JAZZIN WITH THE STARS CONCERT APRIL 12 BENEFITS
AUTISM SERVICES AND RESOURCES CONNECTICUT;
APRIL IS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

Concert features 50s artist Dave Somerville with
The Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band with a guest vocalist
on the autism spectrum

Jimmy Jay, DJ to the Stars

(Middletown, CT)—
On Saturday, April 12 from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, The Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band will be united with guest star Dave Somerville of the 50s group, “The Diamonds” in a Jazzin’ with the Stars concert at John Winthrop Middle School,1 Winthrop Hills Rd, Deep River, CT. The MC for the event will be Internet radio host and DJ to the Stars, Jimmy Jay.

Jason Senn, Essex vocalist on autism spectrum

Young vocalist, Jason Senn of Essex, CT, who is on the autism spectrum, will also perform with the band. This is the third concert in the successful “Jazzin’ with the Stars” series, conceived by philanthropist Bill Logozzo, The Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band’s founder and drummer.

In honor of Autism Awareness month, proceeds from the concert will benefit Autism Services & Resources Connecticut (www.autismconnecticut.org). Based In Wallingford, CT, the organization offers education and information on the complete range of treatments and providers, without advocating any particular intervention, approach or program so that families, and to the extent possible, individuals with autism, can select the services and supports that are most appropriate for their individual circumstances. This philosophy is driven by the recognition that autism presents itself differently in different people, and that no one intervention has been proven to be 100% effective.

Dog Days Adoption (www.godogdays.org) of Essex, CT will also benefit from the concert proceeds. The group, run entirely by volunteers, organizes adoption events and provides financial assistance, rescue and education about making a smart dog adoption choice.

“A Direct Heartbeat To Your Soul”

The Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band performing at Mohegan Sun Casino

The Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band has been performing throughout Connecticut for more than 10 years, including regular appearances at Smarty’s in Niantic, CT, Oliver’s Tavern, Essex, CT, the Wolf Den at the Mohegan Sun Casino and area jazz festivals, including The Hot Steamed Jazz Festival in Essex, CT. Heartbeat’s music covers the spectrum of the history of jazz and often includes a variety of musical styles from ragtime and New Orleans Dixieland to swing and gospel, with a little boogie-woogie thrown in.

At the Jazzin with the Stars concert on April 12, the band will be made up of some of New England’s most proficient jazz musicians: John Clark (reeds), Noel Koletsky, (reeds), Fred Vigorito (cornet/trumpet), Skip Hughes (trombone and vocals), David Uhl (bass), Steve Keeler (guitar), Shari Lucas (piano) and Bill Logozzo (drums).

Dave Somerville, Lead Singer of The Diamonds

Special Guest Star

Dave Somerville, Guest Star
A leader in 50s rock and roll, Diamond Dave Somerville was the original lead singer in the group, The Diamonds, with such hits as “The Stroll,’ “Little Darlin’” and “Why Do Fools Fall In Love.” In February 1956, they signed a long-term contract with Mercury records and had many Billboard hits to their credit, including “Little Darlin’” that was the third best-selling single of 1957. From 1955 to 1961, Somerville’s lead voice defined the sound of The Diamonds on all their timeless hits. After charting 16 times in Billboard, The Diamonds were honored with Canada’s prestigious Hall of Fame Juno Award for their “contribution to international music.” In the process, Diamond Dave’s singing influenced the evolution of many legendary artists including Bob Dylan and Carole King. One of The Diamond’s biggest fans was Elvis.

Along the way, he explored television, commercial production and the musical stage. He collaborated on the title song for the hit television series, “The Fall Guy” and was the co-writer of the title song for Willie Nelson’s No. 1 country album, “the Troublemaker.” Trained at the University of Toronto’s Royal Conservatory of Music, Somerville also studied acting with Leonard Nimoy, TV’s “Mr. Spock” and guest starred on many TV shows, including the original “Star Trek” series. He has also been heard on voice-overs for hundreds of spots for radio, television and cable. He has played venues from Carnegie Hall to Trump’s Taj Mahal.

The Diamonds have been honored and inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, The Doo Wop Hall of Fame and The Rockabilly Hall of Fame.

Tickets for the April 12th Jazzin’ with the Stars concert are $30 per person ($10 for children under 12). A “Meet ‘n Greet” with the guest artists and band will follow the concert. For information and tickets, visit www.jazzinstars.com or
contact (860) 767-1663.