AprilFest to bring jazz to Portland venues

PORTLAND – Dimensions in Jazz Alliance will collaborate on AprilFest, a monthlong celebration of great jazz at selected Portland sites.

Venues ranging from the Skinny to the Center for Cultural Exchange to Starbird Music’s recital hall will be host to performances by legendary tuba virtuoso Howard Johnson, ex-Miles Davis sideman and saxophonist David Liebman, Japanese piano sensation Satoko Fujii and jazz vocalist Sheila Jordan.

Two concerts will feature Maine musicians. Bill McHenry, a tenor sax player from Blue Hill, whom The New York Times called “the post-modern Don Byras,” will play with bassist Reid Anderson. Portland saxophonist Robert Stillman will perform with his acclaimed Kalifactors, featuring Pownal native Chris Von Voorst Van Beest.