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| Ray Vega Latin Jazz Quintet at Free Jazzmobile Concert Louis Armstrong was famous for practicing trumpet on his balcony to the delight of his neighbors in the decidedly working-class neighborhood of Corona, Queens. Continuing the tradition, the Louis Armstrong House Museum is pleased to present Ray Vega and his Latin Jazz Quintet on Tuesday, July 8 for the seventh edition of Jazzmobile at LAHM. Organized for the benefit of our neighbors and the general public, the event will run from 6 pm to 8 pm outside Louis's home on 107th Street (between 34th and 37th Avenues). Jazzmobile is a trailer that opens up to become a stage, and its annual stop at Armstrong House inspires a jazz block party--perhaps the only one in New York. Paying tribute to Satchmo on his birthday week, jazz aficionados from all over the world relax in the balmy night air alongside long-time Corona residents, some of whom remember when Louis lived on the block. The entire family is invited to bring folding chairs and come ready to have a good time! Ray Vega has now established himself as one of the innovators of the Jazz and Latin music scenes in New York. A multitalented trumpeter, percussionist, composer, and arranger, he presents Jazz from a refreshingly original and contemporary perspective. Vega's second Palmetto CD--"Squeeze, Squeeze"--has received critical acclaim, including four stars in Down Beat magazine. During the concert, the Armstrong House will remain open for special discount tours ($5 per person). After settling here in 1943, Louis and his wife Lucille spent the rest of their lives in this house. Now their residence--still containing its original furnishings--is a National Historic Landmark administered by Queens College. The tour explores the life and legacy of Satchmo and includes spoken word recordings of him enjoying a meal with Lucille at his dining room table, chatting with friends in his living room, or practicing the trumpet in his den. For more information on the concert and the Louis Armstrong House Museum, including directions, visit our website. Since 1964, Jazzmobile has been presenting free outdoor Summer Mobile Concerts. As the pioneer mobile music organization, Jazzmobile has brought the great Jazz artists of our time directly to the public. This concert is free and open to the public and is sponsored by the New York State Council on the Arts, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation. write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Jazz News :: home page |