11/02/09— Nutcracker Swings to benefit Pasadena Jazz Institute

Concert features Duke Ellington’s sophisticated rewrite of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic, Vince Guaraldi’s Charlie Brown Christmas and more, with stars including James Tormé, Renee Olstead, Maestro Victor Vener, the Pasadena Jazz Orchestra, Sylvia St. James and the Sacred Nation Gospel Choir. Noted personality Bryan Gallyot hosts the event and future jazz legends the PJI Junior Superstars perform the pre-concert entertainment, setting the stage for some of todayi’s living jazz legends, all the while sharing the Christmas spirit with the community. One night only—this Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 7:00pm.

PASADENA, Calif. Every Christmas Eve, families across America leave a plate of cookies and a glass of milk out for Santa, and possibly some carrots for his reindeer, but this Saturday, December 19, Paul Lines, the Pasadena Jazz Institute and a stable full of guest artists are starting a new tradition by playing jazzy holiday classics in hopes that Mr. Claus—and the community—will decide they’ve been nice all year and help raise funds for the institution to continue its work preserving jazz as an American art form.

“I’m thrilled to say that tickets for the event are almost all sold,” says Nutcracker Swings Executive Producer André Vener. “It’s obvious that people in the community love the Jazz Institute and it’s work. Although the show is set to be a sellout, but we still have a few seats left for folks that haven’t purchased a ticket yet.”

“There’s no better way to celebrate Christmas than with music and community” says Paul Lines, Artistic Director of the Pasadena Jazz Institute and Music Director of the event, “so we’ve put together a stellar lineup including music by the Pasadena Jazz Orchestra, redwhite+bluezz all stars and the Sacred Nation Gospel Choir, with appearances by special guests James Tormé (son of jazz legend Mel Tormé), Renee Olstead, Sylvia St. James and Maestro Victor Vener, plus we’ve got Pasadena’s Best Local Personality Bryan Gallyot as Master of Ceremonies and we’ll even have a visit from Santa!” Featured music on the program includes highlights from Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas and of course the Ellington/Strayorn arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. Rounding out the bill is a diverse sampling of Christmas favorites ranging in style from Gospel to Big Band to R&B/Jazz Fusion and more. “This is a great way to celebrate Christmas with family, friends and the community—to share in the joy of the season. What’s more, it’s an elegant way to experience the great musical heritage that jazz embodies.”

The evening begins at 6:00pm with holiday dining, accompanied by the PJI Junior Superstars, a select group of gifted young artists from the Jazz Institute’s Jazz Camp For Kids summer program. The concert, which will benefit the Institute’s Jazz Camp program, begins at 7:00 and lasts till 10:00. “We’re thrilled to be helping the Jazz Institute bring great music to the community and to help establish one of the city’s newest event venues—the Pasadena Convention Center’s Grand Ballroom—as a destination of choice for large-scale functions,” notes Executive Producer André Vener.“What’s more, we’ve put together a real entertainment value that is suitable for family,friends or business entertaining and really catches the Christmas spirit.”

Concertgoers will be seated at tables and have the option of purchasing a full service three course meal with their seats for $35 per person. A self-serve buffet will also be available, with entrées from $10-$18. Beverages including wine and a cash bar will also be available. Tickets for the event range from $30.00 to $70.00 per seat and can be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling 800 745 3000 or at ticketmaster.com or by visiting nutcrackerswings.com.

Sponsors of the event include Pasadena Entertainment, redwhite+bluezz, Pasadena Independent, Pasadena Weekly and Waltrip’s Music. For more information about The Nutcracker Swings, please visit nutcrackerswings.com.

Concert features Duke Ellington’s sophisticated rewrite of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic, Vince Guaraldi’s Charlie Brown Christmas and more, with stars including James Tormé, Renee Olstead, Maestro Victor Vener, the Pasadena Jazz Orchestra, Sylvia St. James and the Sacred Nation Gospel Choir. Noted personality Bryan Gallyot hosts the event and future jazz legends the PJI Junior Superstars perform the pre-concert entertainment, setting the stage for some of today’s living jazz legends, all the while sharing the Christmas spirit with the community. One night only, Saturday, December 19 at 7:00pm, Pasadena Convention Center Grand Ballroom.

