The Evolution of Jazz

The 2023 Whale and Jazz Series presents a special evening of music at Arena Theater. “The Evolution of Jazz” is a concert event set for Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. The evening will feature four talented musicians, familiar to many on the Mendonoma Coast. Saxophonist Francis Vanek will also narrate the evening’s program. Joining him will be bassist Dorothea May, drummer Gabe Yanez, and Dorian May on piano. Tickets are $18 and available through the Arena Theater website and at the door.

Music is, obviously, at the forefront of the evening but, in addition, the evening will be narrated by Francis Vanek. The musical presentation will chronicle the development and evolution of jazz styles from early jazz to modern. The narrated presentation will be followed by a jazz set in which audience will be asked to “Name That Jazz Style.”

Francis Vanek originally hails from Pennsylvania, where he attended Duquesne University. He played in bands with Roger Humphries and J.C. Moses and studied with the great Carl Arter. (Jazz Blues News described Arter [1918-2006] as “a master of harmony, who taught many prominent musicians, including Stanley and Tommy Turrentine.”) Vanek has shared the bandstand with such saxophone stalwarts as Ernie Watts, Tom Scott and Eddie Daniels and has also played shows with The Temptations, Little Richard, Martha Reeves and others.

The talent of Dorian May is easily seen and heard as he can seamlessly move within and through classic, modern and Latin jazz and more.  May has been described as one who can feels equally at home in world music and classical music as he is with hard-swinging bebop, Cuban Salsa and down-home blues.

A familiar talent on the coast, Dorothea May is a talented and highly regarded acoustic bassist. Drummer Gabe Yanez brings this talents to round out the group.

Check back for more information.