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Community Corner

Vitello's to Spotlight Ron King on July 27

Jazz trumpeter Ron King and his talented quartet will play Upstairs at Vitello's.

Renowned jazz trumpeter Ron King and his talented quartet are playing for one night only this Wednesday at Vitello's in Studio City.

If you're a fan of jazz, you shouldn't miss this show featuring the Grammy-nominated King at one of the Valley's best clubs.

King’s sets are sure to blow your mind, while he impressively blows the trumpet and flugelhorn.

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He’s so attuned to his instruments that his body and soul flow through them, reaching the audience on an intense, primal level.

King speaks to you through the music, pouring his heart into every note. You’ll be forever transformed by this powerful experience. 

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His original compositions, particularly Shine, written for his son, and Inside the Outsider, will captivate you from beginning to end.

Inspired to pursue writing by classical composer, Igor Stravinsky and jazz notable, Bill Holman, King’s influences include Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, Clark Terry, and Freddie Hubbard, all masters of the genre.

Be prepared to be pleasantly surprised since King loves to put a twist on arrangements of standards, e.g. If You Could See Me Now, and Lover Come Back To Me.

As a Big Band leader, King takes his 17 piece group to Jakarta, Indonesia every year to participate in the world’s largest jazz festival. He’s deservingly revered there and consequently, treated like royalty. 

He’s toured throughout Europe, Sweden, France, and Norway, playing with the Buddy Rich, Stan Kenton, and Louie Bellson Big Bands.

King is honored to be appearing right in his own neighborhood. He’s so excited that he’s flying in "mom," who’s sure to "shine" proudly and adoringly as she watches her skilled son perform.

Upstairs at Vitello’s, reminiscent of the New York Club scene, is one of the finest listening rooms in the City, with great acoustics, fabulous food and drinks, and a charming, friendly ambience thanks to April Williams, Music and Live Events Coordinator and Tabitha Kenney, Showroom Manager. 

The venue boasts a gorgeous Steinway grand, whose ivories will be tickled by virtuoso Andy Langham (Christian McBride, Ernie Watts, NY Voices, Randy Brecker, Ravi Coltrane, and Clark Terry).

Also backing King are renowned drummer, Joel Taylor (Brandon Fields, Mitch Forman, Eric Marienthal, Frank Gambale, Stanley Clarke, Allen Holdsworth) and brilliant bassist, Hamilton Price (Billy Childs, Gerry Gibbs, Geoffrey Keezer/Peter Sprague, Denise Donatelli, Bob Sheppard, Otmaro Ruiz).

Each musician in King’s quartet is handpicked from the crème de la crème, the top of the top, accomplished in their own rite.

King reveals, “They’re attuned and intuitive to what I’m looking for in my music. They know how to accompany me well and are great soloists.”

Gifted pianist, Langham, can’t wait to be on stage in this ideal location that always packs the room full of jazz aficionados.

He told me you can count on King to come with high energy. “He never leaves it at home. He’s always bringing it!”

Langham enjoys King’s innovative tunes because they’re unique, reflecting his personality and who he is. 

Although Langham was classically trained in college, he loves the freedom jazz improvisation affords. His advice to up and coming jazz artists is, “play it, do it, listen, and live it!”

King promises a thrilling night and says that the $15 cover is well worth it, considering the first-rate caliber of artistry you’ll receiving.

He believes the cost is reasonable in that a lot of places charge much more and yet you don’t get the outstanding entertainment, exceptional sound, and intimate atmosphere.

Wednesday, July 27th at 8pm and 9:15pm

Upstairs at Vitello’s Jazz and Supper Club

4349 Tujunga Ave., Studio City

Reservations: 818-769-8900

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