PASADENA, Calif. If stars are one of the many symbols of Christmas, then on Saturday, December 19 at The Nutcracker Swings the winter holiday will be in full force. With noted talent including jazz great James Tormé, son of the legendary Mel Tormé; gospel giant Sylvia St. James with the Sacred Nation Gospel Choir (who perform the weekly Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues), trumpeter Bryan Lipps, on loan from Michael Bublé; and Jim Miller, Principal Trombone of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Rounding out the musical talent are the redwhite+bluezz all stars and the Pasadena Jazz Orchestra. Plus, the event is being hosted by Bryan Gallyot, who was awarded the title Best Local Personality in the Pasadena Weekly’s 2008 & 2009 Readers Polls. And a visit from one of Christmas’ own stars—Santa Claus himself.

For award-winning jazz singer James Tormé, the concert is a real opportunity to keep important components of our American heritage alive. “How satisfying it is to be asked to participate in such a marvelous event for such a worthy cause. There are few things more important than the survival of west coast jazz and Christmas, two of the great jewels in the crown of American culture.”

Undoubtedly, Tormé will perform his family perennial The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)—a timeless classic his father co-wrote 64 years ago here in Southern California. It remains today as the world’s number one holiday song. “I’m always thrilled to perform it, but there’s something else I’ll be singing which I’m even more excited about. It’s another holiday song my dad wrote, but it’s not at all well known.” Tormé, whose first full-length album comes out next year on E1 Music, will also perform other Christmas favorites as well as unique material he has created for the one-night-only concert.

“We’re really thrilled to put this amazing collection of talent together to celebrate Christmas—and to raise money for a truly important community institution,” says André Vener, Executive Producer of Pasadena Entertainment. “Paul and I have been able to assemble one of the best lineups either of us have ever worked with.” The Paul that Vener refers to is Paul Lines, Artistic Director of the Pasadena Jazz Institute, a noted drummer who will be returning to the trap set for Duke Ellington’s jazzy arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s ever-popular Nutcracker Suite.

Lines himself is a bit awed by how the concert is shaping up. Says Lines, “I’ve worked with great musicians from around the world—as a professional you get used to collaborating with outstanding talent and forget about peoples’ reputations—but getting so many artists of this caliber together for one concert is really unique and inspiring. I can’t wait to perform with them all!”

For Bryan Gallyot, known to many as “Mr. Pasadena”, hosting the benefit concert is humbling. “I love giving back to the community; being tapped to emcee this event and helping to raise funds for such an incredible arts organization is a dream come true. I can’t wait to share this experience with the audience and musicians.”

Concertgoers will be seated at tables and have the option of purchasing a full service three course meal with their seats for $35 per person. A self-serve buffet will also be available, with entrées from $10-$18. Beverages including wine and a cash bar will also be available. Tickets for the event range from $30.00 to $70.00 per seat and can be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling 800 745 3000 or at ticketmaster.com or by visiting nutcrackerswings.com.

Sponsors of the event include Pasadena Entertainment, redwhite+bluezz, Pasadena Independent, Pasadena Weekly and Waltrip’s Music. For more information about The Nutcracker Swings, please visit nutcrackerswings.com.

Concert features Duke Ellington’s sophisticated rewrite of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic, Vince Guaraldi’s Charlie Brown Christmas and more, with stars including James Torm´, Renee Olstead, Maestro Victor Vener, the Pasadena Jazz Orchestra, Sylvia St. James and the Sacred Nation Gospel Choir. Noted personality Bryan Gallyot hosts the event and future jazz legends the PJI Junior Superstars perform the pre-concert entertainment, setting the stage for some of today’s living jazz legends, all the while sharing the Christmas spirit with the community.

