After a full house inaugural Jazz-Connections Concert, the next in the series of concerts will take place on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at 5 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Huntington. Our newly established “Jazz Connections – Natalie Rae Memorial Concert Series” will feature wonderful performances by The Jazz Loft All Stars, and will be held at St. John’s Church, 12 Prospect Street, Huntington.

The concert performers will highlight the voices and jazz musicians of The Jazz Loft, of Stony Brook. Performing at the May 5th concert will be Vanessa Trouble, Mike Hall, Dan Pugach, Thomas Manuel, and Mala Waldron. Tom Manuel is the artistic director of Jazz Loft and consultant for Jazz Connections, Dan Pugach is a 2023 Grammy winning musician (for work on Nicole Zuaritis' album "How Love Begins") and Mala Waldron is the daughter of late jazz legend Mal Waldron.

The concert series name “Jazz Connections” emphasizes both the emotional connection between top-notch jazz performers and the audience as well as the stylistic connections between jazz and other worldwide genres of music that enriched jazz or were influenced by it.
The new concert series honors the legacy of Huntington native jazz singer Natalie Rae, who studied with the legendary Lennie Tristano, and established a cult following during her extensive professional career. For information about Natalie Rae: https://www.allmusic.com/artist/natalie-rae-mn0001009433

The Reverend Duncan Burns, Rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church, said, “Our church was packed to capacity for our inaugural jazz concert, and we are delighted to bring the next in the series of wonderful jazz concerts to the Huntington community. Town of Huntington residents, and many from beyond, made our first concert such a success. We hope that this new ‘Jazz Connections – Natalie Rae Memorial Concert Series’ will continue to have folks come into the space of our historic church to enjoy music.”

The May 5th concert will be followed by a Cinco de Mayo reception in the Great Hall at St. John’s. Tickets purchased before April 30th are available at a discounted price of $20. (Discount Code: PRESALE) Purchases at the door on the evening of the concert will be $30. Advance and at the door sales for Seniors (65+), veterans, and students are discounted to $15.  PURCHASE TICKETS