Jason Marsalis, Gary Versace, and Matt Perrine. It should be out sometime in late 2007 or early 2008.

Host: Leslie Holmes. Chrys Alam's cabaret work began when she appeared regularly at the Hartford Club in Hartford CT, the Hillstead in Farmington CT and at the Brook Manor in North Attleboro MA with jazz and concert pianist, Alex Nakhimovsky of New York. Her first Greater Boston area performance was in October of 2002 when she performed in Luck Be A Lady under the direction of John O’Neil and Jim Rice. Chrys has been a national anthem singer for the Pawtucket Red Sox for the past five years and has appeared several times as a soloist at the Stadium Theater in Woonsocket.

Her new CD, aptly titled, THE SOUL TRUTH, is the funkiest, deepest, and most exciting statement yet from the woman CNN calls, "a legend in the making." Produced by renowned Stax guitarist Steve Cropper (who also adds his stellar guitar playing to the CD), the album is steeped in the spirit of classic Memphis soul but, at the same time, is a contemporary and up-to-the-minute slice of life. Featuring Shemekia's powerful, emotional vocals over a blistering band with horns punching in all the right places, THE SOUL TRUTH is a tour-de-force of rock, soul and blues. From the funk and fervor of Breakin' Out to the timely question of Who Stole My Radio? to the rock-powered Givin' Up You, THE SOUL TRUTH tells it like it is, with deep emotion, forceful beats and music that is satisfying, original and memorable.

2nd Show 10:00pm

Steve Howard is a singer songwriter who, although based in New England, has performed his music all over the country. He has worked and shared the stage with many noted performers from Tom Rush and Jamie Brockett to Jerry Garcia, Peter Rowan, Dave Bromburg, Juice Newton and Lacy J. Daltron. His songs are stories, sometimes serious, at times humorous but each with Steve's unique style and craftsmanship.

Come on down and share a song, a poem or play something for the always attentive and willing audience. Come and sign up beginning at 6:30pm. Bring your friends.

"Tilston is a composer and storyteller par excellence and a complete guitarist, whose decorative and technically superior fretboard and finger-picking work makes him as impressive solo as with accompaniment." - Tony Hillier, Barfly Magazine

Directly from her native Buenos Aires, former Boston-based vocalist Katie Viqueira returns to Ryles for a rare night of Argentine music, featuring her latest blend of jazz-inflected contemporary Tango, Candombe, Milonga. Backed by pianist Nando Michelin, drummer Bertram Lehmann, and special guest guitarist Claudio Ragazzi, she sets out to trace her musical roots. Billed "a hot Tango star" by the Boston Globe, she has received the highest critical accolades for her performances.

Katie Viqueira - voice, Nando Michelin - piano, arrangements, Fernando Huergo - bass, Bertram Lehmann - percussion, Claudio Ragazzi - guitar.