*** Press Release ***

Middletown— Trevor Davis of The Library Studio, announces that the Hartford Jazz Society and the Middletown Commission on the Arts are collaborating to provide funding, contingent upon Common Council approval, for a two-concert series entitled ‘Middletown on the Map.’ Both concerts will be free via livestream on the Hartford Jazz Society Facebook Page and will feature artists associated with Middletown. The first concert airs on Monday April 12, 7:00-8:30PM PM, and will present Medusa, an ensemble featuring tap dancer Corey Hutchins and percussionist Jocelyn Pleasant. The second concert will feature world renowned vibraphonist Jay Hoggard and his quartet, streaming live on Monday, May 10, 7:00-8:30PM.

Medusa was founded in 2010 by tap dancer Corey Hutchins and percussionist Jocelyn Pleasant. Both met and performed together at The Artist Collective in Hartford. They wanted to change the way jazz music was both seen and heard. Medusa is a ‘statement band’ that wishes to be heard as they bring the two great American art forms of jazz music and rhythm tap dancing together in a smooth mix of jazz standards and tap dancing at the highest artistic levels. Corey Hutchins has been with the Broadway sensation Riverdance and performed around the world as well as at the White House in 2010. Jocelyn has made her mark in the community and area performance scene over the past 15 years. She continues to teach throughout CT and runs the The Lost Tribe ensemble. Medusa is Corey Hutchins – tap dance, Jocelyn Pleasant – drums/percussion, Michael Carabello – piano, Dave Uhl – bass, Dakota Austin – alto sax, and Nathan Davis – trombone.

Jay Hoggard has long ranked with the greatest vibraphone innovators. Jay’s music is positive, spiritual, uplifting, and happy. He masterfully draws on traditional and contemporary musical vocabulary to develop new direction for the vibraphone. Jay seamlessly blends jazz and gospel roots with African marimba rhythms. His performance repertoire represents the three B’s of the jazz tradition (Blues, Bop and Ballads) with original innovations. Joining Jay Hoggard will be James Weidman on piano, Yoron Israel on drums and Belden Bullock on bass.

Since June 2020, the Hartford Jazz Society has continued to present live jazz by streaming virtual concerts from the Library Studio. This includes their long running Paul Brown Monday Night Bushnell Park concert series and the virtual Monday Night Jazz series on a monthly basis. Their 60 Anniversary Concert and Fundraiser November 13 featured the Steve Turre Sextet. Turre has played with Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Carlos Santana, and Ray Charles. He has been trombonist for the Saturday Night Live band since 1985.

The Library Studio is a fully operational multi-purpose studio for photo shoots, music, audio and video recording and live streaming. They have hosted events ranging from Power Yoga to video-taping interviews for documentaries, from parties to band rehearsals and concerts. The Library Studio is excited to build a creative space and community with the great, small City of Middletown.

Trevor Davis Jr., CCIM, MBA
363 Main St. Suite 502
Middletown, CT 06457
860-347-8738
tdavis@trevordavis.biz