KCC Productions presents the FIU Big Band featuring guest vocalist Wendy Pedersen

KCC Productions presents the FIU Big Band featuring guest vocalist Wendy Pedersen

Opening the 2014-15 season of the South Motors Jazz Series, Pinecrest Gardens, October 18 at 8 PM

The FIU Big Band, directed by James Hacker, is the most visible artistic group at FIU. With over 25 major performances yearly it has become internationally recognized as one of the premier college jazz ensembles in the world. Invitations to the International Association for Jazz Education Convention, the Mid-West Band & Orchestra Clinic, the Wigan Jazz Festival, the North Sea Jazz Festival, the Quito Jazz Festival, and the Maceo Jazz Festival have taken this world-class group of graduate & undergraduate students beyond the realm of the ‘typical’ college band. "This big band sports an explosive sound and fluid mode of attack. They abide by a get up and go style of musicality via brisk charts and precision-oriented interplay. In effect, the album title offers a vivid depiction of the band’s multihued gait, where they tear it up and also temper the various pulses in spots." (Glenn Astarita)

Wendy Pedersen is one of South Florida’s favorite performers. Her high-energy vocal delivery, with deep, convincing emotion has been impacting audiences for many years. Wendy has won many awards including the Southern Bell/Pace “Jazz Artist of the Year”  and a Miami New Times “best vocalist”, saying, “Wendy can shake the rafters or break your heart...” "When she sings, her voice, an elegant melismatic instrument, evokes the standard emotions, yes, but deeper longings and muted desires.”
(Leonard Pitts, Miami Herald)

Pinecrest Gardens is located at 11000 SW 57th Ave (Red Rd.) Tickets are $25-$30 at pinecrestgardens.org or 305-669-6990.

GRAMMY-WINNER MARLOW ROSADO Y LA RIQUEÑA TO RELEASE THEIR NEWEST SALSA DURO ALBUM, “SALSANIMAL,” JULY 29

The best music is that which reaches beyond its original genre. It can move people deeply, even when the composer and listener are separated by oceans. Such a work is the latest release by Marlow Rosado, “Salsanimal.” 

With over two decades' experience in the music industry, Grammy-winning pianist, composer, and producer Marlow Rosado has developed a powerful portfolio working with many of the top artists in the Latin recording industry. From salsa to rock, from merengue to hip-hop, from bachata to reggaeton, producer, composer, and pianist Marlow Rosado has had his musical hand in all of it. He is continually sought out by Latin Artists for his musical arrangement skills, his aggressive montunos on the piano, as well as his ability to direct orchestras for artists such as the late Salsa legend Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Jr., Tito Nieves, and many others. It is not uncommon to see Marlow’s name on CD liner notes, whether it is as a pianist, producer, songwriter or musical director.

After his extremely successful second album, "Retro," which won a Grammy for best tropical album of 2013, Rosado is set to release album number three, "Salsanimal,” which he produced, wrote, and arranged. It's power-packed with 12 original hard-driving salsa arrangements featuring nine invited artists, each interpreting a song tailor-made for him.

Legendary salsa pianists Larry Harlow and Richie Ray join Marlow in a friendly piano solo battle among the three virtuoso salsa pianists. Harlow, founder of Latin Legends of Fania, holds a Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. And Ray, “El Embajador del Piano,” best known for the duo Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz (“the kings of salsa”), is still considered one of the best and more influential pianists of all times in salsa music. The veteran salsa singer Herman Olivera interprets Rosado's “Cataño”, a song written as a love letter to Marlow's home town in Puerto Rico. This dynamic sonero  is currently the lead singer of the Eddie Palmieri Orchestra, where he is featured on five CD's with the nine-time Grammy-winner  and master pianist, including "Masterpiece/Obra Maestra" with the late, great Tito Puente, which garnered two Grammys.  Mayito Rivera, lead singer for Cuba's legendary group "Los Van Van" for over twenty years, and one of Cuba’s most notable singers, takes on "Así Son" another composition by Rosado. 

Other artists on the CD are Jon Secada, Domingo Quiñones, Alex Matos, Checo Acosta, and newcomer De La Torre.   The world-renowned Secada has won two Grammys and sold some 20 million albums.  Singer/actor Domingo Quiñones performed on Tito Puente's 100th album, and demonstrated his acting abilities in the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar. Alex Matos, known as “el salsero de ahora,” is a winner of the Casandra Award of the Dominican Republic for his singing.   Checo Acosta holds two Latin Grammy nominations; he is one of the leading exponents of Colombian carnival music, specifically folk styles native to the country's Caribbean coast such as cumbia and vallenato.

