Bringing In the Advent Season on a Light Note

Bringing In the Advent Season on a Light Note

Milwaukee, Wis., November 2, 2017–Toward the end of the year, the media inundate us with articles and books that impart friendly advice about lightening one’s load during the busy holiday season. On Thursday, November 30, at 7 p.m., a jazz duet sponsored by the School Sisters of St. Francis on their south side Milwaukee campus will offer a musical remedy to this time of frantic preparation with tunes that are familiar and nostalgic. Pianist Jeffrey Hollander and double bassist Michael Britz will be the featured guest artists for “Have Yourself a Jazzy Little Christmas” at St. Joseph Center (1501 S. Layton Blvd. or 27th St. and Greenfield Ave.).

This is the second visit to the convent for the duo, who performed their “Night Music on the Boulevard” concert there in 2015. Strong musical partners, Hollander and Britz complement each other’s improvisational moments with prodigious mastery. Audience members will get a taste of their “Big Apple” flavor of jazz, Blue Note Club style. Their musical renditions of holiday and winter favorites will likely invoke fond memories. Their wartime Christmas selections include music we identify with Vera Lynn, Bing Crosby, and Frank Sinatra, and composed by Irving Berlin and Hoagy Carmichael. Also hum along to the Christmas hallmarks of Mel Tormé, Nat King Cole, and Johnny Mathis. For even more variety, enjoy favorite melodies by Bach, Gounod, Beethoven, Liszt, and Gershwin. Requests will also be solicited from the audience.

Dr. Hollander is accustomed to entertaining both jazz and classical music devotees, as he frequently performs at the Pfister Hotel. Once a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee professor of music, he now prefers simply to lift spirits through his amazing musicianship. He has performed with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Doc Severinsen, and at countless venues throughout southeast Wisconsin. Dr. Hollander also has the great honor of having been the youngest scholarship winner in the history of the famous Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, back in 1946, when he was just seven years old.

Double bassist Michael Britz has appeared with famous pop/swing artists Diahann Carroll, Rosemary Clooney, and Frank Sinatra, Jr., as well as with well-respected symphonies, including the MSO, the Grant Teton Music Festival, and the Colorado Philharmonic. He also leads the Mike Britz Trio. Having taught music in public schools for more than 30 years, Mr. Britz now mentors students of the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra. Like Dr. Hollander, Mr. Britz was gifted as a youth musician: He has been playing professionally since he was 12 years old.

Tickets for the concert are $15.  Advance purchase is recommended as seating is limited. Write checks to:  School Sisters of St. Francis Outreach Events. Mail to:  Outreach Events; School Sisters of St. Francis; 1501 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53215. Contact: 414-385-5272 or doloughlin@sssf.org.

About the School Sisters of St. Francis

The School Sisters of St. Francis are an international community of Catholic sisters who unite with others to build a just and peaceful world. Founded in 1874, they now have sisters, associates, staff, donors and volunteers actively working to address the needs of those who are poor and marginalized by society. Their mission is thriving throughout the United States, Europe, Latin America and India. In the U.S., School Sisters live and minister in 15 states, addressing needs in education, holistic wellness and healing, pastoral ministry, spiritual growth, social justice, and the arts. For more information about the School Sisters of St. Francis, please visit www.sssf.org.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

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Bringing In the Advent Season on a Light Note

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