The month of May this year has been very disappointing so far with over half its days consumed by persistent rain and with temperatures rarely rising above the teens. Indeed, we still have an electric under blanket on our beds. The grass is growing faster than ever but it’s too wet to even think about cutting it. At least the flowers and especially the roses are doing well. Let’s just hope that June will present a better show for us.
Certainly our local jazz concert for Italy’s Republic Day celebrations on June 2 should help warm things up. It will take place in Bagni Di Lucca’s Teatro Accademico at 5 pm and is free on booking one’s place by phoning the local library on 0583 87619.
Here is the poster for the event.
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Although I am not too drawn to jazz I am particularly looking forward to this concert because of the presence of the singer Michela Lombardi. She was the highlight of a fabulous show by the famous suspension bridge spanning Fornoli and Chiffenti which I covered in my post at:
https://longoio2.wordpress.com/2015/08/06/a-jazz-triumph-at-chiffenti/
I wrote then that ‘a band needs someone to tie it together and the utterly magical voice of Michela Lombardi brought everything into an astonishing unity. Her songs were sung with perfect English diction: every word felt and every expression communicated. Her scatting was outstanding and, particularly in the softer numbers, her ability to sustain a sotto-voce was quite seductive.’
Born in Viareggio in 1973 Michela did her first live performance at just the age of fourteen. She graduated in philosophy at Pisa University and studied theatre technique. Her vocal training was in Milan conservatoire and her jazz singing teacher was Tiziana Ghiglioni at Bologna. Among her own pupils was Andrea Boccelli!
We need a lot to lift up our spirits in these tedious times. I’m sure this concert will do much to help!