Jazz Organ ‘Monster’ Tony Monaco Returns To Jazz Fest

by Contributor | June 26, 2017 8:04 am

FULTON, NY – Tony Monaco, the Hammond B3 Organ “Monster,” returns to headline The Fulton Jazz Festival, August 10, 11 and 12, it was announced by festival President Joe Cortini.

The event is on the shore of Lake Neatahwanta, behind the Fulton War Memorial on Route 3 and admission is free.

“Tony Monaco is without a doubt one of the top jazz organists in the world,” Cortini said. “He frequently tours Europe and the Fr East. We are truly humbled by his enthusiasm to be the headliner at this year’s Jazz Fest.”

In addition, he’ll be hosting a music clinic for local students.

“We received a generous grant from The Oswego County Community Foundation to facilitate an educational component featuring Tony and his band: Derek DiCenzo (guitar) and Louis Tsamous (drums), in a classroom setting,” Cortini said.
The festival kicks off at 7 p.m., August 10, at Bullhead Point with the Easy Money Big Band.

Then, Friday and Saturday feature six more groups with everything from straight ahead jazz, funk to swinging big bands.

The lineup is as follows:

August 10 – Bullhead Point
7 p.m. – Easy Money Big Band

August 11 – Behind Fulton War Memorial
5 p.m. – Peter Mack & The Macktet
7 p.m. – Brownskin Band
9 p.m. – Brass Inc.
August 12 – Behind Fulton War Memorial
4 p.m. – FreeFall Jazz Orchestra
6 p.m. – Tony Monaco Trio
8 p.m. – Classified

Fulton Jazz Fest has a history of bringing in top jazz organ talent.

Other B-3 masters who have performed include Joey DeFrancesco (headliner for the 2012 Fulton Jazz Fest) and Akiko Tsuruga. 2017 marks the return of crowd favorite Tony Monaco.

According to his website, www.b3monaco.com: “Mentored by the legendary Jimmy Smith in what is considered the more classic style, Monaco does not swing, smolder or smoke. ‘Tony Monaco burns!’ – CriticalJazz Review2012.

Monaco began his keyboard life at age eight.

When he was twelve, his destiny as a jazz organist was sealed when he first heard Jimmy Smith.

An enthusiastic student, he began working in Jazz clubs as a teenager in his native Columbus, Ohio, guided by local organ gurus Hank Marr and Don Patterson.

Four years later, Smith invited him to come play at his club in California, a peak lifetime experience for Monaco.

“In April 2000, Monaco met fellow jazz organist Joey DeFrancesco, who offered to produce a debut CD for him.

This collaboration resulted in the critically acclaimed ‘Burnin Grooves’.

The international success of the recording served as the catalyst for regional and national tours.

Monaco has since released eight international releases and toured around the globe many times.

He also toured and recorded with Pat Martino for more than two years.

As an ardent student of the organ, it’s no surprise that Monaco is an accomplished teacher as well.

In addition to private students, classes and clinics, he has produced a series of instructional DVDs titled “Playing Jazz Hammond” that have become indispensable for many serious students of the organ.

Monaco continues to expand his catalogue and has created MotherHenMusicEd.com.

He developed a system of giving lessons one on one online and gives lessons to students around the globe.

Presently, Monaco maintains a very busy schedule that includes festival appearances, clinics, and workshops.

Food vendors at the event include Blue Moon Grill’s Cajun New Orleans menu, Upper Landings American cuisine, and Kathy’s Cakes and Specialties.

For more information about the festival or sponsorship opportunities, call or text Fulton Jazz Fest at (315) 760-5299 or [email protected].

The event is online at www.fultonjazzfest.com, and on Facebook under “Fulton Jazz Festival.”

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/community/jazz-organ-monster-tony-monaco-returns-to-jazz-fest/

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