Fairfield University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts will showcase three Grammy Award winners for a special one-night-only performance of jazz standards on Friday, May 3, 2024 at 8 p.m.
— an announcement from Fairfield University
The performance, entitled Duets, will feature pianist Chucho Valdés, vocalist Dianne Reeves, and saxophonist Joe Lovano. Together, the three performers have a combined 12 Grammy Awards.
Chucho Valdés is an 82-year-old pianist who is deemed one of the most influential figures in modern Afro-Cuban jazz. He has won an astounding six Grammys and three Latin Grammy Awards throughout his 60-year career.
Valdés is perhaps best known as the founder, pianist, and main composer and arranger of Irakere, a landmark Cuban music ensemble. He is a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, and has been inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame.
A stunning five-time Grammy Award winner for Best Jazz Vocal Album, singer Dianne Reeves has virtuosity, improvisational prowess, and unique jazz and R&B stylings that have garnered her multiple awards, an honorary doctorate of music from Juilliard, and the honor of being named a 2018 National Endowment of the Arts Jazz Master. Her multi-octave range and magical, timeless voice have captivated audiences around the world.
Joe Lovano is a Grammy Award-winning saxophonist, composer, and arranger who has been named DownBeat magazine’s “Jazz Artist of the Year” twice. Lovano has released nearly 40 albums as leader or co-leader and has collaborated with many legendary musicians, including McCoy Tyner, Hank Jones, Joshua Redman, Bill Frisell, Branford Marsalis, Jim Hall, and Paul Motian.
“To have three Grammy Award-winning artists on our stage, performing together, is a magical moment for the Quick. Each of these performers is a true legend, and we can’t wait to hear them perform their original takes on some of the most well-known jazz standards,” said Lori N. Jones, director of programming and operations for the Quick Center.
In addition to the performance, tickets will be available for a special Spring Soirée to close the Quick Center’s season of live events.
If you want to go, get your tickets soon: The Quick Center website said Monday evening that not many are left.
The Quick Center thanks the Cindy Raney Team and WPKN for serving as sponsors of this performance. This event is also made possible through the generous support of Norman and Celeste LaCroix. Tickets are now on sale on quickcenter.com for $50 and $30 for Quick Members; a $100 Spring Soirée ticket includes entry to the concert. For more information, contact the Quick Center Box Office at 203-254-4010, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.