Showcase 61 Presents 16-Year Old Guitar Prodigy & Quincy Jones at The Palace Theatre, 6/25

It's not often that music legends like Quincy Jones and George Benson lend their credibility to up and coming music artists. However, that is the case with 16-year old guitar prodigy Andreas Varady. He has been called "the next George Benson" and Quincy Jones says he's "one of the most talented people on this planet, who takes the music back to where it belongs." Varady performs as part of Showcase 61 UpStage @ The Palace on June 25th at 8:00pm. The Jazz Guild of Fairfield County will open. Tickets are just $15.

The teenage sensation has already appeared on the cover of Guitar Player, and Guitar World says, "Varady blends the accomplished technique of Wes Montgomery, soulful voicing of George Benson and Gypsy swing of Django Reinhardt." And USA Today advises us to "Keep an eye, and ear, on guitar prodigy Andreas Varady, who at 16 is already building a buzz here and abroad."

"When Quincy Jones says an artist is 'one of the most talented people on the planet,' you listen," said series curator and Palace Board Member Meredith DiMenna. "Andreas Varady has a talent well beyond his years. He is destined for great things, and we're so excited to present him at Showcase 61. Part of the mission of this series is to inspire the young artists in our community, and what better way to do that than present a young man their age who will be releasing his first album in the U.S. in August?"

Andreas Varady began his ascent to mastering jazz at the tender age of four, tutored by his father Bandi in a small town in Slovakia. He charmed passersby with his talent and lovable performing persona in Limerick & Cork Ireland when his family moved there in 2007. In 2012, Andreas played at the world famous Montreux Jazz Festival where he caught the eye of music legend Quincy Jones. Mr. Jones signed Andreas a few months later and produced his album Andreas Varady (his U.S. debut) on Verve Records due out in August. Andreas will be touring with his guitar hero George Benson this summer.

The show will take place UPSTAGE @ The Palace Theatre in Stamford. Dubbed a "listening experience," SHOWCASE 61 recreates a New York club setting, complete with special lighting, custom-designed tablecloths, a full bar with specialty cocktails from Berkshire Mountain Distillers and unique brews from Berkshire Brewing Company, as well as the option to order food, delivered to your table, via a mobile app from Station Eats.

Admission is $15 for this event and seating is LIMITED. Buy your tickets online at PalaceStamford.org or by calling the box office at 203-325-4466. Discount parking at only $3 is located directly across the street from The Palace Theatre in the Landmark Square Garage. See PalaceStamford.org for details.

About the Palace Theatre:

The Palace Theatre has been a vital force in developing the arts, cultural entertainment and education and a community pulse for The City of Stamford since it was built in 1927. The vision of the Palace Theatre is to be the regional arts center for exciting entertainment that enhances and enriches the cultural, educational, economic, and social life of the community. The Palace strives to achieve this vision by demonstrating integrity in all work and relationships, providing service and quality in all activities, fostering and promoting diversity of thought, ideas and culture, providing stewardship for the Stamford Arts community, emphasizing outreach in our community, and offering creativity in all endeavors. Major funding is provided by the Department of Economic & Community Development and the Office of the Arts.