The Beat Launches Big Band Series with the Legendary Greg Hopkins & Modern Marvel Brian Thomas

BOSTON - Oct. 1, 2014 - PRLog -- WHAT:          On Sunday, October 19, 2014 The Beat, located in Cambridge’s Harvard Square, kicks off the first night of its new Big Band Beat Series. Every Sunday from 7:00PM to 11:00PM the restaurant will be transported back in time with rotating performances from the legendary Greg Hopkins Big Band and Brian Thomas Big Band with Alex Lee Clark while guests enjoy the culinary styling of Executive Chef Ignacio Lopez and handcrafted cocktails, amazing beers, or American craft wines from the all on-tap wine list poured by The Beat’s expert bar team.

         Every other week the legendary Greg Hopkins will be joined by his big band for an evening of traditional swing jazz. Performer, composer and arranger Greg Hopkins began playing the trumpet at a young age. Growing up in Detroit, he spent most of his time practicing his trumpet and throwing himself into the intricacies of jazz music. Beginning his career in the Detroit area as a freelance musician, Hopkins eventually moved to Boston where he has been a Professor at Berklee College of Music since 1974. Hopkins has performed with big name jazz musicians such as: Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne, Dizzy Gillespie, and Gladys Knight. He has also been an arranger and jazz trumpeter with Billy Maxted and Buddy Rich orchestras, and his theater work includes 42nd Street, Dancin', Some Like It Hot, Annie, Tommy Tune Tonight, Catskills on Broadway, West Side Story, Porgy and Bess, My Fair Lady with Rex Harrison, The King and I with Yul Brynner, Into the Woods, Ragtime, and A Chorus Line. Hopkins’ own 16-Piece Jazz Orchestra CD, "Okavongo," is out on the Summit label, as is his quintet CD, "Quintology,” featuring Bill Pierce, Mick Goodrick and Gary Chaffee.  Hopkins is also featured on the new Grammy winning jazz CD by composer Joel Pallson and his Septet, on the Icelandic label. Most recently he was trumpet soloist with the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra on Arthur Welwoods composition for jazz trumpet and orchestra, on Albany Records: "Wind Sky and Clouds.”

         Offsetting Hopkins’ traditional sound of the era, Brian Thomas will be joined by Alex Lee Clark for a night of progressive big band tunes.  Boston based trombonist Brian Thomas is one of the most sought after musicians in the country playing music ranging from jazz to funk. He has been playing trombone since the age of 10 in his hometown of Rochester, NY and leads his own jazz quartet, big band, and funk power house Akashic Record, each of which feature his original compositions. Brian Thomas will performing with Alex Lee-Clark, who has played with the Temptations and the Four Tops (just to name a few) and has crafted a unique and exciting sound by blending jazz and pop sensibilities.  He is a trumpet player, composer, and arranger currently living and teaching in Boston and is currently an in-demand performer.

         Enjoy the unique sounds of Brian Thomas Big Band with Alex Lee-Clark and The Legendary Greg Hopkins Big Band while Executive Chef Ignacio Lopez serves up delicious dishes that will cater to everyone’s taste buds. For those just looking for drinks, enjoy the big band at the bar while enjoying The Beat’s wine on tap and signature cocktails. For more information or to make a reservation visit www.beathotel.com, or call 617.499.0001.

WHERE:          The Beat, 13 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA | P. 617.499.0001

WHEN:          Every Sunday Starting, October 19th, 2014 from 7:00PM-11:00PM

First Month Schedule:

Oct 19, Brian Thomas Big Band with Alex Lee Clark

Oct 26, The Legendary Greg Hopkins Big Band

Nov 2, Brian Thomas Big Band with Alex Lee Clark

Nov 9, The Legendary Greg Hopkins Big Band

INFO:          No cover charge, cash Bar. Reservations recommended.