Free MMC Afternoon of Jazz Concert at Stamford’s Ferguson Library Auditorium
Barbara’s Serenade band will be featured at The Stamford Mayor's Multicultural Council’s 2026 "Mayor’s Afternoon of Jazz" on Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 2-4 pm at the Ferguson Public Library (1 Public Library Plaza, Stamford) third floor auditorium. The quartet includes the entertaining singer Barbara Espinosa Occhino, the dynamic guitarist Carmine Marino, the popular bassist Steve Clarke, and the proficient Brazilian drummer Luiz Ebert (visit BarbaraEntertains.com for details). Also performing are the popular Richard "Cookie" Thomas, multi-instrumentalist Kris Baumann, as well as other jazz musicians.
The Afternoon of Jazz celebrates the diversity and global appeal of jazz and Latin music. The public (all ages) is invited to enjoy this free event with refreshments and appetizers. Although walk-ins are welcomed, seating is limited and it is suggested to email [email protected] or call 203.219.0817 to reserve seat(s). Street meter and the Bedford public parking lot are free on Sunday until 5 pm. The Mayor's Multicultural Council of Stamford aims to inform, celebrate, promote, understand, appreciate, and respect the many diverse cultures that enrich Stamford.
ABOUT THE BAND:
Barbara Espinosa Occhino is an multilingual vocalist who sings popular jazz standards and international favorites in the Metro New York area. Born in Cuba, she infuses her Latin zest into her performances. Barbara manages Barbara's Serenade bands and has served as a music curator, a session vocalist, and bilingual voiceover talent in NY/CT recording studios. She sang with The Orchestra Lumos Storytelling series, Lincoln Center's Mostly Mozart Festival 50th Anniversary choir, at The Palace Theatre receptions, Rutgers University Puerto Rican Conference, festivals, galleries, yacht clubs, restaurants, and corporate events. Barbara performs special concerts at libraries, schools, and private venues. See BarbaraEntertains.com
Carmine Marino is a dynamic guitarist and multi-instrumentalist who has performed at The Waldorf, The Bushnell Center for Performing Arts, The Palace, prominent resorts in The Berkshires and Catskills, The Palace, U.S. and Canadian Playboy Clubs, and notable Manhattan clubs. He accompanied vocalists like Marion Cowings (New York Philharmonic), Melba Joyce, and Maydie Miles. He served as musical director for The Landmark Club and co-leader for The Franklyn Circle Band. He played with master jazz trumpeter Clark Terry, drummer Ed Shaughnessy (The Tonight Show Band), jazz organist Dr Lonnie Smith, saxophonist/composer Bobby Watson, record producer/saxophonist Houston Person, pianist Anthony Marinelli, guitarist Sal Salvador, and others.
Luiz Ebert is an accomplished jazz and Latin drummer (native of Brasília, Brazil) who performs in the New York Metro area, teaches music education, and works as a freelance drummer for various artists and musicians, most prominently the John Watts Brazilian-jazz Trio and the Latin-jazz group Esencia. In 2013, he recorded Audiograph, his first album as a leader, alongside pianist Fidel Cuellar. Luiz holds a Masters of Fine Arts in Jazz performance from Aaron Copeland School of Music at Queens College CUNY and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree from the City College of New York, studying under John Patitucci and Adam Cruz. See LuizEbert.com
Steve Clarke is a jazz-funk bassist, composer, and educator with a career spanning over 25 years. He has performed and recorded with artists including jazz flutist Sherry Winston, and legendary R&B groups like The Drifters, The Coasters, and Sam & Dave. Steve leads the Steve Clarke Trio and has toured extensively in Europe with groups such as Laco Deczi’s Celula New York Band. He released 10 CDs under his own name as well as performed on 60 other artists’ CDs. Steve served as instructor at Fairfield Guitar Center, directed the jazz band at M.A.C.H., and was an adjunct professor at Fairfield University.
Event Links
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3521242-0
