The first jazz program of the summer on the Branford Green started off strong with a crowd estimated at 900 enjoying the music of the Urban Coalition of Columbus, Ohio.
The six-member band delivered a steady stream of lively jazz for over two hours Thursday night before an enthusiastic crowd. Some bring their own picnic baskets and others stop at the various restaurants on or near the Green.
This is the seventh year of the popular jazz series that draws crowds from Greater New Haven to the Branford Green. The music so grabbed these kids that they burst into dance.
Phil Raney, a member of the group and a managing partner told the audience, “You have made this a special night for us and we are glad we made the nine hour trip to come to Branford.”
At various points, Raney, the spokesman for the group, along with other members of the group came off the stage to play to the crowd.
Here’s another band member bringing his music directly into the crowd.
Many of the youngsters in the audience along with their parents were dancing to the music and even posed with the group during intermission.
This youngster was jumping for joy as the music sent him flying.
At one point members of the Urban Jazz Coalition brought the kids up to the stage for a group shot.
In the end, real happiness is a great night of jazz along with a belly rub. The ‘pup’ was in the back of the Green enjoying the music with his content owners.
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