Kennedy Heights Arts Center is thrilled to present the Frank Vignola Trio for a special concert at the Irish Heritage Center, 3905 Eastern Avenue, on Saturday, October 12. Led by guitarist Frank Vignola and featuring bassist Gary Mazzaroppi and pianist Ted Rosenthal, the Birdland Guitar trio features some of New York City’s top jazz musicians.

One of the most popular and sought after guitarists on the international music scene, Frank Vignola’s stunning virtuosity has made him the guitarist of choice for many of the world’s top musicians, including Ringo Starr, Madonna, and guitar legend Les Paul, who named Vignola to his “Five Most Admired Guitarists List:” for the Wall Street Journal. His dynamic genre-spanning music has brought him to 21 countries on three continents – and still growing – performing in some of the world’s most illustrious venues. Vignola has recorded over 30 albums as a leader and has been a guest on hundreds of recordings.

Ted Rosenthal is one of the leading jazz pianist/composers of his generation. He actively tours worldwide with his trio, as a soloist, and has performed with many jazz greats, including Gerry Mulligan, Art Farmer, Phil Woods, Bob Brookmeyer, and James Moody. Winner of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition, Rosenthal has released fifteen CDs as a leader. Rhapsody in Gershwin, which features his arrangement of Rhapsody in Blue for jazz trio, reached #1 in jazz album sales at iTunes and Amazon. Wonderland, was selected as a New York Times holiday pick, and received much critical praise:

Gary Mazzaroppi, is one of the most respected jazz bassists on the east coast, and has toured extensively with the Lionel Hampton Big Band for five years. Since then, he has accompanied many jazz artists including Red Norvo, Herb Ellis, Stan Getz, Joe Morello, Buddy Rich, Jim Hall, Barney Kessel, Clark Terry, Charlie Byrd, and Mark O’Connor.