Salsanimal will be released on CD, digitally and as an LP. The attention to detail is impressive. Everything: the mix, the mastering, and the artwork, is just exquisite and refreshing. Signed to Fania Records and with one Grammy already on his shelf, Marlow Rosado is most definitely a driving force of the tropical music industry who can look forward to still greater recognition. 

CONTACT:

Kimberly Chmura

KCC Productions

kcc_productions@yahoo.com

305-332-2623

DRUM LEGEND WILL CALHOUN TAKES HIS RHYTHM TO THE CANVAS WITH NEW ART RELEASE

Over the last three-decades, drummer Will Calhoun's creativity has stretched genres, mediums and continents.  From his Grammy award winning work with Living Colour, to his solo work, some of the most touted drummer-led jazz recordings of the decade, Calhoun is one of music’s most versatile figures. Now with his latest release “AZA,” available at www.willcalhounart.com, Calhoun is going from drum kit to canvas through the groundbreaking new medium of “rhythm-on-canvas.”

Through the visuals with “AZA,” Will's signature style and rhythms are translated by a sophisticated process involving the manipulation of light, time, and geographic space.  Like a painter using brushes with different colors, Calhoun utilized a wide variety of drumsticks of different colors to build the visual artwork featured within “AZA.”  In total, eleven different works are featured within the “AZA” release. Each piece is then limited in edition size and availability. All in the collection are numbered and individually signed by Will Calhoun.

To create the collection, Calhoun worked exclusively with Los Angeles art team SceneFour (www.scenefour.com) over the last year. His involvement with SceneFour is years in the making, as SceneFour notes Calhoun’s influence on the medium as a whole. “Will Calhoun is one of the greatest drummers of his generation, and he’s also one of the key figures in the birth of the rhythm-on-canvas medium,” SceneFour Partner Cory Danziger states. “As a player, Will embraced the use of light sticks during his live shows many years ago, his dedication to bringing forward a visual aspect to rhythm cannot be questioned. We’re very grateful to have the opportunity to work with him on the “AZA” art collection.”

For more information and to see the entire “AZA” art collection, please visit www.willcalhounart.com. For public relations inquiries and bookings, please contact Kimberly Chmura at KCC Productions at kcc_productions@yahoo.com.

KCC Productions presents the Antonio Madruga Trio at Zinc Bar Dec 17

KCC Productions presents the Antonio Madruga Trio, featuring Russell Hall and Lawrence Leathers, with special guests to be announced. At Zinc Bar, 82 West Third Street, Greenwich Village, December 17, 8-11 PM. For info on the show, call 212-477-ZINC. For info on Antonio Madruga, call KCC at 305-332-2623.

At just 20 years old, Antonio Madruga dominates the piano like he has been playing in dusty honky-tonks for decades. A true jazz piano prodigy, he has been featured in Wynton Marsalis' YoungArts Master Class (HBO), and Marsalis chose him as one of the “Who’s Got Next” new generation of upcoming jazz artists. In 2009, at the age of 16, he shared the stage with Paquito D’Rivera and Wynton Marsalis at the White House performing for the Obamas. Bassist Russell Hall performed professionally with several of South Florida's esteemed musicians while still in high school and was recently named by Wynton Marsalis as one of the future jazz greats. He is currently on a full scholarship at Juilliard. Drummer Lawrence Leathers has performed with many top jazz artists on the scene today, including Mulgrew Miller, Cyrus Chestnut, Rodney Whitaker, Eric Reed, Vanessa Rubin, Donald Harrison, Derrick Gardner, and an extensive stint with the great trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, the Lansing Jazz Festival, Vail Jazz Party, and the Detroit Ford International Jazz Festival. 

 

Pinecrest Gardens hosts the Second Annual Masquerade Ball

Pinecrest Gardens hosts the Second Annual Masquerade Ball

Don't miss this extraordinary evening of glitter, glamour and entertainment!

Pinecrest Gardens celebrates the return of the Masquerade Ball - this year, celebrating the passion of Brazil's Carnival!  Experience a breath-taking ambience and a magical backdrop for an evening filled with delicious food, excitement and too many surprises to describe. Indulge in Cocktails by Bacardi and fine wines, feast on a buffet of gourmet entrees and dessert, and dance the night away to the music of the "Continental Brass Band."  Additional music by the Carlos Alabaci Trio and the Thania Sanz Ensemble featuring Kiki Sanchez provided by KCC Productions. Be a part of a captivating event you will not soon forget. Proceeds from this charitable event provide support for Historical Pinecrest Gardens.

