The Mark Poniatowski Situation Kicks Off THE BLACK BOX's Summer Concert Series Today

THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin's new theater, music, and event venue, presents two evenings of great jazz to kick off the first annual Summer Concert Series.

Beginning today, July 17 at 8 p.m., THE BLACK BOX features The Mark Poniatowski Situation, led by bassist, composer and arranger Mark Poniatowski, with Robert Gallegos on trumpet, Jon Garniss on trombone, Kenny Hadley on drums, Joe Mulholland on piano and Jared Sims on saxophone. The Mark Poniatowski Situation released a self-titled CD of jazz instrumentals composed and arranged by Poniatowski in 2010. An associate professor in the Contemporary Writing and Production department at Berklee College of Music, Mark Poniatowski's extensive experience includes performances with the Bruce Katz Band, Toni Lynn Washington Band, Kenny Hadley Big|Brave Band, Soul Kitchen, Floyd Dixon, Sid Caesar, Rita Moreno, Bob Newhart, Junior Watson, Janiva Magness and Kid Ramos. Performances throughout the US and Europe include the Boston Globe Jazz Festival, Manchester Jazz and Blues Festival, Boston Blues Festival, The River Festival, and The Natt Jazz Festival in Norway. Recordings include Two Sides with Joe Bargar and the Soul Providers, Mississippi Moan with the Bruce Katz Band, and The George Carlin Show soundtrack.

THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series continues on Friday, July 24 at 8 p.m. with the renowned Kenny Hadley Big|Brave Band. The critically acclaimed 16-piece juggernaut, led by drummer Kenny Hadley, boasts masterful musicians with performance ties to Big|Brave Band legends Woody Herman, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich and more. The Kenny Hadley Big|Brave Band has shared the stage with such notables as the Count Basie Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson.

THE BLACK BOX, the home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), is located at 15 West Central Street. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. Cash bar available. Doors open at 7:30. For additional event information or to purchase tickets, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com.