Novel Jazz presents an evening of hot swinging jazz out of the Great American Songbook at Skidompha Public Library, 184 Main St. in Damariscotta, beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 28. The evening will be in support of Skidomphas Little Food Pantry. (Photo courtesy Paty Matrai)
Novel Jazz is returning to the Skidompha Public Library in Damariscotta from 7-9:30 p.m. on Friday, June 28.
The band will be playing an evening of hot swinging jazz out of the Great American Songbook, all to benefit Skidompha’s Little Food Pantry. This year marks the 20th year the musicians of this group have been playing straight-ahead jazz for audiences throughout Maine (and beyond). Collectively, they share over two centuries of experience in the jazz idiom.
The musicians of Novel Jazz are Herb Maine (acoustic bass), Barney Balch (trombone), Bill Manning (drums), David Clarke (guitar), Michael Mitchell (trumpet), Mickey Felder (piano), and Nate Johengen (woodwinds).
Novel Jazz events at Skidompha began in 2004 with the observation that lovers of books often are lovers of jazz. The superb acoustics of Skidompha’s atrium, plus the seating “in the round,” make it a superior place to see and hear jazz, all in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. It was while performing at Skidompha that the band began their unique focus on jazz giants Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Just prior to the pandemic, the band released their fourth CD featuring more compositions by these two jazz icons.
Admission is free and all are welcome to this special concert, but in lieu of purchasing a ticket, the library requests that attendees bring either a financial donation (suggested $20 per person) for the library, or food, or personal hygiene items for Skidompha’s Little Food Pantry, all to support other community members in need. Pantry items must not be expired and must be unopened. Admission is otherwise free of charge and a donation is not required for attendance.
Parents are encouraged to bring their children, the future of this art form. The library is located at 184 Main St. in downtown Damariscotta. For more information, call 887-0919 during business hours or go to skidompha.org or the band’s web site, mainejazz.net.
