"Jazz for the End of the World" (2020)

Sarah LeMieux (featuring Aaron Wyanski, Ethan Foote, and Andy Chatfield)

"Jazz for the End of the World" began as a conversation about ennui and the apocalypse around a bonfire in August 2019. Sarah LeMieux, Ethan Foote, and Aaron Wyanski had all met at the Vermont College of Fine Arts, and played together in a variety of strange and delightful configurations. The next logical step was clearly to make a jazz record that leaned into the apocalyptic underpinnings of the Great American Songbook. So, that's what they did. Bringing in seasoned drummer Andy Chatfield to round out the group, they recorded nine songs, feeling out the emotionally dissonant roots of cherished American classics like "Darn That Dream," and "These Foolish Things." LeMieux's restrainedly emotional vocals glide atop Wyanski's scathing, glittery piano and Foote's wicked bass. Chatfield's drumming is solid pocket with flights of eerie fantasy. LeMieux's original tune "Goodbye, Paris," accentuates the existential while somehow also channeling Vince Guaraldi at Christmastime.

Listen to "Goodbye, Paris" - the first single off the record "Jazz for the End of the World" - on Spotify here.

Shows

Previous events

All-Campus Tent Party

Saturday, May 27 @ 10:00PM — 11:30PM (EDT, UTC-04)Sat, May 27 @ 10:00PM — 11:30PM (EDT, UTC-04)

Andrus Field, 55 Wyllys Avenue, Middletown, Connecticut

Celebrate with classmates, graduating seniors, and families as part of Wesleyan University's Reunion and Commencement Weekend - all are welcome! Hear the best pop, rock, and soul music from the ‘70s, '80s, and '90s in one night under the tent on Andrus Field with a ten-piece all-star band featuring members from both "The Future Heavies" and "The Usual Lebowskis.” The group is led by drummer Andrew Chatfield MALS '19 and includes lead vocalists Alice-Anne, Wendy Berry, and Sarah LeMieux, saxophonist and guitarist Dustin Kreidler, bassist Derek Monahan, lead guitarist Aaron Read, keyboard player David Lovelace, percussionist Brendan LeMieux, and Chris Barrett on trumpet and percussion.

The performance will be followed by DJ set by Mario Torres. A cash bar will be available (cash or Venmo).

For more information about Wesleyan University's Reunion and Commencement Weekend please visit https://www.wesleyan.edu/rc.

A seven-piece all-star band featuring members of "The Future Heavies" and "The Usual Lebowskis" previously performed the best pop and rock music from both the '80s and '90s at the All-Campus Tent Party in May 2022. Watch videos from that performance on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWzK1ZZYEYrBmJ0I1UzJdwc6IGVQBqRhu

Since 2007, the All-Campus Tent Party has featured performances by Kinky Spigot and the Welders, The Famous, mamarazzi, The Rooks, and Illegalize; as well as sets by DJ Smokey, DJ Russian Bear, and DJ Van Vader.

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Sarah LeMieux's "Jazz for the End of the World" at Hartford Public Library's Baby Grand Jazz Series

Sunday, April 23 @ 3:00PM — 4:00PM (EDT, UTC-04)Sun, Apr 23 @ 3:00PM — 4:00PM (EDT, UTC-04)

Center Church (The First Church of Christ/United Church of Christ), 675 Main Street / 60 Gold Street, Hartford, CT 06103

Sarah LeMieux's "Jazz for the End of the World" will perform a free concert as part of the 20th season of the Hartford Public Library's highly-popular Baby Grand Jazz Series, which since 2004 has featured a spectacular lineup of sixteen of the best jazz music groups in the region, who are selected for their innovation, musicality, performance quality, and cultural tradition. The concert will take place in person in Center Church (also known as The First Church of Christ/United Church of Christ). The concert will also be livestreamed to Facebook and YouTube. Seating is first come, first seated, starting at 2pm. No registration required.

The group will feature Sarah LeMieux on vocals, guitar, and composition; Evan Green on piano, Matt Dwonszyk on bass, and Andy Chatfield on drums.

The series is made possible with support from presenting sponsor The Kaman Foundation with special thanks to longtime partners The Hartford Jazz Society and WWUH 91.3 FM. Hartford Public Access films and broadcasts the performances.

For directions to the venue, please visit https://centerchurchhartford.org/about/directions/.

For more information about the series, please visit https://www.hplct.org/classes-seminars-exhibits/baby-grand-jazz.

Read the announcement in The Hartford Courant: "Hartford Public Library reveals slate for 2023 Baby Grand Jazz series" https://www.courant.com/ctnow/music/hc-ctnow-baby-grand-jazz-hartford-library-2023-20221220-riygszw67jcavkkxkkobm76qt4-story.html

Join this event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1635704870197709