West Virginia Jazz Society leaders and jazz guitarist Vince Lewis, had long-wanted to produce a show featuring the familiar melodies of the Great American Songbook. And they wanted to feature as vocalist, Maddy Winer, a noted purveyor of the jazz tunes and ballads found within that revered to me.

 

The result is “An American Jazz Experience” set for Friday, April 26 in Music On Main, Bridgeport, WV’s trendy listening room.

Lewis and Winer will perform such instrum ental classics as Witchcraft and When I Fall In Love, plus instantly recognized vocals like Give Me The Simple Life and I Thought About You.

 

Lewis is a veteran jazz soloist, composer, and educator, and currently staff guitarist at the Greenbrier Resort Hotel. Winer’s career as a vocalist began at age three in New York City, and includes performances in Lincoln Center and Miami’s Fontainebleau Hotel, as well as special programming on National Public Radio.

 

Their performance is Music On Main will be backed by a curated trio of jazz stalwarts with Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s Steve Rudolph on piano, Bob Bowen from Richmond, Virginia, on bass, and Morgantown’s veteran “first call” session drummer, Mark Cappellini.

 

To enhance the musical experience, a small bites buffet with cuisine inspired by the Greenbrier Cookbook will be presented along with a courtesy beverage service.

 

Reserved seating at $55 per person is available by text to 304-517- 9813, or via email to: WVJazzSocietyNOW@gmail.com. The Vince Lewis Jazz Scholarship Fund covers the cost of tickets for students 18 and under to attend at no charge when accompanied by an adult ticket holder. 

 

“When people imagine what this show will be like, they might recall those nightclub scenes in 1930s black and white movies,” suggested WVJS President, Eric Spelsberg. “The lady singer next to the piano and the band. That’s what we’re planning.” 

 

Editor's Note: Photo is of Vince Lewis.