Jazz in the Garden Summer Concert Series Kicks Off!
and Tom Melito for "Summer Jazz in the Garden"
About this Event
Don't miss this opportunity to see and hear vocalist Wanda Houston, performing with noted jazz musicians Peter McEachern, Dave Santoro, Kris Jensen, Larry Ham and Tom Melito. This is a concert not to be missed!
Join us in the Hotchkiss gardens - now featuring a reproduction of the historic pergola, as accomplished musicians McEachern, Santoro, Jensen, Ham, Melito and Houston entertain us with original and classic jazz compositions. This is Wanda's first appearance with the ensemble.
Bring your lawn chairs and refreshments.....
Wanda L. Houston (vocals)is an award winning actress and singer who has performed in and on all media. In the 2000s, Houston toured with Martha and the Vandellas and The Platters. She's lived and performed throughout the United States, Australia and Europe. In 2001she settled in the Berkshires, and now she performs chiefly a mix of mid-20th century jazz and rhythm-and-blues. Look for her in her soon to be released documentary, Unfinished Song! Go to WandaWorld.biz for more info
Peter McEachern (trombone) is a CT based trombonist who is a longtime collaborator with many forward leaning and roots musicians. He has recorded with Blues legend Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Lamont Young, Mario Pavone, and a host of others. His 2021 CD Code 2(Steeplechase) received 4.5 Stars in Downbeat and his most recent CD Streamin’ (Truth Revolution) received 4 stars in the February 2026 issue of Stereophile Magazine.
Dave Santoro (bass) is a sought-after bassist and composer and has long associations with many important Jazz luminaries such as Gerry Bergonzi, Dick Oatts and many others. He has appeared on over 50 jazz CD's including 6 as leader or co-leader. Dave has been on the faculty of the Berklee College of Music for over 25 years and has taught many of today’s jazz musicians.
Kris Jensen (sax) Saxophonist/multi-winds artist, composer/arranger and educator Kris Jensen is a versatile musician who has forged a diverse musical career with many well-known artists. A veteran sideman to legends, Jensen has performed and/or recorded with many prominent artists in jazz and rock including “The Allman Brothers Band” and its individual members’ bands (Gregg Allman, Dickey Betts and Jaimoe respectively) trumpet legend Maynard Ferguson and a host of others.
Tom Melito (drums) has been a mainstay on the New York City jazz scene for many years. As a drummer, he has supported such artists as John and Bucky Pizzarelli, Frank Wess, Harry Allen, “Sweets” Edison, Lew Tabackin and has participated in numerous tours of Japan, China, Europe, and South America and made television appearances on the CBS Early Show, Entertainment Tonight and CNN World Beat. A strong advocate for jazz education, Tom plays on Jerry Bergonzi's CD play-along method and is currently recording a series of educational jazz CDs for Windplayer.
Larry Ham (piano) Larry began his professional career in the Lionel Hampton Orchestra in the late ’80’s. He was pianist in the Illinois Jacquet Big Band 1990-95 and has worked extensively with countless other jazz legends, including the late Junior Cook and Dakota Staton. He has appeared at jazz festivals, concerts and nightclubs throughout the United States, Europe, West Africa, and Japan. His recent New York appearances include Jazz at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Iridium, The Village Vanguard, Small’s, The Kitano Hotel, and Harlem’s historic Lenox Lounge.
His jazz festival performances include the Grande Parade du Jazz in Nice, France, the North Sea Festival in The Hague, Holland, the Pori Jazz Festival in Finland, Jazz Yatra in Bombay, India, The Charlie Parker Festival in New York, the Ottawa Jazz Festival, and at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. He also performed at the White House for President Reagan and for President Clinton’s 1992 Inaugural Ball. Larry appeared in the jazz film “Texas Tenor” and has been a guest on TV programs including “The Today Show” (NBC) “Breakfast Time” (FX) and has been featured on NPR programs such as “Jazz Set with Dee Dee Bridgewater” and on Judy Carmichael’s “Jazz Inspired.”
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 12.51 to USD 17.85
