Dawning and Jeff Holmes, Saint James Place
The remarkable blues and jazz vocalist Dawning Holmes will appear in concert at Saint James Place, Great Barrington, on Nov. 27. The 7:30pm appearance will a duo setting with composer, arranger leader and Grammy-winning pianist Jeff Holmes.
Known for her impassioned ballads and exciting up-tunes, Dawning Holmes was first heard in the Berkshires during the 2017 tribute to Buddy Rich. She returned the following year to perform with the Jeff Holmes Big Band at the Berkshire Gateway Jazz Weekend in Lee. She has sung in jazz clubs from New York City to London, has guested with both Paul Winter and the UMASS Studio Orchestra/Jazz Ensemble, and opened for Bob Newhart at the Foxwoods Casino Theatre. She performs her unique interpretations of pieces made popular by a wide range of singers, from Ella Fitzgerald to Etta James, Sam Cooke to Amy Winehouse.
Pianist Jeff Holmes is a nationally published composer/arranger, as well as a leader and a versatile instrumentalist, with an impressive performance history that also includes drums and trumpet. His piano work includes backing vocalists Sammy Davis, Jr. and Mel Torme. He won a Grammy for his keyboard work on a recording with the Paul Winter Consort. He is a multiple recipient of National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Composition Grants.