Flushing Town Hall To Present Critically-Acclaimed Renee Rosnes Quartet

On Friday, April 26, Flushing Town Hall will present critically-acclaimed jazz pianist Renee Rosnes, who will lead a mesmerizing performance, showcasing her instrumental, compositional, and improvisational skills. Her quartet will perform jazz classics and original material, sharing music that expresses who they are, where they have been, and where they are headed.

Describing her recent work, The New York Times said, "She tosses cold splashes of harmony, sketches out little countermelodies at a downward angle, [and] opens up pockets of silence." Adds Notes on Jazz, "Rosnes is showing signs of entering her own peak of creative powers as an impressive instrumentalist, a formidable composer, and a leader in her own right."

This will be Rosnes' first performance at Flushing Town Hall, and she will be joined on stage by Peter Washington (bass), Steve Nelson (vibraphone) and Lewis Nash (drums).

A pianist, composer, and arranger, Renee Rosnes grew up in North Vancouver. After receiving a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts in 1985, she moved to New York City, recording with such masters as Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter, Bobby Hutcherson, J.J. Johnson, James Moody, and legendary bassist Ron Carter. She has produced concerts at Lincoln Center, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and the 92nd Street Y in New York City.

"Jazz has a longstanding history at Flushing Town Hall. Since its founding, Flushing Council of the Arts has been recognized as the foremost presenter of jazz in Queens, a borough that was home to many of the 20th century's greatest jazz artists, including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gilespie, Billie Holiday, and many more," says Flushing Town Hall Executive and Artistic Director Ellen Kodadek. "We are excited to continue this tradition by welcoming the talented jazz pianist Renee Rosnes and her ensemble to our stage. This will truly be a special evening."

Rosnes has released 17 acclaimed recordings. In 2016, Written in the Rocks (Smoke Sessions) was named one of ten "Best Jazz Albums of the Year" by The Chicago Tribune, one of the "Best Albums" in all genres of music by The Nation, and was awarded a 2017 Canadian Juno (her fifth Juno award). The band's most recent session, Beloved of the Sky (2018), draws inspiration from Canadian painter Emily Carr and features master musicians Chris Potter, Steve Nelson, Peter Washington and Lenny White.

Tickets are $25, $20 members and students, and free for teens and can be purchased at www.flushingtownhall.org or by calling (718) 463-7700 x222.

Flushing Town Hall is accessible by car, bus, train and foot - located a short distance from the 7 train - at 137-35 Northern Blvd. in Flushing, Queens. Access for wheelchair users and individuals with limited mobility is available.

Once again, Flushing Town Hall is opening its doors to teenagers - for free. Under the "Teen Access Program," all 13- to 19-year-old teens (whether a member or not) will be welcomed to attend any performance for free. The program is designed to appeal to students and help foster a greater love for arts and culture.