EC-CHAP "Jazz Series": Claudia Schmidt with Miro Sprague

Tickets $15.00 in Advance (ONLINE) / $20.00 at the Door / Special Student Price $10.00 at the Door (WITH VALID I.D.)

Special Note: We are pleased to have Claudia Schmidt and Miro Sprague join us in their debut performance at The Packing House. Claudia's CD Release of "Hark the Dark" is timely and relevant to the season. This compilation of classic and original works portrays a reflection and texture of this special time of year. - EC CHAP

Claudia Schmidt has been creating and performing music audiences all over the world for almost 45 years, delighting them with her craft as well as her love of performing. Though she is known primarily for her presence in the folk world, she has been steadily raising her profile in the jazz realm as well, mostly in the Midwest, where she has been based for a few decades. Her multi-octave voice is a perfect instrument for jazz, be it ballad or be bop. Many original compositions join the standard jazz repertoire, with blues and spoken word woven into the mix as well.

Now living in NE Connecticut, she is connecting with jazz musicians in this region, and will be performing her first ever jazz concert out here at the Packing House on Sat. Jan. 20, celebrating the release of her 22nd recording, a winter themed collection called Hark the Dark.

With her on the 20th,( as well as on the new CD) will be Miro Sprague on piano. 

Miro Sprague is a jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader known for his dynamic performance style and inspiring creativity. He leads his own trio and quintet and is a member of the cooperative septet “Holophonor.” Miro has toured the nationally and internationally and has performed with Wayne Shorter, Matt Wilson, Greg Osby, Jerry Bergonzi, Reggie Workman, Adam Cruz and Linda Oh, among others. He is also a skilled vocal accompanist and has been the pianist of choice for renowned vocalist Karrin Allyson since late 2015.

Miro received his undergraduate degree from the Manhattan School of Music and his masters degree from the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance at UCLA, a prestigious, tuition-free jazz masters program that accepts one ensemble of musicians for each class. While at the Institute, Miro had the opportunity to study with many of the world’s greatest musicians including Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Billy Childs, James Newton, Dave Liebman and Hal Crook, among others. 

Miro was a semifinalist in the 2015 Montreux Jazz Festival Piano Competition and has released four studio albums including his most recent release “Blue Dreaming”. He lives in New York City.

Join us for an opportunity to celebrate this new collection of music and experience these accomplished jazz musicians in an historic intimate setting! This concert is hosted by the "Eastern Connecticut Center for History, Art, and Performance" (EC-CHAP). Doors 7:00pm / Show 7:30pm. Soft drinks and snacks available. We are pleased to offer our exclusive "BYOB&F" model - Bring Your Own Beverage & Food (Wine & Beer Only - I.D. Required).  You can also bring your paid ticket to Willington Pizza House (or WP Too) for eat-in or take-out the night of the show and receive 15% off your meal purchase. Ask for "The Packing House" pizza! Click here for secret recipe. 

For information and table reservations, please call 518-791-9474.