The Evolution of Jazz

Arena Theater will host “The Evolution of Jazz” as part of the 2023 Whale and Jazz Series. The evening will feature four talented musicians familiar to many on the Mendonoma Coast.

Tenor saxophonist Francis Vanek will narrate the evening’s program, joined by bassist Dorothea May, drummer Gabe Yanez, and Dorian May on piano. The musical presentation will chronicle the development and evolution of jazz styles from early to modern jazz, followed by a jazz set when the audience will be asked to “Name That Jazz Style,” with styles including ragtime, swing, bebop, cool jazz, modal, Latin, hard bop, and modern.

Vanek originally hails from Pennsylvania, where he attended Duquesne University. He played in bands with Roger Humphries and J.C. Moses and studied with the great Carl Arter. Vanek has shared the stage with saxophone stalwarts such as Ernie Watts, Tom Scott and Eddie Daniels and has performed with The Temptations, Little Richard, Martha Reeves, and others. Vanek holds a master’s degree in music from University of Nevada, Reno, where he was a full-time faculty member teaching jazz improvisation and classes in music history and resides in Redway, CA.

Dorian May is known for his talent to move seamlessly within and through classic, modern and Latin jazz and more.  May has been described as one who feels equally at home in world music and classical music as he is with hard-swinging bebop, Cuban Salsa and down-home blues. A familiar talent on the coast, May’s wife, acoustic bassist Dorothea, originally comes from Munich, Germany, reside in Eugene, OR.

Francis Vanek and the Dorian May Trio have played locally and are known by locals who attend jazz events in our area.

Rounding out the rhythm section is drummer Gabe Yanez from Fort Bragg.