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06/23/2016 04:13 PMBranford Jazz Summer Concert series is back on the Branford green beginning Thurs. June 23 at 6:30 p.m. The series committee has lined up another summer season of free Thursday night shows featuring big names and up-and-coming artists.
The popular summer program features a different live act every Thursday night and runs June 23 through August 18 this year. Shows pack the green with appreciative audiences who know to bring their own lawn chair, blanket and even a picnic dinner to enjoy with their music, al fresco. No dogs or alcoholic beverages are allowed on the green.
The series opens tonight with the Steven Kroon Latin Jazz Sextext. The following press release regarding the sextet's opening show is from Branford Jazz Summer Concert:
PRESS RELEASE -- June 23, 2016: Combining his Queens, New York Latin Music upbringing with the many great jazz and R &B influential artists living around him, there is no surprise that The Steven Kroon Latin Jazz Sextet has electrified audiences all around the country.
Now, Branford Jazz Summer Concert followers will have the opportunity to hear him perform live as he opens the 2016 series on the Branford Town Green. Opening night is Thursday, June 23 at 6:30 p.m., as announced by the Town of Branford, in conjunction with the Branford Recreation Department, the Branford Festival and the Branford Jazz Series Committee.
Born in Harlem NY and residing there until the age of nine, Kroon moved to St. Albans in Queens NY in 1957. His experience being raised in Queens was very influential, as many Jazz and R & B artists drew his desire toward the music industry. At home, Kroon was known to listen to his father's records, including hits from Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez and Machito. Simultaneously, while visiting friends, Kroon enjoyed the talent of Lester Young, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Count Basie and many more who resided close by his Queens neighborhood. Another great influence was none other than the great producer, Henry Glover, who lived right on his corner. It was with all this musical diversity and styles that Kroon began his music appreciation in his early years, progressing to playing percussion. Another great influence was conga lessons with the great Tommy Lopez, Sr. and percussionist Dom Um Romao.
Kroon began working with notables such as R & B's Luther Van Dross (from 1981 - 2001). To date, he has appeared on seven platinum albums and 15 world tours including two live video performances. His 20 years' professional association with the R & B crooner underscores Kroon's reputation as one of the world's most versatile and respected percussionists. He also played on an array of television shows including The Tonight Show, David Letterman, Jay Leno as well as the Grammy Awards. Kroon performed with Ron Carter (from 1987 - 2004) including extensive tours of the United States, Japan and Brazil. The tour also include stops on the well-known NY Jazz scene, including the Village Vanguard, the Iridium, and The Blue Note chain from the United States to Japan. He has also recorded with many of the "Who's Who" in the recording business, such as Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, Diana Kral, The Temptations, Kenny G, Spyro Gyra, Bette Midler, Gary Bartz, and Paul Butterfield -- just to name a few.
In the past five years, Kroon has worked on his solo career, including four CD's: "In My Path", "Senor Kroon", "El Mas All", and newly released "Without a Doubt", all under his label Kroonatune Records, LLC. Currently, he's now enjoying the fruits of his labor by performing at various clubs, festivals, and venues all around the country.
"I always look forward to performing at new venues because it broadens my audience," said Kroon. "Sharing my music and making new friends is a top priority in my life."
During his performance at Branford Jazz on June 23, Kroon will be accompanied by Igor Atalita (Keyboard), Waldo Chavez (Bass), Bryan Carrott (Vibraphone), Craig Rivers (Flute & Sax), and Joel Mateo (Drums).
For more information on Steven Kroon and future artists of the 2016 Branford Jazz Series, please visit the Branford Jazz website at: www.branfordjazz.com. For questions about the series, please call (203) 488-8304 or email branfordjazz@gmail.com.