An evening of French Chanson and Gypsy Jazz. Featuring Robin Pluer, Juli Wood, Stas Venglevski and Guy Fiorentini
Stas
October6th2024
An evening of French Chanson and Gypsy Jazz. Featuring Robin Pluer, Juli Wood, Stas Venglevski and Guy Fiorentini
A cash bar will be available.
$40 + 4% service fee + 5% tax
Each registered guest must print out their ticket/receipt and bring it to the event.
For the past twenty years with four albums as a leader, several studio projects as a side man, and countless worldwide performances, saxophonist, vocalist and composer Juli Wood has established herself as a solid, swinging, lyrical and entertaining performer on Chicago’s music scene.
Juli has played many jazz clubs and festivals nationally and internationally; Chicago Jazz Fest, Hyde Park Jazz Fest, Milwaukee’s Summerfest, Chicago’s main jazz clubs – Jazz Showcase, Green Mill, Andy’s and Katerina’s. Skansen Jazz and Blues (Stockholm , Sweden), Pori Jazz Fest (Finland), Bent J’s club (Aarhus, Denmark), Storyville (Helsinki Finland), Arlandia Jazz Fest (Aaland Islands, Finland) and the ” Made in Chicago ” jazz festival in Poznan Poland to name a few.
Juli’s love for the saxophone goes way back. “I remember watching SOUL TRAIN as a kid on T.V. in the 70’s and seeing Maceo Parker playing alto sax with James Brown. I thought that was the coolest looking and sounding instrument in the world! So the love affair with the saxophone started in the sixth grade and has been going strong ever since.” Juli has played for the past 40 years with Robin Pluer in bands including the R&B cadets, Paul Cebar and the Milwaukeeans, Rhythm Club, and Robin’s Bastille Days groups.
She’s a sultry diva with pizzazz and jazzy style. She’s a multi-faceted songstress who elegantly but playfully delivers a mélange of vintage French ballads with a distinctive twist.
Robin Pluer, a perennial WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) Award winner, has been once again awarded Milwaukee’s Best Female Vocalist by the Shepherd Express for an unprecedented third year. This chanteuse with panache has become a mainstay at Bastille Days festivals. Over the past 20 years Robin has performed and composed music with John Sieger (R&B Cadets), Paul Cebar (and the Milwaukeeans) and Peter Buffett. Her fresh, engaging talent has afforded her opportunities coast to coast including Garrison Keeler’s “Prairie Home Companion” and NPR’s “World Café.” Recently, Pluer has returned from touring Europe.
Wherever she performs, whether it’s her funky R&B or flirtatious medley of French “oldies,” Robin Pluer effortlessly captivates her audiences. She can transport you to a more genteel France through chansons of the past, or strike your inner musical soul with her original R&B style.
Guy Fiorentini started out playing in high school and just never stopped. He’s toured internationally playing rock, funk, jazz, blues, punk and bluegrass. He co-founded the 3 time WAMI Award winning Salt Creek (the Onion called our debut CD “…easily one of the year’s best local discs”) and the popular gypsy jazz ensemble Milwaukee Hot Club.
Guy has performed/recorded with: Jim Liban, ‘Lil Rev, Roger Brotherhood, Johnny On Washday, Rockin’ Johnny, Robin Pluer, Robert Allen Jr., John Kruth, Harmonius Wail, Alex Wilson, Fox and Branch, The Carpet Baggers, Danny Moore, UrbanSol, Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble, the Crusties, the Probers, and many others. In 2010 he was voted “Bass Player of the Year” by the Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI).
He has also worked extensively as a sound man and recording engineer and has installed p.a. systems in clubs like Anodyne and Hotel Foster.
Recently Hal Leonard published Guy’s play-along book of Django and swing-era tunes arranged for ukulele: Gypsy Jazz, Ukulele Play-Along.
His artistry, dazzling technical command, and sensitivity have brought Stanislav, “Stas,” Venglevski, a native of the Republic of Moldova, part of the former Soviet Union, increasing acclaim as a virtuoso of the Bayan. A two-time first prize winner of Bayan competition in the Republic of Moldova, Stas is a graduate of the Russian Academy of Music in Moscow where he received his master’s degree in music under the tutelage of the famed Russian Bayanist, Friedrich Lips. In 1992 he immigrated to the United States. Stas is an Accordionist, a Musician, an Arranger, an Entertainer and a Teacher. Stas’ repertoire includes his original compositions, a broad range of classical, contemporary and ethnic music. He has toured extensively as a soloist throughout the former Soviet Union, Canada, Europe, and the United States, including numerous performances with Doc Severinsen, Steve Allen and with Garrison Keillor on the Prairie Home Companion Show. Additionally, he has performed with symphony orchestras throughout the United States. He performed the world premiere of Concerto No. 2 by Anthony Galla-Rini and also the world premiere of Bayan and Beyond, composed for Stas by Dan Lawitts. He is a regular participant the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s Arts in Community Education Program (ACE); has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra; has done television commercials and performed in theater productions; produced 15 acclaimed albums including a transcription of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite for Bayan as well as one of original compositions. He has published several books of original compositions. Tas founded Accordion XXI Century Series in 2010 so that the Midwest audiences can experience the amazing range of the Accordion and Bayan by bringing gifted artists from all over the world. In a concert setting, these gifted musicians share their skills and cultures to provide the audience with a unique musical experience. The performances feature the Accordion or Bayan in solo presentation and, when possible, in concert with other instruments. The brilliant artistry and musical virtuosity of Stas afford an expanded dimension in music and an innovative musical adventure to the audience. Beyond his artistry he is a consummate entertainer capable of engaging any audience