BURRILLVILLE – A trio of experienced jazz musicians from across Rhode Island will perform at Burrillville’s historic Grace Note Farm next week, closing out a concert series that’s brought top-quality musicians to the region since May.
The concert, dubbed “Holiday Time Again,” will be the final performance of the year in
the Music at the Farm series, and will star artists in residence Jessica Toracinta on vocals, Andy Solberg on guitar and Bryan Rizzuto on bass. It will take place on Sunday, Dec. 9 starting at 2 p.m. at the 11.5 acre Benjamin Smith homestead, a 200-year-old farm on Jackson Schoolhouse Road, purchased in 1996 by classical musician Virginia Sindelar.
Sindelar has taught music on the property, adjacent to the George Washington Management area, for the past 20 years, while also promoting area tourism by offering overnight stays with packages catering to equestrians.
The classical music series she launched this year marks a return to her roots as a flutist, and has brought high-level musicians of international fame to the property the second Sunday of each month.
It will be the second appearance in the 2018 season for the “Jess Tora Jazz Trio,” playing holiday music from the Great American Songbook, holiday movies and original music written by Toracinta.
“All three musicians are the best of Rhode Island, and the audience at their May performance was thrilled by these outstanding musicians who were not only inspiring, but played flawlessly,” said Sindelar.
Toracinta, a graduate of Rhode Island College and alumni of Berklee College, is a well-known recording artist and teacher, who names Nat King Cole as her favorite influence.
Solberg has been performing in New England since 1979, teaching music to students in grades K through 5 for 23 years. He plays guitar, violin and bass.
Rizzuto is a 3rd generation Rhode Island musician who has played throughout New England and toured internationally. He teaches at Bishop Hendrickson High School in Warwick.
Concerts generally last one hour, and are followed by food, drink, tours of the property and visits with the farm animals.
The series has been co-sponsored by the Burrillville Land Trust, an organization with the mission of preserving and protecting the rural character of the town of Burrillville through acquisition, education and advocacy. The farm became the first town property to have a conservation easement with the trust in 2007 – a contract intended to make the land and the structures on the property have the same look and feel forever.
Tickets are $20 for adults or $10 for students, and can be purchased by calling (401) 567-0354 or through Eventbrite.com. Guests are invited to meet the artists and enjoy themed desserts and refreshments following the performance.
In case of inclement weather the performance will be held on Sunday, Dec. 16 at the same time and location. Call to receive last-minute rescheduling updates.
