A Mid Winter Concert Fundraiser for Transiton Projects Willamette Center

Sponsored by SMILE, Moreland Presbyterian Church, and SMBA

Suggested donation: $10/adult and $5/student

Wine, beer, soft drinks, and snacks will be available for purchase.

SET ONE/Classical: The PDX Saxophone Quartet is a fairly new acoustic performing saxophone quartet based here in Portland. The quartet plays written saxophone literature by composers like Claudio Albero, J.S.Bach, Chris Dedrick, Bob Mintzer, Lennie Niehaus and more. Various genres (jazz standards, classical, ragtime, pop, and modern jazz compositions) are featured in their performances. The saxophone quartet produces a unique sound with endless variety, unlike a string quartet. The quartet includes 4 very experienced saxophone players who perform locally and regionally in many different bands and ensembles. It features Stacy Friedman on baritone, Dr. Ray Griffin on tenor, Catarina New on soprano, and Jim Susman on alto saxophone.

Stacy Friedman (baritone): Stacy has been a low-reed specialist for over 30 years, performing on baritone saxophone, bass clarinet, and contra-bass clarinet in big bands, marching bands, theatrical troupes, wind ensembles, and various small ensembles. Stacy is currently anchoring the sax section in two Portland-area big bands, including Catarina’s, and is excited to explore the saxophone quartet repertoire.

Ray Griffin (tenor): Ray has played professionally for over 40 years and is based in Portland, playing with several bands including the Rhythm Wreckers and the Northwest Transit Band. Highlights of his musical career include the Monterey Jazz Festival w/ Director Oliver Nelson, Take6 performance in Denver, Colorado, and recent performances in Mazatlán (Mexico), Barcelona (Spain), and with the Rhythm Wreckers at Jack London Revue in Portland.

Catarina New (soprano): Swedish born Catarina, with a Master’s degree in music, came to New York to study at New School of Jazz in the nineties and has since been in the USA. She has performed at many Jazz clubs in New York and L.A, including Playboy Jazz Festival, Pori Jazz Festival, B.B. Kings, Jimmy Maks, Cathedral Park Jazz Festival, and many more venues for over 30 years. Catarina is involved in both classical and jazz/Latin projects featured in Portland. She also leads a Big Band!

Jim Susman (alto): Jim has been a confirmed band geek since grade school. Since coming to the PNW, he has performed with numerous large and small jazz groups. Current groups he is performing with include the Jumptown Big Band and the Nopo Big Band.

SET TWO/Jazz: Swedish saxophonist and vocalist Catarina New performs jazz standards, bossa novas, and originals with a melodic and rhythmic feel that gets your attention! Catarina has a Master’s degree in Music Education from Sweden, studied at the New School of Jazz in New York, and has a Master’s in Jazz at University of Southern California. From the Pori Jazz Festival in Europe, the New York scene to the House of Blues, B.B. Kings and Playboy Jazz Festival in Los Angeles to the Cathedral Park Jazz festival and being featured at the 2023 PDX Jazz Festival in Portland, Oregon the opportunities to work with world class musicians and being creative are just getting better and better for each of Catarina’s performances. This set features Catarina on vocals and saxophone, with Tim Gilson on bass, Clay Giberson on piano, and Al Martin on hybrid percussion. A treat for your ears!