CLARKS SUMMIT — The Electric City Swing will perform at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 6 at the First Presbyterian Church of Clarks Summit. The group, which includes members of the Bog Swing Group, the Dave Liebman Group, Gypsy Jazz Quintet and Hickory Project, will perform music of the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s, bringing together players versatile in the styles of American hot swing and European “hot club” jazz.

Founder and jazz violinist Mark Woodyatt’s concept for this project was inspired from a recent trip to France, where he taught and performed with fellow band members Roy Williams, Anthony Hannigan and Paris-based jazz violinist Raphael Maillet, who will be joining as a special treat. Additionally, jazz veterans Nick Driscoll (soprano sax, clarinet), Tony Marino (bass) and Tom Kozic (guitar) add their tastes and flair to the group.

Woodyatt’s virtuosity on acoustic and five-string electric violin earned him high regard and a place with the region’s top jazz performers as a soloist and session player. Tony Marino appears frequently at the church as a member of the Presbybop Quartet, and is well-known in the region and beyond for his masterful work on the bass. Hannigan appeared at the church last year as leader of the Hickory Project, NEPA’s top bluegrass band. Roy Williams, an American songwriter and guitarist, writes music with a curious ear and an open mind.

Special guest Raphael Maillet is the founder of the French band named Accordzéâm (literally “body and soul”), which creates rich and offbeat music, often putting their own stamp on classical music themes.

This event is open to the public, free of charge, but a free-will offering will be taken to help defray the costs. The Arts at First Presbyterian concert series receives support from the Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts Program (administered by the Pocono Arts Council), a Lackawanna County Arts and Cultural Grant, and numerous individual donors.

For more information about the concert, call the church office at 570-586-6306 or visit fpccs.org.

Jazz violinist Mark Woodyatt is founder of The Electric City Swing group, which includes members of the Bog Swing Group, the Dave Liebman Group, Gypsy Jazz Quintet and Hickory Project.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_ABJ-Swing-1.jpg.optimal.jpgJazz violinist Mark Woodyatt is founder of The Electric City Swing group, which includes members of the Bog Swing Group, the Dave Liebman Group, Gypsy Jazz Quintet and Hickory Project. Submitted photo

The Electric City Swing will perform at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 6 at the First Presbyterian Church in Clarks Summit.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_ABJ-Swing-2.jpg.optimal.jpgThe Electric City Swing will perform at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 6 at the First Presbyterian Church in Clarks Summit. Submitted artwork

For Abington Journal

Information provided by the First Presbyterian Church of Clarks Summit.