PASADENA, Calif. Paul Lines knows talent when he hears it. He has not only curated many of the most interesting jazz concerts in Los Angeles for the past eight years, but under the auspices of the Pasadena Jazz Institute—Lines being the organization’s Artistic Director—he’s worked tirelessly to bring new talent to the world’s attention. In 2003, he presented a thirteen year old sensation named Renee Olstead in her singing debut. This year, Ms. Olstead returns to Pasadena to perform Christmas classics including Santa Baby, with the Pasadena Jazz Orchestra during The Nutcracker Swings benefit for the Pasadena Jazz Institute. Discovered by Artistic Director Paul Lines, Ms. Olstead made her singing debut with the Pasadena Jazz Orchestra under Lines’ direction.

Since then, Ms. Olstead has gone on to act in feature films including The Insider with Russell Crowe, End Of Days with Arnold Schwarzenegger and 13 Going On 30 with Jennifer Garner, she’s made a name for herself in television as a co-star of Still Standing and her current role in The Secret Life of the American Teenager. As a singer, her self-titled debut album received critical acclaim, with no less an expert than Neil Sedaka noting her voice is akin to "Patsy Cline, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday all wrapped in one" and it went to #1 on the jazz charts. Skylark, her follow up, is doing just as well.

“Coming back to Pasadena for this Christmas celebration really makes me feel like I’m coming home musically. It’s great to work with Paul and the Pasadena Jazz Orchestra again—they are some of the best musicians in the business. Plus, I get to lend my talents towards helping the organization that took a chance on me and my dreams.”

“We’re putting on this concert to benefit the Jazz Institute, especially the Kids Camp, which is the program closest to my heart,” notes Lines. The Jazz Institute’s annual Jazz Camp For Kids has spawned its own roster of tomorrow’s talent, the PJI Junior Superstars, who caused a sensation this past summer at the Monterrey Park Jazz Festival. “I’ve been lucky to have a great career in jazz—but I wouldn’t have gotten to where I have without the help of more experienced musicians who have mentored me and shown me the ropes. When I founded the Jazz Institute, I wanted to continue that tradition and help the next generations of jazz musicians find their way to success.”

What’s more, the Jazz Camp has become a “must do” for aspiring jazz musicians throughout the region. This summer, Lines expects well over 500 kids to pass through the program. “We’re gearing up for the biggest Jazz Camp ever. One of the new developments for 2009 is that we are expanding our program to help even younger kids. Over the years, I’ve had so many parents ask for activities geared towards the younger siblings of kids already in the camp. So, we’ve put together Percussion Discussion—an ensemble for kids aged 6 to 10 to enjoy a hands-on introduction to music. What’s more, I’m assembling an amazing array of guest artists to show the kids how to make music like pros.”

Concertgoers will be seated at tables and have the option of purchasing a full service three course meal with their seats for $35 per person. A self-serve buffet will also be available, with entr´es from $10-$18. Beverages including wine and a cash bar will also be available. Tickets for the event range from $30.00 to $70.00 per seat and can be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling 800 745 3000 or at ticketmaster.com or by visiting nutcrackerswings.com.

Sponsors of the event include Pasadena Entertainment, redwhite+bluezz, Pasadena Independent, Pasadena Weekly and Waltrip’s Music. For more information about The Nutcracker Swings, please visit nutcrackerswings.com.

Concert features Duke Ellington’s sophisticated rewrite of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic, Vince Guaraldi’s Charlie Brown Christmas and more, with stars including James Tormé, Renee Olstead, Maestro Victor Vener, the Pasadena Jazz Orchestra, Sylvia St. James and the Sacred Nation Gospel Choir. Noted personality Bryan Gallyot hosts the event and future jazz legends the PJI Junior Superstars perform the pre-concert entertainment, setting the stage for some of today’s living jazz legends, all the while sharing the Christmas spirit with the community.

