Music Under the Stars: Vermont Jazz Center Big Band
July 11 @ 6:30 pm
Gates open at 5:30 pm
Show starts at 6:30 pm
Dance to the sounds of the VJC Big Band with special guest vocalist Peter Eldridge.
If you snagged a seat at the 2025-2026 Season VJC Big Band Gala last December, you would have enjoyed the acclaimed vocalist, pianist, and composer Peter Eldridge. Eldridge is known for bridging the worlds of jazz and singer-songwriter traditions with ease and emotional depth. A founding member of the Grammy-winning vocal ensemble New York Voices, Eldridge has performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, and The Kennedy Center, and has recorded and toured with legendary artists including Bobby McFerrin, Michael Brecker, George Benson, Paquito D’Rivera, and Chanticleer.
Leading the band is director Rob Freeberg. He is a seasoned trumpeter and big band conductor who leads the VJC’s large ensemble with finesse and skill, drawing on his respect for the jazz legacy, an unerring ear, and decades of experience leading his own Big Band in the New York City region.
Members of the VJC Big Band include:
Music Director: Rob Freeberg
Band Manager: Sherm Fox
Guest Vocalist: Peter Eldridge
Saxophones: Matt Steckler, Nick Pelton, altos; Michael Zsoldos, Bruce Diehl, tenors; Sherm Fox, baritone
Trumpets: Rick Anderson, Donald Anderson, Haneef Nelson, Bunny Saranita
Trombones: Dave Sporny, Ben Barnett, Taylor Hughey, John Wheeler
Rhythm Section: Eugene Uman, piano; Wes Brown, bass; Steve Rice, drums.
Recognized as one of Vermont’s Top 10 Summer Events, Music Under the Stars is a FREE community event. Your donations help cover production costs and keep this event accessible for everyone in the Brattleboro community.
