Preview
The Smithfield Church will present Rio JAZZ – Intimate Brazilian Jazz hosted by the Bang Family Concert Series. Saturday, 3 pm, October 11, 2025. Refreshments to follow in the Fellowship Room. Free parking. Elevator for the disabled at the back door entrance.
The Smithfield Church, 656 Smithfield Valley Road, Amenia, NY 12501
Open to the public. Suggested donation $20
For more information, visit https://TheSmithfieldChurch.org/concerts
In the Bang Family Concert Series tradition of hosting eclectic performances by gifted musicians from the region, the October 11 program will feature the music of Brazil as interpreted by top regional North American jazz players in the intimate atmosphere of the historic Smithfield Church
Rio JAZZ leader, composer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist Matt Finley will lead a combo of world-class performers for an hour of live music, including his original compositions. A pioneer of Brazilian jazz, Finley began playing gigs in 1963, just as the Bossa Nova sound hit the airwaves in the US. He continued to specialize in this genre and extend its boundaries with Rio JAZZ. The sounds will be anchored by international touring pianist Larry Ham. Everyone’s favorite bassist, Lou Pappas, returns on acoustic bass, and Jeff Siegel brings his light touch on drums to the beautiful acoustics of the church. Noted guitarist Jeff Ciampa plays for the Smithfield audience for the first time, and Denise Jordan Finley has a cameo appearance as vocalist on a song co-written with Matt.
THE PROGRAM:
Nao Me Diga Adeus (Paquito, Sovereign, and Luiz Correa)
Aula de Matemática (Antonio Carlos Jobim)
Haven’t We Met (Kenny Rankin)
- Threads (Jeff Siegel), On a Misty Night; (Tadd Dameron), Brazilian Coffee,; (Larry Ham), Sonic Tonic; (Jeff Ciampa) When She’s Gone; (Matt & Denise Finley), Blue Salsa (Matt Finley).
- ABOUT Rio JAZZ: Rio JAZZ was formed in 1988 to bring the gorgeous sound of Brazilian jazz to the public in a series of educational concerts. Four members of the quintet for this concert– Matt Finley, Larry Ham, Jeff Siegel, and Lou Pappas — are well known to Smithfield Church audiences, having performed in the Smithfield Chamber Orchestra as well as for other special events and services. Jeff Ciampa, a phenomenal jazz guitarist from Orange County, joins the group as a special guest soloist. All five have contributed material to perform.
- # # #PRESS CONTACT: Susan Bang [email protected] 917-991-9714