The Jazz Loft Presents Strictly Sinatra!
Frank Sinatra once said, “I think my real ambition is to pass on to others what I know. It took me a long, long time to learn what I now know, and I don’t want it to die with me.” Enter vocalist Pete Caldera to grab the “Sinatra baton” with his perfectly nuanced interpretations of Frank’s catalog. Caldera will be joined by The Jazz Loft’s 17-piece big band directed by Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel for an exciting new show celebrating the legacy of “Ol’ Blue Eyes.” Sinatra was one of the most important entertainers of the 20th Century, and just as Frank never did anything in a small way, this concert is a fitting tribute to the living legacy of the man and his music.
photo by Donna J. Crinnian
Pete Caldera
Pete Caldera has become a beloved fixture at many of New York City’s legendary clubs, enchanting audiences with his renditions of American standards. His velvety voice and charismatic stage presence bring to life the timeless melodies that have captivated music lovers for generations. Whether he is crooning a romantic ballad or belting out an up-tempo number, Pete's passion for the music is evident in every note he sings.
Together with The Jazz Loft Big Band in this exciting new project The Jazz Loft Presents Strictly Sinatra!, they create an unforgettable experience that transports listeners back to the golden era of music, evoking nostalgia and joy in equal measure.
Pete Caldera's dedication to honoring the classics and his commitment to delivering top-notch performances have earned him a loyal following and a well-deserved reputation as a true master of the American songbook.
Pete Caldera Links
Pete Caldera on Colbert:
https://youtu.be/_VTp-UFxEHA?si=CqsaCY85mfMA6pGW
Pete Caldera on Good Day New York
https://youtu.be/KcZCDFlwnUY?si=ehFUle9sFrOhCXij
Pete Caldera Home Page
The Jazz Loft Big Band
The Jazz Loft Big Band is the house Jazz orchestra in residence at the Jazz Loft, a not-for- profit Jazz museum and performance venue located in Stony Brook, New York which is dedicated to the preservation, education and performance of Jazz in America and beyond. Fronted by musical director, Jazz historian and cornetist Thomas Manuel, this 17 piece ensemble presents a wide array of musical projects bringing to life much of the historic archives housed and preserved at the Jazz Loft.
Although this ensemble has undergone a few incarnations since its inception in 1997 when Manuel founded the group, it boasts an impressive history having performed throughout New England, recorded and collaborated with and welcomed to its roster of members the likes of Jazz legends including: Teddy Charles, Percy Brice, Lloyd Trotman, Rich DeRosa,
Sonny Dallas, Charles Genduso, Nichole Zuraitis, Benny Powell, Al Galadoro, Joe Wilder, Warren Vache, Ken Peplowski, The Four Freshman, Marilyn Maye, Houston Person, and many others.
The Jazz Loft Big Band serves as ambassadors for the American born art form called Jazz and has celebrated the many styles that have bloomed from this historic tree including archival projects celebrating the music of Jack Wilson, Arthur Prysock and Keely Smith, as well as specific projects including the presentation of Duke Ellington’s Far East Suite, Charlie Parker with Strings, Johnny Richards Cuban Fire Suite, Benny Carter’s, Kansas City Suite,
Oliver Nelson’s Kennedy Dream and other compositions, as well as the arrangements of Nelson Riddle, Billy Strayhorn, Manny Albam, Billy May and other notable 20th century arrangers.
The library of big band arrangements which the Jazz Loft Big Band draws from consists of well over 5,000 arrangements, many being historic manuscripts never before published. Their season programming changes from year to year with past seasons programming having celebrated women in Jazz, Latin Jazz, artist centennial retrospectives, democracy in Jazz, and other important themes.
The Jazz Loft Big Band also presents a series of performances aired live on radio as part of their “Live from the Loft” series each year. Music Director Tom Manuel says of his ensemble, “I am continually honored and humbled to front such an artistically gifted and inspiring ensemble that continues to celebrate this amazing music.”
photo by Donna J. Crinnian
About The Jazz Loft
The Jazz Loft's mission is one of Jazz preservation, education, and performance, and has quickly become the premier destination for all things Jazz. The Jazz Loft is one of only five Jazz museums in the United States, and presents a full performance calendar of local, national and international artists in our period 1940s second floor performance space. The Jazz Loft presents more than 200 concerts annually featuring the top nationally and internationally known jazz artists.
The Jazz Loft also has an extensive outreach program. Our Pre College Jazz Institute in collaboration with Stony Brook University offers training in jazz theory, performance and masterclass settings to outstanding high school musicians. Our Young at Heart program offers music therapy presentations for those with memory loss and their caregivers. A monthly lecture series and scheduled family concerts round out our community outreach endeavors which are due in part to an outstanding team of sponsors and community leaders.
The Jazz Loft’s final mission point is that of preservation which is alive and well and on view 24/7 in our 6,000 square feet of original jazz memorabilia spanning 100 years of the American born art form celebrating not only the music, but art and photography as well throughout our many galleries.
