Charles Darden Trio March 10, 2007

It's the music of Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hart and the tinkling of the piano. It's the music of the elegant Duke Ellington and two brothers named Gershwin, the soft clanking of glasses on candlelit tables. It's the songs Johnny Hartman crooned, Sinatra lived and Nat King Cole swung.

Music from the Great American Songbook when jazz vocalist Charles Darden and his trio perform at the Williamsburg Library Theater, 515 Scotland Street on Saturday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students with ID and $7 for those under 16, and can be reserved with a credit card by calling (757) 259-4070. This is another in the Dewey Decibel Concert Series presented by the Williamsburg Regional Library.

Darden, a Newport News native, has been singing publicly for 10 years. He performs this music with respect and care while still allowing his love of jazz to season his style. He has the ability to swing with the finest jazz players as well as deliver the perfect emotion to a slow, beautiful ballad. Darden has been greatly influenced by Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Sammy Davis, Jr., Johnny Hartman, Louis Prima, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, Harry Connick, Jr., Joe Williams and Wynton Marsalis. He also counts among his influences instrumental jazz derived from the tradition of New Orleans, Big Band, Gospel and Rhythm and Blues.

The 33-year old Darden was named jazz artist of the year by Port Folio Weekly and performing artist of the year by Hampton Roads Magazine. He performed at President George W. Bushs first Inaugural Ball in 2001. In addition to his regular performances in Virginia, Darden also presents his music in New York City clubs, such as Cleopatras Needle and in Greenwich Villages Knickerbocker. This is his debut at the Williamsburg Library Theatre.

Event submitted by Eventful.com on behalf of programs.