Hot Tonic Orchestra from Tampa to perform at Manchester Jazz Fest

The Manchester Jazz Fest recently announced that the Hot Tonic Orchestra from Tampa, Florida is the first group to be officially booked for their 8th annual event, to be held at the historic Cheney Hall at 177 Hartford Road on Saturday, December 2, 2023.

Led by Bandleader Victoria Woods on vocals and bass, the Hot Tonic Orchestra is a high-energy musical act that fuses jazz with Latin rhythms, funk and soul. The group also includes musical director and guitarist Josh Hindmarsh, vocalist and percussionist Luis Ramirez, drummer Mark Griffith, keyboardist and pianist James "Sonny" Sonnentag, trombonist James Wall, saxophonist Aaron West, trumpeters James Suggs and Kevin Celebi.

Dedicated in 1867, Cheney Hall is the oldest operating theater in Connecticut. While most of Connecticut's jazz festivals are held outside during warmer months, the Manchester Jazz Fest is an intimate, indoor winter Jazz Fest experience featuring a mix of cafe-style and row seats for 275 fortunate in-person attendees. Hundreds of remote jazz enthusiasts will also participate online. Tickets will go on-sale soon.

Manchester Jazz Fest sponsors are currently being enlisted. The event's newest sponsor is the GEICO Insurance agency in Manchester, owned and operated by Germany Jimenez. For sponsorship information, please contact Drew Crandall at 860.871.6500 or visit www.ManchesterCTJazzFest.com.