Jazz it up at Wildflower

WHITE MILLS, PA — The Wildflower Music Festival will present the David Leonhardt Jazz Group on Saturday, July 19. The performance, which begins at 6:00 p.m., will be held at the Wildflower Amphitheater on the grounds of the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary.

The David Leonhardt Jazz Group is a critically acclaimed acoustic ensemble that plays a blend of mainstream and modern jazz. The group plays both jazz standards and originals for an exciting and entertaining evening of music.

David Leonhardt, jazz pianist and composer, is a highly skilled and versatile musician. Todd Dawson, of The Express Times, wrote, “Leonhardt relies on immaculate timing as his hands float over the keyboard like a hushed breeze.” Leonhardt arranged and recorded the number one jazz CD “Under a Woodstock Moon” with saxophonist David Newman, and appeared with flutist Herbie Mann and bassist Ron Carter on the CD “Celebration.” In addition, he has produced, arranged and performed on numerous recordings with jazz stars Stan Getz, Slide Hampton, Jon Hendricks, Eddie Henderson, Robin Eubanks, Ray Drummond and Lewis Nash.

His compositions have been recorded by such jazz greats as Stanley Turentine, David “Fathead” Newman, Hank Crawford and Claudio Roditi. He has written arrangements for The Art Blakey Big Band and been guest conductor and arranger for The Benny Carter Orchestra.

The concert is sponsored by Highlights for Children and is also partially supported by a grant from Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour, a program developed and funded by The Heinz Endowments; the William Penn Foundation; the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency; and The Pew Charitable Trusts; and administered by Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation.

Tickets cost $20, or $10 for students six to 18 years. There is no charge for children under six.

In the event of inclement weather, the performance will be held at the air-conditioned auditorium at the Wallenpaupack Area High School.

For more information email music01@ptd.net or visit online at wildflowermusic.org.