Steve Grossman headlines jazz festival at Renfrew

WAYNESBORO >> Legendary tenor saxophonist Steve Grossman will headline a jazz line-up of accomplished musicians at Renfrew Institute's annual outdoor Jazz Festival Aug. 30, including singer JD Walter, guitarist Paul Bollenback, bassist Duylinh Nguyen and drummer Steve Johns.

From 2 to 4 p.m., jazz lovers can relax on the lawn —take your own chairs — in the shade behind Renfrew Museum House at the park at 1010 E. Main St.

The concert is free, but donations will be accepted.

Grossman is best known for being hand-picked in 1969 by Miles Davis to replace Wayne Shorter in his great quintet; Grossman was just 18 at the time. An expatriate for many years, he splits his time between Europe and New York City. His absence from the U.S. jazz scene has only increased his mystique.

With Davis, Grossman is featured on six albums from the early 1970s. He has also recorded six albums with Elvin Jones, four albums with the group "Stone Alliance," and at least 24 albums as a leader.

Walter's vocal reputation is as a purist and an innovator. He has shared the stage with the likes of Dave Liebman, Billy Hart, Tom Harrell, Eric Revis, Billy Drummond and others. A featured artist at jazz festivals and clubs around the world, he has performed and taught for the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, the Sebelius Conservatory in Helsinki, Finland, Jazz Palau De Valencia in Spain and many other places worldwide, and he is a regular on the music scene in New York at such venues as Lincoln Center, The Tribeca Performing Arts Center and the famed 55 Bar. He teaches in New York at The Aaron Copland School of Music, The New School and at The Prince Claus Conservatory in Groningen, Holland.

Bollenback is a regular at Renfrew (this is his 21st visit in 24 years of the festival's history). He has appeared on the Tonight Show, Good Morning America, the Today Show, and Entertainment Tonight, and has played with an impressive spectrum of musicians. His international and national touring schedule includes appearances with Joey DeFrancesco, Shunzo Ohno and his own trio. He recently began work at Prince Claus Conservatory in the Netherlands.

Bassist Nguyen is a Paris native who has been a mainstay on the Paris jazz scene for many years, working extensively in France with Grossman and saxophonist Pete King.

Dynamic and versatile drummer Johns is known in both the New York City and international jazz scenes.

Parking for the event is available behind the visitors center, with additional parking in the lower lot off Welty Road. Rain site is Waynesboro Area Middle School, 702 E. Second St.

For more information call Renfrew Institute at 717-762-0373 or visit www.renfrewinstitute.org.