This events calendar includes Earl’s upcoming performances, compositional debuts, recordings and educational activities. On mobile devices this calendar is best viewed horizontally.
2021
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Fri22Jan2021
"By Our Love" -- NEW single release!
7PM
“By Our Love” will be released on the Friday following Inauguration Day. The animated short will be posted on http://www.by-our-love.com. The single will be available on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Tidal, Amazon and all the other major online music platforms.
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Sat20Feb2021
ZOOM lecture: the Lineage of Jazz Piano
4:00 PMToronto, Canada // Storrs, CT (via ZOOM)
Established in 2006, the JAZZ.FM91 Youth Big Band (YBB) is a free educational program that provides the opportunity for selected middle- and high-school students to rehearse with an 18-piece big band and perform with international jazz luminaries. The JAZZ.FM91 Youth Big Band program is designed to provide outstanding educational instruction that allows participants to develop musical and social skills while interacting in a diverse, professional setting. The JAZZ.FM91 Youth Big Band is led by musical director Jules Estrin, one of Canada’s most in-demand jazz ensemble clinicians, adjudicators and educators.
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Sun25Apr2021
Miles Davis' "Birth of the Cool," performed by the U.S. Coast Guard Jazz Nonet
2 p.m. ESTLive Stream from the US Coast Guard Academy.
New London, CT
https://livestream.com/CGA/APR-25-2021
The U.S. Coast Guard Jazz Nonet performs Miles Davis’ “The Birth of the Cool.”
Earl is performing as a substitute pianist within the 9-piece ensemble. -
Sat29May2021
"Blindfold" Listening Test with the JAZZ.FM91 Youth Big Band
4:00 PMToronto, Canada // Storrs, CT (via ZOOM)
This week Alex Dean and Earl MacDonald join the JAZZ.FM91 Virtual Big Band program for our first Big Band Blindfold Test!
Established in 2006, the JAZZ.FM91 Youth Big Band (YBB) is a free educational program that provides the opportunity for selected middle- and high-school students to rehearse with an 18-piece big band and perform with international jazz luminaries. The JAZZ.FM91 Youth Big Band program is designed to provide outstanding educational instruction that allows participants to develop musical and social skills while interacting in a diverse, professional setting. The JAZZ.FM91 Youth Big Band is led by musical director Jules Estrin, one of Canada’s most in-demand jazz ensemble clinicians, adjudicators and educators.
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Fri25Jun2021
The Beacons (U.S. Coast Guard Jazz Nonet)
6 - 7 PMLa Grua Center32 Water St, Stonington, CT 06378
https://lagruacenter.org
Free parking for La Grua Center events is located in the lot at Stonington Commons at 32 Water Street in Stonington Borough. Turn right just past the Inn at Stonington where the sign says Stonington Commons. The parking lot is in front of you as you turn in, and we're the one-story stone building at the far end of the green.
If the lot is full, look for additional free parking further along Water Street as you head south toward the water, and at DuBois Beach on Stonington Point at the end of the street.
La Grua Center is part of the Stonington Commons Community and parking around the green is designated for Stonington Commons residents only.
Earl is performing as a guest pianist within the 9-piece U.S. Coast Guard Jazz Nonet.
Summer Concert on the Green. -
Tue29Jun2021
The Beacons (U.S. Coast Guard Jazz Nonet)
7 PMEsker Point Beach
900 Groton Long Point Rd, Groton, CT06340
https://www.groton-ct.gov/facility_detail_T74_R114.phpEsker Point Beach is a public beach, situated on scenic Esker Bay just before Groton Long Point. Esker Point Beach has ample parking just across the street. The beach has a concession stand as well as sandy beaches.
Earl is performing as a guest pianist within the 9-piece U.S. Coast Guard Jazz Nonet. -
Mon12Jul2021
Jazz In July Summer Music Program - ONLINE
Online
UMass Fine Arts Center is offering one week of online instruction, similar to 2020, from July 12-16, 2021.Musicians age 15 and up are invited to enroll in the Jazz in July online education program. Join world-class jazz artist/educators via Zoom for a week of afternoon workshops on jazz improvisation, harmony, rhythm, instrumental and vocal masterclasses, and special guest lecturers. Register and learn more at jazzinjuly.com. Scholarships available. -
Thu15Jul2021
The Beacons (U.S. Coast Guard Jazz Nonet)
5:30 - 7:30 PMCT River Museum, Essex
67 Main Street, Essex, CT 06426
860.767.8269
DIRECTIONShttps://ctrivermuseum.org/events/thursdays-on-the-dock-uscg-dixie-jazz-band/
In order to maintain best social distance practices, we will continue to limit the number attending our Thursdays on the Dock performances. The number allowed on the lawn is dictated by CT State regulations. Contact information (name and phone number/email) will be taken as you enter our property. Thank you for your understanding.
Thursdays on the Dock has been a shoreline staple since 2009. 12 years in and we are still the destination for waterfront music. Each Thursday evening in July and August from 5:30-7:30, bring a chair or blanket, and watch the sun go down over the river.
