The 3rd annual Thomaston Jazz Festival will be held this Sunday 5/15/2015 at 2pm at the majestic Thomaston Opera House. Sponsored by Mutual Security Credit Union, the festival will present three bands performing timeless classics and new favorites. The bands are the RJ Kinsella Magnet School of Performing Arts, the Litchfield High School Jazz Band and the Thomaston Jazz Orchestra.

Under the direction of Jim Luurtsema, the TJO performs standard charts from Big Band classics through today’s contemporary artists with a professional sound and energetic vibe. The 20 piece orchestra comprised of professional musicians from surrounding towns in CT, many of which are teachers, traveling performers and local community band, orchestra and symphony members are sharing the stage and their experience with two youth performing groups: Litchfield High School Big Band & R.J. Kinsella Magnet School of Performing Arts Jazz Combo.

The premiere concert will feature guest artist Ben Griffin, a Jazz performer with a BA from the Manhattan School of Music. From 1999 to 2001 Ben was a featured soloist in the original cast of Blast!, which won a Tony Award in 2001 for Best Theatrical Event. (If you saw the televised version you may recall seeing Ben ride across the stage on a tall unicycle while playing his trombone!) From 2005 to 2010 he was assistant principal trombonist in the Coast Guard band. During his career Ben has performed in myriad ensembles in the jazz world, including the Vanguard Orchestra, the Mingus Big Band, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, the Cab Calloway Orchestra, the Birdland Big Band, the Galvanized Jazz Band, and many more.

Featured performers include singer Charise Courtney and organist Juan Cardona.

Introducing the event will be master of ceremonies, J. Timothy Quirk.

The Thomaston Jazz Orchestra presents the TJO Jazz Festival Sunday May 15th @ 2:00pm on the Thomaston Opera House main stage, 158 Main Street, Thomaston CT 06787.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $21 for seniors and students. All seats are reserved. For more information on subscriptions, gift certificates and group sales contact or visit the Box Office (860) 283-6250 Monday – Friday 1pm – 6pm & Saturdays 1-4pm @ 158 Main Street Thomaston, CT 06790

Event Sponsor: Mutual Security Credit Union