Compaq Big Band
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Compaq Big Band
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Hip jazz club style and vibe, a rising jazz star in New York City and Chicago that won the 2022 International Ella Fitzgerald Competition, PLUS a terrific full big band - all come together to support a great visual arts destination! That's what's in store when the 19-piece Compaq Big Band and Special Guest Vocalist Julia Smulson (stage name Julia Danielle) perform at a fundraiser concert for the Andres Institute of Art (AIA) in Brookline, New Hampshire. This will be Julia Danielle's premiere performance with us, and we're beyond thrilled to welcome her to the Greater Boston area for the first time.
Julia Danielle is a dynamic vocalist, arranger, educator, and composer making a significant impact in the scenes of Chicago and New York. In 2022, she won the prestigious International Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition, which propelled her into the spotlight, leading to performances at the esteemed Blues Alley Jazz Club in Washington, D.C., showcasing her unique voice and engaging stage presence.
Her debut album, released in November 2024, has received critical acclaim, with Jazz Weekly describing it as "a fresh voice" with "a folksy wisp that floats with a bohemian glide." Julia has collaborated with numerous celebrated artists, including Ben Paterson, Clark Sommers, and Sharel Cassity, enriching her musical experience and expanding her creative horizons. A 2024 Luminarts Winner and recognized by DownBeat Magazine as an "Outstanding Vocal Soloist" in its 46th annual Student Music Awards, Julia's talent is widely acknowledged in the community.
Julia will receive a Master of Music in Jazz Studies at The Juilliard School in May 2026, where she has been mentored by renowned artists such as Charenee Wade, Gerald Cannon, Kenny Washington, Isaiah J. Thompson, and Elio Villafranca. Her studies focused on vocal interpretation, composition, and improvisation, further refining her artistry. Julia's performance history includes esteemed venues like The Jazz Showcase, Zinc Bar, Chris' Jazz Café, and festivals such as The Hyde Park Jazz Festival, establishing her as a prominent figure on the scene.
On June 6th she'll be singing arrangements from the Great American Songbook as performed by Ella Fitzgerald, Diane Schuur, Carmen McRae, Natalie Cole, Tierney Sutton, and more. And, we'll round out the evening with a few tasty instrumental arrangements from the likes of Benny Carter, Tom Kubis, Chris Walden, John Clayton, and Frank Foster.
Julia's CD "Julia Danielle" will be available for purchase before the show, during intermission, and upon exit from the music room – cash and cards accepted.
Complimentary soft drinks and beer/wine will be offered – but please make a donation ($2 and $4, respectively – cash and cards accepted). Feel free to bring your own food from home, or dine in at nearby local restaurants - The Alamo Texas Barbecue & Tequila Bar and Chrysanthi's Restaurant are great nearby choices), or Brookline's Finest which is on-site.
Come early to explore the sculpture park - 140 acres with 12 miles of trails - featuring over 100 creations. See andresinstitute.org for more information.
To purchase tickets in advance: andresinstitute.org/store-2/compaq-big-band-concert-2026/. Advance ticket purchase strongly encouraged since a ticket sellout is expected. Walk-ins welcomed as space permits (tickets $30 at the door). General Admission table seating (4, 6, or 8 people per table). Arrive early for best seats. Note that you will likely be asked to sit with unaffiliated parties unless you have enough in your party to fill a whole table.
The concert is held at the AIA Welcome Center Big Bear Lodge upstairs on the Dream Trax Stage. Beverage service is available with donation requested. Food is available at many local eateries or bring in snacks from home or takeout. An elevator is available from the first floor AIA Gallery. Note that state law does not permit AIA to allow alcoholic beverages into the facility. For more information about AIA concerts see andresinstitute.org/live-music-series-tickets/.
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