Date:         Saturday, November 23, 2013
Time:         7:00 - 11:00 p.m.
Tickets:      $75 per person, in advance (all inclusive)
                  $100 at the door (all inclusive)
Attire:         Resort Formal and your favorite mask 

Purchase tickets for this exciting event online or by calling 1.877.496.8499.  If you would like more information, please contact us at 305.669.6990.

KCC Productions presents The Lindsey Blair Quartet at The Stage Miami

Thursday, October 24, 9:30 to midnight

With Clay Ostwald, Nicky Orta, and Rodolfo Zúñiga

Miami New Times Magazine selected Lindsey Blair as “Miami's Best Jazz Musician (2011.)” As an official guitarist for “Sábado Gigante” with Don Francisco, Lindsey Blair has played alongside Puerto Rican reggaetonero Daddy Yankee. It was Wes Montgomery who got him started on the guitar, and jazz is where his heart is. The Indiana native studied the form at the University of Miami for his bachelor's and master's degrees, and he has toured with Maynard Ferguson and played with Dizzy Gillespie. He also has collaborated for years with Gloria and Emilio Estefan and scored a gig onstage with Miami Sound Machine for Super Bowl XLI. But it is his current stint with local supergroup 7Crossing where his powerful, blazing Latin jazz truly shines.

You might think that artists as diverse as Latin pop superstar Gloria Estefan, Country artist Lee Ann Womac, hip-hop legends 2 Live Crew, R&B singer/songwriter Bobby Caldwell, jazz trumpet virtuoso Maynard Ferguson, rock drummer Gregg Bissonette, broadway composer/ singer Anthony Newley, the Florida Philharmonic, and television master of ceremonies Don Francisco have little common musical ground, but south Florida guitarist Lindsey Blair has been able to lend musical support to each of these artists with his versatile guitar work.

Lindsey is the kind of player that is comfortable in almost any musical situation. Whether the gig calls for him to sit in with an established band for a four-hour gig with players he has never met and play a night of unrehearsed music of whatever musical repertoire du jour is being served up, to blending with a 30 piece orchestra and reading through a stack of sheet music as thick as a magazine, Lindsey can handle the challenge.

Lindsey is a guitarist who is driven by a passion for playing and being inspired by music rather that fortune and fame. He is most satisfied with his work when he has been able to break new musical ground, and /or spend some time with his favorite kind of people, musicians.

The Lindsey Blair Quartet is a tight modern jazz quartet whose original compositions incorporate the best of modern jazz influences (Pat Metheny, Yellowjackets) with the vocabulary of traditional jazz, while incorporating world music influences from Brazil and the islands, adding some elements that are uniquely Miami. Funk and the blues are also be touched on to add an element of fire. The quartet is made up of Miami's finest players: Clay Ostwald (Grammy-nominated Producer of the Year) on keys, Nicky Orta (Chick Corea, Mike Stern) on bass and Rodolfo Zuniga on drums. Come and see what all the fuss is about.

The Stage is located at 170 Northeast 38th Street, Miami. For ticket and other info call The Stage at 305-576-9577 or visit thestagemiami.com. For more information on Lindsey Blair call Kimberly Chmura at 305-332-2623 or Rafael Solano at 305-775-0804.

KCC Productions presents the Pablo Gil Quintet

KCC Productions presents Jazz at MOCA, featuring the Pablo Gil Quintet, with Pablo on sax, Leo Quintero on guitar, Silvano Monasterios, piano, Gaby Vivas, bass, and Rodolfo Zuniga, drums. Friday, Sept 27, from 8-9:15 PM, 770 NE 125th St, North Miami. Free. Call 305-332-2623 for more info.

Pablo Gil Rodulfo is a Venezuelan saxophonist, composer, producer and arranger. He has performed or recorded with artists and groups such as Mike Stern, Edward Simon, Dave Samuels and the Caribbean jazz Project, Adam Rogers, Mike Holober, Dave Kikoski, Nicolas Folmer and the Paris Jazz Big Band, John Benitez, Steve Turre, Ron Carter, Patato Valdez, Juan Pablo Torres, Mario Rivera, Luis Perdomo, Gerry Weil, Alfredo Naranjo, Aquiles Báez, Orlando Poleo and Soledad Bravo among others.

His performances have taken place in countries such as France, United States, England, Panama, Côte d'Ivoire, Mexico, Peru, Oman, Russia, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Italy, Bonaire, Colombia, Portugal, Turkey and Senegal. He has issued five CDs as a leader: Major Delights (2002), Simbolos (2004), Empatia (2006), Suka Jazz en directo (2007), and Baladas (2008).

