Berkshire Music School Turns “Jazz Clubâ€
PITTSFIELD, Mass. - Noted jazz artist Charlie Tokarz & friends will transform BMS into a “jazz club” Friday, June 5 with a benefit performance from 5 – 7 p.m. Friends include: Fran Curley, percussion; Dave Bartley, piano; and Dave Christopolis, bass.Proceeds benefit the School’s scholarship fund. Tickets are $25 adults/$15 students. Reservations are required: 413-442-1411; smoderski@berkshiremusic school.org. BMS is located at 30 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield, where there is free parking.
Charlie Tokarz masters the saxophone, flute, and clarinet. He has played at the White House, on the Today Show, and recorded David Grover’s music for HBO. He was also involved with soundtracks for John Pritchard and VyzMusic documentaries. Recent work includes performing for modern dance at the Cambridge Dance Center, Skidmore College, and Earth Dance. As a member of the pit band, he has worked at Arena Stage, Barrington Stage, and various high schools. As part of the Sister City cultural exchange program, he toured in Ireland and Italy. In addition to playing jazz with the Fran Curley Quartet, he has done experimental music with drummer Bob Weiner, kora master John Hughes, and Ed Mann. He currently teaches at Hotchkiss School, Steiner School, and privately.
Dave Bartley received his formal musical training in classical piano from SUNY Buffalo. There he studied piano with Yvar Mikhashoff, and composition with Leo Smit. Based in Washington, D.C. from 1980 until 1999, Bartley’s career included scoring original music for film, video, and radio productions, and performing in popular music groups. He also collaborated with the Washington Performing Arts Society, composing and playing in several performance art pieces. After relocating to New England in 1999 he spent seven years working with at-risk youth, creating the music department at The Academy at Swift River in Cummington, MA. He now devotes his professional time to music, teaching private lessons and appearing locally as a soloist, and in jazz ensembles throughout Western Massachusetts.
Bass player Dave Christoplis has supported many regional acts in the New England and New York areas. He has performed and recorded with country, blues, rock, folk and jazz artists for the past 20 years. He remained in Boston for a decade after attending Berklee College of Music. While there he worked with the Harry Fix Trio & Quartet. He also played with Lonely Gus and the One Night Stand, a jump blues band. He has recorded with Rounder Records, and with local musicians. He teaches private lessons and is involved with the Young Musicians Workshop held annually at Berkshire Community College. Christopolis is currently concentrating on jazz and acoustic bass.
Fran Curley started playing drums at age 13, and had his first playing gig at age 15. He studied with Buddy Rich taskmaster James Tansley. He currently studies with Bob Weiner, a former faculty member at Berklee College of Music who toured extensively with Harry Belafonte. Curley has performed percussion in a series of intergenerational premieres where he worked with noted composer Neely Bruce. He has performed with many local and regional groups, including the Harry Fix Trio, the Rick Campion Jazz Trio, the Larry Klein Trio, and the Berkshire Blues Band. Today he teaches at Berkshire Music School, and is also involved with the Young Musicians Workshop held annually at Berkshire Community College. Last spring Curley organized another benefit for BMS, featuring a performance by Ed Mann.