PASADENA, Calif. It isn’t every day that a jazz orchestra is lead by a classical music conductor. Nor is it usual that the head of a non-profit charity walks on stage to play the drums. What’s more, you’d think it a bit out of the ordinary that a for-profit jazz club lends its talent and energies to benefitting an institution that presents concerts that could be considered competition for the same music lovers. But that’s just what’s happening in Pasadena at The Nutcracker Swings, a benefit concert for the Pasadena Jazz Institute, happening on Saturday, December 19th at the Pasadena Convention Center Grand Ballroom when forces from the Pasadena Jazz Institute, California Philharmonic and redwhite+bluezz meet on the same stage to celebrate Christmas through music.

“I’m returning to my first love, the drums, with great anticipation” notes Paul Lines, Artistic Director of the Pasadena Jazz Institute. It’s not that he’s decided to forgo his role as head of the Jazz Institute, but after eight years running the organization, he’s ready to perform again as well. “For the Nutcracker, I’ve been practicing—getting my hands back. I feel like a kid again!”

“Although drumming for a 17 piece Big Band is exhilarating and I can’t wait to do it, the opportunity to perform isn’t the only present this Christmas concert is giving me,” says Lines. “I’ll will be collaborating with Victor Vener, Music Director of the California Philharmonic, who will conduct Duke Ellington’s jazzy big band arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. I’ve been a fan of Victor’s for years and am thrilled with the opportunity to work with him.”

The Maestro is also looking forward to working with Lines: “I’m happy to make music with Paul,” notes Vener. “He’s been a leading force in jazz performance and education in the region for almost a decade. What’s more, his keen musical talent, combined with his incredible ability to bring music to so many people make him the kind of artist I love to partner with.”

Most people think of orchestra conductors as not being able to swing, but the California Philharmonic’s Maestro Victor Vener easily breaks that mold. He’s spent the past 24 years bringing a unique mixture of classics, music theatre, jazz, rock and world music to the stage through his work with Cal Phil and before that, the Pasadena Pops. But that’s not where his career in jazz began. “I started drumming with big bands, swing groups and small combos at 16” notes Vener. “I’ve always had a working relationship with jazz, from being selected by noted composer/arranger/bandleader Stan Kenton to be First French Horn in his Collegiate Neophonic Jazz Orchestra when I was 20 to having a successful career in the Hollywood recording industry, performing on soundtracks for major motion pictures, where being a skilled jazz performer was an integral part of every musician’s toolbox.”

What’s more, Vener’s known for his infectious chats from the podium, sharing his knowledge of music with concertgoers in an easygoing and witty manner that brings enlightenment and entertainment to all—one of the many reasons he’s been voted “Best Local Musician” for both 2008 and 2009 and “Best Local Personality” for 2007 in the Pasadena Weekly’s annual Readers Poll. “I’m looking forward to conducting Ellington’s Nutcracker. Ellington is an American legend, who was not just a master of jazz—he was a classically trained performer and composer who had the talent, training and technique to take Tchaikovsky’s music and literally create a truly new work.”

Nutcracker Swings is shaping up to be a real community event. So much so that André Vener, owner of redwhite+bluezz and Pasadena Entertainment is joining the act by spearheading the production end of the event and loaning the redwhite+bluezz all stars, a combo composed of top talent that regularly performs at his jazz club, to perform as a musical core for the evening’s varied list of guest artists. “I refer to that young dynamo as ‘André the Giant’—every endeavor he puts his name on is a home run, he never misses,” notes Lines.

“I love bringing great people and organizations together to make magic” says André Vener, when talking about the concert. “Matching up the all stars with the Jazz Institute and Maestro Vener just seemed like a natural to me. I’m passionate about creating events that give people truly memorable experiences—especially through music—and when it can benefit the community, that makes it even better.

“Many people think that redwhite+bluezz and the Pasadena Jazz Institute are competitors, but nothing could be further from the truth. Paul Lines has been a mentor to me, helping me get my start in the jazz world, and it’s a real treat being able to return the favor and help his organization out, with my musicians and through the work of my event production company, Pasadena Entertainment,” notes Vener. “I love producing at the Pasadena Convention Center—since presenting the Freedom Concert in the Grand Ballroom last April and the Spazmatics concert on the plaza this summer, I’ve developed a wonderful relationship with Mike Ross and all the team at the Pasadena Center Operating Company. I can’t think of a better way to share the Christmas spirit with all of Pasadena than through this concert, with these artists at this venue.”

