A Taos Native Returns to Headline the Harwood
A Taos Native Returns to Headline the Harwood
A Taos Native Returns to Headline the Harwood
Frank Morgan Taos Jazz Festival
November 10– 14, 2021
Django Festival Allstars • George Cables Trio • Grace Kelly
Red Hot & Red • Life&Life
Django Festival Allstars • George Cables Trio • Grace Kelly
Red Hot & Red • Life&Life
Thursday, November 11
TCA
Grace Kelly
Two shows with limited attendance:
Early Show: 5:30 / Late Show: 8:00
Tickets $30.00
$24 (members of TCA and Taos Jazz Bebop Society)
Saxophonist and vocalist Grace Kelly has a huge following around the world– and that includes Taos. This is her seventh consecutive appearance in the festival– she returns every year to honor her friend and mentor, Frank Morgan. Grace has toured the world, and performed and recorded with many jazz greats, including Phil Woods, Dave Brubeck, Lee Konitz, Harry Connick Jr., Gloria Estefan, Questlove, Wynton Marsalis, Lin Manuel-Miranda, and Jon Batiste. She's a natural performer, spreading captivating energy and joy. She can dazzle an audience with all-out pyrotechnics on her horn, and a moment later charm us with her sweet 'n swanky voice and original songwriting.
“Grace Kelly … instantly ignites the room. ” –Jon Batiste.
Friday, November 12
Harwood Museum
George Cables Trio
Two shows with limited attendance:
Early Show: 7:00 / Late Show: 9:00
Tickets $30.00
$24 (members of HARWOOD and Taos Jazz Bebop Society)
The Harwood requires Masks and proof of vaccination for events in the auditorium.
Pianist George Cables helped to define modern mainstream jazz piano of the 80s and 90s. In addition to his years working with Frank Morgan, he has performed and recorded with an eye-popping list of jazz stars including Dexter Gordon, Freddie Hubbard, Sonny Rollins, Sarah Vaughan, Dizzie Gillespie and Art Pepper.
“ His solos reveal a deep sense of groove and pacing, and a mind at work” – Kevin Whitehead for NPR.
“An individualist whose comfort with bebop-based modern jazz has an unimpeachable stamp of authenticity.”
– Steve Futterman, The New Yorker.
Essiet Essiet, bass; Jerome Jennings, drums . Special appearance by Grace Kelly.
Wednesday, November 10
FREE – Taos Country Club
Red Hot & Red SOLD OUT
7:00 – Taos Country Club
Reservations are required.
Click here to leave your name and number of seats you would like. Or call 575-758-3147.
Masks and Proof of Vaccination are required for this show.
FREE OPENING NIGHT– with Red Hot & Red.
These three Native Americans from three New Mexico pueblos play a tasty blend of jazz, spiced with Latin and sauced with R&B. The band is led by Steve Figueroa, keyboardist from Laguna Pueblo. Rounding out the group are bassist Milo Jaramillo from Isleta Pueblo, and drummer Louis Speaking Eagle, from the Zapotec Nation.
Saturday, November 13
TCA
Django Festival Allstars
Tickets $30.00
$24 (members of TCA and Taos Jazz Bebop Society)
Two shows with limited attendance:
Early Show: 5:30 / Late Show: 8:00
TCA requires Masks and Proof of Vaccination.
Direct from France, the Django Festival Allstars bring us a night of dazzling Gypsy Jazz. These five virtuoso players celebrate the music of legendary gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt and famed jazz violinist Stephan Grapelli. It’s a classic swing jazz sound of the 30’s and 40’s, reinterpreted for today. And here’s a treat: Grace Kelly plans to sit-in with the band for a few choice numbers!
The Allstars get raves from audiences, musicians and reviewers alike:
“The collective talent on the bandstand is larger than the Arc de Triomphe… the best show in town.”– Wall Street Journal
“Sensational”– George Benson.
Sunday, November 14
TCA
Life & Life
2:30 PM – TCA
FREE SCREENING– NO TICKET NECESSARY
“Life & Life– A Story of Redemption” by N.C. Heikin.
Already winning Best Documentary awards at major film festivals, Life & Life tells the story of professional pianist and convicted murderer Reggie Austin, who crossed paths with Frank Morgan in San Quentin prison. After serving an extra 20 years beyond his 15-year sentence, Reggie is finally released and begins to navigate life on the outside, attempting to rebuild work and family. The film reveals Austin’s struggle for redemption and hope against near-impossible odds. His grace is startling. His talent is undeniable. His advocacy is inspiring– accompanied by a soundtrack that comes straight from his heart.
Both director Heikin and Reggie Austin will be present for a Q&A after the film.
5-Day Calendar / Tickets / Details
“A knockout! Think of the jazzy soundtracks for many Woody Allen films. Guitarist Samson Schmitt’s lightning licks, touched by a kind of melodic genius, were nothing short of sensational. Matching him in impact was accordionist Beier, whose heart-wrenching playing was reminiscent of harmonica superstar Toots Thielemans– as good a solo as was heard at Newport this year.”– The Newport News.