The Modernistics Trio - A Gershwin Celebration: Celebrating George and Ira Gershwin

The Modernistics are Ted Powers, guitar, ukulele, banjo, tap and vocals; Peter H. Bloom, flute; and Dave Zox, double-bass. These three artists have performed and taught extensively in the United States and abroad. Their latest show is a Gershwin Celebration Concert, with classics by George and Ira Gershwin: Slap That Bass, A Foggy Day, I've Got a Crush on You, How Long Has This Been Going On, Oh Lady Be Good, and I Got Rhythm, among other great numbers.

Flutist Peter H. Bloom, praised for “exquisite melody” (JazzImprov) and “hip, jazzy flute work” (Allaboutjazz.com), has concertized in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand and is featured on 48 CDs. He has shared the stage with Sheila Jordan, Jimmy Giuffre, Ricky Ford, Geri Allen, Charles Neville, Jaki Byard and other jazz legends, and is a veteran of the internationally renowned Aardvark Jazz Orchestra (50th season). His latest CD, Exuberant Ellingtonia, has been called “a treasure trove” (Textura Magazine, Ontario) and “one of those albums we know are unique jewels” (Jazz, ese ruido, Spain). “Bloom’s flute sings Duke’s often sophisticated melodies with infectious brio.” (The New York City Jazz Record).

​​​Mark Leighton is acclaimed as a jazz and classical guitarist. He performs across the Northeast, at venues including Islesboro Maine Summer Concerts, The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, King's Chapel Boston, Corning Community College, Boston Public Library, and the Hudson River Museum of Art. He was Director of First Night Quincy for 20 years and serves on the faculties of Colby College and St. George’s School. He has appeared with the great jazz woodwind artist Billy Novick and with blues notable Larry Carsman, among others. A graduate of New England Conservatory, he studied with famed guitarists Sharon Isbin, David Leisner and Robert Sullivan.

Bassist Dave Zox has performed with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, the Artie Shaw Band, Herb Reed and the Platters, John Abercrombie, Kenny Werner, Phil Woods, Garrison Fewell, Jim McNeely, and other illustrious artists. Dave played for years with keyboard legends Ray Santisi and Harvey Diamond, and with the venerable Al Vega Trio. He teaches at Northeastern University, Phillips Academy Andover, and the Ipswich Public Schools. 

This event is sponsored by the Library Foundation of Needham.