Jaimoe and Friends Return to Collinsville

Jackson FitzGerald, a skilled guitarist, Canton native and current sophomore at Berklee College of Music in Boston, is using the opportunity of his winter break to share the stage with a Connecticut legend, Jaimoe, a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band.

The Jackson FitzGerald Quintet, featuring Jaimoe on the drums, plays a special concert this Wednesday night, Dec. 21, at in Collinsville with Downright's own Vortex opening the show at 7 p.m. sharp. 

Jaimoe's participation comes right on the heels of his sold out Jaimoe's Jasssz Band show Saturday night at in Collinsville. 

Jaimoe, once known as Jai Johanny Johanson, is a long-time Bloomfield resident and played for Otis Redding and others before helping found The Allman Brothers Band. 

Of the world-renowned drummer's noteworthy two appearances in town within a week, Bridge Street Live's entertainment manager, Pat Ryan, says:

"What an awesome way to end the year at Bridge Street Live. I think it's very cool that he's playing Collinsville again so soon. It's an honor—he's a legendary player. It feels like Collinsville is becoming part of Jaimoe's iconic history."

Joining Jackson and Jaimoe for a performance blending blues, jazz, country and rock are vocalist Joanna Teters, Manhattan-based organist Adrian Untermyer and a bass player yet to be named. 

Adrian, who grew up in Simsbury, will be bringing along both a Fender Rhodes electric piano and a Nord Electro 3, which he programs with organ samples to create the organ sound he's known for without having to cart around a full-sized Hammond organ.

Says Adrian, "This quintet has never played together before, but hopefully it's the first of many collaborations. I like returning to Connecticut regularly to stay connected to the musicians I know here." Adrian is familiar with Downright Music and Art after performing at their annual summer music festival a few times. 

The opening band, Vortex, is a Downright mainstay, comprised of three of the shop's instructors: Andrew Decker on bass guitar and other instruments, Jeff Howard on guitar and Jeff Kozlowski on the drums. 

At the end of their set, Vortex will be joined by Jaimoe on drums for a couple of songs before the stage goes to the headlining act. 

Jackson Fitzgerald Quintet featuring Jaimoe with special guests Vortex: Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011, 7 p.m. Seating is extremely limited; reservations are strongly suggested. Tickets are $10 at the door for this all ages show. For more information or to make a reservation, call Downright Music and Art at (860) 693-6530 or email downrightmusicandart@comcast.net.