Liquid Love pays tribute to the extraordinary contributions of Freddie Hubbard, a renowned trumpeter, composer, and arranger whose innovative style and remarkable talent left an indelible mark on the jazz world. The project highlights Hubbard's iconic works, showcasing his unique ability to blend various musical influences, from hard bop to avant-garde jazz. Through captivating performances and rich arrangements, Liquid Love not only honors Hubbard's legacy but also introduces his timeless music to new audiences, ensuring that his artistic spirit continues to inspire future generations.
Dan Donofrio: Trumpet & Flugelhorn: A Berklee Alumni that has been part of the CT music scene for three plus decades, not only as a Band Leader/Performer but also as a Music Production Coordinator with countless events produced & performed for the East Coast Casino & Corporate Nightlife Community.
Greg LaPine: Saxophone: A multi-instrumentalist, composer and bandleader, Greg holds a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies from W.S.C.U. Now based in Queens, NY, he leads his own groups, (Greg LaPine Chordless Quartet, GLP FolkMachine & The Vegan Giblets) He is also a co-founder of the improvised music collective, Picture of Now. Greg has performed, recorded, and toured with artists such as Jason Mraz, Shaggy & Sting, Mephiskapheles, the NYC Ska Orchestra, SUNDUB, Carrtoons &The Rob Block Quintet.
Darren Litzie: Piano: Darren holds a Master of Music from The Hartt School’s Jackie McLean Institute and a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance from W.C.S.U. He has performed and recorded with artists such as The Commitments, John Riley, Jeff Fuller, Dave Santoro, Andrew Beals, Harvie S, and Phil Palombi. An avid composer and arranger, he is also a member of the prestigious BMI Jazz Composers Workshop. He is currently a Professor at Sacred Heart University and active recording artist, appearing on multiple records as a sideman. His debut record, My Horizon (2022) appears on Summit Records.
Mike Godette: Guitar: Performing regularly as a leader and sideman throughout the CT/NY area and playing with artists such as Aaron Goldberg, Jimmy Greene, John Stowell, Gerald Veasley and Myron Walden. Mike is a sought after educator maintaining an active YOUTUBE channel (Mike Godette Music) regularly producing Jazz concepts and harmony lessons online.
David Livolsi: Bass: A Berklee alumni who also holds a BA in Music from W.C.S.U. Dave has been an active member of the music scene for over 30 years, performing with artists such as Chieli Minucci (Special EFX), John Scofield, Bill Evans, Jazz Is Dead, T Lavitz, Jerry Goodman, Roberta Flack, Maysa, Najee, Chuck Loeb, Sam Rivers, John Tropea, David Spinozza, Nelson Rangell & The Delfonics. In David's view "Music is meant to be played with passion and honesty. Communicating with the other musicians through music and sound is how we connect.”
Tyger MacNeal: Drums: Tyger has been an in-demand studio and touring drummer for the past 3 decades. He has worked with some of the most established names in the music business such as the Four Tops, Fifth Dimension and Rosemary Clooney. Tyger also toured and recorded with Average White Band and with Grammy Award winning guitar legend Jose Feliciano. He keeps busy maintaining a busy freelance and teaching schedule.
Emedin Rivera (special guest): Percussion: Emedin is a highly respected and accomplished artist in a vast array of contemporary music genres. Emedin's unique rhythmic percussion clearly underscores the Latin-Caribbean-African influences. Emedin has performed with such accomplished artists as Stevie Wonder, Harry Belafonte, LaToya Jackson, Sting, Gregory Hines, and Ben E. King. He has also appeared on The David Letterman Show, Show Time at the Apollo, Dellaventura, The Harry Belafonte PBS Special, and Robert Wuhl's World Tour. Emedin's commercial credits include , Anheuser-Busch, Visa Cards, Bose Sound System, and Mercedes-Benz. Emedin Rivera has appeared in magazines such as Modern Drummer and Christian Musician. Not only that but Emedin is also an accomplished inventor. He invented a custom drum kit called Conga-Toms. Including an unbreakable bongo head that he calls Em-Rays and a shaker that sounds like a rain stick called the Cyclone Shaker.
Featuring: DAN DONOFRIO: trumpet | GREG LAPINE: saxophone | MIKE GODETTE: guitar | DARREN LITZIE: keyboards | DAVE LIVOLSI: bass | TYGER MACNEAL: drums | EMEDIN RIVERA (special guest): percussion
Doors 6:30pm / Sets at 7:30pm & 9pm / One ticket ($15-$25) is valid for both sets, seating for the 9pm set is based upon availability