Rich Perry Joins the Dave Stoler Quartet for September 1 Opener

Madison jazz fans are in for a treat as the Dave Stoler Quartet takes the Jazz at Five stage September 1 (opening for the T. Monique Quartet). The quartet features Stoler on keyboard, Charles Ledvina on bass, Leo Sidran on drums, and very special guest Rich Perry on tenor sax.

Stoler is a Madison native who has been performing for 30 years. In addition to his quartet, whose sound he describes as contemporary, straight-ahead jazz, Stoler also plays with his own jazz trio and with the Tony Castaneda Latin Jazz Band, which plays Sundays at The Cardinal. Stoler also plays a regular solo gig at Samba Brazilian Grill each Wednesday.

Joining Stoler on tenor sax is Rich Perry, a world-renowned musician who began his career touring with the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Perry, who returns to Madison for the first time since the 1970s, performs with the Maria Schneider Orchestra and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra—both Grammy-winning jazz ensembles.

"My chemistry with Rich is stronger than any other artist," Stoler explained. Perry was featured on Stoler's first album, Urban Legends, and they recently played together at Small's Jazz Club in New York City.

Stoler became interested in jazz as a young child; he can recall the day his father played a reel tape of "Green Haze" by Miles Davis. He studied music composition at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned a master's degree at the University of Miami-Coral Gables.

Stoler, who is a strong supporter of Jazz at Five and feels the venue is perfect for people who are curious about jazz, started his career in Madison before eventually moving to New York City during the time when many iconic jazz masters were still performing there. He later moved back to Madison and started playing in the Madison Jazz Orchestra.

Stoler has plans to release his second album next spring.

TDS: The Exclusive Headline Sponsor of Jazz at Five

It doesn't get any better than sitting on State Street on a summer night, drinking a cold beer from Capital Brewery, and listening to jazz. Sound good? Then join us August 11 as we kick off the 17th season of Jazz at Five—once again bringing free live jazz to the heart of downtown Madison.

This non-profit music series in Dane County would not be possible without the generous support of our headline sponsor, TDS Telecom. For the past eight years, this provider of innovative voice, Internet, and entertainment services has sponsored headliners like Ben Sidran, Gerri DiMaggio, Jan Wheaton, and the Suzanne Grzanna Quartet.

"We've been sponsoring Jazz at Five for so long people think it is our event," said Bill Martin, Strategic Account Executive for TDS. The company also sponsors a table for potential and current clients to join in the fun. The result? Several companies have chosen TDS over competitors, in part because of TDS' generous support for a free community event like Jazz at Five.

Martin has been with TDS for 13 years; he was appointed as Strategic Account Executive five years ago. His main task is talking to new customers and providing exceptional customer service to 25 large accounts, including Promega and CUNA. Fortunately, the recession has not caused TDS to cut back on contributions to Jazz at Five and other organization such as the Overture Center, Madison Mallards, and United Way. In addition, TDS indirectly supports organizations throughout Dane County by offering its employees paid hours to do community service.

Jazz at Five is thrilled to have TDS as headline sponsor again this year. But, TDS can't do it all. We need more sponsors to fulfill our goal of bringing national acts to Madison.

If your company is interested in becoming a sponsor, please visit Support Jazz at Five or email us for more information.

Free Live Jazz—Right in the Heart of Downtown Madison

Jazz at Five performances take place on our outside stage at 100 State Street—at the top of State Street in Madison, Wisconsin.

This is a prime location in downtown Madison, just steps away from some of the capital city's best restaurants, bars, hotels, and attractions.

Additional details:

• Each performance begins at 5:00 PM and runs to approximately 8:00 PM.
• Parking is available for $5 maximum after 6:00 PM in any cashiered city ramp, several of which are located within walking distance of the Jazz at Five stage.
• We encourage fans to bring chairs or to rent one for $2 from the Information Tent. You can also experience Jazz at Five in style by reserving a table.
• A variety of food is available from local providers along with award-winning beer from Capital Brewery (all beer proceeds are donated to Jazz at Five).
• Jazz at Five is conveniently located near the Overture Center, where performances will be held in the event of rain. For weather updates, we encourage you to sign up for the Jazz at Five mailing list.

Jazz at Five: A Downtown Madison Tradition

Jazz at Five, now entering its 17th season, is a downtown Madison tradition. Each year the series consistently provides exceptional free jazz concerts in a stunning locale—the 100 block of State Street, where State Street meets the Capitol Square. When the sun is shining and the music is flowing, there is no better place to be than at Jazz at Five.

In addition to the special setting, Jazz at Five features the best local, regional, and national jazz talent. That's why Jazz at Five is one of the most important free, non-profit cultural music series in Dane County.

But, don't take our word for it. Instead, watch our video to hear jazz fans explain in their own words why they love Jazz at Five.

Jazz at Five is a production of Jazz at Five, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All donations to Jazz at Five are tax deductible.