Red Hook Jazz Fest Returns With More Women, Amazing Drummers

This article was written by Joanna Prisco. 

Just in time for the blazing heat, two music-filled weekends are coming to rescue you with cool, smooth jazz. 

Big Bang Productions will host the 6th Annual Red Hook Jazz Festival 2013 on two consecutive Sundays, June 9 and June 16 in the Urban Meadow, a community garden on the Columbia Waterfront District. This year’s lineup features many forward-thinking jazz musicians and composers, including a number of female artists and talented drummers. 
“I didn't invite the women who are playing this year because they happen to be female though as a father raising two daughters I definitely want them—and everyone else!—to see and hear female artists,” says RHJF organizer Mike Golub. “Kris Davis, Ingrid Laubrock, Fay Victor and Allison Miller were invited because they are great musicians that happen to also be women.”    

Jazz has predominantly been a male art in the past. But the culture has evolved and continues to change, Golub says. “People need to hear what these female artists are about—each one doing their thing with jazz in their own way.”   

Golub also points out that this year’s collection of percussionists “features some of the greatest drummers playing jazz today,” he says.   

On the skins, you’ll see Clarence Penn, Mike Pride, Mark Feber, Ted Poor, and Tom Rainey. Plus, many other incredible musicians.

“Clarence Penn is pure effortless power. Tom Rainey is the go to person who can do anything. One of the greats, Willie Martinez, brings the real Latin jazz with tight arrangements. Allison miller swings and has the groove. And Mark Ferber, Ted Poor, and Vinnie Sperazza all represent the modern jazz approach to drumming which is precise, clean, dynamic, and groove-oriented with funk and rock in there too.”   

The RHJF is an all-volunteer, homegrown event with a laid back vibe that welcomes new listeners of all ages. “It's a very hip music scene as well as being fun and family friendly,” says Urban Garden coordinator Tamar Smith.   

Following last year’s proclamation by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, this year the RHJF received a grant award from the Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC), underwriting a portion of its efforts for the season. Other sponsors include the House of Pizza & Calzone and the Urban Meadow, which means good eats and comfy grass seats abound.   

The Urban Meadow is located at the corner of President & Van Brunt streets in Brooklyn, NY. Both performance dates run from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Entrance is $10 per adult. Children attend free.