Latin Jazz Brunch –  Litchfield Jazz Festival Finale, July 30.

w/ David Dejesus, saxophone, Luques Curtis, bass, Zaccai Curtis, piano, Dave Ballou, trumpet, Joe Beaty, trombone, Marco Torres, percussion

Litchfield Jazz Festival’s popular Sunday Jazz Brunch is back, on July 30 at noon in the delightful Bourne Courtyard at Fredrick Gunn School. This time we are going further south than New Orleans with our music AND our cuisine. Our third al fresco jazz event in Washington is a Latin Jazz Brunch with a wonderful Latin Jazz Band led by multi-Grammy- winning saxophonist David DeJesus.

Ciesco Catering’s chef-owner and long-time supporter, Charlene Dudka, 

will do her magic with our meal.  When we asked her to come up with something mouthwatering, she wrote back:” Oh my goodness the more I read about Latin brunch (bronche), the more menu items I want to make.”  

Here’s what she came up with—Arepa, crispy cornmeal cakes with seasoned shredded meats. Classic Gazpacho, a melding of diced English cucumber, red bell pepper, ripe heirloom tomatoes, and finely chopped shallot and garlic. Spanish omelet (aka Spanish tortilla), a tapas staple of crispy fried potatoes and eggs served alongside pumpkin fritters. With Fresh fruits and Spanish Flan, a baked custard of milk, eggs, and sugar for a rich, smooth dessert smothered with caramel to finish. Served with teas and fresh brewed coffee. All complemented with

Litchfield Jazz Fest Housemade Sangria enhanced with spirits from the prize-winning Litchfield Distillery.

The music will be a real treat, as you would expect nothing less! David DeJesus is the Director of Jazz at SUNY Purchase College.  He also leads the Birdland Big Band in New York City and Ron Carter’s Great Big Band. His outstanding players today include Damian Curtis, piano, Luques Curtis, bass, Dave Ballou, trumpet, Joe Beaty, trombone, and Marco Torres, percussion. 

David joined us last summer for the first time on the faculty of Litchfield Jazz Camp and turned a gaggle of young teens into a professional-sounding band good enough to open for Samara Joy on the Festival mainstage. His 14 yo violinist was so good— and with a little inspiration provided by David— went on to win the Down Beat Student Music award as best middle school player in the country.

You are going to love everything about this event including the fact that proceeds support Litchfield Jazz Camp need-based scholarships!  Join us and bring a friend.