Island Jazz Quintet will play its brand of smooth, cool jazz at Ober Park, from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, as part of the free Concerts in the Park series. The quintet’s full cabaret sound has been heard in venues throughout the region and internationally for a decade.
The Vashon group, which has released three CDs, has received airplay on regional radio, including KPLU. The quintet recently rereleased its first CD — a 2000 self-titled release that had previously sold out — and it is available on CD Baby. The group has performed for audiences throughout the Pacific Northwest and as far away as Mexico and China.
Island Jazz Quintet will perform standard favorites as well as eclectic new arrangements of tunes by Hank Williams, Peggy Lee and Bob Dylan.
“We’ve been learning some new material, playing as a trio and sometimes as a quartet, but this show will be the whole group,” said Maggie Laird, who plays melodica and belts out powerful vocals.
She will be joined by fellow musicians Richard Person on horns; Todd Zimberg on drums; Todd Gowers on upright bass and Tom Wilkins on keyboard.
“This talented quintet of musicians from Vashon Island, Wash., has produced a fine album of songs including jazz standards and originals. The performances are rooted in tradition with modern rhythmic and harmonic embellishments,” one critic wrote.
The finale of this summer’s free Concerts in the Park is Sept. 4, when Portage Fill brings its big band swing dance sounds to Ober Park.
Concerts in the Park, sponsored by Vashon Park District, Vashon Allied Arts and Windermere, are open to all ages. No alcohol is permitted in the park.