Grammy Winning Musician To Perform At Massaro Community Farm

Paul Winter

UPDATE: Postponed.

WOODBRIDGE – Massaro Community Farm will present Herald the Birth of Spring, two unique concert performances by seven-time Grammy award-winning saxophonist Paul Winter on March 19 and 22. 

These two distinct events will celebrate the spring equinox and are intended to shine a light on climate action through music, art and conversation. Both events will also showcase the works of 10 Earth-centric’ artists. Tickets can be purchased via the farm’s website, www.MassaroFarm.org. Proceeds will benefit educational programming at the farm.

Flyways: A Musical Celebration of the Great Bird Migration from Southern Africa through the Middle East to Eurasia will be presented on Thursday, March 19 beginning at 5:00pm at the JCC of Greater New Haven. Paul Winter will present Flyways, a 70-minute performance and musical chronicle of the long journey of the migrating birds using indigenous music of the 16 cultures over which they fly. The Flyways project is a collaboration between Paul Winter and world-renowned Israeli ornithologist Yossi Leshem. The event incorporates a silent auction of featured artists. $20/pp.

On Sunday, March 22, the five-member Paul Winter Consort featuring Shelton vocalist Theresa Thomason will perform In Celebration of the Earth at Church of the Assumption in Ansonia. The Consort’s unique genre of Earth Music’ draws from their deep roots in jazz, classical and world music, and is interwoven with voices from the natural world. A pre-performance reception and art showcase begins at 3:00pm, including refreshments; concert begins at 5:00pm. $40/pp. Discount ticket of $55 for both performances. 

As humans come to grips with environmental changes happening around the globe, the farm is striving to provide educational opportunities to help people take individual action that can have a positive impact,” said farm executive director, Caty Poole. We are very pleased that Paul Winter is returning to partner with the farm for these performances at Church of the Assumption and the JCC.”

Massaro Community Farm is a 57-acre organic vegetable farm on the border of Woodbridge and Ansonia. The farm sells its produce to ~230 seasonal subscribers each year, to nearby restaurants, and at farmer’s markets. The farm also provides educational opportunities for all ages, focusing on elementary-aged children who haven’t been exposed to where and how their food is grown. Expanding educational programming at the farm includes an after-school and school vacation series, field trips, summer camp, farm tours, and adult workshops. The farm donates at least 10% of its annual harvest to hunger relief, which averages 6,200 pounds each year. 

The Paul Winter Consort, celebrating a legacy of 53 years, has performed over 2,000 concerts in 52 countries of the world. The Consort will include Paul Winter, soprano saxophone; Eugene Friesen, cello; Jeff Holmes, keyboards; and Michael Wimberly on percussion, with special guest, gospel singer Theresa Thomason. 

The Church of the Assumption is one of the undiscovered architectural and acoustic treasures of New England. Built in the 1880s, the church has spectacular acoustics and will include its pipe organ as part of the musical program. The church serves the community of Ansonia through its ministry, music, food outreach and elementary school. Music ministry at the church is led by Music Director Tony Burke. 

The JCC of Greater New Haven is a nonprofit organization that provides a warm, friendly atmosphere for health, thought, learning and values. It is a common meeting ground for all segments of the community regardless of faith, background or orientation. The mission of the JCC is to facilitate total wellness through programs that stimulate mind, body and spirit. 87% of the JCCs energy needs are provided through renewable sources such as solar power.

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