Sun, May 21
|Birmingham
Swing Theory
FREE EVENT + ALL AGES Entertaining audiences for a decade, Swing Theory Quartet brings their special blend of traditional jazz, smooth jazz, and soft rock from a spectrum of artists ranging from Dave Brubeck, Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea to Grover Washington Jr, George Benson, and Steely Dan.
Time & Location
May 21, 2023, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Birmingham, 430 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222, USA
Guests
About the event
Jeff Lopez (sax/flute/vocals) attended workshops with jazz legends Ellis Marsalis and Count Basie, while in college. Jeff also served as musical director for Tides Inn Resort in VA, for five years. He has lent his musical talents to recordings for artists such as Cleve Eaton, Five O'clock Charlie and Dick’s Hat Band. Jeff performed for several years at Walt Disney World and has performed on-stage with a who’s-who of musical talent including Cleve Eaton, Martha Reeves, The Four Tops, and Taylor Hicks.
Benton Robbins (guitar) has been a fixture on the Birmingham music scene for years. Skilled in all musical genres and a frequent club musician, Benton can be seen almost any night of the week laying down anything from country rhythms and soulful blues to classic rock leads, and of course, intricate jazz melodies. Benton cites jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery as a major influence. The quietest member of Swing Theory Quartet, Benton prefers to let his playing speak for itself.
Marc Navez (bass) spent many years in the Los Angeles music scene performing at iconic West Hollywood music venues including Whisky a Go Go, The Troubadour, and The Roxy Theater. Marc’s bands have opened for Mr. Mister, Oingo Boingo, and Colin Hay of Men at Work. Marc has also toured France with French pop star, Lio. As a founding member of Birmingham band Crooked Road, Marc has recorded multiple albums and has performed at several music festivals including Birmingham’s City Stages, Mobile’s BayFest, and Huntsville’s Big Spring Jam. Truly, a multi-genre’ player.
Chip Schwartz (drums) began playing professionally in 1970’s musical theater for a variety of productions ranging from “The Music Man” to “Jesus Christ Superstar”. Chip has also been privileged to perform live with jazz bassist Cleve Eaton. Falling in love with jazz at an early age, and playing with multiple bands throughout college and beyond, Chip cites the influences of Buddy Rich, Joe Morello, and Steve Gadd.
Collectively, the musicians of Swing Theory Quartet possess many years of varied musical experience and take special satisfaction in bringing the joy of live music to audiences everywhere.