Tri-C JazzFest Launches Residency in Gordon Square Arts District

Partnership kicks off April 26 with jazz and poetry event

Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C^®) today announced a residency program bringing Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland performances and experiences to the Gordon Square Arts District.

Six free events will take place over the next two months in the West Side arts district. The partnership kicks off Friday, April 26 with Syllable Symposium: From Kerouac to Kendrick, an event exploring the rich relationship between jazz and poetry.

“This is our first collaboration with Gordon Square,” said Terri Pontremoli, director of Tri-C JazzFest. “We are excited about reaching this new audience and promoting jazz.”

The opening event features a panel discussion with poet and vocalist Daniel Gray-Kontar and acclaimed jazz trumpeter Dominick Farinacci. Spoken word artist Orlando Watson will moderate the talk.

The night will include performances by the panelists and moderator, as well as Damien McClendon, Ephraim Nehemiah, Tri-C JazzFest Academy’s Spirit of the Groove Ensemble, Pat W. and DJ Cooley High.

The symposium begins at 6 p.m. at Happy Dog, located at 5801 Detroit Ave. in Cleveland. Reservations are requested and can be made at syllablesymp.eventbrite.com. Walk-ups are welcome on the night of the event.

The five remaining events will take place leading up to the 40th annual Tri-C JazzFest in June. Here is the series lineup, with times and locations:

Friday, June 7

FunkyardX — 5-8:30 p.m at Near West Plaza, 6702 Detroit Ave.

This musical collective organized by Steve Johnson explodes in notes of funk, jazz and R&B.

Thursday, June 13

Spirit of the Groove — 6-8 p.m. at Luxe Kitchen & Lounge, 6605 Detroit Ave.

The future of music will be on display as students from Tri-C’s JazzFest Academy hit the stage under the direction of Dominick Farinacci, whose rise to worldwide fame began at the College.

Friday, June 21

Acid Cats — 5-8:30 p.m at 78^th Street Studios, 1300 West 78^th St.

An energetic sextet of instrumental madness blending funk, jazz, Latin, rock and soul music. The group is led by Tom Lehman, a Tri-C jazz studies alumnus.

Sunday, June 23

Samba Joia — 1-2 p.m. at Near West Plaza, 6702 Detroit Ave.

This always “FIRED UP!” drumming group builds community through vibrant Brazilian music and culture.

Tuesday, June 25

Screening and discussion of the 1986 film ‘Round Midnight: 6-10 p.m. at Capitol Theatre, 1390 W. 65^th St.

Jazz legend Dexter Gordon played the lead role in this fictional film about a troubled saxophonist who rekindles his spirit in Paris. Maxine Gordon, the musician’s widow, will participate in a Q&A session and book signing after the screening. Saxophonist Nathan Paul Davis will perform before the film.

The Tri-C JazzFest residency is part of Gordon Square Presents, a free performance series supported by Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, Kulas Foundation and The Louise H. and David S. Ingalls Foundation.

Gordon Square Presents seeks to enhance artistic programming in the neighborhood, providing unique experiences to residents and visitors and opportunities to emerging artists.

Tri-C’s partnership with the Gordon Square Arts District expands on the College’s commitment to bring Tri-C JazzFest programming to communities. Visit www.tri-cjazzfest.com for a full list of events leading up to this year’s festival.

April 18, 2019

John Horton, 216-987-4281 john.horton@tri-c.edu