Summer Jazz Weekend in Harrison County, West Virginia, will reach a crescendo at Bridgeport Conference Center (304-808-3000) on Saturday, June 16, with a night of world-class live jazz enjoyed in tandem with a five-course tapas feast, piqued by champagne and appetizers served at an Exhibition of Fine Art Glass and Crystal from the Museum of American Glass.
Let’s go through that again!
Those who buy one of the all-inclusive $60 tickets can attend a champagne reception at 6 pm, sit down to outstanding dinner at 7 pm, and from 7:30 pm to 10 pm, enjoy a concert by one of the world’s greatest jazz masters playing with an all-star band.
Typical Tapas Dishes (Stylish & Tasty)
The cuisine will be served in five courses, with a starter of Roasted Red Pepper & Eggplant Tapenade, a Citrus Salad Over Baby Mixed Greens, a Seafood Cakes as appetizer followed by a Creole Chicken & Sausage Pasta entree, then topped off with dessert of Pavlova with Cream & Berries.
The cash bar will feature classic and themed cocktails like the Peplowski Punch, named for the evening’s headliner, Ken Peplowski.
Peplowski is considered the greatest jazz clarinetist living. He will lead an all star ensemble made of top soloists and bandleaders from the previous night’s Jazz Stroll event: Jeff Bush on trombone; Kay Carter on vocals/trumpet/guitar; Steve Rudolph on piano; Lars Swanson on bass, and Jeff Edman on drums. Master of Ceremonies will be Seth Maynard.
Ken Peplowski, Greatest Jazz Clarinetist
This show will be staged like a big time, big city nightclub…no, that’s not correct.
This will actually be a big time nightclub set up inside the Bridgeport Conference Center’s ballroom with all the fancy decor, subdued lighting and high-end service you’d expect.
Well worth the $60, especially compared to a New York City or D.C. version of a similar experience. That would cost way over $100.
We get to say things like that in a blog.
The exhibition by the Museum of American Glass will be quite splendid. Until you’ve mused over fine art glass and crystal presented by an expert on the subject, you probably don’t realize the amazing detail, creativity and skill that can be achieved.
The Museum is located in Weston and their board of directors wanted to use a gathering of cultural aficionados to promote their 18,000 piece collection. They’ll have around 20 or so pieces on exhibit.
The MAG exhibit was coordinated with the City of Weston as part of a “Day Trip To Weston” promotion encouraging Summer Jazz patrons to visit Weston’s BBQ Bash as well as the Museum and other area attractions before their evening of entertainment and dining.
Tune in for more detail on the Stroll artists and venues soon.
Before the Stroll, OK?