8th Annual Manchester Jazz Festival coming on Saturday, December 2

The 8th annual Manchester Jazz Festival will be held at historic Cheney Hall, 177 Hartford Road in Manchester on Saturday, December 2. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and the event will begin at 7 p.m. General admission tickets are $36 per person, and VIP tickets are $75 per person.

The Manchester Jazz Festival is the State’s most intimate indoor winter jazz fest experience, with a cozy mix of café-style and row seating for 275 fortunate attendees. Three globally-acclaimed jazz groups will perform, including the Hendrik Meurkens Samba Jazz Quartet, Vincent Herring Quartet and Hot Tonic Orchestra.

Hendrik Meurkins is a virtuoso on the chromatic harmonica and vibraphone. After being introduced to samba and bossa nova, he was so stirred by Brazilian music that he moved to Rio de Janeiro for several years to immerse himself in the music and culture of Brazil.

Saxophonist Vincent Herring is known for an intense, soulful, multi-noted style. He toured in the United States and Europe as part of the Lionel Hampton Big Band. He still tours around the world, sharing his distinct voice and musical knowledge as a performer and jazz educator.

Led by Bandleader Victoria Woods on vocals and bass, the Hot Tonic Orchestra is a high-energy musical act that plays a mix of swing, Latin jazz and popular music to create a unique live show.

Festival founder Dr. Ken Wichman is a native and lifetime resident of Manchester. After graduating from the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, he practiced podiatry until 2014. He is now semi-retired, focusing on home-bound patients.

Co-founder Alex Nakhimovsky is the Musical Director. A graduate of the Hartt School of Music, he was heavily influenced by Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. He enjoys a versatile career as a performer, recording artist, producer, composer and educator.

For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit www.ManchesterCTJazzFest.com.