CHESTERTOWN — Vocalist Sue Matthews and pianist Robert Redd will perform Saturday, Feb. 14 at The Bank in a concert titled “For the Love of Artists,” an evening of love songs. Proceeds will support Kent Cultural Alliance’s Independent Artist Grants program.
The concert begins at 7 p.m.
Seating is limited to 80; reservations are required.
Tickets ($45) can be purchased directly through KCA’s website at www.kentculture.org or by calling 410-778-3700.
Wine and beer will be available for purchase.
The Bank is located at 211 High St. in downtown Chestertown.
For a number of years, jazz standards vocalist Sue Matthews and pianist Robert Redd have been paying tribute to the composers, lyricists and performers whose works are part of the Great American Songbook.
Matthews came to the music world’s attention in 1991, when she released the traditional jazz album “Love Dances.” She was soon playing clubs and festivals.
Her next release, “When You’re Around,” reached the top 20 on the Gavin and R&R (Radio & Records) jazz charts.
Since then, she has released a number of recordings and become a favorite throughout the mid-Atlantic jazz clubs, concert halls and jazz festivals.
She is a two-time recipient of the Maryland State Arts Council individual artist award.
Matthews continues to be a featured performer at the W.C. Handy Music Festival in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
Also, she has been the featured artist with the Calgary Philharmonic, the Florida Symphony, the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Showcase in New York City and the Saluzzo Musical Festival in Italy.
For several years she was an artist-in-residence for the Jazz Week of the Augusta Heritage Center.
As a member of the local Kent County band, “Guys & Doll,” Matthews worked as an artist-in-residence at the Clifden Arts Week Festival in County Galway, Ireland for more than 20 years.
Redd tours nationally and internationally as the pianist with the Duke Ellington Orchestra.
A resident of Washington, D.C. for more than 20 years, Redd was a member of the Wolf Trap Jazz Series (the in-house jazz trio for their educational component); musical director for Kenny Rankin; and for many years as an artist-in-residence at the Augusta Heritage Center.
He toured and recorded with the legendary bassist Keter Betts, as well as performed with John Pizzarelli, Houston Persons, Melba Moore and the Artie Shaw Band.
For their Valentine Day’s concert on Feb. 14, Matthews and Redd will be joined by bassist James King.
Working mostly in the mid-Atlantic region, King has performed with many well-known artists including Stanley Turrentine, Buck Hill, Elvin Jones, Marlena Shaw and Ronnie Wells.
He has traveled extensively to appear in major jazz festivals in North America and abroad, including the North Sea (the Netherlands), Montreal and Pori (Finland) festivals.
