Sensational Sunday Series

The Hamden Arts Commission announces its 2009-2010 season of "Sensational Sunday Performances." The schedule is as follows:

To celebrate October as National Italian-American Heritage Month, the commission will open the series on October 18 with a concert by singer Richard DiPalma entitled "Serenata Italiana: From Neapolitan Classics to the Rat Pack." DiPalma’s mastery of beloved Italian songs, and his magnetic personal charm, have made him one of the region’s most popular performers.

On November 8, the Airborne Jazz Band will present "A Century of Jazz: A Night of Classic Standards, " encompassing musical selections and historic narration about this century’s jazz greats, including George Gershwyn, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra. The Airborne Jazz Band is on the roster of the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism.

The Guastavino Trio will perform a special program, "All in the Golden Afternoon: Songs from Europe and the Americas" on January 24. The concert will feature selections from Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Bohuslav Martinu and Carlos Guastavino. The trio will be accompanied by soprano Tobe Malawista.

The popular St. Luke’s Steel Band will return to the Hamden stage on February 21 for a concert entitled "Joyous Sounds of the Caribbean." The high-energy, award-winning band, with 20 members of all ages, is hailed as one of the most unique and exciting performing ensembles in the state. Their repertoire includes calypso, reggae, popular, and island folk music.

The season finale on March 7 will feature the full, dance-provoking sounds of The Berkshire Big Band performing "Great Music from Great Bands: Swing and Jazz Standards." The 17-member orchestra includes vocalist Jan Maki.

All events will be held in the handicapped-accessible Thornton Wilder Hall, Miller Cultural Complex, 2901 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden. All performances start at 2 pm. Admission is $7 general admission/ $5 for senior citizens, students and children 12 and under. Tickets are sold at the door only. For information, please call the Arts Commission at 287-2546.