The Side Street Strutters are playing as part of the Los Gatos-Saratoga Community Concert Association's series.
Community Concert season to begin
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 formed back in 1983, when all six men were attending 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 associated instruments, many of the Side Street Strutters also 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 include the banjo, piano, guitar and tuba, as well as his usual trumpet. Johnson is the band's "newest" member, even thought he's been with them since 1985. Noreyko is the group's featured vocalist.
Next up in the Community Concert series is violinist Linda Wang on Nov. 12. Wang made her debut with the New York Philharmonic at age nine and grew up to become a soloist with major orchestras throughout the world. She has also 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 wide repertoire. It has won numerous national and international awards, including the Sudler Scroll Award, one of North America's most sought-after recognitions for community concert bands.
Concluding the 2000-01 season is Cristiana Pegoraro on April 22. Known in music circles for her passionate playing 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 more information, call Ray Strong at 408.377.1106 or Lea Frey at 408.356.5698.
Saratoga, California Since 1955
