Aardvark Jazz Orchestra, 51st Annual Christmas Concert, Dedicated to Arni Cheatham

The famed Aardvark Jazz Orchestra, led by founder and music director Mark Harvey, has been called “stunningly beautiful” (New York City Jazz Record), “spellbinding” (The Boston Globe), “captivating” (JazzImprov), and “one of the best jazz ensembles in the world” (Jazz Podium, Germany).  On December 9, 2023, Aardvark will present its 51st Annual Christmas Concert, dedicated to the late Arni Cheatham (1948-2023), esteemed saxophonist with the band for 46 years. The concert will feature the world premiere of Mark Harvey’s piece, The Gift, in Cheatham’s honor, plus joyful jazz carols, spirituals, and American originals. The concert is a benefit for Rosie’s Place, founded in 1974 as the first shelter for women in the United States.

Aardvark gave its very first concert on December 23, 1973, at the Church of the Covenant in Boston as a benefit for the Chelsea Fire Fund.  Five decades later, Aardvark returns to this beautiful church in Boston’s historic Back Bay, for our 51st Annual Christmas Concert.   Aardvark is: Peter H. Bloom, Phil Scarff, Chris Rakowski, Dan Zupan, Daniel Ian Smith/saxophones and woodwinds; K.C. Dunbar, Jeanne Snodgrass, Taylor Ho Bynum/trumpets; Bob Pilkington, Jay Keyser/trombones; Bill Lowe/bass trombones, tuba; Richard Nelson/guitar; Jesse Williams/string bass; Harry Wellott/drums; Grace Hughes, vocalist; and Mark Harvey, music director.  Aardvark is managed by Americas Musicworks.