Earl is performing as a guest pianist within the 9-piece U.S. Coast Guard Jazz Nonet. -
Wed21Jul2021
New London Big Band
6:30 - 9 p.m.The Social Bar + Kitchen, New London, CT. 208 Bank Street, New London, CT.
Tickets required. (860) 442-6900.
Led by trombonist and composer Sean Nelson, the New London Big Band is a 17-piece jazz orchestra made up of the finest musicians in New England. The band plays a mix of classic jazz standards, upbeat dance tunes, and original music by band members, and regularly features instrumental and vocal soloists. Formed in 2016, they play monthly to sold out crowds at the Social Bar + Kitchen in New London. -
Fri23Jul2021
New single release: Take My Life And Let It Be Consecrated
The first single for Earl’s new album will be released on Friday, July 23rd. Spotify “pre-save” information will be posted on this website, shortly. -
Fri30Jul2021
Jazz In July 40th Anniversary Concert
7 - 9PMthe Town Green
Amherst, MAA concert event to celebrate 40 years of Jazz in July! On July 30, 2021 we will be hosting an outdoor performance on the town green in Amherst. This is part of a concert series presented by the Amherst Business Improvement District (Amherst BID). They will be providing stage, lighting, sound, and production. -
Sat31Jul2021
New London Big Band
6:30pm - 8pmEssex Park, Essex, CT
(Essex Park is located at the middle of Main Street (the small green with the gazebo. It's right by the post office and the Black Seal.)Led by trombonist and composer Sean Nelson, the New London Big Band is a 17-piece jazz orchestra made up of the finest musicians in New England. The band plays a mix of classic jazz standards, upbeat dance tunes, and original music by band members, and regularly features instrumental and vocal soloists. Formed in 2016, they play monthly to sold out crowds at the Social Bar + Kitchen in New London. -
Thu19Aug2021
POSTPONED --- Jazz on the Rocks w/ the Chris Beaudry Group
5:30 - 8:30p.m.
Stone Row Kitchen + Bar, 948 Main St, Willimantic, CT
reservations: (860) 423-4243
https://stonerowkb.comChris Beaudry – tenor saxophone, Timothy Norton – string bass, Earl MacDonald – piano.
Special guest soloist: Logan MacDonald – trumpet -
Wed25Aug2021
CANCELED --- New London Big Band
6:30 - 8p.m.The Social Bar + Kitchen, New London, CT. 208 Bank Street, New London, CT.
Tickets required. (860) 442-6900.
[This event will take place outside, in the parking lot, as a COVID-19 safety precaution. The band will play one, long set.]Led by trombonist and composer Sean Nelson, the New London Big Band is a 17-piece jazz orchestra made up of the finest musicians in New England. The band plays a mix of classic jazz standards, upbeat dance tunes, and original music by band members, and regularly features instrumental and vocal soloists. Formed in 2016, they play monthly to sold out crowds at the Social Bar + Kitchen in New London. -
Thu26Aug2021
Jazz on the Rocks w/ the Chris Beaudry Group
5:30 - 8:30pmStone Row Kitchen + Bar, 948 Main St, Willimantic, CT
reservations: (860) 423-4243
https://stonerowkb.comChris Beaudry – tenor saxophone, Timothy Norton – string bass, Earl MacDonald – piano.
Special guest soloist: Logan MacDonald – trumpet -
Fri27Aug2021
CANCELED - New London Big Band
8 - 9:30pmTown Center Park, Hamden, CT. 06518
Outside.Led by trombonist and composer Sean Nelson, the New London Big Band is a 17-piece jazz orchestra made up of the finest musicians in New England. The band plays a mix of classic jazz standards, upbeat dance tunes, and original music by band members, and regularly features instrumental and vocal soloists. Formed in 2016, they play monthly to sold out crowds at the Social Bar + Kitchen in New London. -
Fri27Aug2021
2nd New Single Release: Be Still, My Soul
“Be Still, My Soul,” the second single from Earl’s forthcoming album, will be released on Aug. 27th. This reworking of Sibelius’ Finlandia hymn acknowledges the reality of difficult life circumstances. But contrary to typical anxious, worrisome responses, the lyricist encourages being still and trusting in God. “Pre-save” the track to your Spotify library: https://music.outsideinmusic.com/bestillmysoul -
Tue31Aug2021Sat16Oct2021
2021 Studio Art + Digital Media & Design Faculty Exhibition
The William Benton Museum of Art is Connecticut’s State art museum, located on the University of Connecticut campus at Storrs. 245 Glenbrook Road, Storrs, CT 06269-3140 | ph: (860) 486-4520 | Directions
Museum Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10:00am – 4:00pm, Saturday: 1:00 – 4:00pm [Masks Required]This biennial exhibition features new work by the exceptional artists who teach studio art in UConn’s Department of Art and Art History, School of Fine Arts. The variety of media featured reflects the diverse academic concentrations offered by the department, including graphic design, industrial design, illustration/animation, painting, photography/video, printmaking, and sculpture/ceramics. “By Our Love,” the thought-provoking animated short created collaboratively by Professor Cora Lynn Deibler, Earl MacDonald and Greenhouse Studios will be displayed.
