Jazz saxophonist Thom Chambers will headline the second “Notes: An Evening of Musical Storytelling & Casual Conversation” to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Beaufort County.
This event will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, at Tabby Place in downtown Beaufort.
The first Notes event in 2016 set a very high bar – showcasing Frank Almond and his Lipinski Stradivarius – and the organizers said they “are delighted to follow that success with a musical guest of equal caliber who might just be Beaufort’s best-kept secret,” according to a press relese.
“You may have seen him jamming with neighbors at Maggie’s Pub in Habersham, or entertaining a late dinner crowd at Panini’s or Wined It Up downtown,” the release states. “You knew Beaufort was lucky to have a local who could blow a horn like that. But what you might not know is that Thom Chambers is a much sought after world-class jazz musician who plays all the big venues – from Hilton Head’s own celebrated Jazz Corner to the Montreaux Jazz Festival in Switzerland.”
According to his website, Chambers is equal parts musician and entertainer: “He combines the two capabilities so seamlessly that – like the chicken or the egg – you wonder which came first, the entertainer or the musician.”
Media reviews echo similar sentiments, commenting on Chambers’ “captivating, entertaining showmanship,” and using phrases like “great musicianship” and “crowd-pleasing” to describe his on-stage persona.
“Chambers’ class and clarity, elegance and intelligence, make a definitive mark on listeners before blending like spice into a Latin beat, a jazz standard, or one of his signature tunes – like Chet Baker’s ‘My Funny Valentine,’ which Chambers made his own before renaming it ‘My Funky Valentine,’” the release states. “Whether he’s performing original material, traditional jazz or jazz standards, Thom’s understanding, enjoyment and appreciation of music energizes every show.”
He has performed with Miami Sound Machine, and opened for Earth, Wind and Fire, Chris Botti, Gregg Karukus and NBA star-turned musician Wayman Tisdale. He was well known as co-founder, and on-stage leader of the former jazz group Indigo City.
“In keeping with the original event, this year’s Notes won’t be a stuffy concert in a hushed auditorium; it will be a fun, casual party with great music and conversation,” according to the release.
Event coordinator Jodie Miller of Plum Productions says Tabby Place will have a “jazz clubby feel.”
Saltus River Grill will serve up food and the cocktails will flow. There’s an art auction in the works, featuring donated pieces by several of Beaufort’s finest artists offering their interpretations of “jazz” in a variety of media, and Amiri Farris will be on the scene creating one of his “live action paintings.” Student art will be on display as well.
Honorary Chairs for Notes 2018 are Joe and Lin Mix.
“Joe was instrumental in founding the Boys Club of Greater Beaufort (now the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lowcountry) in Beaufort in 1985 and has been our most ardent supporter since then,” said board member Michael Gonzalez. “A past national trustee for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and a member of Boys & Girls Clubs of America Jeremiah Milbank Society, his generosity and passion for our cause have been unsurpassed in this community. The thousands of kids whose lives have been touched by the services of our clubs have Joe to thank. Without him, we would simply not exist.”
Sponsorships and group packages are available, and seating is limited. Tickets are $75.
For sponsorship information or to purchase tickets, call the Boys & Girls Club office at 843-379-5430 or email alittlejohn@bgclowcountry.org.
