(NEW MARLBOROUGH, Mass.) – Hilary Gardner and the West 73rd Quartet will pay tribute to legendary composer Kurt Weill from a jazz perspective, incorporating those musical and theatrical influences that have made his music compelling to listeners from all walks of life, with a concert at the historic Meeting House on the Village Green in New Marlborough, as part of the Music and More series, on Saturday, September 10, at 4:30 p.m. The concert will be followed by a wine tasting gala hosted by Domaney’s of Great Barrington.

Praised as adventurous interpreters, West 73rd will mostly perform arrangements from its recording, A Song About Forever: The Kurt Weill Project, which was nominated for a MAC Award for Best Jazz Recording. United by a musical curiosity and a shared love of jazz, West 73rd is comprised of pianist Frank Ponzio, bassist Peter Donovan, drummer Vito Lesczak and vocalist Hilary Gardner. Its music is sophisticated, dynamic and pulses with rhythmic energy. The name “West 73rd” is a nod to where the quartet’s musical collaboration began: at Ponzio’s studio on West 73rd St. in Manhattan.

Hilary Gardner, the voice of West 73rd, made her Broadway debut in Twyla Tharp’s 2010 musical, Come Fly Away. Gardner has worked extensively as a guest vocalist, including on the New York State of the Art Jazz Ensemble’s Oasis; and on multi-platinum recording artist Moby’s acclaimed 2008 release Wait For Me, on which she appeared prominently.

Frank Ponzio, an accomplished pianist and composer, has performed at venues like Birdland, Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall and the Museum of Modern Art. He has written music for TV commercials, plays, radio and film. Peter Donovan has played alongside a diverse array of artists, including Bono, Quincy Jones, the New York Film Harmonic and Liza Minnelli, and has toured and recorded with the legendary Barbara Cook. Drummer Vito Lesczak has performed in many of the major jazz rooms and concert halls all over the world, and toured throughout North America and Europe with the likes of Art Farmer, Clark Terry and John Hendricks.

Tickets to the concert cost $25/$20. Students with ID and children with parents are admitted for free. Visit Music and More or call 413.229.2785 for information.

Enjoy a 10% discount for a post-concert dinner at the historic Old Inn on the Green (rated “Best in the Berkshires” by Zagat) next door. Call 413. 229.7924 for advanced reservations, which are required.

About Music & More

Directed and founded by Harold Lewin, Music and More presents distinguished writers, musicians, actors, and classic films. This year, its 20th anniversary, Music and More brings eight events to the historic Meeting House in New Marlborough, Mass. Please visit Music and More or call 413.229.2785 for further information. Music and More is sponsored by the New Marlborough Village Association.