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Sarasota News Leader January 10, 2014 Page 119 JIM WELLEN QUARTET TO KICK OFF JOY OF JAZZ CONCERT SERIES The Jim Wellen Quartet will kick off the Jazz Club of Sarasota's 2014 Joy of Jazz concert series on Jan. 19 at 2 p.m. in Centennial Park in downtown Venice, the club has announced. The concert is free, but donations will be accepted in support of the Jazz Club's scholarship fund, a news release says. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. For more information, call 366-1552 or visit www.jazzclubsarasota.org. Originally from the New York/New Jersey area, tenor saxophonist Wellen has "made his mark on the local jazz scene, where he performs to critical acclaim with the area's top pianists, bassists and drummers," the release continues. Jazz blogger Ken Franckling has called Wellen an "excellent mainstream tenor player" who is "always a treat to hear," the release notes. Jim Wellen/Contributed photo Wellen's quartet will include Mac Chrupcala on piano, Al Hixon on drums and Dave Trefethen on bass, along with a surprise special guest, the release adds. In keeping with the open-air venue and the series' joyous theme, Wellen and his ensemble will offer up a program of light-hearted tunes from the Great American Songbook that are "sure to evoke sunny days, good times and lots of smiles," says Wellen in the release. The Joy of Jazz series will continue in February and March with local favorites The Venturas on Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. "and the buoyant sounds of Tom Ellison and Hip Pocket" on March 9 at 2 p.m., the release points out. "This Sunday afternoon series is a double treat," says Jazz Club of Sarasota board member and series producer Bill Beckman in the release. "It's a perfect way to come out and enjoy our great climate and swinging jazz!"