#Newsflash | The Jamaica Performing Arts Center’s Thursday Night Jazz Series Kicks Off on Oct. 10

Drum virtuoso Marcus Gilmore performs at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center on Oct. 10 at 8 pm.

It’s a homecoming for the Hollis native whose trophy case includes a Latin Grammy Award, but it’s also the start of something big.

Tickets are $10, but please read on for information about upcoming two-for-one deals.

The concert kicks off JPAC’s Thursday Night Jazz program, which will present live contemporary music on the second Thursday of the month at 8 pm for the near future.

Next up is Rachel Therrien on Nov. 14.

The French-Canadian trumpet and flugelhorn player is considered one of the most promising Jazz musicians of her generation (Downbeat, All About Jazz, Radio-Canada), thanks to her personal touch, versatility, and innovation skills.

Again, tickets are $10, but those who order before Oct. 24 can get two-for-one offers.

Melissa Aldana demonstrates her talent on Dec. 12.

The Chilean saxophonist has a Grammy nomination and a strong reputation for her deeply meditative interpretation of language and vocabulary. The ticket prices and deal are the same as for Therrien.

The program will continue in 2025, but as of press time, the only scheduled show is Tyler Bullock II on Jan. 9.

The dynamic Nashville born pianist was the The National Foundation for the Advancement of Artists 2022 Winner in Jazz Piano. He was also chosen for Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Orchestra Jazz in 2021. Again, tickets are $10 with an early bird, two-for-one offer. 

“I programmed the series so that everyone has something that you can relate to during the course of the season,” stated JPAC Curator Rio Sakairi. “You don’t have to know anything about them. You’ll just have to open your ears and hearts and let them speak to you. It’s all about exploration and learning about yourselves through these artists and their offerings!”

JPAC is located at 153-10 Jamaica Ave.

Editor’s note: JPAC is often confused with the Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning at 161-04 Jamaica Ave. In fact, they are sister organizations, but they have different home bases.

Images: Jamaica Performing Arts Center