Compaq Big Band
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Compaq Big Band
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Start your Independence Day Weekend off with an entertainment bang! No, not the usual fireworks show, something BETTER. Share a fantastic FREE musical experience with family and friends when the 19-piece Compaq Big Band and our Special Guest Vocalist Julia Smulson (stage name Julia Danielle) from New York City perform in concert at the beautiful Hopkinton Center for the Arts in Hopkinton, MA. This will be Julia Danielle's second appearance with us, and we're beyond thrilled to welcome her to MetroWest for the first time.
The HCA is located at 98 Hayden Rowe Street in historic Hopkinton, home of the starting line for the Boston Marathon – 35 miles west of Boston and only a few minutes from the I-90(Mass Pike)/I-495 interchange.
The concerts are Rain Or Shine, scheduled outdoors at the HCA amphitheater, and moving inside to the Performance Hall (air conditioned) in case of inclement weather. Plenty of free parking.
The HCA makes their summer concert concerts accessible to everyone, so there are no tickets sold to this event. Pay-What-You-Wish (PWYW) donations are welcomed, online in advance at https://canvas.hopartscenter.org/events/20, and at the show (cash and QR code).
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***IMPORTANT*** Protect yourself against online ticket scams. This is NOT a ticketed event; however, scammers may create authentic-looking ticket sales web sites, or post Facebook or Instagram comments offering tickets via personal sale/resale. To avoid online donation scams, we recommend using ONLY the PWYW link we provided above. We'll make every effort to take down, block, and report ticket fraudsters' Facebook and Instagram posts/comments as quickly as possible.
For performances outdoors, audience members are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and/or blanket, and feel free to bring a picnic dinner from home or a local restaurant. No specific Doors Open time for outdoor concerts.
Weather calls will be made by Noon the day of and posted on the HCA web site and their social media.
If the event is held indoors in the Performance Hall, chairs will be provided (please leave lawn chairs and blankets in vehicles). Doors Open 6:00 PM, and all seating will be General Admission. Please note the HCA indoor seated capacity for this concert will be 130.
The HCA offers soft drinks, beer, and wine for purchase (cash and card). No BYOB.
We expect a large audience that evening – outdoors or indoors - so please arrive early for best seat selection.
As is always the case with Compaq Big Band shows, we'll have our state-of-the-art, professional sound reinforcement system and our full-time, expert engineer to ensure that wherever you sit you'll hear every note Julia sings, as well as all our instrumentalists.
Julia Danielle is a dynamic vocalist, arranger, educator, and composer making a significant impact in the scenes of Chicago and New York. In 2022, she won the prestigious International Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition, which propelled her into the spotlight, leading to performances at the esteemed Blues Alley Jazz Club in Washington, D.C., showcasing her unique voice and engaging stage presence.
Her debut album, released in November 2024, has received critical acclaim, with Jazz Weekly describing it as "a fresh voice" with "a folksy wisp that floats with a bohemian glide." Julia has collaborated with numerous celebrated artists, including Ben Paterson, Clark Sommers, and Sharel Cassity, enriching her musical experience and expanding her creative horizons. A 2024 Luminarts Winner and recognized by DownBeat Magazine as an "Outstanding Vocal Soloist" in its 46th annual Student Music Awards, Julia's talent is widely acknowledged in the community.
Julia will receive a Master of Music in Jazz Studies at The Juilliard School in May 2026, where she has been mentored by renowned artists such as Charenee Wade, Gerald Cannon, Kenny Washington, Isaiah J. Thompson, and Elio Villafranca. Her studies focused on vocal interpretation, composition, and improvisation, further refining her artistry. Julia's performance history includes esteemed venues like The Jazz Showcase, Zinc Bar, Chris' Jazz Café, and festivals such as The Hyde Park Jazz Festival, establishing her as a prominent figure on the scene.
With a foundation in classical training at Northwestern University and experiences such as touring with the Campanella Children's Choir and Chicago a Cappella, Julia's musical journey began early. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from DePaul University in 2023, where she explored Black American Music and pedagogy under the guidance of esteemed faculty such as Dana Hall, Scott Hesse, and Dennis Carroll. Julia Danielle continues to evolve as an artist and educator, poised to leave a lasting impact.
On July 3rd she'll be singing arrangements from the Great American Songbook as performed by Ella Fitzgerald, Diane Schuur, Carmen McRae, Natalie Cole, Tierney Sutton, and more. And, we'll round out the evening with a few tasty instrumental arrangements from the likes of Benny Carter, Tom Kubis, Chris Walden, John Clayton, and Frank Foster, and maybe a holiday weekend surprise or two.
Julia's CD "Julia Danielle" will be available for purchase before the show, during intermission, and at the conclusion of the show – cash and cards accepted.
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