Jazz For Jennings To Offer Duo Of Hamptons Benefit Concerts In Support Of Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center

Jazz for Jennings comes back to the Hamptons on Sunday, June 24 for the fourth year in a row.

The event is named for the legendary news anchor Peter Jennings and honors his commitment to the community, especially the Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center. The benefit has raised critical funds to support the Center’s all important educational, recreational and enrichment programs.

“Jazz for Jennings is the reincarnation of Jazz at Jennings, the benefit for The Center that Peter and I hosted for many years at our home,” said Kayce Freed Jennings. “I know Peter would be thrilled that the tradition continues, and that the community continues to support this vital gem in our midst and its mission of hope.”

The lunch and concert will take place at the Watermill Center (39 Water Mill Towd Road, Water Mill) from 12:30 to 4 p.m.

Evan Sherman is returning to serve as band leader again. The 25-year-old drummer, bandleader, composer and arranger has played all over the world with the likes of James Moody, Wynton Marsalis, Roy Hargrove, Cyrus Chestnut, Jimmy Heath (all five alumni of J@J or J4J), Jon Batiste and Dizzy Gillespie All-Stars. In 2014, Evan formed the Evan Sherman Entourage and 16-piece Big Band, which consists of up- and-coming musicians playing alongside a rotating cast of legendary veterans. Sherman and his band play at Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night Swing, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Caramoor Jazz Festival, and The Rainbow Room. A native of New Jersey, Evan graduated from the Manhattan School of Music in 2015 and is based in New York City.

Other featured Jazz for Jennings performers will include Patrick Bartley (an alto sax player that has performed on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert), Ruben Fox (tenor sax), bass player Dean Torrey, guitarist Dan Rose (who was featured at Jazz@Jennings 2004) and tenor saxophonist Julian Lee, a recipient of the 2017 Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award.

Later on, The Jam Session – whose is responsible for the Thursday evening shows at Bay Burger in Sag Harbor – will present the J4J Evan Sherman Entourage Band at the legendary Stephen Talkhouse (161 Main Street, Amagansett) for another benefit concert for the Center from 7 to 10 pm.

In addition to Sherman, featured musicians will include Bartley, Joy Brown, Russell Hall, Frank Lacy, Joel Wenhardt, and James Zollar.

Tickets for Jazz for Jennings start at $500, while admission to the Evan Sherman Band’s concert at the Talkhouse are $25.

Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center was founded in 1949 after a migrant camp fire tragically killed two children of seasonal farm workers. The not-for-profit’s mission is to provide quality educational and recreational programs to local children, youth and their families.

For Jazz for Jennings tickets, visit www.bhccrc.org. For tickets to J4J Evan Sherman Entourage Band at the Talkhouse, visit www.stephentalkhouse.com.