Jazz in July - EcoTarium Jazz at Sunset Concert continues

Worcester, Mass. - If it's Friday, it's Jazz at Sunset! This summer, the EcoTarium and WICN Public Radio unveil a six-show series of sizzling sounds in an extraordinary outdoor setting. The unique Jazz at Sunset outdoor concert series is one of Central Massachusetts' most popular summer events, thanks to its casual atmosphere, multigenerational appeal, and dynamic range of nationally acclaimed performers and local legends.

The 19th annual season of Jazz at Sunset offers an array of musical styles and has something for everyone-music lovers young and old. Bring your dancing shoes when the series gets underway on June 12th with The Love Dogs- the jumpin-est, howlin-est pack of dogs that ever got a tail a-waggin! Be sure to arrive early for an opportunity to discover exhibitors from attractions across the region in collaboration with the Central Massachusetts Convention and Visitors Bureau. Jazz at Sunset concerts run for six Friday evenings, through July 24. (There will be no Jazz at Sunset concert on July 3.) (See below for full schedule.) Major support for the series is provided by Commerce Bank and media support is provided by the Worcester Telegram & Gazette and Worcester Living.

Concerts are held at the EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, on Friday evenings, 6:30-8:30 p.m., rain or shine; in case of threatening weather, concerts are held in a tent pavilion. Concertgoers please bring lawn chairs and blankets, chairs are not provided. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Light dinners, snacks and beverages are available at all concerts. Beer and wine are available by the glass. Picnic baskets are welcome, however, Massachusetts state law prohibits patrons from bringing alcoholic beverages.

Tickets: $18 per person (includes museum admission), $15 for EcoTarium and WICN members. Free for children under 12. Please bring your own chairs, chairs are not provided. Advance tickets are available up to 4 p.m. the Thursday before the show by calling (508) 929-2703, or buy them online at www.ecotarium.org. No refunds. Tickets are also available at the gate on the night of show. Advance Table Seating: reserve one table with seating for up to four people for $80 per table (includes concert and museum admission).

2009 Jazz at Sunset Performer Schedule continues in July with:

July 10: The Worcester Jazz Orchestra

Hot jazz. Cool tunes. Sizzling performances. The Worcester Jazz Orchestra is celebrating over 13 years of critically-acclaimed Big Band music. This 18-piece orchestra highlights music from all your favorites, including Stan Kenton, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson and others!

July 17: Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas

How about a little Mardi Gras in July? Experience traditional Southern Louisiana Creole roots music without leaving New England through the accordion-driven dance music of these zydeco masters. Fast and furious musical beats with percussion, electric guitars, R & B influences and a definite Caribbean lilt are sure to keep those feet moving!

July 24: Cassandre McKinley

The rich sound of accomplished vocalist Cassandre McKinley has impressed audiences all across Boston and beyond and has inspired the Boston Globe to anoint her the queen of "jazzsoul". Drawing from a diverse group of influences, McKinley has developed a sound and style that is so unique, there are no comparisons. Come hail the queen and enjoy the grand finale to the 2009 EcoTarium Jazz at Sunset concert series.

Please call (508) 929-2738 or email lfoxwell [at] ecotarium [dot] org if you are interested in receiving images of the performers.

About the EcoTarium, A Museum of Science and Nature

EcoTarium is an indoor-outdoor museum dedicated to inspiring a passion for science and nature in visitors of all ages. The museum offers three floors of interactive exhibits, wildlife habitats, interpretive nature trails through forest and meadow, Massachusetts' only digital planetarium, a tree canopy walkway (seasonal) and a narrow-gauge railroad. The museum, located at 222 Harrington Way in Worcester, Mass., is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays 12 to 5 p.m. Parking is free. For more information, visit our website at www.ecotarium.org.