Distinguished Concerts International - New York

Jon Faddis, Ralph Lalama & NY Improv Collective to Perform with Jazz Students at New York's Town Hall

April 2, 2008

Alongside jazz headliners Jon Faddis, Ralph Lalama, and New York Improv Collective, Central Connecticut State University Jazz Ensemble (Carl W. Knox, director) and California's Vanguard University Jazz Ensemble (Kenneth R. Foerch, director) will perform at New York's Town Hall on Wednesday, April 23, 2008, at 8 p.m.

"Jazz at Town Hall," a new series presented by Distinguished Concerts International New York, will open with an all-Thelonious Monk program titled "Monk in the 21st Century: The Next Generation." Central Connecticut State University Jazz Ensemble will play "Straight, No Chaser," "Trinkle Tinkle," and "Evidence;" while Vanguard University Jazz Ensemble will perform "Off Minor," "'Round Midnight," "Little Rootie Tootie," and "Rhythm-A-Ning." Both groups will be led by Jon Faddis, who'll also perform on trumpet. Ralph Lalama will play tenor saxophone with the ensembles.

The second part of the program will be performed by New York Improv Collective (Ray Vega, trumpet; Rob Derke, saxophone; Ted Rosenthal, piano; Carlo DeRosa, bass; and Quincy Davis, drums). They will play arrangements by Ted Rosenthal of "Brilliant Corners - Opening," "I Mean You," "Ruby My Dear," "Brilliant Corners - Interlude No. 1," "Pannonica," "Brilliant Corners - Interlude No. 2," "Monk's Dream," "Blues Medley," and "R & R."

Tickets, ranging from $20-$60, are available through Ticketmaster at 212.840.2824 or at www.ticketmaster.com. Town Hall is located at 123 W. 43rd Street between 6th Avenue and Broadway in New York City. Jazz at Town Hall, a unique new education and performance opportunity presented by DCINY, supports serious jazz students in their quest to combine their advanced studies with professional-level performing experience. Prior to appearing in concert in New York's legendary Town Hall, home to many jazz greats of the past, the auditioned students from around the country come to New York to attend master classes, rehearsals, seminars, and sectionals, working side-by-side with DCINY's faculty, including Justin DiCioccio, Dave Liebman, Ralph Lalama, Kenny Washington, Rob Derke, and Khadafy Khan. This performance-based curriculum culminates with a concert that includes students, select DCINY faculty, plus special guest artists.

Distinguished Concerts International New York, concert producer, was founded in early 2007 by Iris Derke, General Director; and Jonathan Griffith, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor. DCINY provides opportunities for choral, instrumental, jazz, and chamber ensembles, as well as conductors and soloists, to perform at such venues as Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Town Hall in New York City, and other major venues. A strong component of DCINY's mission, as stated in the DCINY motto, "The Art of Performance - The Power of Education," is to enhance the concert experience through educational programs and incentives. These include support in meeting performance standards and optional master classes and seminars.

The program is sponsored, in part, by Roberto's Winds and Michiko's Rehearsal Studios, New York, NY.

For information about purchasing tickets to scheduled concerts, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , call 212.707.8566 or 877.MYDCINY (toll free).