Big band at Jazz Center gala

BRATTLEBORO - The Vermont Jazz Center’s Big Band will present its annual scholarship gala on Friday, December 3, at 8 pm. This year the band will be featuring vocalist Amanda Carr, who has sung with the Boston Pops, Artie Shaw, Glenn Miller’s orchestras, and many others. Two years have passed since the VJC has hosted a live swing-dance. Now the sounds of big band jazz will once again fill the Cotton Mill venue with joyous sound.
The VJC Big Band, under the leadership of musical director Rob Freeberg, is made up of area professional musicians who come together to enjoy the camaraderie and swinging tunes while raising money for the VJC’s Scholarship Fund.
December’s annual gala is the VJC’s only fundraiser for the VJC Scholarship Fund. Prior to the pandemic, the VJC annually bequeathed $30,000 scholarships, offsetting fees for ensembles, private lessons, and its summer jazz workshop. The VJC intends to reenergize its in-person, educational programs this winter by presenting a broader range of class offerings with generous scholarships as needed to all that apply. Money brought in from this gala will enrich that goal.
This concert will be a hybrid event with both livestreamed and in-person components. Dancers can create intimate dance parties in their homes or choose to dance to the sounds of a live big band. All attendees and musicians will be vaccinated and everyone who is not actively playing wind instruments or singing will wear masks.  
In-person general admission is $25.  No table seating is available this year in order to maximize social distancing and dancing space. Chairs may be fewer than attendees. Tickets can be reserved online at www.vtjazz.org, by email at ginger@vtjazz.org or by phone at (802) 254-9088, ext. 1. Attendance will be capped at 50% capacity.
Handicapped access is available by calling the VJC to schedule a time for staff to meet interested parties; call (802) 254-9088, ext.1 and leave a message.