Preservation Hall Jazz Band kicks off trio of jazz shows at Ridgefield Playhouse
Jazz lovers will have three opportunities to enjoy their favorite music this week at the Ridgefield Playhouse. Preservation Hall Jazz Band starts off the fun with a concert on Thursday, July 27, followed by Grammy-nominated saxophonist Dave Koz and bass player Larry Graham Jr. (Sly & the Family Stone, and founder of Graham Central Station) on Friday, July 28.
When the weekend hits, Bernie Williams will be on deck. The talented guitarist, who formerly played center field for the New York Yankees, will perform with his All Star Band on Saturday, July 29. Williams is celebrating his two passions — music and baseball. His concert, presented by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., benefits awareness for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic and progressive lung disease that’s also known as IPF.
As for Williams’ bond with baseball, he and special guests David Cone and Bobby Valentine will play in a charity softball game on Saturday, July 29, in the field next to the playhouse, starting at 1 p.m.
Preservation Hall Jazz Band, also known as PHJB, is steeped in history. The group was formed in 1961 and took its name from Preservation Hall — the venerable music venue in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter. PHJB has performed with a variety of bands from the Foo Fighters to My Morning Jacket.
One dollar from each regular ticket sold to any of these concerts, plus all proceeds from VIP ticket sales, will aid the Preservation Hall Foundation, which supports music education, research and more, to create greater awareness and appreciation for traditional New Orleans jazz.
Before each concert, ticket holders can enjoy a complimentary Italian wine tasting in the lobby, courtesy of Gallo Ristorante, along with an art exhibit by Andres Chaparro at 7:15 p.m.
Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge. Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Thursday, July 27, 8 p.m. Dave Koz and Larry Graham, Jr. Friday, July 28, 8 p.m. Bernie Williams and his All Star Band, Saturday, July 29, 8 p.m. $90 includes meet and greet, $65, $55, softball game $25. Concert tickets include a ticket to Saturday’s 1 p.m. softball game. 203-438-5795