On Saturday, August 27, Rockport Music brought jazz lovers together for a festive evening of music, highlighted by a concert from Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. The much-anticipated event, Rockport Music’s Annual Summer Gala featured Marsalis and the Orchestra performing a captivating program focused on the music of the great Duke Ellington. Ever the educator, Marsalis provided engaging, thoughtful context between tunes, speaking with the audience about the importance of the music and the ever-evolving art form of jazz.
Following the concert, Gala guests strolled along Rockport’s Main Street, serenaded by student trios and quartets from the Rockport Jazz Camp. The Gala attendees then gathered under a tent at Millbrook Meadow for cocktails and a gourmet dinner where Marsalis and the members of the Orchestra mingled and dined with guests.
Earlier that day, selected students from the Rockport Jazz Camp— a collaboration with Rockport Public Schools that included more than 70 children from the North Shore (and beyond)—received instruction from members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra during a highly constructive and spirited masterclass.
The Rockport Music Summer Gala provides critical support for the organization’s mission of presenting the highest quality music in all genres, as well as numerous Rockport Music educational and community outreach programs throughout the year, including the Rockport Jazz Camp. This year’s event raised over $200,000 to support these activities.
Rockport Music is grateful to Gala Committee Co-Chairs Cindy and Richard Tennant and Ellen and Frank Previte for their tireless efforts to ensure this evening was a tremendous success. Rockport Music wishes to thank the many sponsors, donors, underwriters, volunteers and patrons who made this event a truly special occasion for all involved—especially the generous support of the Gold Sponsors — Jill and Stephen Bell and the Negaunee Foundation as well as the Gala Corporate Partners—Brookwood Financial Partners, LLC, Woburn Toyota—part of Albrecht Auto Group, Veritas Genetics, Bain Capital Community Partnership, Boston Financial Management, Wernau Asset Management, Emerson Inn, Welch & Forbes, and Epstein Joslin Architects, Inc. For more details on future concerts and events, visit www.rockportmusic.org or call Rockport Music at 978-546-7391.
