Plymouth Historical Society to hold presentation on Seacoast jazz scene

PLYMOUTH — Join Plymouth Historical Society on Wednesday, Oct. 15, for a multi-media presentation by New Hampshire Jazz educator and performer Charlie Jennison, who will introduce attendees to some of the influential players, venues, and organizations that contributed to the rich and diverse jazz scene in the Seacoast area from the 1950s to the present day. 

Jennison, an early member of the Seacoast Jazz Society, uses photos, recordings, and personal narratives to paint a colorful picture of the growth and development of this significant American art form in New Hampshire. Jazz was also very popular in the Plymouth area. The college, often in cooperation with Rotary and other organizations, hosted many jazz concerts in the ‘50s through the ‘70s. Two of the most notable performers were Louis Armstrong and Dave Brubeck. 

At 75 years young, Jennison has been an active member of New Hampshire’s jazz scene since the early 1970s when he first appeared on saxophone with the Tommy Gallant trio at the Press Room. A member of both the Capital Jazz Orchestra and the Seacoast Big Band, he also enjoys performing selections from the “Great American Songbook” in the intimacy of the small club and restaurant environment. 

Jennison’s contribution to the New Hampshire jazz scene has been multifaceted. In addition to his performance career, has also taught jazz improvisation at Dartmouth College, the University of New Hampshire, Phillips Exeter, and St. Paul’s School and played both as a solo artist on piano and with various groups on saxophone in locations from Newburyport to Portland.

The program will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15, in the Plymouth Historical Museum and Memory House in the Old Webster Courthouse, on Court Street, tucked behind town hall. It is free and open to the public. Seating is limited. The doors open at 5:15. The presentation is made possible by a grant from New Hampshire Humanities.

For more information, visit plymouthnhhistory.org.