Clarinetist Nathan Tokunaga fronts an all star sextet featuring Kyle Athayde (vibraphone) and Nick Rossi (electric guitar) to pay tribute to one of the greatest jazz combos of all time: the original 1939-1940 Benny Goodman Sextet! This special concert performance will draw from the Goodman repertoire focusing on compositions and arrangements as originally performed by that history-making six-piece band. This will be a very special performance for Tokunaga in particular whose first jazz inspiration was Goodman and who over a remarkably brief time has demonstrated a deep musical appreciation for the clarinet master in his own virtuoso playing. Notably, this summer marks the 85th anniversary of the original Benny Goodman Sextet’s final performances and the combo made their only San Francisco appearances May 27th though June 7th in 1940. This event will take place in the 1926 concert hall of the Community Music Center, located in the heart of San Francisco’s central Mission District.
Band personnel: Nathan Tokunaga (clarinet), Kyle Athayde (vibraphone), Nick Rossi (electric guitar), Adam Shulman (piano), Ryan Gould (bass), and Derek McDonald (drums).
Sunday, August 3 at 4pm
CMC Concert Hall
Admission: $25; purchase tickets here
This will be a seated concert performance with one brief intermission. Doors open at approximately 3:30 p.m. and seating will be first-come, first-served.