Alas, and woe R us!! The Jazz Bridge Neighborhood Concert Season is ending this coming week, but not without some blowout concerts. On Wednesday, May 16th, singer Denise Montana will be closing the Media series at the Unitarian Universalist Church with Tony Miceli on vibes, bassist Steve Beskrone and percussionist Jim Hamilton. Denise Montana is a vibrant and spirited performer, born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Karl Stark from the Philadelphia Inquirer called her a "brassy presence" - a vocal stylist who traces her roots from jazz to blues, to the great American songbook. Montana's recording "Merry Christmas All"  went double platinum and has become one of the top 100 Christmas songs of all time. Previously on Atlantic Records with a hit called # 1 Dee Jay in the 1970s, Montana struck out on her own and into jazz. She has a well-received, self-produced CD called In My Life and Montana has been a ubiquitous presence on the scene performing at the Academy of Music, Copacabana in NYC, New Freedom Theatre, Trenton, Prince Theatre, Odette's Cabaret, and festivals in Italy, Colorado, Willingboro, Somers Point, NJ, Cape May, Jenkintown and Media.
 

 Mimi Jones, a multifaceted bassist, vocalist and composer, brings to the stage an eclectic mix of genres based on a strong jazz foundation that leaves room for funky bass grooves, world beat rhythms, and gentle textures. Her inspiring debut release CD A New Day bursts with original compositions seamlessly melting from one song to another and caressed by the warmth of Mimi's sultry voice. Jones recieved a degree from the Manhattan School of Music and was mentored by the likes of Ron Carter, Barry Harris and Guillermo Edgehill. Mimi Jones Band has performed at the Jazz Standard, the Blue Note, and the Kennedy Center, Dizzy' s Coca Cola. Appearing with her at the Society Hill Playhouse on May 17th will be drummer Shirazette Tinnin and pianist Rachel Eckroth. Jazz critic, David Metcalf said, "This Ms. Mimi is someone you'll be hearing from for a long time to come, and remember, you heard it here first!"