BRATTLEBORO-The Vermont Jazz Center (VJC) Big Band with vocalist Carmen Bradford takes the stage at Retreat Farm on Saturday, July 19, as the 2025 Brattleboro Music Center's Music Under the Stars series continues.
Bradford, a "third-generation vocalist and five-time Grammy Award nominee, ascended to jazz royalty through pedigree, talent, and hard work," wrote organizers in a news release.
For nine years, Bradford was the featured vocalist with Count Basie, and she continues to tour and record with the Count Basie (Legacy) Orchestra. She received a Grammy Award for her contributions to Basie Swings the Blues with the Count Basie Orchestra and appears on the album organized by Kenny Rankin, The Benny Carter Songbook Project.
Leading the VJC's large ensemble is Rob Freeberg, a seasoned trumpeter and big band conductor, with decades of experience leading his own big band in the New York City region. Known for his "respect for the jazz legacy and unerring ear," Freeberg directs the VJC Sextet, and performs with the Windham Orchestra, its brass quintet, the Bennington County Choral Society, and the Keene Chorale.
Admission is free with donations welcome. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. at Retreat Farm, with the concert at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome to bring lawn chairs and a picnic dinner. Please note that no outside alcohol is permitted, but beverages are available for purchase on site. Also, leave dogs at home unless they are service animals.
For more information about Music Under the Stars, contact the BMC at 802-257-4523 or info@bmcvt.org.
This Arts item was submitted to The Commons.