DAMARISCOTTA
Novel Jazz will be in concert 7-9 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at Skidompha Public Library in Damariscotta. They’ll present an evening of classic jazz out of the Great American Songbook.
These musical events began 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 decided to forge deeper into the music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Trombonist Barney Balch began visiting the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. to work in their Ellington collection, digging out gems of these musical geniuses and bringing them back to life in summertime concerts.
The musicians of this group have been playing straight-ahead jazz for audiences throughout Maine (and beyond) for several decades. Collectively, they share over two centuries of experience in the jazz idiom. Performing March 12 will be David Clarke on guitar, Mike Mitchell on trumpet, Herb Maine on bass and Barney Balch on trombone. There will also be two special guests — Bill Batty on percussion and Richard “Lefty” McAuslin on tenor and alto saxophone.
Bill Batty started playing drums at the age of 9; three years later, he was playing professionally on the Maine “bottle club circuit”. He studied privately and also went through the Jazz and Contemporary Music program at University of Maine, Augusta. Bill keeps a full gigging schedule, playing blues with Blind Albert, jump/swing with Three Button Deluxe, straight ahead jazz with The Uptown Rhythm Kings/The BCD Trio, and Caribbean tinged music with steel drum band Steelin’ Thunder.
Lefty McAuslin is a regular of the Boothbay Region during the summer months with his solo act. He also has worked in numerous bands, and backed up the famous vocalist Jimmy Dean. In the summer, Lefty performs with Bob Page and the Jazz Babies. Lefty is also known for his ability to play two saxophones simultaneously, a difficult technique first made famous by the late blues artist, Fats Jackson.
Skidompha evenings are informal, jazz in the round. Admission is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $6 for young adults 12-18 years, under 12 accompanied by a parent go free. Call 563-5513 for more information.
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