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Join us on Sat., April 7th at 7pm for a Music On Main Concert–Swingin’ Jazz, Smokey Blues, and a Touch of Twang–featuring JoAnne Redding and Robert Kelly. Rob & Red entertain with piano, guitar, and vocals, for an evening you will not want to miss! Desserts will be served during the performance and are included with admission.
JoAnne Redding is an emotive performing and recording artist who covers many genres. She’s performed from New Orleans to New England opening for major country acts including Asleep at the Wheel, Hank Williams, Jr., The Mavericks, and many others. On the folk scene, she’s played often at The Guthrie Center, Arlo’s “church” from “Alice’s Restaurant” fame, and at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival where she was chosen to showcase from over 400 applicants. Redding’s spiritual vocals have raised church rafters, both as a solo performer and backed by full choirs. Though she’s written and performed jazz-flavored tunes in the past, with ace pianist Robert Kelly, she fulfills a longing to add jazz standards and torch songs to her repertoire. Ms. Redding’s three CDs have had songs featured on TV and in film, and, earned her three months in the Top Ten of Roots Music Report’s Blues Chart.
Robert Kelly began studying jazz, ragtime, and classical music at the age of five. Early on, his influences were Oscar Peterson, Teddy Wilson, and Dave Brubeck. He attended Berklee College of Music and traveled to many parts of the globe as the pianist with the United States Coast Guard Band. Mr. Kelly has performed with Grammy Award winner Roberta Flack, Manhattan Transfer vocalist Cheryl Bentyne, comedienne Joan Rivers, and jazz pianists Dick Hyman and Dave McKenna to name a few. Robert Kelly is a sought-after performer, accompanist, bandleader, arranger, and teacher. In addition, he hosts the popular weekly “Berkshire Sings!” at Berkshire South Regional Community Center, encouraging singers of all ages and experience to find their voice.
Together, JoAnne Redding and Robert Kelly present a diverse mix of swingin’ jazz, smokey blues, and just a touch of twang for good measure!
The Music on Main series, which is presented by the First Congregational Church in Stockbridge, is a popular series bringing quality music programming to the wider community, with performances of voice, piano, and other instruments. Past performers include Jonathan Bass of the Boston Conservatory; BSO violinist Tatiana Dimitriades; BSO conductor and cellist Ronald Feldman; principal harpist Elizabeth Morse; Metropolitan Opera mezzo-soprano Marjorie Elinor Dix, vocalists Steve Hassmer and Christine Enderle; NYC trio Eight Strings & a Whistle; pianists YeeJin Yuk and Paul Celebi; and vocalists Jack Brown and Andrea Bargabos.
There is a suggested donation of $20 ($15 for seniors and students) at the door. Proceeds of this concert series help support the music ministry of the church, which includes a 2015 refurbishment of our rare and historic 1908 Steinway B piano.