Ogunquit Performing Arts

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P.O. Box 1608
Ogunquit, ME 03907

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Tom Snow Jazz Quartet
Featuring Saxophonist Ralph Norris

Tom Snow to perform as a jazz pianist, a return to his roots and dreams from his student days at Berklee, joined by renowned musicians: Ralph Norris, Rick McLoughlin, and Phil McGowan.

On-line sales will be handled by Jonthan’s. 

Jonathan’s link:  Jonathan’s Ogunquit

Tickets also may be purchased at the door.

All tickets sold will be for General Admission. As at all of our performances, seating will be on a first come basis. Dinner and drink packages will also be offered by Jonathan’s. All General Admission ticket sales will accrue to the benefit of Ogunquit Performing Arts.

Tom Snow is best known as a celebrated and prolific songwriter, singer/songwriter and arranger, recording artist, premier pianist, and bandleader, across almost every genre of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, and has become a highly acclaimed educator. Tom and a rhythm section featuring friends and top-call Boston musicians Rick McLaughlin and Phil McGowan, will be joined by revered saxophonist, Ralph Norris to perform this special jazz concert.

Upon graduating from Berklee College of Music, with a degree in Music  Composition, Tom set out to pursue a career in songwriting, postponing his dream of becoming a jazz pianist. He signed with Capitol Records as a solo performer, producing two albums before changing his focus to writing for others.

In the first year of this change in focus, his first BMI airplay award came with Rita Coolidge’s recording of “You” which he had written and performed on his first solo album, and his writing career was “off and running.”

He has been nominated for or won over multiple years, Academy Awards (such as “Let’s Hear it for the Boy”-Footloose), Emmies (such as Fame LA) , Grammies (Song of the Year, Non-Musical Show Album), Golden Globe (Best Song), Tony (Best Musical). His songs have topped the charts sung by such well known recording artists, as Selena, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Rostadt, Aaron Neville, Cher, Olivia Newton-John, Amy Grant, Barry Manilow, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Joe Cocker, Dionne Warwick, Joe Walsh, Levon Helm, and Mick Fleetwood.

Respected and beloved by other musicians and friends such as Jonathan Edwards, American singer/songwriter, “I’ve worked with many of our world’s most gifted musicians and Tom is one of the very best! He brings expertise, generosity, and soulfulness to every stage, whether as a professor, performer or friend,” and Jeff Coffin, saxophonist with Dave Matthews band and 3 time Grammy winner, “There are pianists and music educators…and then there is Tom Snow. He is brilliant, kind, resourceful and engaged (even before he sets foot on the stage!”

We are fortunate to hear him perform as a jazz pianist, a return to his roots and dreams from his student days at Berklee.

Joining Him:  

Saxophonist Ralph Norris

Ralph Norris, Saxophonist, has been a fixture of the New England music scene for more than 50 years. In addition to performing alongside many world reknowned musicians, he has performed and recorded with beloved Maine musicians Don Doane and Terry White. For 35 years, Ralph was a part of countless concerts and two full recordings with bandleader and pianist Tom Snow. Off stage, he has dedicated many years as a coach and mentor to area high school jazz musicians.

Bassist Rick McLaughlin

Rick McLaughlin, Bassist, is a multi-faceted musician. In addition to being a highly talented bassist, he is an educator, composer, arranger, author, producer, and music superfan. These roles have taken him to stages on four continents, performances and recording sessions with legendary musicians, to clinics, classrooms and private lessons. And to the microphone as a podcast guest. He has shared the stage and recorded with a wide array of international artists, such as Grammy-nominated Either/Orchestra to Ethiopian legends Mahmoud Ahmed and Mulatu Astatke.

His own album, The Study of Light, garnered critical acclaim. The Wonder of Stevie is a multipart podcast focusing on the life, career, and music of Stevie Wonder.

Among guests such as Barack and Michelle Obama, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, two time Pulitzer Prize winning host, Wesley Morris, and Stevie Wonder himself, McLaughlin reflected on the ways in which Wonder uses musical elements to tell nuanced, moving, and meaningful stories. McLaughlin’s reflections stem from working with hundreds of students in a course he designed and teaches on Stevie Wonder for Berklee College of Music, where McLaughlin is Professor in the Harmony and Jazz Composition Department.

Drummer Phil McGowan

Phil McGowan, drummer, maintains an active schedule as a drummer and music educator. Phil has been performing throughout the New England area since he picked up drumsticks at a very young age, and formed a band with his brother. He has performed at concert halls, clubs, music festivals, and cruise ships which ventured into Europe, Africa and Asia. He has shared the stage with many inspiring artists, including Judy Collins, and American Idol finalists John Stevens and Siobhan Magnus, the Portland Symphony Orchestra, Billy Pierce, Herb Pomeroy and many others, while continuing to perform regularly throughout the Greater Boston area.

Join us for this final chamber music concert of the season, as these wonderful artists bring this superlative program to Ogunquit audiences!