Concertgoers will be seated at tables and have the option of purchasing a full service three course meal with their seats for $35 per person. A self-serve buffet will also be available, with entrées from $10-$18. Beverages including wine and a cash bar will also be available. Tickets for the event range from $30.00 to $70.00 per seat and can be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling 800 745 3000 or at ticketmaster.com or by visiting nutcrackerswings.com.

Sponsors of the event include Pasadena Entertainment, redwhite+bluezz, Pasadena Independent, Pasadena Weekly and Waltrip’s Music. For more information about The Nutcracker Swings, please visit nutcrackerswings.com.

Concert features Duke Ellington’s sophisticated rewrite of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic, Vince Guaraldi’s Charlie Brown Christmas and more, with stars including James Tormé, Renee Olstead, Maestro Victor Vener, the Pasadena Jazz Orchestra, Sylvia St. James and the Sacred Nation Gospel Choir. Noted personality Bryan Gallyot hosts the event and future jazz legends the PJI Junior Superstars perform the pre-concert entertainment, setting the stage for some of today’s living jazz legends, all the while sharing the Christmas spirit with the community.

PASADENA, Calif. Christmas stories don’t get much more fanciful than the story of The Nutcracker, written by E.T.A. Hoffmann. However, Duke Ellington knew how to bring fancy to new heights, which is just what he did when he jazzed up Tchaikovsky’s famous suite from the beloved holiday ballet. On December 19th, this sophisticated jazz classic will bring the magic of Christmas to life at the new Pasadena Convention Center’s Grand Ballroom in a concert entitled The Nutcracker Swings, which will benefit the Pasadena Jazz Institute.

“There’s no better way to celebrate Christmas than with music and community” says Paul Lines, Artistic Director of the Pasadena Jazz Institute and Music Director of the event, “so we’ve put together a stellar lineup including music by the Pasadena Jazz Orchestra, redwhite+bluezz all stars and the Sacred Nation Gospel Choir, with appearances by special guests James Tormé (son of jazz legend Mel Tormé), Renee Olstead, Sylvia St. James and Maestro Victor Vener, plus we’ve got Pasadena’s Best Local Personality Bryan Gallyot as Master of Ceremonies and we’ll even have a visit from Santa!” Featured music on the program includes highlights from Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas and of course the Ellington/Strayorn arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. Rounding out the bill is a diverse sampling of Christmas favorites ranging in style from Gospel to Big Band to R&B/Jazz Fusion and more. “This is a great way to celebrate Christmas with family, friends and the community—to share in the joy of the season. What’s more, it’s an elegant way to experience the great musical heritage that jazz embodies.”

The evening begins at 6:00pm with holiday dining, accompanied by the PJI Junior Superstars, a select group of gifted young artists from the Jazz Institute’s Jazz Camp For Kids summer program. The concert, which will benefit the Institute’s Jazz Camp program, begins at 7:00 and lasts till 10:00. “We’re thrilled to be helping the Jazz Institute bring great music to the community and to help establish one of the city’s newest event venues—the Pasadena Convention Center’s Grand Ballroom—as a destination of choice for large-scale functions,” notes Executive Producer André Vener.“What’s more, we’ve put together a real entertainment value that is suitable for family,friends or business entertaining and really catches the Christmas spirit.”

Concertgoers will be seated at tables and have the option of purchasing a full service three course meal with their seats for $35 per person. A self-serve buffet will also be available, with entrées from $10-$18. Beverages including wine and a cash bar will also be available. Tickets for the event range from $30.00 to $70.00 per seat and can be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling 800 745 3000 or at ticketmaster.com or by visiting nutcrackerswings.com.

Sponsors of the event include Pasadena Entertainment, redwhite+bluezz, Pasadena Independent, Pasadena Weekly and Waltrip’s Music. For more information about The Nutcracker Swings, please visit nutcrackerswings.com.