Neighbor News
Rio Clemente at Watchung Arts Center, with Violinist, Vitali Imereli on Friday, June 2
"JaZZ in the Gallery" presents "The Bishop of Jazz", Rio Clemente and his special guest, virtuoso gypsy jazz violinist Vitali Imereli
Closing out the 2016-17 season at the Watchung Arts Center on June 2 at 8PM will be "The Bishop of Jazz", Rio Clemente. Joining Rio for this special evening is virtuoso gypsy jazz violinist, Vitali Imereli.
Rio Clemente mixes a strong classical background with a rich knowledge of jazz history, and then adds an amazing sense of creativity and interpretation which draws his audience up in a musical embrace and takes them on an extraordinary journey of fanciful melodies and scintillating rhythms. As a master pianist, educator, composer, arranger and recording artist, Clemente leaves an indelible melodic memory long after the piano becomes silent. As his infectious good humor enlivens the audience, he breathes new life into jazz and popular standards that make his legion of fans shake their heads in amazement. And those who hear Rio for the first time are instantly transformed into fans.
A child prodigy, Rio received a BMI scholarship for musical theatre and then continued his education at the Julliard School of Music. He went from Julliard to Nashville, where he spent two years as a performer and composer, making appearances at the Grand Ole Opry. With his classical training, Rio developed a style embracing a diversity of music that makes him one of the most expressive and versatile pianists anywhere and one of the most sought after.
Vitali Imereli graduated from the National Music Academy of Georgia as a classically trained soloist but inspired by the great Stephane Grappelli, who became a friend and mentor, he turned to Gypsy Jazz early in his career. His 1996 album “Tribute to Stephane Grappelli” solidified his reputation and has led to performances all over the world including at the North Sea Jazz Festival, the Django Festival and many other prestigious sites.
A dessert reception will follow the performance.
Tickets are $18 in advance, $22 ($20 for WAC members, $10 for students) at the door. You may purchase tickets securely through Eventbrite.
The Watchung Arts Center, located at 18 Stirling Road in Watchung on the Watchung Circle, is a multi-disciplinary arts facility serving Watchung, the surrounding communities and the Tri-State Area.
For more information, please call 908-753-0190 or e-mail us.