"For the Birds" Jazz Gala Fundraiser
Fri, Oct 11
|Jim Thorpe
Jazz Benefit Fundraiser supporting the Carbon County Environmental Education & Rehabilitation Center featuring a live owl presentation by Franklin Klock and world class jazz with renowned ecologist & author, Carl Safina led by Willie Morris, Sax Silvano Monasterios, piano & Isaac Beaumont, bass
Time & Location
Oct 11, 2024, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Jim Thorpe, 268 W Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, USA
Guests
About the event
For the Birds: A Jazz Benefit Fundraiser for CCEEC
- Date & Time: October 11, 2024 | 6:30-9:30 PM
- Location: Vic's Jazz Loft at the Stabin Museum
- Ticket Price: $50 per person – includes hors d'oeuvres and the evening's jazz performance.
Event Highlights:
- Live Owl Presentation by Franklin B. Klock II from CCEEC
- Jazz Quartet Performance featuring Carl Safina (drummer), Silvano Monasterios (piano), Â Willie Morris (saxophone) and Isaac Beaumont (bass).
- Hors d'oeuvres included with your ticket
- Ticket sales support wildlife education and rehabilitation at CCEEC
About Carl Safina, Ecologist, Author, Jazz Drummer: Carl Safina is an acclaimed ecologist and author known for his exploration of the human impact on the living world. His writing, celebrated with awards like the MacArthur "Genius" Prize and National Science Foundation Fellowship, blends scientific understanding with an emotional connection to nature. Safina is also a passionate jazz drummer. His latest book, Alfie & Me: What Owls Know, What Humans Believe, underscores his lifelong connection with birds, making him the perfect performer for this unique event. Safina is now the first Endowed Professor for Nature and Humanity at  Stony Brook University and is founding president of the not-for-profit Safina Center. He hosted the PBS series Saving the Ocean, which can be viewed free at PBS.org. His writing appears in The New York Times, TIME, The Guardian, Audubon, Yale e360, and National Geographic, and on the Web at Huffington Post, CNN.com, Medium, and elsewhere.
Franklin B. Klock II, Naturalist
Franklin has been an integral part of the Carbon County Environmental Education Center (CCEEC) since 1993, initially joining as a dedicated volunteer. His early contributions included organizing fundraisers, assisting with construction projects, leading educational programs, and caring for wildlife. In 1994, Franklin became Pennsylvania’s first Wildlife Capture and Transport Permit holder, a pioneering role in response to new state rehabilitation laws. His expertise was later sought in the revision of the permit test for future holders.
With a passion for the outdoors, hands-on skills in woodworking, and a background as a veterinary technician, Franklin officially joined CCEEC's full-time staff in 2002. He currently serves as the center's primary eagle handler and continues to be a valuable leader in wildlife care and education.
Willie Morris, Saxophone
Jazz saxophonist and composer from the vibrant music scene of St. Louis, Willie is bringing a fresh and dynamic voice to the jazz world. Willie’s playing is marked by a unique perspective and creative energy that sets him apart in today’s jazz landscape.
Willie has performed and recorded with an impressive roster of renowned artists, including Randy Brecker, John Clayton, Jason Marsalis, Montez Coleman, Josh Lawrence, Donald Edwards, Boris Kozlov, Rudy Royston, and Art Hirahara. These collaborations have allowed him to develop a versatile and expansive musical approach, drawing from a wide range of experiences and styles.
Willie’s debut album, "Conversation Starter" (Posi-Tone, 2023), showcases his extraordinary talent as both a performer and composer. Featuring an all-star lineup with Patrick Cornelius, Jon Davis, Adi Meyerson, and EJ Strickland, the album highlights Willie’s soulful saxophone and innovative compositions, offering listeners an engaging and immersive experience. His ability to blend tradition with innovation has quickly established him as a captivating new voice in modern jazz.
Silvano Monasterios, Piano
Grammy nominated jazz pianist, composer and producer, Silvano Monasterios, has  performed, written and recorded with an impressive mix of artists  throughout his career. A Venezuelan-born pianist and composer, he began his musical journey at the Jose Angel Lamas Conservatory in Caracas, where he combined classical training with a deep appreciation for American jazz. By 18, he was already performing with some of Venezuela’s top musicians.
In 1989, Silvano won the Best Soloist Award at the Miami Jazz Festival, marking the start of his U.S. career. He continued to earn accolades, including an Outstanding Soloist Award from the University of Northern Colorado and a New Artist of the Year title at the Hennessey Cognac Jazz Search in New York. His first album, "Roads Not Taken", garnered critical attention in the U.S. and Latin America.
Throughout his career, Silvano has performed and recorded with notable artists like Larry Coryell, Paquito D’Rivera, Dave Liebman, Arturo Sandoval, and Shakira, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and dynamic figure in the jazz world.
Isaac Beaumont, Bass
Isaac Beaumont is a dynamic jazz bassist and educator based in New York City. Originally from the Midwest, Isaac has quickly established himself as a rising talent on the NYC jazz scene. His roots in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he performed regularly with local acts such as Kenny Phelps, Sean Imboden, Charlie Ballentine, and Rob Dixon, continue to inform his deep connection to the Midwestern jazz tradition.
Isaac’s versatility as a performer spans multiple genres, contributing to various projects as both a musician and co-writer. He has a growing catalog of recordings and live performances, showcasing his ability to blend jazz with diverse musical influences.
An experienced educator, Isaac is passionate about teaching and mentoring young musicians. During his academic career, he earned a DownBeat Student Music Award for undergraduate large ensemble and competed in Jazz at Lincoln Center's Jack Rudin competition with Indiana University’s Brent Wallarab large ensemble. He has also shared the stage with jazz greats like Maria Schneider, Stefon Harris, and Jay Jennings.