Midiri Brothers Jazz Sextet

×

Expand

courtesy Midiri Brothers

Paul and Joe Midiri.

Paul and Joe Midiri.

The Midiri Brothers Jazz Sextet is really led by siblings — Joe (on clarinet and sax) and Paul (on vibraphone and trombone). The ensemble is known around the country for its vintage swing and exciting concerts; they are the only band to play back-to-back years for Madison Jazz Society's long-running Capital City Jazz Fest. Note that opportunities to catch an MJS concert are growing limited; after the 2022-2023 concert season, the organization will shift its focus to its education initiatives rather than concerts. Tickets at the door (as always, it's free for ages 18 & under).

media release: The Madison Jazz Society presents the third concert in their “final four” concert series by presenting the Midiri Brothers Jazz Sextet on Sunday, April 16.

President Linda Marty Schmitz said, “This swinging group plays unique arrangements in the tradition of the swing and Dixieland eras.  At their many performances all over the country, the Sextet has earned standing ovations and encore requests.”

The band is led by twins clarinetist Joe Midiri and vibraphonist Paul Midiri, who are two of the most consistently exciting performers on the classic jazz circuit.  Joe can sound like a hyper version of Benny Goodman on clarinet and plays occasional alto like Johnny Hodges.  Paul is a high-energy vibraphonist inspired by Lionel Hampton and is also a triple threat as a powerful drummer and a credible trombonist.  Appearing with them will be  guitarist Pat Mercuri, pianist Jeff Phillips, bassist Jack Hegyi and drummer Jim Lawlor.

The Midiri Brothers were the ONLY band MJS invited to perform at back-to-back Capital City Jazz Fests and they appeared at the Society’s final Fest in 2018.  Big band and swing fans around the country know about the Midiri Brothers and their exciting performances.

The concert will be held at the East Side Club, 3735 Monona Drive, Madison, from 1-4 PM, with doors opening at 12:30 AM.  Ticket price: $15-MJS members; $20-non-members and those age 18 & younger-free.  More information is available on the Society’s web site, www.madisonjazz.com or by calling 608-850-5400.

When it was formed in 1984, the Madison Jazz Society had as its mission, “…encourage the performance of and education about jazz.”  In 2021, it was announced that MJS would cease the performance portion of its activities and transition to concentrating on its education mission through its School Grant and School Residency programs. The new MJS format will be led by five members of the present Board of Directors and others interested in its purpose.

Before the transition is completed in June 2023, MJS will present six concerts in 2022 and 2023. Following the Midiri Brothers Jazz Sextet only one remains:

    May 21 – Bob Schulz’s Frisco Jazz Band from California