Jazz under the Stars: Hip to That
Saturday, August 24, 2024 – 7:00 pm
Uptown Park, Medina, OH
Ohio Regional Music Arts and Cultural Outreach (ORMACO) closes out its summer Jazz under the Stars concert series with Cleveland-based ensemble Hip to That on August 24, 2024, at 7 pm. This jazz quartet specializes in tunes from the Great American Songbook, jazz standards and pop tunes with a jazzy twist. Vocalist Maria DiDonato will be performing with Chris Parsons on bass, Joseph Rangel on guitar/vocals and Nate Taylor on drums.
The band plays all over NE Ohio from Cleveland, to Canton, to Wooster. Hip to That is known for their energy, humor and hip arrangements. You are guaranteed a swingin’ good time. Bring your dancing shoes, lawn chairs, blankets and picnics to enjoy this upbeat concert. In the event of rain, the concert will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 317 E. Liberty Street, Medina, OH 44256. For more information call 419-853-6016.
About the Musicians
Maria DiDonato (vocals) is a multi-talented Cleveland based artist. She specializes in classical, musical theatre, jazz, rock, and pop music. An award winning songwriter, music director, actress, pianist, vocalist, band leader, teacher, and church music ministry leader, Maria is a professor at Cleveland State and Cuyahoga Community College, Music Director at St. Columbkille Parish, and has her own private voice/piano studio.
Chris Parsons, bass, frequently works with Cleveland’s premiere jazz, blues, and pop music musicians. Chris earned his Master of Music Performance degree from Cleveland State University and now teaches at The Rainey Institute and Ursuline College.
Joseph Rangel, guitar/vocals, was originally trained by his father, Rey Rangel, in classical guitar. He studied jazz guitar at Tri-C Metro with a minor in piano, studying under Cleveland greats such as Joe Hunter, Steve Enos, Ernie Krivda, and Dave Sterner. After transferring to Cleveland State University, he studied with guitarist Bob Fraser and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2016 with a Bachelors of Music; emphasis in jazz guitar performance.
Nathan Taylor has been playing drums for 15 years. He graduated with his Bachelors from Cleveland State University in 2016. He currently drums with Hip To That and Cellophane Jane.