A Night of Jazz and Folk at the Palace Theater
Jazz flutist Ali Ryerson is set to captivate audiences once again with her performances at Waterbury’s Poli Club at the Palace Theater. The event marks the start of the Early Fall Jazz Series, where Ryerson will take the stage on Friday. Known for her ability to transform each note into a meaningful conversation, Ryerson has established herself as one of the most compelling figures in contemporary jazz.
With a career spanning over five decades, Ryerson has consistently ranked among the top flutists in the Downbeat Jazz poll for more than a decade. Born in New York, she grew up in a family deeply rooted in music, with her father, Art Ryerson, being a renowned jazz guitarist. This early exposure helped shape her musical journey and passion for the art form.
Throughout her career, Ryerson has performed in some of the most prestigious venues around the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and Blue Note in both New York and Japan. She has collaborated with legendary jazz musicians such as Red Rodney, Roy Haynes, Kenny Barron, Frank Wess, Hubert Laws, Stephane Grappelli, Art Farmer, Mike Mainieri, Joe Beck, and even made a guest appearance with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
In addition to her work in jazz, Ryerson has also performed with classical artists like Julius Baker and Luciano Pavarotti when she was the principal flutist with the Monterey Bay Orchestra. As an educator and author, she has published the widely acclaimed Jazz Flute Practice Method and conducts master classes globally. Her compositions have been performed internationally, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile and influential artist.
Ryerson will perform two shows on Friday at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Attendees can purchase individual tickets with general admission seating or opt for a series ticket that includes all four shows with reserved seating. The Early Fall Jazz Series will continue on August 29 with Vanessa Racci: Jazz Italian, followed by Adam Burnbaum Trio on September 19, and Svetlana and The New York Collective closing the series on October 3.
For more details, visit the Palace Theater Box Office or check out their website at www.PalaceTheaterCT.org.
CT Folk Fest and Green Expo Returns
The CT Folk Fest and Green Expo is set to return next month on September 6 at Edgerton Park in New Haven. This annual event brings together live music, food trucks, and a variety of artisan vendors through the "Green Expo." With two stages for performances, the festival promises a vibrant celebration of folk and acoustic music.
The CT Folk Main Stage will feature Kala Farnham at 11:30 a.m., followed by The Meadow Brothers at 12:45 p.m., Eleanor & Dario at 2:15 p.m., Session Americana at 3:45 p.m., Chris Pierce at 5:15 p.m., Dustbowl Revival at 6:45 p.m., and Robert Finley at 8:30 p.m. Meanwhile, the Bigger Beast Stage will host D'Pew, Lee Totten and Canyon at 12:15 p.m., Oliva Clarke, Liz Read and Hailey Neal at 1:45 p.m., Undercover Cameo at 3:15 p.m., Sam Robbins at 4:45 p.m., and Frank Viele at 6:15 p.m.
Attendees are encouraged to make a tax-deductible donation of $25 to help cover event costs. The festival is held rain or shine and takes place at Edgartown Park, located at 75 Cliff St., New Haven. More information can be found at www.ctfolk.org/fest-expo-2025.
Tribute to Joan Baez at The MAC
Folk enthusiasts should mark their calendars for a special tribute to Joan Baez on August 21 at The MAC, or Milford Arts Council. The “Tip of the Hat” series will celebrate the music of Baez, featuring songwriters Meggie, Frank Crielli, North County Duo, and Denise Jones. These performers will take the stage in a round format, playing their own songs as well as interpretations of Baez's classic works.
The show starts at 6:30 p.m., with advance reserved tickets priced at $20. For more details or to purchase tickets, visit www.ctfolk.org/toth2joan.
This Week in Rock
On this day in 2017, Taylor Swift won a high-profile lawsuit against Denver disc jockey David Mueller. The case began when Mueller was fired after Swift accused him of groping her during a photo session before her concert in 2013. In response, Mueller sued Swift in 2015, prompting her to countersue for sexual assault. Ultimately, Swift was awarded $1 in damages, which she donated to charity, stating her hope was to help those whose voices should also be heard.
