Friday, August 6
5 to 9:00 p.m.
Danny Lerman takes center stage at Music in the Gardens, taking place from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, August 6, in the Center for History’s Historic Oliver Gardens. The event is co-hosted by the Center for History and 88.1 WVPE Public Radio. Sponsors are The event is underwritten in part by Center for Hospice and Palliative Care Foundation and NIPSCO.
The fact that Danny Lerman’s album title Meow Baby comes from a line in an episode of Kojak proves that saxophonist Danny Lerman knows how to have fun. He also knows retro cool when he sees it. Lerman took a page from the 1970s when recording his second album, Meow Baby, which was released February 26 on Sugar Whiskey Records, his label, distributed by Lightyear Entertainment/EMI. Danny adopted old school sensibilities by utilizing live musicians and having a hand in writing all the new compositions for the disc. Tal Bergman, who worked on Lerman’s debut album, produced ten songs on Meow Baby and a few tracks were produced by urban-jazz icon Norman Connors. Lerman has traveled and performed around the world, including Turkey, Israel, Holland, South Africa, Venezuela and Mexico. He brought influences and musicians from the countries he visited into the studio when recording Meow Baby. While the tracks swing towards contemporary jazz, urban and adult pop, there are also traces of World Music, Middle Eastern, Latin and South African rhythms. The South Bend native, who plays alto and soprano sax, recorded the majority of the collection in Los Angeles where he was joined by Randy Brecker, Hubert Laws, Howard Hewett, Paul Jackson, Jr., Bobby Lyle, and Munyungo Jackson. Bergman, who played drums on records by Rod Stewart, Billy Idol, Loreena McKennitt, Herb Alpert, and Chaka Khan, was behind the drum kit on most of the album. Lerman is a riveting performer who has shared concert bills with Herbie Hancock, Sergio Mendes, Richard Elliot, David Benoit, Eric Marienthal and the Ghetto Boys.
The lush grounds of Copshaholm provide a perfect setting for Music in the Gardens. Copshaholm is the 1896 home built for industrialist J. D. Oliver and his family. The mansion’s surrounding 2 ½ acres of gardens, in full bloom at this time of year, offer a fragrant backdrop to the evening of music. Complimentary visits to the Center for History’s newest exhibit History Happened Here will be offered.
Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Food and beverages will be sold. No carry-in foods or beverages are permitted. The event will be held rain or shine. Corporate table packages may be purchased by calling the Center for History. Music in the Gardens co-presenter 88.1 WVPE Public Radio is a member-supported service of the Elkhart Community Schools.
