Eddie Allen Quartet Headlines Jazz NightOut 2012

On Saturday, Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the Ivoryton Playhouse, the Arts Center Killingworth presents the annual Jazz NightOut with headliner and New York master trumpeter Eddie Allen and his Quartet. Allen, who JazzTimes magazine says "displays wit, charm, and true soul amidst bristling themes," has performed as a leader on multiple jazz recordings and played with musical greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Etta Jones, Benny Carter, and Joe Henderson. The Quartet will perform a variety of works including jazz standards and bossa nova pieces such as Ray Noble's "Cherokee," Juan Tizol's "Caravan," Fats Waller's "Jitterbug Waltz," and Joe Henderson's "Recorda Me."

Jazz NightOut is presented in a cafe-style environment with appetizers, wine bar, and dessert buffet. The evening concert opens with Connecticut musical prodigy Alma Macbride & Trio. Macbride, a jazz pianist and flautist who displays "stunning maturity and poise at the keyboard," is a winner of the first Jazz at Lincoln Center Mary Lou Williams Competition. She has received scholarships for the Stanford Jazz Residency, Skidmore JazzWorkshop, and Grammy Camp in Los Angeles. In addition, she appeared with jazz legend Wynton Marsalis as a member of the Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra, a group of talented young musicians who rehearse and perform at different New York City jazz clubs each week.

In addition to performing and recording, Allen has appeared in the orchestras of Broadway hits such as Ain't Misbehavin', Black & Blue, Side Show, Jelly's Last Jam, Five Guys Named Mo', and Rollin' on the T.O.B.A. For Jazz NightOut, he brings award-winning pianist Donald Vega, who released his first album Tomorrows in 2008; acoustic bass player Nat Reeves, who, in addition to appearing at jazz festivals around the world, teaches at The Hartt School, University of Hartford; and Allen's own brother (and previous Jazz NightOut headliner), drumming great Carl Allen.

Performing with Macbride is the talented drummer and composer (and brother) Jimmy Macbride, a student at Juilliard who participated in the 2009 Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Program at the Kennedy Center and was twice selected as a member of the Monterey Jazz Festival Next Generation Jazz Orchestra; and acoustic bass player Matt Dwonszyk, who performs with Ed Fast's Latin jazz ensemble, Conga Bop, and currently attends The Hartt School of Music.

Jazz NightOut is an annual sellout; early reservations are recommended. Tickets for orchestra café seating with appetizers are $35 for adults, $25 for students, and $12 for children aged 10 and younger. Mezzanine row seating is $25 for adults, $20 students, and $12 for children aged 10 and younger. Appetizers will be served in the orchestra seats only. A free dessert buffet and cash wine bar will available for all. For tickets, call 860-663-5593 or visit www.artscenterkillingworth.org. Credit cards accepted. Tickets will be held at the Playhouse box office (103 Main Street, Ivoryton) for pickup the evening of the performance.