Autumn Rhapsody

Polish Mission hosts Detroit Vintage Jazz Concert Fundraiser

“Autumn RHAPSODY”
Friday November 18^th, 2011
5:30pm
Orchard Lake Schools Art Gallery

ORCHARD LAKE, MI –The Polish Mission will hold a gala autumn fundraiser with singer Kira Frabotta and Pianist Mike Jellick.  Both are Detroit-raised young musicians with a unique repertoire of jazz from the early 20^th c.  that will set the tone as Orchard Lake’s Art Gallery transforms into a 1930s jazz club for the evening.  Kira’s clean soprano top is balanced by a smooth mezzo/alto sweetness, along with her natural ability to scat like Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald.  Her sultry swing jazz style was influenced by the greats: Peggy Lee, Mel Torme, Billy Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, Doris Day, Jo Stafford, and Anita O’Day.  Born in New Delhi, India, and raised in Livonia, MI, Mike Jellick is one of the most sought-after pianists in the midwest.  He has private studios teaching both jazz and classical theory and performance in both the Detroit area and Kalamazoo.  Mike has been awarded commissions by groups ranging from small private schools to larger corporations, groups, and non-profits: Most notably, Lincoln Center.  

Josh James and the St. Mary’s Jazz Orchestra will open the show with a special performance at 7:00pm, then Frabotta and Jellick will perform selections in Polish and English to celebrate the opening of the largest exhibit in America dedicated to Polish master painter Zofia Stryjeńska.  Stryjeńska is known as the “Princess of Polish Painting,” and her avant garde style consumed her art and her life during the period between the two World Wars.  Stryjeńska’s signature “old meets new” style combined Polish country themes with modern art deco graphic design and vibrant colors.  Her dynamic delivery of that concept made her works some of the most recognizable and influential pieces in the panorama of Polish masters.  Six pieces will be on display.

Detroit’s own Cadieux Café will entice guests with Belgian and Polish cuisine, and fall and choice wine selections at the open wine bar from Leelanau Cellars will set the mood for a truly Detroit-themed jazz gala.  Individual tickets $50; a pair is $80.  Tickets can be purchased by visiting http://www.autumnrhapsody.eventbrite.com/, or by calling (248)-682-1885.