Pablo started his musical career in Merida, Venezuela. In the late 80's he moved to Caracas and in 1991 he was granted a scholarship to continue his musical studies in Paris (France), receiving various awards such as the gold medal in saxophone at the Conservatoire National De Paris (1995) and the first prize for saxophone in Paris (1995). He moved to United States where continued his studies with musicians such as Ron Carter, Bruce Barth, Steve Slagle and Rich Perry, and obtained the degree of Master of arts in Jazz Performance from City College of the City University of New York. Currently a Fellow in the Frost School of music in the University of Miami

• Sept 25 from 6-9 PM: KCC Productions presents Grammy-winner Marlow Rosado y la Riqueña come to Miami Beach's monthly Food Truck and Music Festival at the North Shore Bandshell. Special feature from 7-7:30: Cachi Velez and his Salsa Jazz Ensemble. Cachi & SJE with their style of Latin Jazz fused with Salsa Dura, he has been making audiences dance from NYC to MIA. Be prepared for an evening of hot salsa!

  
  
  
  
  

• A native of Puerto Rico, Marlow is a salsero at heart, but has successfully written, played and produced hits in a variety of musical styles for some of the most renowned artists in Latin music. He has played and worked with a diverse repertoire of artists including Celia Cruz, the unforgettable Tejana signer Selena, Larry Harlow, Tommy Olivencia, Marc Anthony, Ricardo Montaner, Olga Tañón and Desmond Child, among others. Recently, he arranged and directed the horns sessions for Ricky Martin's new production.

• Achieving a new milestone in his career, Marlow has brought the 2013 GRAMMY award for Best Latin Tropical Album home to Miami from the 55th GRAMMY awards in Los Angeles, February 10. The award-winning CD, "RETRO", by his group, Marlow Rosado y la Riqueña, was released last May.
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• The concept behind "RETRO" is one of taking some of the strongest songs from the 1970's, maintaining the essentials of the originals, but metamorphosing them in Marlow's 21st-century conception until they become entirely his own. Besides Tito Puente, Jr., other invited artists on the album, some of whom reprise parts of their originals, are Ismael Miranda, Bobby Cruz, Papo Lucca, Kevin Ceballo, Marlon Fernandez, Luigi Texidor, Quique Dominich, Salvador Cuevas, and Tony Vega.
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• This exquisite production is a must-have for every salsa aficionado. The album is available for download and CD at Amazon.com and iTunes.com. For information about Marlow Rosado, contact KCC Productions at 305-332-2623.

Marlo Rosado at the Hoxton every Wednesday

Every Wednesday from 7 - 11 catch the Hoxton Tropical Orchestra, featuring Grammy-winner Marlo Rosado on keys, at the Hoxton Urban Beach House, 1111 SW First Ave, Miami.  For details call 305-677-8466.

 Join Marlow Rosado y la Riqueña at a GRAMMY celebration party

Marlow Rosado celebrates his 2013 GRAMMY  at La Covacha April 26 at 10 pm. Special guests include Fania legend Larry Harlow, Paquito Guzman, Marlon Fernandez, and Tito Puente, Jr.

The production of Rosado’s award-winning album “Retro” goes back in time to explore iconic salsa musicians from the past decade, who are remembered as a pillar of the genre today. It also embraces the genre’s evolution recognizing the new ‘salseros’ of the day blending all sounds and talents together for a spectacular outcome.

Whereas “Retro” goes back in time, Rosado is currently putting the finishing touches on a brand new album, which promises to be groundbreaking, as it makes Salsa more current, relevant, and significant than it has been in many years.

The Miami-based Puerto Rican musician has produced, composed and written hits in a variety of musical styles, such as Hip-Hop, Rock, Merengue, Bachata, Reggeaton and most notably, Salsa. He is continuously sought out by Latin artists for his musical arrangement skills, ability to master the piano as well as his remarkable talent directing bands and orchestras. Rosado has played and worked with a wide range of artists including the legendary Celia Cruz and Selena and the world-renowned Ricky Martin, among others.

La Covacha is located at 10730 NW 25th Strett in Sweetwater, FL; visit lacovacha.com. For information on Marlow Rosado call KCC Productions at 305-332-2623.

KCC Productions News: KCC Productions presents Kiki Sanchez and his ense...

KCC Productions News: KCC Productions presents Kiki Sanchez and his ense...: KCC Productions presents Kiki Sanchez and his ensemble Thursday, March 21, at Sweet Saloon, 7100 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami. Downbeat ...

KCC Productions presents Kiki Sanchez and his ensemble

KCC Productions presents Kiki Sanchez and his ensemble Thursday, March 21, at Sweet Saloon, 7100 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami. Downbeat is at 9 PM. With Kiki on piano, Ivan Zervignon, drums, Cayo Iturrualde, bass, and Daniel Berroa, percussion.

