On Thursday, July 27, at the Bonaventure Town Center Club, the Weston Music Society presented “Pops Goes the Symphony” featuring the Martin Hand Jazz Quintet of the Symphony of the Americas. Approximately 120 attendees braved the untimely downpour and were treated to a truly memorable program.
Toby Feuer, Co-Vice President of Events, commented, “Thank you to our jazz enthusiasts for braving the stormy weather to attend the Pops Concert. We appreciate your patronage.”
Leader of the Jazz Ensemble is guitarist and vocalist Martin Hand. In 2013, he was appointed Music Director of the Gold Coast Jazz Society. He has worked with such artists as Henry Mancini, Burt Bacharach, Arturo Sandoval, The Supremes and many others. Born in England, he was influenced by the Beatles and, on arrival in the United States, was further influenced by Motown, rock, standards and show tunes. Included in the program were “Sweet Lorraine” and “Come Rain or Come Shine”. The finale, “Birdland”, brought the crowd to its feet, cheering the musicians.
A special feature of the evening was that during intermission, tenor Christian Garcia and soprano Shelzie Ramos from the Olga Iglesias Project in Puerto Rico strolled around the room treating the crowd to popular songs including “Tu y Yo”, Preciosa”, and “Majestad Negra”’
Co-Vice President of Events Diane Marett summed it up, commenting, “It was a pleasure to bring this level of professional entertainment to Weston. It was a wonderful evening enjoyed by a very appreciative audience!”
Arts Council of Greater Weston Laura Dobrzanski was presented with the prestigious Weston Music Society Platinum Circle Award for Service to the Arts. Laura, who also serves on the Boards of the Rotary Club of Weston and the Weston YMCA, has worked tirelessly to enhance the quality of life of our award-winning community, notably in ensuring we have outstanding community events. Weston is privileged to have such a dedicated volunteer.
Lou Marett, President, noted, “We are delighted to cooperate with so many wonderful organizations in Weston to create events like this. We look forward to many more.”
