Saturday is our Billie Holiday Concert at the Art Center of Burlington. Doors open at 6:30 and music starts at 7pm. We recommend coming early as we are anticipating a large turnout and space is limited. This performance is free with a cash bar and food for sale from the Art Center. Sponsors for both events are Music at SCC and the SCC Music Club.

Some more information about the Billie Holiday Event on Saturday:
Musicians are:
Anthony Russell on drums
Landon Oliver on organ
Anthony Jameson on bass
Richie Bliesner on piano
Hailey Ramatowski on vocals
Daniel Pappas on tenor sax

Anthony Russell and Landon Oliver are members of the All-American Jazz Collective and are making their third visit to Burlington. Both live and work in Fayetteville, NC and are steeped in the jazz tradition. We're very lucky to have them back as they are quickly becoming town favorites. Not only are they phenomenal players, but they bring great energy and exude enthusiasm at every performance.

Anthony Jameson is a graduate of West Burlington HS and SCC and now studies jazz bass at WIU. He is a staple for jazz in Burlington and can also be found helping out down at the Test Kitchen on Friday evenings. I'm very proud of Tony and the progress he has made at Western and we're excited to have him on bass.

Richie Bliesner is a graduate of Burlington HS and is a freshman at WIU studying jazz piano. If you are from Burlington then you may know of Richies prowess on the piano. Formerly known as ragtime Richie, he is now vearing more towards bebop and modern jazz. You won't want to miss this rising star, he'll knock your socks off, guaranteed.

Hailey Ramatowski is the featured vocalist of the evening. She has the difficult task of carrying the night and living up to the legendary artist we'll be celebrating. If you have never heard Hailey sing, then you are in for a treat. Just like Billie Holiday, Hailey is a wonderful song stylist, making everything she sings her own. Hailey went to Fort Madison HS, studied at SCC, and the University of Iowa. She has returned to Ft Madison and heads up all things music at the YMCA Test Kitchen. She is the fearless leader and organizer of the bi-monthly Stem Lounge jazz jam and always my first call for an accompanist (she's an accomplished pianist as well).
Hailey sings with a musical maturity far beyond her young age and is the only singer I trust to do the music justice. She will move you and have you asking for more by the time the evening is over.

Of course, there is me too, but you should really be coming to hear everyone else :)

Why Billie Holiday?
In my bid to bring more jazz to Burlington and my desire to feature Hailey, I decided that we should pay tribute to Billie Holiday. Holiday led a full life with a complex legacy. She made every song her own and delivered them with honesty and conviction. There never was, nor will there ever again be a Billie Holiday. It is in her spirit that we play on Saturday. The program consists of many of the same songs she recorded including the few she wrote. Hailey will make these tunes her own and will deliver a unique take on each.

The Art Center will make the gallery feel like a jazz club with small tables, black tablecloths, and mood lighting. They will also be serving food from their cash bar in line with our theme for the evening.
Come dressed up, or come as you are, all are welcome, and admission is entirely free. There is limited space, so get there when the doors open at 6:30pm if you want to guarantee a seat. The music starts at 7pm.