Free jazz concerts at Kent venues

KENT — In conjunction with the Litchfield Jazz Festival, from Aug. 5 to 7 at the Kent School, there is the month-long Litchfield Jazz Camp. And as part of the camp, until Aug. 6, student performers and faculty from the camp offer free Kent Has That Jazz concerts in venues around town. Although admission to the concerts is free, donations are appreciated; they are used exclusively to provide need-based scholarships for students to attend the camp. Litchfield Jazz Camp faculty concerts will be held in the Mattison Auditorium at The Kent School on July 21, 25, 26 and 28 and Aug. 1, 2 and 3.Litchfield Jazz Camp student performances will be held at Doc’s Trattoria on July 26 and Aug. 2 and 5; the Fife ’n Drum Restaurant, on July 27 and Aug. 6; the Millstone Café on July 23; and Richard J. Lindsey Bookseller on July 30.Some of the faculty members performing are trumpeter Dave Ballou; bassists Mario Pavone, Avery Sharpe and Marcus McLaurine; pianists Junior Mance, Onaje Allen Gumbs and Helen Sung; guitarists Paul Bollenback, Dave Stryker and Roni Ben-Hur; drummers Matt Wilson, Charli Persip and Ignacio Berroa; saxophonists Kris Allen, Claire Daly, Mike DiRubbo, Wayne Escoffery and Gary Smulyan; and vocalists Kevin Mahogany and Lisanne Lyons.This is the Litchfield Jazz Festival’s 16th anniversary.In addition to concerts by top performers, there will also be free music clinics, artist talks and after-hours jam sessions.  Tickets start at $22. Children under 12 are free for seating on the lawn. Parking is free. For tickets, festival information and information on the free faculty performances, visit www.litchfieldjazzfest.com or call 860-361-6285.

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