Vocalist Saloff returns for weekend shows

On Sunday, the Jazz Lovers of the Lowcountry will close their third season of Third Sunday Concerts, but for the first time in the club's history, the end of the season doesn't mean a change in venue.

"We've found the perfect spot," said Ellie Smith, vice president of Jazz Lovers. "The Coligny Theatre, where we have been since September, is a great location.It's just the right size, it's convenient for our members and easy for tourists to find. Our artists love the theatre's intimacy, and the Coligny staff is extremely helpful and supportive. It works beautifully for everyone."

The Jazz Lovers mark the end of their season with a return performance by Chicago vocalist Spider Saloff, who last visited in March 2007.

For her performance, Saloffwill be accompanied by legendary Savannah bassist Ben Tucker, as well as pianist Kevin Bales and drummer Michael Vosbein, who both hail from Atlanta. "This is a spectacular trio," said Bob Masteller, owner of the island club Jazz Corner and an instrumental force in drawing Saloff back to the island.

In keeping with their mission to promote and perpetuate jazz in the Lowcountry, the club is offering an educational component with the concert. This afternoon, before she begins a two-night engagement at the Jazz Corner, Saloff will present a master class to Hilton Head High School students who are currently participating in either a vocal or instrumental ensemble.

In her one-hour class for the students of Hilton Head, Saloff will speak about her life as a professional jazz singer, work with some volunteers from the audience with jazz improvisation and perform a few tunes.

Hilton Head High School vocal director Larry Mercer and band director J.J. Shank both said they're thrilledtheir students will have this opportunity to observe a jazz artist at work in a true environment.

In addition to an active career that has taken her all over the world, Saloff has been teaching vocal jazz students for the past 12 years. She has specialized in teaching scat singing and interpretation at The Bloom School of Jazz in Chicago, one of the few schools in the country completely dedicated to the study of jazz music.

All three of her Hilton Head performances will include a standard jazz repertoire as well as several original compositions.