For Immediate Release:Contact: David Kuehn, Executive DirectorCotuit Center for the ArtsPhone: (508) 428-0669Email: David@cotuitcenterforthearts.orgWebsite: ArtsOnTheCape.org

An Evening with Olli Soikkeli and Julien Labro at Cotuit Center for the Arts

Jazz guitar virtuoso Olli Soikkeli and renowned accordion player Julien Labro will be at Cotuit Center for the Arts on Saturday, April 15, at 7:30 PM. The concert will feature dynamic and fiery arrangements of Gypsy jazz standards and their own original compositions.

The Wall Street Journal described Soikkel as “a riveting Finnish guitarist who combines astonishing dexterity and speed with pure soul in a way that places him among the worthiest current-day successors to the legacy of the great Django.” Jean “Django” Reinhardt was considered one of the world’s greatest Gypsy jazz musicians, and Soikkel is a master of the style, which combines a dark, chromatic gypsy flavor with swing articulation.

Soikkeli moved from Finland to New York to play with the Gypsy jazz group, Rhythm Future Quartet, which has performed several times to enthusiastic crowds at CCftA. The group brings a fresh, youthful spirit, drawing on inspirations from around the world, giving the music a wider audience.

Soikkeli has performed with Bucky Pizzarelli, Stochelo Rosenberg, Tommy Emmanuel, Andreas Öberg, Cyrille Aimee, Anat Cohen, Antti Sarpila, Marian Petrescu, and others.

Julien Labor is one of the world’s foremost classical and jazz accordion, accordina, and bandoneon players. The Chicago Tribune described him a “triple threat: brilliant technician, poetic melodist, and cunning arranger,” and his skill has earned him international acclaim.

Born and raised in France, he was influenced by folk music and the melodic, lyrical qualities of the French chanson early on. He moved to the United States, where he earned two master’s degrees and embraced diverse styles of music ranging from jazz, pop, and hip-ho to electronic/techno, avant-garde, and rap. He has performed throughout the world, sharing the stage and/or recording with such artists as João Donato, Cassandra Wilson, Marcel Khalife, Miguel Zenón, Jon Irabagon, James Carter, Chris Cheek, Tommy Emmanuel, Bucky Pizzarelli, Frank Vignola, and Fernando Otero.

Tickets are $28, $26 for seniors and veterans, and $23 for members. Premium tables with wine are available.

Cotuit Center for the Arts is at 4404 Route 28 in Cotuit. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit artsonthecape.org or call 508-428-0669.

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What: An Evening with Olli Soikkeli and Julien Labro

Where: Cotuit Center for the Arts, 4404 Route 28, Cotuit

When: Saturday, April 15, 7:30 PM

Admission:$28, $26 for seniors and veterans, $23 for members

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