OCTOBER
Oct. 30 ZEPHYROS QUINTET has established itself as the country's leading young wind quintet. Comprised of recent graduates of The Curtis Institute of Music and The Juilliard School, its members have competed in international as well as national competitions and performed with major orchestras. The instruments played are bassoon, oboe, flute clarinet and French horn. Their program will include works of Benjamin Britten, Claude Debussy and Giulio Briccialdi. On the Main Stage at Island Center – 8 p.m. (Please note that the Zephyros Quintet will be performing on Tortola at Lavity Stoutt College on Friday, October 29, 1999).
NOVEMBER
Nov. 27 ROBIN EUBANKS & MENTAL IMAGES
This Jazz sextet performs on trombone, piano, trumpet, bass and drums with a startling sound that is not locked into the traditional approach to playing jazz trombone. The famous Eubanks family is dominating music from the Tonight Show with Jay Leno to rising jazz trumpeter Duane. Never short on taste, finesse and style this sextet will provide a startling and stimulating evening of incredible Jazz on Island Center's Main Stage at 8 p.m. (Please note that this group will also be performing on Tortola at Lavity Stoutt College on November 26.)
JANUARY
Jan. 21 AVISHAI COHEN SEXTET will appear in performance on the Main Stage at Island Center featuring Avishai Cohen on Bass along with Jeff Ballard on Drums, Jason Lindner on Piano, Steve Davis on Trombone, Jimmy Green on Soprano Sax and Amos Hoffman – Oud. Seasoned by two years with Danilo Perez and a year plus with Chick Corea's Origin ensemble, Avishai brings a sophisticated sense of harmony and polyrhythm to near-Eastern modes, Sephardi melodies, Latin Grooves, blues and even the string quartet form (leavened with wah-wah bass and balafon.) Growing up in Israel he was exposed to many influences — the music, the culture, the skin tone — everything! Avishai feels that jazz is an international and accepting type of music and it (jazz) always took stuff from many different places — Duke did it, Bird did, all of them did. Main Stage at 8 p.m. (Avishai Cohen Sextet will be in performance on Tortola on January 22)
Jan. 22 STEVE WILSON QUARTET will perform Jazz at its most unique on Alto/Soprano Saxophones, Piano, Bass Drums, Flute and Vocal. The Big Apple's most in-demand saxophonist, although steeped in the traditions of mainstream jazz, his interests also include R&B, funk, a as well as Latin African music — all influences that may well be evident in his future recordings.
(Steve Wilson and his quartet will also appear on Tortola, at Lavity Stoutt College on Friday, January 21.)
Jan. 29 AWADAGIN PRATT– acclaimed pianist and friend of St. Croix, Awadagin returns to the Caribbean with concerts on St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John. Details regarding his program will be available shortly but he is a not-to-be missed dramatic pianist whose interpretations and emotional renderings of the masters leave a lasting impression on the listener.
FEBRUARY
Feb. 19 DEBUSSY STRING QUARTET will appear on the main stage at Island Center. We are pleased to present this group in concert on St. Croix as well as on Tortola at Lavity Stoutt College. Voted best chamber music ensemble by the Victories de la musique France, they combine exceptional sensitivity with a deep understanding of the scores resulting in convincing performances that reach the audience deeply. (The Quartet will also appear in Concert on Tortola at Lavity Stoutt College on Friday, Feb. 18, 1999)
Feb. 27 MAHALIA– A Tribute to Mahalia Jackson is a rousing new musical that tells the true story of one of the greatest women of the 20th century — Mahalia Jackson. This musical dramatization joyfully celebrates one woman's triumph against incredible odds and the message of hope in a world where so many dreams are denied. On the Main Stage on Sunday, Feb. 27 from New York City for a one night only performance. (Appearing also at The Reichhold Center on Saturday, February 26, 1999).
MARCH
March 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 PETER PAN – The Stage Play – A celebration of local talent and artistic and staging expertise. A major production by Island Center, Peter Pan will fly in March on the Main Stage. Watch for audition information.
APRIL
April 8 – THE GRYPHON TRIO will return to the Main Stage at Island Center. This group appeared in 1997 and won the acclaim of music lovers on St. Croix. Their sensitive rendering of the classical composers moved the audience in a way rarely seen. This amazing Trio will not only perform in concert on St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John but will also be the judges for the Vitelco Arts Alive Classical Music Competitions to be held in April on St. Thomas and St. Croix.