in The Warehouse
$35 + $10 Fees
$25 + $10 Fees
Host/moderator Roger Kaufman introduces Featured Keynote Speaker presentation "Race and Music of the Deep South" by Musicologist, Author, bassist, Ffld Univ. Prof Brian Q. Torff followed by a 90-minute live music performance by The Old School Revue All Stars with The Saugatuck Horns featuring 4 Special guest Vocalists: Audrey Martells, Tiffany T'Zelle, Billy Cliff, and Billy Genuario.
Following BrianTorff's powerpoint presentation, the popular Old School Revue All-Stars featuring the Saugatuck Horns take the stage. Their bandmates performance/production or recording credits include the Blues Brothers, Steve Cropper, Bob Dylan, Joe Cocker, Alphonse Mouzon, Aretha Franklin,Steely Dan, Robert Palmer and the Rolling Stones. The Old School Revue All Stars have been performing in the New York/CT. Area for 20 years playing "Absolutely none of Todays Favorite music." This will be their 4th appearance at the FTC.
They will perform an iconic selection of Classic Soul and R&B music by the great musicians from the recording studios of Muscle Shoals, Memphis, Miami, Macon, and Motown. Back stories,insider commentary and narration is provided by Speaking of Music's Roger Kaufman.
Speaking of Music endeavors to inform, stimulate, educate, and entertain via the storied history of indigenous American Music — be it Blues, Ragtime, Jazz, Swing, Rock, R&B, or Soul.
The “Speaking of Music” Series offers narration and discussion, dialogue, and/or Q&A preceding, following, or intermingled with compelling live musical performances. Our unique live events are informative, stimulating, educational, and entertaining all via the glorious history of American indigenous music. The abundant musical history of America speaks for itself, starting with Blues, Ragtime, Jazz, Swing, Rock, R&B, and Soul, among others.
The concept is simple. By combining "Words and American Music," we produce memorable and unique live events that embrace and deliver the importance and value of our cornerstone IDEA: Inclusivity, Diversity, Education and Awareness
Brian Q. Torff is a bassist, composer, author and educator. Currently, he is Professor of Music and Music Program Director at Fairfield University. Torff has performed with George Shearing, Frank Sinatra, Dizzy Gillespie, Stephane Grappelli, Marian McPartland, Oliver Nelson, Mary Lou Williams, the Django Reinhart All-Stars, Tony Bennett, Cleo Laine and the Thad Jones- Mel Lewis Orchestra. He is the Musical Director and arranger for New Duke, an eight-piece horn band that was featured on the national CBS television special, “Christmas Eve at Fairfield University.” In 1992, he served as co-chairperson for the Music Advisory Board for the National Endowment for the Arts and in 2008, Torff was named Artist of the Year by the Fairfield Arts Council. In early 2008, Brian Torff lived in Paris where he wrote In Love with Voices: A Jazz Memoir.
Brian Torff’s current book, Seize the Beat: The Evolution of American Popular Music, published by McFarland & Co, was written from Torff’s many research trips to the Deep South. The book and his subsequent presentations deal with race and music in America. He tours with the Brian Torff Group which draws musical and social influences from Torff’s Southern travels.
