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Bebop Master Comes to Town

Greg Abate Performs at PAAM

By Kahrin Deines

When many people think about art and Provincetown, they think of the visual and literary arts. But, in this small arts colony, the musical arts and other types of ephemeral performance art, have arguably been just as vibrant over the years.

Today, on any given weekend in the height of the season it is possible to find everything from a rock show to a classical concert, a cabaret act, or a jazz performance. And, though the winter is a bit quieter on some levels, the area’s musicians and other regular Cape performers don’t let that fact hush their songs and sounds.

A Winter Jazz Series at the Provincetown Art Association and Museum, which began last year, has created one more outlet for all this year-round energy. Hosted by Bart Weisman, who is a local jazz drummer, the Winter Jazz Series’ second show for 2006 will occur on February 17 with a performance by visiting jazz artist Greg Abate.

Greg Abate is a jazz saxophonist, flutist and composer who has released thirteen CD recordings, one of which, “Evolution,” was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2004. Mr. Abate has performed with some venerable jazz groups in his time, including the Ray Charles Orchestra and the second incarnation of the Artie Shaw Orchestra with bandleader Dick Johnson. A self-described “post hard-bop” soloist, he now spends almost half the year traveling to scheduled performances in locations throughout the world.

Bart Weisman, who in addition to hosting the jazz series is also the founder of the Provincetown Jazz Festival, will join Mr. Abate on the drums for the performance.

The performance will take place on February 17 at 2 p.m. at the Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM), which is located at 460 Commercial Street. The concert is free. To find out more about the Winter Jazz Series, call PAAM at 508.487.1750.