The Monty Alexander Trio Opens “South Florida JAZZ at Bailey Hall” Season

Davie, Fla. (January 9, 2018) –The Monty Alexander Trio will kick off the inaugural season of "South Florida JAZZ at Bailey Hall" on Saturday, January 20, at 8 p.m.

Ranked fifth greatest by jazz journalist Gene Rizzo in his book The Fifty Greatest Jazz Piano Players of All Time, Monty Alexander is a self-taught pianist known for his surprise musical twists and the ability to build dramatic suspense. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Alexander was gigging in Kingston clubs in his teens when he moved to Miami briefly. His playing retains a strong Caribbean influence, both on piano and melodica, but with a significant bebop flavor and bright swinging feeling.

"I am excited that Bailey Hall is the new home of South Florida JAZZ, which is one of our region's cultural gems," said Dr. Dan Barnard, associate dean of cultural affairs and director of Bailey Hall. "This concert promises to be an unforgettable night and a joyous launch of the season."

Alexander's repertoire spans a broad range of jazz and Jamaican musical expression including the American songbook and the blues, gospel and bebop, calypso and reggae. In August 2000, the Jamaican government awarded Alexander the title of Commander in the Order of Distinction for outstanding services to Jamaica as a worldwide music ambassador.

In a 2011 review of Harlem-Kingston Express Live!, for which Alexander received a Grammy Award® nomination, National Public Radio reported, "Those who know jazz pianists know that Monty Alexander is one of the best around… In all his music, the 67-year-old Alexander's right-hand lines ring out with the power of a great vocalist, while his percussive left hand builds a strong foundation. When he improvises, he creates marvelously unexpected swirls of notes and cascades of occasionally dissonant chords."

In the performance at Bailey Hall, Alexander is joined by J.J. Shakur on double bass and drummer Jason Brown.
Tickets are $35-$45. Student and senior discounts are also available. Tickets are available by visiting www.baileyhall.org or contacting the Bailey Hall box office at (954) 201-6884. The box office and phone lines are open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and one hour prior to an event. The flagship venue of Broward College, Bailey Hall is located on the A. Hugh Adams Central Campus at 3501 Davie Rd. in Davie and offers free parking.

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ABOUT BAILEY HALL:

Bailey Hall offers Broward College students, faculty and the South Florida community with highest quality cultural entertainment and programming which is hip, smart, engaging, and authentic. The College uses its various music, theater, and film series to incorporate an academic component for its fine arts and visual arts students through master classes, workshops and participation. Recently, Bailey Hall underwent a $5.6 million renovation to improve the experience, sound and atmosphere.