The phenomenally ethnic sounds of the talented Peruvian pianist KIKI SANCHEZ have filled the airwaves with a unique blend of soulful jazz and tropical fusion. Born into the Latin jazz atmosphere, KIKI began his formal education to further his knowledge and training in Peru. He traveled to the US, settled in Miami, where he has since played on two GRAMMY-nominated albums with Arturo Sandoval and Frankie Marcos. KIKI’s latest recording is a fusion of Peruvian-folkloric rhythms with modern jazz melodies. KIKI he has also just released an instructional DVD titled “THE REAL LATIN PIANO AND INTRO TO AFRO-PERUVIAN RHYTHMS, VOL.1”. Finally, KIKI SANCHEZ has received the CASIO, Japan, endorsement for Latin America. KIKI will showcase all of Casio’s keyboards across Latin America exclusively.

Housed in Moonchine’s mezzanine is Miami’s best kept secret, The Sweet Saloon. This unique combination lounge and dessert bar is the perfect fusion of Dj’s spinning, Live music, Unique entertainment and Beautiful people. The saloons menu is perfect for those seeking after hour munchies. Here, food and drink aficionados are offered an array of sweet, salty, and spicy delicacies. Imagine devouring a Chocolate Bomb or delighting your senses with a Tuna Tataki, lightly grilled with some tangy Ponzu sauce. If you are wondering if this main-stream saloon is for the sweet or the spicy we suggest you check it out for yourself.

For more information call KCC at 305-332-2623

Marlow Rosado Receives Grammy Nomination

Miami's Marlow Rosado's second CD, Retro, has been nominated for a 2013 Grammy award as Best Tropical Album.The concept behind “RETRO" is one of taking some of the strongest songs from the 1970's, maintaining the essentials of the originals, but metamorphosing them in Marlow's 21st-century conception until they become entirely his own. Besides Ismael Miranda, artists on the album, some of whom reprise parts of their originals, are Bobby Cruz, Tito Puente Jr, Papo Lucca, Luigi Texidor, Salvador Cuevas, Marlon Fernandez, Quique Dominech, Tony Vega, and Kevin Ceballo. A free download of this Grammy-nominated album is available at http://ge.tt/6HbEr9N.

While Marlow Rosado is a multiple Grammy nominee for his collaboration on other projects, this is his first under his own name. From salsa to rock, from merengue to hip-hop, from bachata to reggaeton, producer, composer, pianist, Marlow Rosado has had his musical hand in all of it. A native of Puerto Rico, he is a salsero at heart, but has successfully written, played and produced hits in a variety of musical styles for some of the most renowned artists in Latin music. He has played and worked with a diverse repertoire of artists including Celia Cruz, the unforgettable Tejana signer Selena, Larry Harlow, Tommy Olivencia, Marc Anthony, Ricardo Montaner, Olga Tañón and Desmond Child, among others. Recently, he arranged and directed the horns sessions for Ricky Martin's production, MAS. He is continually sought out by Latin Artists for his musical arrangement skills, his aggressive montunos on the piano, as well as his ability to direct orchestras for artists such as the late Salsa legend Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Jr., Tito Nieves, and many others. It is not uncommon to see Marlow’s name on CD liner notes, whether it is as a pianist, producer, songwriter or musical director.

Marlow Rosado y La Riqueña has been a smash hit at every concert venue they've played in south Florida, including El Séntinel's Tenth Anniversary celebration at Arts Park in Hollywood, “Historia de la Salsa” at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, the North Shore Bandshell in Miami Beach, and more. Marlow latest triumph is his appointment as music director at WGEN-TV's “El Show con Tony Benítez”.

KCC Productions presents the Release of Andrea Brachfeld's Lady of the Island

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KCC Productions presents the release of Andrea Brachfeld's Zoho CD Lady of the Island November 20 at Zinc Bar NY. Sets are at 8 and 10 PM. Flutist, composer, and arranger Andrea Brachfeld is a graduate of The High School of Music and Art and Manhattan School of Music. Over the past 30 years she has recorded more than a dozen CD's with many artists including Wayne Wallace, Bobby Carcassés, Africando, Oscar Hernandez (Spanish Harlem Orchestra) and Timbalaye among others. Downbeat magazine referred to Andrea as "one of the finest jazz flutists around." She has twice been the recipient of the Latin New York Music Award as a flutist. She has performed with Dave Valentín, Nestor Torres, Tito Puente, and Ray Barretto among others. She received the Chico O'Farrill Lifetime Achievement Award from Latin Jazz USA in Oct. 2006 and was most recently awarded the "Pionero Award" in 2010 for her contribution to Latin music. She has appeared with the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra as a soloist performing her own compositions as well as those of Mike Longo, longtime musical director for Dizzy Gillespie. She is currently performing with her own group Phoenix Rising. Lady of the Island, her latest CD, being premiered tonight, marks her move from Latin jazz into straight-ahead jazz.

