🎶 It’s a Grand Night for Singing – Jazz Night!

🗓 Saturday, August 2, 2025
🕖 7:00 PM (Doors open at 6:30 PM)
📍 The Jarvis Conservatory – 1711 Main Street, Napa, CA
🎟 Tickets $20 – Available online or at the door

You’re invited to a special Jazz Night edition of It’s a Grand Night for Singing!

While our series typically features opera, art song, and musical theatre, this month we swing into summer with beloved jazz standards and exciting new hits, performed by acclaimed musicians and singers. From the timeless “Stardust” to the playful “I’ve Got Rhythm” and sultry “Black Coffee,” you’ll enjoy an evening that blends warmth, groove, and community.

Featuring pianist Neil Angelo Fontano, percussionist Max Rosenthal, and host Cris Walker, alongside a stellar lineup of Bay Area vocalists, this concert offers a joyful journey through jazz in the heart of Napa.

✨ During intermission, guests are invited to enjoy complimentary tapas and delicious Jarvis wines, adding to the spirit of celebration and community. ✨

Come early, settle in, and let the music carry you away!

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

“Stardust” – Aja Gianola
“My Funny Valentine” – Melena Moore
“That Old Black Magic” – Bonnie Brooks
“Black Coffee” – Ariana LaMark
“Misty” – Charlie Whittaker
“Learning the Blues” – Andrew Cedeño

MEET THE PERFORMERS

Neil Angelo Fontano, Pianist

Neil Angelo Fontano grew up surrounded by a musically diverse family that nurtured his love for music. His Grammy-winning father inspired an ear for commercial music, while his grandparents encouraged his classical, ragtime, bluegrass, and boogie-woogie piano explorations. At 12, Neil began studying under concert pianist and composer Peter Vincent Marlotti, whose introduction to Gershwin solidified Neil’s dedication to music. A visit to the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee with his grandfather sparked his love for jazz, leading him to perform and musically direct local theater productions. Neil has performed and recorded across Northern California and beyond with artists including Emily Day, Stella Heath, Gunhild Carling, Maria Muldaur, and his own collaboration band with Yanos “Johnny Bones,” Johnny Fontano. In addition to his active performance schedule, Neil serves as assistant band director at his former junior high and high schools, nurturing the next generation of musicians with the same passion that shaped his path.

Max Rosenthal, Drummer

Max Rosenthal is a versatile and passionate drummer, percussionist, and educator, bringing vibrant energy and musicianship to every performance. A recent graduate of the University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies, Max has performed across Northern Colorado and beyond, playing jazz, pop, rock, Latin, and indie styles in venues ranging from intimate clubs to musical theaters. His experience includes composing and arranging for small ensembles and leading bands in gigs and recording sessions. Max’s commitment to education is reflected in his work teaching drum set, music theory, and piano to students of all ages, fostering creativity and confidence in young musicians. Known for his compassion, patience, and strong communication skills, Max creates a collaborative and joyful atmosphere on and off the stage. When not performing, he enjoys working on community projects, embodying his dedication to both music and service.

Ariana LaMark, Mezzo-Soprano

Ariana LaMark is a versatile vocalist, songwriter, and musician with over a decade in the entertainment industry. She is the lead vocalist for Grooveyard Jazz (Oakland) and The Big Easy Big Band (Petaluma), bringing her soulful sound to jazz and beyond. Ariana released her original EP Bloom (2022) and her single “My Love” (2023), showcasing her warm tone and storytelling artistry. She also co-wrote and featured on Cody Martin’s “Neon Lights” (2021), adding to her growing catalogue of creative work. Known for her dynamic stage presence, Ariana captivates audiences with her expressive interpretations and effortless musicality. Her dedication to her craft and commitment to connecting with listeners make her a cherished performer in the Bay Area music scene. For recordings and upcoming performances, visit Ariana’s Linktree to experience her unique voice and artistry.

Andrew Cedeño, Baritone and Countertenor

Andrew Cedeño is a vibrant baritone and countertenor with a rich musical theater and vocal performance background. He discovered his love for the stage in high school, debuting as Danny Zuko in Grease. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Performance from Sonoma State University, performing in Sweeney Todd, Candide, Spring Awakening, and The Pirates of Penzance as Major General Stanley. Recently seen as Frederic in Pirates of Penzance at 6th Street Playhouse, Andrew will perform as Jack in Into the Woods at Spreckels this fall. His versatile repertoire spans jazz, pop, Broadway, opera, and classical music, performed in multiple languages. Andrew is also a dedicated educator, teaching voice and piano at Music to My Ears and the Petaluma School of Music, fostering students’ confidence and artistry. His engaging teaching style and stage energy make him a dynamic presence in Sonoma County’s musical community.

