The Coral Gables Congregational Church (CGCC) Community Arts Program presents its 2008 Summer Concert Series, June 5 through August 28. Entering its 23rd season, this Series offers extraordinary concert opportunities-from classical to the American art form of jazz-during the down time of many South Florida arts organizations.

The CGCC Community Arts Program Summer Concert Series is not your run-of-the-mill series. It provides South Florida with the world’s greatest artists from the world’s greatest venues, which typically seat 3,000+. The advantage to South Floridians attending the CGCC Community Arts Program Summer Concert Series is this: the opportunity to hear and to see top-ranked artists within an intimate setting. All concerts are held within the 450-seat Spanish-revival-style architecture of the Coral Gables Congregational Church, listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The result is engaging visual and aural experiences that uplift individuals’ concert enjoyment, at a reasonable ticket price ($25-$35 when purchased in advance).

The CGCC Community Arts Program 2008 Summer Concert Series roster includes the following artists:

JUNE 5 CANDIDO CAMERO The 2008 Summer Concert Series opens with an electrifying program that features Afro-Cuban jazz percussionist and 2008 NEA Jazz Master, Candido Camero. Candido’s touch on congas is sure, his time is solid, his sound is uniquely his own, and his execution as nimble as that of a man half his age. At 87, Candido continues to deliver performances like no other! And, his resume boasts collaborations with the many greats: Charlie Parker, Lionel Hampton, Charles Mingus, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, and Tony Bennett; the list goes on. For our performance, hear Candido in a wide range of jazz: from Afro-Cuban to traditional American standards. He’ll be joined by other Afro-Cuban masters: Bobby Sanabria, drums; Justo Almario, sax and flute; Oscar Hernandez, piano; and Eddie Resto, bass. Get ready to move and be moved!

JUNE 19 EUGENIA ZUKERMAN What a treat to bring flutist Eugenia Zukerman to the 2008 Summer Concert Series! Eugenia’s versatility continues to keep her on a whirlwind schedule as not only a renowned flutist, but also as a recording artist (Delos, CBS Masterworks, Pro Arte, Vox Cum Laude, and Newport Classics); writer; artistic director; television journalist; and educator. For her achievements in music, Eugenia was recently honored by Young Concert Artists and The Open University of Israel. Hear Eugenia Zukerman joined by pianist Craig Ketter in an enchanting evening of Mozart, Bartók, Poulenc, Paul Taffanel, C.P.E. Bach, and Otar Taktakishvili.

JULY 3 CHARMAINE CLAMOR Jazz vocalist Charmaine Clamor is the first Filipina jazz singer to find success on American radio, achieving the rare feat of simultaneously making the top five on both JazzWeek’s World and Traditional Jazz charts. Charmaine’s luscious contralto sound is compared to legendary vocalists like Sarah Vaughan and Cassandra Wilson. With this, Charmaine’s trio of piano, bass, and drums bring a program of primarily traditional American jazz standards and the knockout discovery of “Jazzipino.” Here’s your chance to find one of the brightest new stars in the jazz world!

JULY 17 IRVIN MAYFIELD Irvin Mayfield is the City of New Orleans appointed and state- and federally-recognized Cultural Ambassador to the City of New Orleans, and the latest in a long line of New Orleans trumpeters following artists such as Louis Armstrong and Wynton Marsalis. Irvin is co-founder of Los Hombres Calientes; founder of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and Institute of Jazz Culture at Dillard University; and leader of the Irvin Mayfield Quintet. For the 2008 Summer Concert Series, Irvin brings a special duo program with longtime friend and collaborator, pianist Ronald Markham. Join them for an authentic and intimateevening that celebrates the origins of jazz: from its roots in blues and spirituals, to its dynamic future.

JULY 31 MARK KOSOWER As one of the outstanding cellists of his generation, Mark Kosower is hailed by musicians and critics alike for his instrumental mastery and deep musical integrity. A product of Janos Starker at Indiana University and Joel Krosnick at the Juilliard School, Mr. Kosower’s notable honors include Grand Prize of the Seventh Irving Klein International String Competition, first-prize at the Aspen Music Festival and the Juilliard Cello Concerto competitions, and top prizes in the Rostropovich and Pablo Casals International Cello competitions. Mark is joined by pianist Jee-Won Oh for a luscious evening of music by J.S. Bach, Poulenc, Ginastera, Kodály, Mendelssohn, and Popper.

AUGUST 14 ELLIS MARSALIS Ellis Marsalis is the brilliant pianist, composer and educator who spawned both a family of jazz giants and-through his mentoring and his teaching-several generations of young and influential jazz artists. If it took the emergence of Branford and Wynton, and then Delfeayo and Jason Marsalis to bring attention Ellis’ way, there is no question that the father’s example set the sons on the path of international influence and distinction. You can hear it in their music and their passion for music. Meet the Marsalis-family patriarch in a spellbinding evening of solo jazz piano, with repertoire from his newest CD, An Open Letter to Thelonious Monk, and other stellar jazz standards.

AUGUST 28 BRUBECK BROs. QRT. Chris and Dan Brubeck had the unique privilege of growing up listening to, studying with, and eventually playing alongside some of the great jazz legends of our time: namely their father, Dave Brubeck. Add to this heritage the fact that the musical tastes of Chris and Dan were forged in the stylistically innovative decade of the 60’s, and you have an exciting combination of musical elements to draw upon! With Dan at the drums and Chris on electric bass and bass trombone, an exciting evening goes over the top with the addition of guitarist Mike DeMicco and pianist Chuck Lamb

TICKETS, PRICES, & ORDER INFORMATION

CGCC Community Arts Program Summer Concert Series tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Individual Patron tickets (based on availability) are $35 in advance; $40 at the door and include reserved general seating within the first 5-8 rows. Due to the sellout nature of the Summer Concert Series, advance tickets are advised. First priority is given to Package ticket holders. Ticket package purchases also offer the following benefits:

 PATRON SERIES PACKAGE – $240 SAVE $5 AND RECEIVE THE BEST SEATING! (includes opening night gala reception, reserved general seating within the first 5-8 rows and catered pre-concert gatherings that include complimentary beverage service and finger foods);  SERIES PACKAGE – $210 (opening night gala reception & early general seating);  MINI-SERIES PACKAGE (choice of 4 concerts) – $120 (early general seating).

Order tickets by calling (305) 448-7421, ext. 33. VISA and MasterCard are accepted. For instant processing and confirmation anytime; order tickets quickly, safely, and conveniently online here: Click on the “Purchase Tickets” bar at the top. Or, see the side “Concert Menu” at the top right.

All concerts are Thursdays at 8:00 p.m. Free and convenient parking is available. One can also inquire about master classes, to be given the day after the concerts of Eugenia Zukerman, Irvin Mayfield, Mark Kosower, Ellis Marsalis, and the Brubeck Brothers.

Coral Gables Congregational Church is located at 3010 De Soto Boulevard (directly across from the Biltmore Hotel and five miles from Miami International Airport) in Coral Gables.