Backing her up is a first-rate group of jazz musicians: Bill O'Connell on piano, Andy Eulau on bass, Kim Plainfield on drums, Chembo Corniel on congas and percussion, Todd Bashore on altosax, David Weiss on trumpet, and special guest Steve Turre on trombone.

Zinc Bar is located at 82 West Third Street in New York's Greenwich Village, between Thompson and Sullivan. Cover is $15 at tables, $10 at the bar. For more information call 212-477-ZINC or visit zincbar.com, or call KCC Productions @ 305-332-2623.

Clifton Heights Jazz Project at Pinecrest Gardens

The Clifton Heights Jazz Project, a conglomerate of eight highly talented musicians from across the country, will perform at Pinecrest Gardens Saturday November 17 at 8 PM. Led by guitarist Zach Larmer, these young jazz virtuosos have joined together to bring you fresh material, from original compositions to standard jazz repertoire turned upside down. Drawing from the classic American songbook, bluegrass, funk, classical, and modern jazz, the Clifton Heights Jazz Project has a little something for everyone.

Band members are: Glenn Basham (Violin and Harmonica), currently professor of Violin at the University of Miami and Concertmaster of the Naples Philharmonic; James Schlender (Violin), holder of three national fiddle championship titles and top 10 finalist of the prestigious Grandmasters Fiddle Contest on multiple occasions; Neil Carson (Alto Saxophone), currently the lead alto saxophonist in the prestigious University of Miami Concert Jazz Band; Alex Weitz (Tenor Saxophone), recognized in Downbeat magazine as best Fusion Soloist in 2011; Ariel Pocock (Piano and Voice), winner of Downbeat awards in both categories (piano and voice) as well as winner of the Outstanding Piano Soloist award at the 2009 Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival and the 2008 Lionel Hampton International Festival; Zach Larmer (Guitar), a Downbeat award-winning guitarist as well as an accomplished arranger, awarded the Duncan Nelson Scholarship at the University of Miami; Jeff Kipperman (Bass), a doctoral student in jazz bass and teaching assistant at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, who has performed with the New World Symphony, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Caramoor Virtuosi Orchestra, Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Project, and a multitude of jazz ensembles; and Ben Falle (Drums), named "Australia's Best Up & Coming Drummer" and was recently awarded 2nd place in the prestigious National Jazz Awards.

Pinecrest Gardens is located at 11000 Red Road (SW 57th Ave.) Tickets are $10, available at cliftonheightsjazzproject.com. For more information, contact KCC Productions at 305-332-2623 or kcc_productions@yahoo.com.

PINECREST GARDENS ANNOUNCES MASQUERADE IN THE GARDENS NOVEMBER 3

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PINECREST GARDENS ANNOUNCES MASQUERADE IN THE GARDENS NOVEMBER 3

Miami, October 22, 2012: Pinecrest Gardens will host Masquerade in the Gardens from 7 to 11 PM on Saturday, November 3, 2012. Proceeds from the event will benefit historic Pinecrest Gardens. Tickets are $150. A mask is required; black tie is optional.

Don't miss an extraordinary evening of glitter, glamour, and entertainment. The Gardens' ambience provides a magical backdrop for an evening filled with delicious food, excitement, and too many surprised to describe. Indulge in cocktails by Bacardi and fine wines, feast on a buffet of gourmet entrées and desserts provided by Macy's Catering, enjoy a jazz prelude by the Debbie Orta Ensemble and Thania Sanz, who appear courtesy of KCC Productions, and dance the night away to the music of Miami's own Continental Brass Band. Be a part of a captivating event you won't soon forget.

Pinecrest Gardens are located at 11000 Red Road in Pinecrest. For tickets call 305-669-6990; major credit cards accepted. For more information, contact KCC Productions at 305-332-2623 or kcc_productions@yahoo.com.

KCC PRODUCTIONS AND PINECREST GARDENS PRESENT THE SOUTH FLORIDA JAZZ ORCHESTRA, FEATURING LISANNE LYONS, SATURDAY OCTOBER 27

KCC Productions presents the South Florida Jazz Orchestra, featuring vocalist Lisanne Lyons, at Pinecrest Gardens' Banyan Bowl October 27 at 8 PM. Pinecrest Gardens is located at 11000 SW 57th Ave. Tickets are $20.

