RECENT: The Aardvark Jazz Orchestra held its 45th Annual Christmas Concert Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 7:30 pm at Emmanuel Church, 15 Newbury Street, Boston MA benefiting the Poor People’s United Fund.
Despite inclement weather, a strong audience turnout enjoyed a swinging, soulful Christmas program sending a joyful noise up to the rafters of Emmanuel Church.
The orchestra offered up a joyful evening of music in the spirit of the season, including jazz arrangements of favorite carols like Silent Night and Go Tell It on the Mountain, plus original compositions by Aardvark music director Mark Harvey. Highlights include works that received their premieres at prior Christmas concerts: The Prophet (December 1997), inspired by Boston’s legendary social activist Kip Tiernan (1926-2011); Blue Butterfly (December 2009) for beloved storyteller Brother Blue; and No Walls, Aardvark’s anthem of hope and inclusivity, first performed in December 2004 as a tribute to Doctors Without Borders.
Proceeds benefitted The Poor People’s United Fund, an organization fighting poverty and homelessness through education, advocacy, support to grassroots service organizations, and emergency assistance to families and individuals.
Didn’t make it to the concert but you would like to support the PPUF? Click here to donate and please give generously.