Bridging jazz, klezmer, rock, and groove, Big Brooklyn carries a progressive and inviting presence, exploring beautiful melodies while defining new boundaries. Awarded Semi-Finalist positions in the UK Songwriting Contest for multiple compositions on their album, Everyone Everywhere, as well as being a jazz finalist in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest for a song on their first album, Purpose, this 5-piece group captivates audiences with a unique depth of passion in expressive melodies and harmonies from jazz and beyond, touching on the inseparable exultation and pathos of the klezmer sound, all interwoven over a fabric of jazz and groove that pulls all stops. Big Brooklyn was formed by Willie and Melody Dornfeld. While having New England roots, they formed the band while in Colorado, but have since moved back to New England and are excited to be performing in the Best Video Film & Cultural Center on August 14 from 7-9pm. Band members include: Melody Dornfeld – Clarinet & Bass Clarinet, Nigel Regan– Tenor & Soprano Saxophones, Gannon Ferrell – Guitar, Preston Murphy – Bass, and Willie Dornfeld – Drums. www.bigbrooklynmusic.com
New Haven Composers Spotlight at NXTHVN
The New Haven Composers Spotlight, a collaboration between emergent composers and 15 local musicians, will debut on April 20, 2024. Supported by both the Mellon Foundation and Arts Council of Greater New Haven via the Artist Corps grant, the Composers Spotlight aims to highlight unique and emerging composers in New Haven and to pair these composers with a large ensemble of musicians from across the institutions and musical communities of the city. The performances will span genres from jazz and swing to R&B and contemporary classical. In order to reserve seats for the (free) event, guests are encouraged to fill out this registration form (https://forms.gle/5kDBriMqLWyoTqEw9).