Opening Reception: Thursday, September 9, 2021, 4:30 – 7:00pm (rain date September 10)
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Sat11Sep2021
The Side Door - Back In the Swing Celebration
5:30p.m.
The Side Door Jazz Club - 85 Lyme St., Old Lyme, CT, 06371
website: https://thesidedoorjazz.com/
phone: (860) 434-2600"a world class jazz venue located at The Old Lyme Inn in Connecticut."
IT’S OFFICIAL: The Side Door Jazz Club Will Swing Again! Join us for our grand-reopening celebration as we get back “into the swing of things”
A quartet of UConn Jazz students, directed by Professor Earl MacDonald will serve as the opening act.
They will be followed by: the Nat Reeves Quintet (6:30pm) and Joe McCarthy’s New York Afro Bop Alliance Big Band (8:00pm). This is a RAIN OR SHINE EVENT! Grab your tent seats while they last! [This event will take place outside, as a COVID-19 safety measure.]
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Sun19Sep2021
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Fri24Sep2021
New album release date
Earl’s new album, “Consecrated” is a collection of hymns, brimming with poetic elegance and jazz underpinnings. Unlike any of Earl’s previous recordings, vocals stand front-and-center, with Canadian up-and-comer Karly Epp introduced as an important, new collaborator. It’s out today — Sept. 24th!! -
Sat25Sep2021
Willimantic Downtown Country Fair
12:15 - 1:15 p.m.The Shaboo Stage. Jillson Square, 533 Main Street, Willimantic, CT
Earl’s ensemble will interpret the music of the Great American Songbook as well as perform selections from his new CD, which will be available for purchase.
Atla DeChamplain – vocals, Haneef Nelson – trumpet, Earl MacDonald – piano, Henry Lugo – string bass, Curtis Torian – drums
There will be music, food, local craft vendors and children’s activities –– all in the middle of Willimantic’s beautiful Town Green. Free admission.
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Wed29Sep2021
New London Big Band
6:30 - 9 p.m.The Social Bar + Kitchen, New London, CT. 208 Bank Street, New London, CT.
Tickets required. (860) 442-6900.
[This event will take place outside, in the parking lot, as a COVID-19 safety precaution.]
Rain Date: 9/30.Led by trombonist and composer Sean Nelson, the New London Big Band is a 17-piece jazz orchestra made up of the finest musicians in New England. The band plays a mix of classic jazz standards, upbeat dance tunes, and original music by band members, and regularly features instrumental and vocal soloists. Formed in 2016, they play monthly to sold out crowds at the Social Bar + Kitchen in New London. -
Sat09Oct2021
CD Release Concert: "Consecrated"
7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
First Church of Christ Congregational
2183 Main Street Glastonbury, CT 06033
(860) 633-4641
firstchurch@glastonburyfirst.orgAll are invited to the release concert for Earl’s new recording, “Consecrated” –– an album of traditional hymns, brimming with poetic elegance. There is a suggested donation of $10.Atla DeChamplain – vocals, David Smith – trumpet, Kris Allen – alto sax, Earl MacDonald – piano, Matt Dwonszyk – string bass, Rogerio Boccato – drum setThe policies for the Music at the Meetinghouse Concert Series reflect a thoughtful, faithful and public safety-oriented approach to the pandemic. For more information, please contact Angela Salcedo at 860-633-4641 or angelasalcedo@glastonburyfirst.org.We are asking people to sign-up for attendance using the link below, because of limited seating (120) and for contact tracing. -
Sat23Oct2021
Jazz Piano Master Class - Connecticut Music Educators Association
11AMonline, via ZOOM.
Online jazz piano master class (via ZOOM) in preparation for Connecticut high school regional jazz ensembles auditions. -
Sun24Oct2021
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Sat30Oct2021
UConn Piano Day
9 AM - 5 PMvon der Mehden Recital Hall, Storrs, CT
UConn Piano Day includes performances and workshops designed to benefit local piano teachers & students. https://music.uconn.edu/community/uconn-piano-day/
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Sun07Nov2021
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Sun05Dec2021
UConn Jazz Ensemble
6 PMvon der Mehden Recital Hall, 875 Coventry Rd., Storrs, CT
Please join the UConn Jazz Ensemble for an evening concert featuring the music of Frank Zappa on Sunday December 5th at 6:00pm at UConn’s von der Mehden Recital Hall.General admission is $10. Students, faculty, children and military members with ID are admitted free.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, audience seating is limited to 200. Tickets may be pre-purchased at:
https://vdm.ticketleap.com/uconn-jazz-ensemble-plays-the-music-of-frank-zappa/A live stream of this performance can be accessed at:
https://www.kaltura.com/index.php/extwidget/preview/partner_id/2090521/uiconf_id/36463151/entry_id/1_almc4hoz/embed/dynamic