The SOUTH FLORIDA JAZZ ORCHESTRA is a modern Big Band comprising some of the best jazz musicians, studio musicians, and Jazz educators in the southeastern part of the United States. Their eclectic repertoire includes many original compositions by band members, as well as classic charts from such greats as Thad Jones, Charles Mingus, John Clayton, Maria Schneider, Jim McNeely, John Fedchock, and many more, all influenced by their diverse backgrounds and experiences in the South Florida music community. In June of 2006 renowned bassist and composer, Chuck Bergeron gathered a select group of top-notch Miami-based musicians and formed the first professional jazz rehearsal big band in the Greater Miami/South Florida area. On the evening of October 4th this sixteen-piece big band took the stage at the Arturo Sandoval Jazz Club, making their first professional debut as the new South Florida Jazz Orchestra. In a town known more for its salsa music than jazz, this performance marked a bold attempt to fill a long existing void in the local jazz scene. The establishment of a professional orchestra playing traditional big band music in this community is in many ways an historic musical event.

Lisanne Lyons teaches Studio Music and Jazz at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music. She has produced two solo CD's and two CD's as lead soprano in the DC-based Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet, with whom she performed at major jazz festivals across the country and abroad. She also performs with “Mad Romance”, a four-voice a capella group. Lisanne is the recipient of several DownBeat awards as a jazz vocal soloist, jazz vocal choir director, and most recently as a jazz arranger. She is in demand as a performer, arranger, adjudicator and clinician. Lisanne has headlined at the Ottawa, Detroit, and Clearwater Jazz Festivals, and La Nuit du Jazz (France). She was the first to perform live the Nelson Riddle arrangements of the George Gershwin Songbook that he wrote for Ella Fitzgerald, who only recorded them. She is currently working on a new show, a tribute to the great vocalists Rosemary Clooney, Peggy Lee, Anita O’Day, Ella Fitzgerald, and others.

For tickets call 877-496-8499, visit online at www.pinecrest-fl.gov/. For more information, contact KCC Productions at 305-332-2623 or kcc_productions@yahoo.com.

KCC PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS NEGRONI'S TRIO, WITH SPECIAL GUEST BOB FRANCESCHINI IN THE RELEASE OF THEIR LATEST CD, “ON THE WAY” AT ZINC BAR OCTOBER 8, 2012, at 9 PM

Hailing from Puerto Rico, accomplished pianist and composer Jose Negroni has garnered recognition in the world of Jazz. A disciple of the legendary multi-instrumentalist salsa and Latin Jazz great, Papo Lucca, Negroni’s career spans over 16 years as a teacher in his island’s Music Conservatory. Negroni’s Trio consists of his son Nomar Negroni, a gifted and powerful drummer, and alternating guest bass players including John Benítez, Marco Panascia, Michael Bordelon and Jonathan Estes, among others. "On the Way", to be released tonight, is their sixth CD; their fifth, "Just Three" was a Grammy nominee for Best Latin Jazz CD.

Bob Franceschini is an American jazz saxophonist, songwriter, and arranger. He has appeared on more than eighty albums of other recording artists, including those of Mike Stern, Paul Simon, and Willie Colón. In addition to composing and arranging Jazz and Latin Jazz, Franceschini has performed as a touring and recording sideman with Mike Stern,Paul Simon, Celine Dion, Tito Puente, BeBe Winans, Ricky Martin, Lionel Richie, Eddie Palmieri, and many others. In 2001 Franceschini performed on Mike Stern's Grammy-Nominated album “Voices.”

Zinc Bar is located at 82 West Third Street in New York's Greenwich Village. Cover is $15 ($10 at the bar). For more information contact KCC Productions at 305-332-2623 or Zinc Bar at 212-477-ZINC, or visit zincbar.com.

KCC PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS THE MARÍA RIVAS ENSEMBLE AT ZINC BAR SEPTEMBER 27, 2012, at 9 PM

Known as one of the most versatile voices in Latin America and now North America, Maria Rivas skillfully combines American and Latin Jazz rhythms with lively yet sentimental music from around the world.  She interprets her music in English, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese, and performs her own blend of traditional standards as well as music and lyrics she has composed herself. She and her ensemble will be performing at Zinc Bar, 82 West Third Street, at 9 PM Thursday September 27. Accompanying Maria will be Manuel Valera on piano, Yosvany Terry on sax, John Benitez on bass, Ludwig Afonso on drums, and Yusnier Sánchez on percussion.

