YORK COLLEGE'S BIG BAND AND GOSPEL CHOIR TO MEET IN QUEENS FRIDAY
NEW YORK (March 15, 2011) – The combined creative genius of New York’s young and more experienced musicians will be on show this week at the newly renovated Jamaica Performing Arts Center (JPAC) in southeast Queens.
This Friday, March 18, JPAC continues the celebration of its inaugural season of stellar multicultural performers when the stage lights shine on York College’s Big Band, a combination of talented students and staff, swinging under the musical direction of Professor Tom Zlabinger.
The York College Big Band offers captivating melodies from swing to latin to funk at various venues throughout New York City, most recently opening for legendary saxophonist Branford Marsalis at York College’s Annual Gala.
An added attraction is the inspiring seven year-old York College Gospel Choir which under the direction of Professor Jonathan Quash has grown to almost 30 members from the student body and the community.
“We are looking forward to an evening of inspiration and enlightenment,” said Philip Willis, the Executive Director of the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL) which manages the performing arts center. The musical celebration begins at 8 p.m. at JPAC (153-10 Jamaica Avenue – at 153rd Street).
Willis said the combination of the Big Band and the Gospel Choir is a reflection of both the rich cultural diversity and deep Christian faith of the community of Jamaica, Queens.
The Jamaica Performing Arts Center (JPAC), formerly the First Reformed Dutch Church of Jamaica, is a state-of-the-art, mid-size multi-purpose performance complex. The facility recently underwent a $22 million renovation and features a 400-seat flexible multi-use performance space.
For tickets, visit www.jamaica-performingartscenter.org or call 718 618-6170. General admission tickets are only $10.
About the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL)
For almost 40 years, the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL) has served as an arts oasis in a section of New York City where cultural opportunities are extremely limited. Created in 1972 as part of an effort to revitalize Jamaica, JCAL has earned a reputation for inspiring youth to take an interest in the arts, showcasing the talents of up-and-coming local artists and performers, and creating dynamic multicultural programs and workshops that have been embraced by the community. Each year, tens of thousands of visitors of all ages, backgrounds and skill sets pass through its doors to attend classes and workshops, view art exhibitions, attend performances or immerse themselves in an art residency.
ENDS