91 University Pl.
Princeton, NJ 08540
www.mccarter.org
609-258-2787
For more information, contact:
Tom Miller, Director of Public Relations
[email protected]
609-258-6524
McCarter Theatre Center opens the 2016-2017 Signature Series with
JAZZ 100: Celebrating the Centennial
Birthdays of Dizzy, Ella, Mongo, and Monk
(clockwise from top left: Danilo Pérez (piano), Chris Potter (tenor sax/woodwinds), Avishai Cohen (trumpet), Lizz Wright (vocals),
Wycliffe Jordan (Trombone), Ben Street (Bass), Adam Cruz (drums), and Roman Diaz (percussion/vocals). Photo: IMN/Artist Management.
Princeton, NJ: Peerless pianist Thelonious Monk. Afro-Cuban/rumba percussion master Mongo
Santamaria. Trumpet virtuoso Dizzy Gillespie. Vocalist and beloved “first lady of song” Ella
Fitzgerald. What do these four titans of 20th century jazz have in common? All were born in 1917,
and to commemorate the occasion pianist Danilo Pérez has gathered an immensely talented group
of players together to form JAZZ 100. This special centennial birthday celebration concert event
happens Saturday, October 1st at 8:00 p.m. in McCarter’s Matthews Theatre.
Panamanian pianist and bandleader Danilo Pérez is a man from the crossroads of the world.
Historically, Panama has been the meeting point between east and west, a land where cultures have
blended together for centuries. Many things thrive through the trade of ideas, including jazz. Pérez
has mastered many performance styles, counting Monk and Gillespie as two of his most influential
mentors. As a band leader he has a master’s eye for talent, with a sixth sense for creating musical
magic from the right collection of artists. JAZZ 100 was born to pay homage to history through an
evening of works from jazz’s most timeless and important musical voices.
In addition to Pérez, JAZZ 100 includes vocalist Lizz Wright, whose latest CD Freedom and
Surrender debuted at No.1 on the Billboard Contemporary and Current Jazz charts. She will be
supported by an all-star ensemble including Chris Potter (tenor sax/woodwinds), Avishai Cohen
(trumpet), Wycliffe Gordon (trombone), Ben Street (bass), Adam Cruz (drums), and Roman Diaz
(percussion/vocals).
TICKET INFORMATION
JAZZ 100 performs in McCarter Theatre Center’s Matthews Theatre on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at
8:00 p.m. Tickets are $45.00 - $58.00 and are on sale now at the McCarter Theatre Center Ticket
Office, by phone at 609-258-2787, or online at www.mccarter.org.
This presentation is a part of McCarter Theatre Center’s Signature Series, which is curated by
Special Programming Director William W. Lockwood, the driving force behind McCarter Theatre
Center’s reputation as one of the premiere arts presenters in the country. The 2016-2017 Signature
Series is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies.
McCarter Theatre Center is supported by Princeton University, the New Jersey State Council on the
Arts, and over 3,000 individuals, corporations, and foundations. McCarter Theatre is located at 91
University Place in Princeton, NJ. For more information, www.mccarter.org.
###