Maria’s unique sound is an intoxicating combination of classic American jazz and Latin music, with just the right splash of Brazilian accents, together with her signature mixture of indigenous, Caribbean, European, and African strains. Her exotic and varied repertoire includes American jazz and blues standards such as ‘Funny Valentine’, ‘Route 66’, ‘Lush Life’, and ‘Summertime;’ Latin classics like ‘Bésame Mucho’ and ‘Moliendo Café;’ smooth and sensuous Brazilian bossa nova tunes like ‘Girl from Ipanema’, ‘Corcovado’, ‘Dindi’ and ‘One Note Samba’; movingly romantic ballads, such as ‘My Romance’ and ‘Our Love is Here to Stay,’ and many, many others.

During her musical career spanning over 30 years, Maria has released ten CDs while headlining concerts in Latin America, North America, Europe, and Asia. including the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland.  She entertains her audiences with her uniquely melodious voice and dynamic expression and stage presence, as well as her phenomenal ‘Scat’ improvisations, which have been favorably compared by music critics and audiences with those of Ella Fitzgerald.

Maria has won every prestigious singing award Venezuela and much of Latin America have to offer. Her hit song, MANDUCO, remained in the number one position on the charts in Latin America for many months, and in the top 10 for over 3 years, and turned her into a cultural icon.

Ms. Rivas also became known as the vocalist most associated with Venezuela’s most prominent and beloved composer of the 20th century, Maestro Aldemaro Romero. Ms. Rivas and Maestro Romero collaborated during 20 years of concerts, both acoustic with piano and voice, as well as with symphonic orchestras. Over the course of this period, Ms. Rivas achieved an intensely personal style of interpretation of Maestro Romero’s work, which continues to influence her Jazz interpretations and improvisations.

People who know her, or have seen or heard her perform, understand that Maria is truly a one-of-a-kind artist … and person.

Zinc Bar is located at 82 West Third Street in New York's Greenwich Village. For more information contact KCC Productions at 305-332-2623 or Zinc Bar at 212-477-ZINC, or visit zincbar.com.

The City of Miami Beach and KCC Productions present the Food Truck & Music Fest , featuring Marlow Rosado y la Riqueña North Beach Bandshell, September 19, 5-10 pm

Miami Beach’s North Shore Park Bandshell & Ocean Terrace will dress in the typical, characteristic Latin flavor of the North Beach area to welcome the Miami Beach Food Truck and Music Fest on Wednesday nights this fall. The events take place on September 19, October 17 and November 14, from 5:00 p.m. To 10:00 p.m., at the North Beach Park Bandshell on Collins Avenue and 73 Street. The food and music fest will feature the popular mobile food trucks, free entertainment and participation by area restaurants.

The salsa sounds of the Marlow Rosado y La Riqueña’s nine-piece band will kick off the festival on September 19 from 6 to 9 pm.

With over twenty years' experience in the music industry, pianist-composer-producer Marlow Rosado has developed a powerful portfolio working with many of the top artists in the Latin recording world. Singing with world-renowned producer Desmond Child has led him to work with major artists such as Alejandra Guzman and Ricky Martin (on Más). With eleven Grammy nominations to his credit, Rosado's influence in the Tropical genre can be felt on records ranging from Elvis Crespo to Gran Combo.

His 2009 debut album, Salsalsa, featuring Andy Montañez, lived at the #1 spot on Puerto Rico's hottest Salsa station, Zeta 93, for over eight weeks. His second and latest CD, Retro, (2012) takes some of the strongest songs from the 1970's, maintaining the essentials of the originals, but metamorphosing them in Marlow's 21st-century conception until they become entirely his own. The album features guest appearances by Tito Puente, Jr., Ismael Miranda, Bobby Cruz, Papo Lucca, Kevin Ceballo, Marlon Fernandez, Luigi Texidor, Quique Dominich, Salvador Cuevas, and Tony Vega. It has received rave reviews and has made the Top Ten list nationally in its category.

"It is a great neighborhood and we’re looking forward to having people come and enjoy good food, good music, and the beautiful beach and also hoping to entice neighboring residents to come and discover the charm of North Beach,” said Miami Beach Acting Assistant City Manager Max Sklar.

The popular food truck lineup includes the following: Ms. Cheezious, Sakaya Kitchen, Gastropod, Health Nut on Wheels, Dolci Pecati, Sugar Yummy Mama, Garcia Brothers Seafood, La Camaronera, Moty's Grill, Latin Burger, Mangia Mia and Bocaditos. They will be offering varied menus from burgers and seafood to healthy bites and ethnic dishes.

For more information, visit www.mbculture.com. For more information on Marlow Rosado y la Riqueña, contact KCC Productions at 305-332-2623 or write to kcc_productions@yahoo.com.