On Friday, February 27, 2014 the Infinity Jazz Concert Series at 301 East 3rd Street in Jamestown, NY will feature An Evening Of Jazz with Bluze Inn, at 7:00 pm.
The evening will feature percussionist, Ray Domanski whose early bands included The Vandals, Welkin, and later the formidable soul band, Hard Luck, with the late, great sax and piano player and lifelong friend Chu Nero.
Moving to New York City, Ray studied with Peter Nero drummer, Joe Cusatis, and entered the jazz scene, eventually being lured back to Buffalo for a steady gig with The Professors under mentor Steve Willis. Here he was also in the pit band at the former Melody Fair, backing Brook Benton, Frankie Laine, The Drifters and The Shirelles.
Soon Ray was off to the West Coast, playing with Buffalo saxophone legend Don Menza, and bandmates Frank Rosolino, Conte Candoli, Pepper Adams, Joe Romano, Frank Strazzeri and John Heard.
Having returned to his home town of Dunkirk, Ray continues to perform in various settings, including backing Lucy Arnaz at Jamestown’s Comedy Fest, and with many other local jazz talents. He takes drumming from just keeping time to having its’ own voice in the process of improvisation, and is constantly striving to connect with people through his playing.
Joining Ray Domanski with be other members of Bluze Inn including Steve Swanson on keyboards, Jim Karapontso on guitar and John Cross on saxophones.
Bluze Inn will perform a variety of blues and standard jazz repertoire.
Opening for the concert will be Stephanie Benson. Stephanie is a vocalist, guitarist, and pianist who has been a student at Infinity for 7 years. Miss Benson has played in venues around the area including the Jamestown Farmers’ Market, Lakewood Rod & Gun, and has been a soloist in Infinity’s Spring Showcase. She has been a member of many Infinity ensembles and plans to continue pursuing music in college. Her current instructor is Amanda Barton.
The concert is free and open to the public. Enter the former USPS door on the corner of 3rd Street.
Please join us for a great evening of music for jazz enthusiasts and support our new performance venue!
