By Robert Kalfus
Yonkers’ own Library Jazz Band, a full 17 piece orchestra including saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and a rhythm section, led by conductor Dave Levitt, performed on November 19th at the Grinton Will Library. The Library Jazz Band was founded in 2022, when friends Nancy Maron and Sarah Jane Cion wanted to play with a big band and so decided to start their own.
Sunday’s performance of “Stars in Your Backyard” honored Yonkers’ deep musical legacy, including well-loved songs written or made famous by WC Handy, Ella Fitzgerald, Gene Krupa, and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, who grew up at Yonkers’ 100 Pembroke drive, and featured guest soloists Amy London, vocals, who performed two songs made famous by Yonkers legend Ella Fitzgerald, and Ralph Lalama on tenor saxophone.
WC Handy’s “St. Louis Blues” led off, followed by trumpeter Kim Burgie’s “Roadrunner”. Mr. Burgie is a multi-instrumentalist who in addition to trumpet plays jazz recorder and drums/percussion. When not working on original music for TV and motion pictures, he teaches music at a south Bronx high school. The music of Ella Fitzgerald was featured, who grew up in Yonkers, and attended Public School 18. Her family lived on School Street and Park Hill Avenue. Also featured was the drumming style of famous drummer Gene Krupa, who lived in the white house at the corner of Ritchie Drive and Wendover.
The Library Jazz Band may be contacted and booked for events at MaronNancy@gmail.com.
