By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org
Jazz standards, African-American spirituals and a little something new will be on the setlist as the Jazz in the Sanctuary concert series opens its sixth season Sunday, Nov. 17, in the acoustically inspiring sanctuary of Fountain Street Church in downtown Grand Rapids.
Each concert in the series has guest performers joining Robin Connell, series host and local jazz musician, onstage for an hour or so of music and musical conversation. The Nov. 17 concert, set for 3 p.m., will feature vocalist Ashley Daneman and her husband, trumpeter Benje Daneman, Andrew Peck on bass and Connell on piano.
There is no bad seat in the house due to the venue’s famous acoustics and a large projection screen displays the performers up-close. Connell often invites audience members to ask questions.
According to supplied material, the setlist “will include standards, African-American spirituals, compositions by Benje and music from Ashley’s new album, People Are Fragile.”
Ashley Daneman, originally from Ohio, honed her singing voice in Washington, D.C., and New York City, earning her master’s degree from the prestigious Manhattan School of Music. Her original music is available on Bandcamp and other online platforms, according to supplied material, and she has drawn comparisons to Becca Stevens, Laura Nyro, and even Stephen Sondheim.
Benje Daneman started his professional career in 2007 with the Doc Severinsen Big Band and now performs and records with his band SearchParty. He has co-founded and directed multiple educational programs including the Jazz & Creative Institute (JCI), Kalamazoo Youth Jazz Orchestra, Kalamazoo Trumpet Workshop, and JazzStart Summer Jazz Workshop.
Included on a long musical resume, Connell received West Michigan Jazz Society’s 2017 “Musician of the Year” award for her widespread collaboration with area jazz artists and her work on this series. She performs regularly throughout West Michigan, often with her husband, trombonist and educator Paul Brewer.
General admission to each Jazz in the Sanctuary concert is $15 online or at the door. Students admission is $5 with a valid school ID. Please visit fountainstreet.org/jazz.
