Gene Bozzi and Jazz & Strings | Summer Concert Series

The mission of Jazz and Strings is to perform jazz music originally recorded by major artists incorporating string instruments usually associated with classical music, and to present new compositions and arrangements for similar ensembles.

Gene Bozzi and Jazz & Strings | Summer Concert Series

Jazz & Strings presents Hartford native Shenel Johns as she dons the “Lady in Satin” mantle, singing songs from the 1958 studio string session that decked out the then-dying Holiday’s tragically tattered but still emotionally charged voice in high-fashion orchestrations.

An emerging star of her generation, Shenel Johns’ versatile style ranges from jazz to rhythm and blues to Gospel, all incorporating influences such as Ella Fitzgerald, Abbey Lincoln, and Sarah Vaughn into a very personal vocal approach.

Besides songs from “Lady in Satin,” the concert features such classic Holiday signature songs as “Body and Soul,” “God Bless the Child,” and the anti-lynching song “Strange Fruit.”

  • Shenel Johns, vocalist
  • Gene Bozzi,percussion
  • Rick Rozie, bass
  • Walter Gwardyak, arranger and keyboard
  • Lisa Rautenberg, violin
  • Millie Piekos, violin
  • Debbie Tyler, violin
  • Lu Sun, viola
  • Jia Cao, cello
  • John Mastroianni, alto sax
  • Seth Bailey, trumpet

Rain Date is July 24

Join us every Wednesday evening in July for an eclectic mix of musical performances in beautiful Elizabeth Park. All concerts are FREE and take place on the John G. Martin Foundation Stage on the Helen S Kaman Rose Garden Lawn.

Support for the 2025 Summer Concert Series Comes From:

  • Roberts Foundation for the Arts
  • Music Performance Trust Fund
  • The Evelyn W. Preston Memorial Fund
  • HFM Wealth Management
  • Greater Hartford Arts Council