There’s just something about jazz music. The genre’s melodic rhythms and meaningful improvisations have the power to captivate an audience, and such will be the case this Friday, July 22, when the Chris Vance Quartet performs during the fourth 2016 installment of LakewoodAlive’s Front Porch Concert Series.
The Chris Vance Quartet performs on Friday, July 22, on the front steps of the Lakewood Public Library.
Sponsored by Bentley Wealth Management of Raymond James, the Front Porch Concert Series features free, live music on the front porch of Lakewood Public Library (15425 Detroit Avenue) in Downtown Lakewood for 11 consecutive Fridays. The series, which aims to foster and sustain Lakewood’s vibrancy while providing a family-friendly summer entertainment option, runs through September 9.
Week 4 of the series brings to the stage the Chris Vance Quartet. Specializing in various styles of jazz, this group of seasoned musicians is comprised of Bobby Ferrazza (guitar), Tom First (tenor sax), Donnie Patterson (drums) and Chris Vance (bass).
The members of the Chris Vance Quartet boast a diverse, extensive musical background. Ferrazza serves as Professor of Jazz Guitar at Oberlin College, First performs in several bands, Patterson hails from the influential music city of Memphis and Vance owns Vance Music Studios in Lakewood.
“It’s nice to have a gig with these guys,” Vance said. “We’re all good friends, and we really enjoy having an opportunity to play a show like this together.”
Now in its sixth year, the popular Front Porch Concert Series adds vibrancy and an enhanced sense of community to Lakewood’s urban core, drawing several thousand attendees annually. Each week showcases a different style of music while Lakewoodites and visitors enjoy an entertaining evening at an open-air venue. Attendees are encouraged to bring family, friends, snacks, blankets and chairs.
The Front Porch Concert Series is generously supported by the following sponsors: Bentley Wealth Management of Raymond James, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, City of Lakewood, Cox Communications, Discount Drug Mart, Lakewood Public Library, Lion & Blue, Paisley Monkey, Pillars of Lakewood and Vance Music Studios.