Aja Gianola-Norris, Mezzo-Soprano

Aja Gianola-Norris, a Bay Area native, has been performing since age six, with a lifelong passion for music. Named after the classic Steely Dan album, Aja began piano and trumpet in fourth grade and fell in love with the harp in high school. She holds a BA in Voice and Harp from CSU East Bay and has performed extensively as a harpist with ensembles including the California Symphony and Santa Rosa Symphony. As a mezzo-soprano, Aja has portrayed roles such as Rosie in Bye Bye Birdie, Dorothy in The Wiz, and Ti Moune in Once on This Island. She is also a dedicated educator, teaching voice, harp, and piano, and serving as a music director for local productions. Founder of Music to My Ears in Cotati, Aja continues to inspire students and audiences alike with her versatile musicianship and heartfelt performances. Learn more atMusicByAja.com.

Cris Walker, Soprano & Host

Cris Walker (formerly Christa Durand) is a lyric soprano celebrated for her warm, clear tone and heartfelt performances across classical, musical theater, and cabaret stages. A passionate advocate for music accessibility, Cris co-founded Up Street Music Patrons to provide scholarships and professional performances in schools and underserved communities. She also co-owns Music to My Ears in Cotati, fostering artistry in students of all ages and abilities. Cris produces and directs musical productions, nurturing performers in a supportive environment while maintaining high artistic standards. Her dedication to building welcoming creative spaces and making music relevant to contemporary audiences shines through in every project. Whether performing onstage or guiding others behind the scenes, Cris brings sincerity, skill, and a commitment to the transformative power of music, making each performance a memorable experience for audiences.

Melena Moore, Mezzo-Soprano

Melena Moore is a seasoned mezzo-soprano known for her rich, velvet-toned voice and captivating stage presence. Originally from Colorado, she now calls Sebastopol home, balancing her artistry with running Bliss Organic Day Spa and raising two boys. Melena’s recent portrayal of the Witch in Into the Woods marked a celebrated return to the stage, showcasing her dramatic range and expressive power. She regularly performs in Sonoma County concert series, where her storytelling through music resonates deeply with audiences. With a background in both musical theater and concert performance, Melena brings authenticity and warmth to her interpretations, connecting with listeners through every phrase. Her artistry, grounded in a love of music and community, makes her a cherished performer in the local arts scene, inspiring others with her dedication and emotive performances.

Bonnie Brooks, Mezzo-Soprano

Bonnie Brooks has been a beloved presence in the Bay Area music scene for over twenty years, performing with ensembles such as Pocket Opera, Cinnabar Opera, and the San Francisco Opera Chorus. Her operatic roles range from Carmen in Bizet’s Carmen to the Mother in Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors, reflecting her versatility and expressive artistry. Bonnie has also appeared as a soloist with symphonies and choral groups, including the Sonoma County Bach Choir and the Santa Rosa Symphonic Chorus. Equally at home in musical theater and jazz, she has performed in Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, and jazz festivals across the region, releasing her CD You Are the Song in Me in 2012. As a respected voice instructor with a private studio in Sebastopol, Bonnie nurtures singers with warmth and skill, helping them discover and refine their unique voices with confidence.

Charlie Whitaker, Mezzo-Soprano

Charlie Whitaker is a versatile mezzo-soprano and musician whose artistry spans jazz, classical, choral, rock, and pop genres. Born and raised in the Philippines, Charlie holds a Bachelor’s in Music Composition from Sonoma State University and an Associate’s in Vocal Performance from Santa Rosa Junior College. She is a regular soloist for the Christian Science Church in Santa Rosa and performs throughout the Bay Area as a gigging musician, bringing expressive depth and warmth to every stage. Charlie’s vocal journey has been shaped by the guidance of her teachers Chris Walker, Chen Han-Lin, Carol Menke, and Krista Wigle, who have supported her development as a performer and artist. With plans to pursue graduate studies in composition, Charlie aspires to share her love of music as a university professor, nurturing future musicians with the same dedication that has guided her path. Her performances reflect her commitment to artistry, community, and the joy of music.

Whether you’re a lifelong jazz lover or simply looking for a beautiful summer night of music, join us for this joyful Jazz Night at the Jarvis Conservatory, celebrating the enduring power of live music.