Jazz Maui and ProArts Playhouse present “An Evening with Tommy James” on Friday, April 10 at ProArts Playhouse in Kihei. The show begins at 7:30pm and features jazz standards from Tin Pan Alley to Hollywood including music by Gershwin, Porter, Ellington and more, all with emphasis on straight ahead swing. Tickets are available at ProArtsMaui.org.

Jazz pianist Tommy James is also a composer, arranger and music director. He has been the pianist and music director of the Duke Ellington Orchestra and recently moved to Honolulu from his former home in New York. Mr. James has worked with a wide ranging group of artists of many musical genres. Among the outstanding artists and bands with whom he has performed and/or recorded are: The Duke Ellington Orchestra; Lionel Hampton; Joe Williams; Maureen McGovern; Cleo Laine/John Dankworth; Nell Carter; Marlena Shaw; Roy Ayers; Melba Moore; Manu Dibango; Billy Vera; The Spinners; and, the Temptations. Tommy has served as music director with the international tour of the Tony-award winning musical “Bring in ‘da Noise”. He has also been musical director for Dawn Lewis, Doc Powell, Bobbi Humphrey, and others. Tommy’s arrangements have been performed by the Ellington Orchestra, the New York Pops, the LA Philharmonic, the Buffalo Philharmonic.

On Friday, April 10th, Tommy leads an all-star ensemble of local jazz musicians: saxophonist John Zangrando, drummer Howie Rentzer, and bassist Dave Graber with special guest vocalist Sheryl Renee.

Jazz Maui, a branch of the 501(c)-3 nonprofit Arts Education for Children Group (www.aecfg.org), provides opportunities for participation in high quality jazz music education and performances. Throughout the year Jazz Maui presents special concerts, clinics and classes held at various venues around the islands. Selected performances presented by Jazz Maui are live-streamed on the organization’s website: www.JazzMaui.org.

For more information text (808) 283-3576 or email info @aefcg.org.