American Jazz Repertory Orchestra Concert in Pittsfield, Mass., July 2

American Jazz Repertory Orchestra Tickets for July 2 Concert Now on Sale Online. and at Local Venues in Berkshire County, Massachusetts

PITTSFIELD, Mass., June 23, 2009 Ticket locations have been established throughout Berkshire County for the July 2 concert by the American Jazz Repertory Orchestra. Presented by Berkshires Jazz, Inc., the concert will also feature Berkshires jazz all-stars Vikki True, Charlie Tokarz, Andy Kelly and Gary Miller.

The concert starts at 7:30pm at First United Methodist Church, 55 Fenn Street, Pittsfield. Tickets are $20 in advance, and can be purchased online at BerkshiresJazz.org, and at the following western Massachusetts locations:

Dalton:
Mill Town Tavern

Great Barrington:
Guidos Fresh Marketplace
Tune Street

Lenox:
The Bookstore
Guidos Fresh Marketplace

Stockbridge:
Seven Arts

Pittsfield:
Chapters Book Store
Wood Brothers Music
Downtown, Inc.

Williamstown:
Toonerville Trolley Records



Additional information as well as online purchasing of tickets can be found at BerkshiresJazz.org, or at 413-443-6501. Tickets will be $25 at the door ($15 for students).

The two-part program includes selections from the great American songbook, as well as a salute to the big bands of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, and Stan Kenton. The American Jazz Repertory Orchestra is based in New York, and comprises first-call section players, jazz soloists and recording artists from the mid-Atlantic region.

Director Clem DeRosa is a veteran of the Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman legacy bands. A retired drummer and jazz educator, DeRosa co-authored books with drummer Eddie Shaughnessy and bassist Michael Moore. DeRosa was on the founding faculty of Stan Kenton's Stage Band Camps (later known as the Kenton Clinics), and was a founder of the International Association for Jazz Education.

Time was, when you could rely on the July 4 weekend to offer a big band concert somewhere in the region. Were bringing that tradition back, said Ed Bride, president of Berkshires Jazz, Inc., a new non-profit organization recently formed to present live jazz events and promote jazz education in Berkshire County. With employers observing Independence Day on Friday, July 3, the event opens the long holiday weekend for locals and visitors alike.

Berkshires Jazz also sponsors the Pittsfield CityJazz Festival, slated for downtown Pittsfield locations Oct. 7-18, 2009.