Community Concert season to open
By Shari Kaplan
The Los Gatos-Saratoga Community Concert Association begins its 2000-2001 concert season with the Side Street Strutters, a California-based jazz band, on Sept. 10, at 2:30 p.m. in Los Gatos High School's Prentiss Brown Auditorium, 20 High School Court.
The ensemble consists of Vince Verdi on clarinet, John Noreyko on tuba, Greg Varlotta on trumpet, Paul Johnson on drums, Joey Sellers on trombone and Rob Verdi on saxophone. The group was formed in 1983, when all six men attended Arizona State University in Tempe.
They formed the Side Street Strutters when they discovered they all shared a desire to explore the colorful nuances of America's musical heritage, especially Dixieland jazz, blues and popular standards. Over the years, they have added Big Band and Swing music to their repertoire.
Along with playing their instruments, many of the Side Street Strutters wear other hats. Sellers is a composer and arranger who helps put together the group's live performances, as well as their CD recordings; he also plays piano. Vince Verdi serves as tour director and business manager; his brother Rob Verdi is the group's Master of Ceremonies and is also involved in Disneyland's entertainment division. Varlotta is known for the broad range of instruments he plays, which includes the banjo, piano, guitar and tuba, as well as his usual trumpet. Johnson is the band's "newest" member, even though he's been with the group since 1985. Noreyko is the group's featured vocalist.
Because of a special grant this year, the Los Gatos-Saratoga Community Concert Association has planned two free outreach programs for students from Los Gatos High School, Fisher Middle School and selected other schools. The first workshop takes place following the Strutters' concert and is conducted by the musicians themselves.
They will discuss and demonstrate the elements of jazz music and the differences between traditional and contemporary jazz. They will also demonstrate performance techniques. The idea behind the workshop is to challenge young music students to try new ways of hearing, feeling and interpreting their music.
The second workshop is specially focused on students of stringed instruments. For more information about the workshops, or to reserve a spot, call Diana Pleasant at 408.354.2730, ext. 240.
Next in the Community Concert series is violinist Linda Wang on Nov. 12. Wang made her debut with the New York Philharmonic at age 9 and grew up to become a soloist with major orchestras throughout the world. She has won many international competitions and awards.
Third in the line-up is the San Jose Wind Symphony on Jan. 21, 2001. Together for more than four decades the SJWS is known for its diverse repertoire. It has won numerous national and international awards, including the Sudler Scroll Award, one of North America's most sought-after recognitions by community concert bands.
Concluding the 2000-01 season is Cristiana Pegoraro on April 22. Known in music circles for her passionate style, pianist Pegoraro has recorded popular piano works by Beethoven, Schumann, Chopin, Liszt, Ravel and Scarlatti. Her newest CDs also feature pieces written by Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona.
Season tickets are $40 for adults, $35 for senior citizens, $10 for students and $85 for the family plan, which admits two adults and any number of students. For tickets or membership information, call Ray Strong at 408.377.1106, or Lea Frey at 408.356.5698.
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Los Gatos, California Since 1881
