Friday, May 16, 2008 8:00 PM Queens Jazz Orchestra INAUGURAL CONCERT Under The Direction of Jimmy Heath with Antoinette Montague

    /24-7PressRelease/ - QUEENS, NY, May 10, 2008 - Flushing Town Hall is proud to launch the inaugural concert of the 17-piece Queens Jazz Orchestra (QJO). Led by Music Director and Conductor, Jimmy Heath, QJO celebrates JAZZ, honoring classics and future generations. The orchestra will perform the music of Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Cannonball Adderley, Clark Terry, Count Basie, Milt Jackson, Illinois Jacquet, and Billie Holiday, plus a Flushing Council commission by Jimmy Heath. QJO includes band members Jeb Patton, piano; Michael Mossman, trumpet, Tony Purrone, guitar; and Antonio Hart, saxophone, with vocalist Antoinette Montague. Starts at 8:00 PM.

Antoinette Montague

Born and raised in Newark, Antoinette Montague may have just released her CD, Pretty Blues but she has had many invaluable musical experiences. She worked in gospel and r&b ensembles after college, serves as the vice president of the International Women in Jazz, and considers Carrie Smith, Etta Jones, Della Griffin and Myrna Lake to be her mentors. Antoinette has worked extensively in the New York area during the past decade with such musicians as Bill Easley, Norman Simmons, Winard Harper, Wycliffe Gordon, Frank Wess, the Duke Ellington Orchestra and Mike Longo's New York State of the Arts Orchestra and Lou Donaldson has introduced her to many of his audiences.

She has appeared on the cover of Jazz Improv's Jazz Guide, and has performed at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Dizzy's Club Coca Cola, and many Jazz Societies.

Antoinette is on the Board of the Boys and Girls Club of America, Better Business Bureau, The Jazz Committee of St Peters Church, International Women in Jazz, and the Women In Jazz Festival.

She gives a great, fun filled performance of great blues, ballads and surprise tunes you will love to hear.

"She has a powerful voice, the ability to hold long notes without wavering, and a knack for making every song sound bluesy. Antoinette Montague's delivery is heartfelt, infectious and memorable."
— Scott Yanow, Los Angeles Jazz Scene

Recording and releasing "Pretty Blues" on the Consolidated Artists label raised her profile and has given her fame beyond the East Coast. On this highly enjoyable CD, Antoinette Montague is featured belting out blues, interpreting sensitive ballads, combining passion and sophistication, and making every song sound fresh, infectious and topical.



Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts (FCCA) is a revitalizing force for its community, and a creative catalyst for developing and promoting the arts throughout the Borough of Queens in New York City. Each year, FCCA presents an array of high quality arts and educational programs at Flushing Town Hall (which it operates on behalf of the City of New York), as well as providing vital services to local artists, arts organizations and community residents.

Flushing Council is a member of the Cultural Institution Group (CIG) of New York City and an Affiliate Member of the Smithsonian Institution.

Other things on the up-coming schedule.

Antoinette Montague
The Lenox Lounge
May 30 and 31st
Lenox Lounge
8:30 pm, 9:30 pm 11:00 pm

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