From gospel hymns and spirituals to country ballads and folk anthems, the music that helped shape America will get a jazz-infused makeover when East End Jazz performs “The Heart of America: Songs of Our Roots” at the historic Jamesport Meeting House on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 7:30 p.m.
The concert, celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary, will explore the rich musical traditions that have accompanied American history, weaving together blues, gospel, spirituals and country music in fresh arrangements of familiar classics.
Under the direction of bassist and arranger Iris Ornig, the quartet will perform jazz interpretations of songs including “Oh, Susanna,” “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” “Michael, Row the Boat Ashore” and Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land.”
“These songs are more than just melodies; they are the rhythmic heartbeat of the history of the United States of America,” Ornig said. “By bringing them into a jazz context, we honor where we’ve been while celebrating where we are today.”
The quartet features Lauren Lee on vocals, Taka Otomo on piano, Ornig on bass and Brian Woodruff on drums, bringing together jazz musicians from New York City and the East End.
Founded and directed by Ornig, East End Jazz is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting jazz through live performances, educational workshops and community programs. Its activities include youth music education, interactive concerts and jam sessions designed to introduce audiences of all ages to America’s homegrown musical art form.
The concert’s setting has its own deep roots in American history. Built in 1731 by early settlers, the Jamesport Meeting House is the oldest surviving public or religious building on Long Island’s East End. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building was saved from possible commercial redevelopment in 2008 by a group of local residents who formed a preservation trust.
Today, the restored meeting house serves as a community cultural center, hosting concerts, theatrical performances, lectures and other public events.
The concert will take place at the Jamesport Meeting House, 1590 Main Road, at the corner of Manor Lane. Tickets are $20, and advance purchase is recommended. Tickets and additional information are available at jamesportmeetinghouse.org.
