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Etienne Charles, jazz trumpet

This performance is presented in partnership with Central PA Friends of Jazz.
July 7 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Performing with: Godwin Louis, saxophone; Alex Wintz, guitar; Russell Hall, bass; Harvel Nakundi, drums; Axel Tosca, piano
Trinidad born Etienne uses his unique sound to engage, enlighten, educate and enrich audiences with energized performances while wearing the snazziest of outfits.
A 2015 Guggenheim Fellow and 2022 Creative Capital Awardee, Etienne has been written into the US Congressional Record for his musical contributions to Trinidad & Tobago and the World.
A firm believer in music and performance as a tool for provoking thought and dialogue, Etienne Charles’ speaks with a thoroughly contemporary voice while drawing parallels to history. His concerts engage, enlighten, educate and enrich audiences with energized performances
As a bandleader, Etienne has led groups at the Newport Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Atlanta Jazz Festival, Pittsburgh JazzLive international Festival, San Jose Jazz Festival, Library of Congress, and Carnegie Hall. He has been commissioned as a composer and arranger by Lincoln Center, Savannah Music Festival, Chamber Music America, the Charleston Jazz Orchestra, and the Chicago Jazz Ensemble (2011)
Understanding his role as artist-citizen, he sees live music as a way to uplift all peoples and is dedicated to bringing it to those who aren’t able to attend concerts. Specifically, in his homeland of Trinidad and Tobago, he has done performances and workshops at Princess Elizabeth Center, St. Dominic’s Children’s Home, St. Mary’s Children’s Home, St. Jude’s School for Girls, St. Michael’s School for Boys, and St. Margaret’s School for Boys. In 2013, his Creole Soul album reached number one for three weeks on the Jazzweek chart. Also in 2013 he received the Caribbean Heritage Trailblazer award from the Institute of Caribbean Studies, Washington, DC.
This concert, and the Gretna Grooves series, are generously sponsored by Brian J. Bubnis, Morgan Stanley.
Etienne Charles’ appearance is generously underwritten by Clark McSparren.
About the Artists
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Helpful Tips
Bring a pillow
Consider bringing a pillow if you like a little cushion.
First Listen!
First Listen are free pre-concert mini-performances by our area’s most talented youth musicians. We partner with the Women’s Symphony Association of Lancaster to present finalists from their Young Artists Competition on our First Listen series. They occur before most of our Sunday concerts. Please check each concert page for more details.
Parking is Free
Parking guards will be around to assist you. Handicapped parking in front and behind the playhouse is limited.
Restrooms
Restrooms can be found in the lower level of the Playhouse, entered from outside. There is also a single handicapped-friendly restroom stage right (if you are looking at the stage, it is to the left).
Rain or Shine
Performances are rain or shine. If extreme weather causes a change in the status of a performance, an announcement will be posted on our home page and sent via email to all ticket buyers with details on rescheduling or cancellation, and ticket exchange or refund policy.
What to Wear
Come as you please with attire suitable for the temperature. The Playhouse is covered but open on the sides. Big ceiling fans ease the heat on hot, summer days.
Concessions
In addition to the eateries in and around Mt. Gretna, the Playhouse also has a concession stand! We sell various drinks and snacks, such as water, coffee drinks, soda, and candy, both before the performance and during intermission. The inviting smell of our delicious popcorn is a staple of our performance nights in the playhouse!