On Friday, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m., the Arts Council of Princeton and the Eric Mintel Quartet will present “A Charlie Brown Christmas” featuring original versions of songs by famed composer Vince Guaraldi, the man behind the classic score. Between songs, Eric Mintel will engage the audience and provide historical and musical context.
Formed in 1993, Eric Mintel has performed at the White House for President Clinton and has been featured in Down Beat Jazz Magazine. In 2005, Eric was the featured guest on Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz on NPR and released a 3-CD Boxed set of his jazz on the QVC Television network. In 2012, Eric released his 10th CD, this time of all original music titled “Just Around the Corner.”
Nelson Hill is a saxophonist, clarinetist and flutist from Mt. Bethel, Pennsylvania. Nelson graduated from the Eastman School of Music in 1981 and continued on to work at Tamiment Resort, Harrah’s Marina and Mount Airy Lodge, where he has performed with Tony Bennett, The Spinners, The Temptations, Wayne Newton, Jay Black, and Frankie Valli.
Jack Hegyi has worked as a professional bassist in a variety of venues since 1976. In addition to working with the Eric Mintel Quartet, he currently performs with The City Rhythm Orchestra in Philadelphia and Alex Glover & Company in Atlantic City. He has also worked with Frank Wess of the Count Bassie Orchestra and Joey DeFrancesco.
When not on the road, Dave Mohn devotes his time to teaching private percussion lessons and has recently become a member of the Vic Firth Education Team. David’s varied studio sessions over the years include sessions with Paul Schaeffer and Ballie and the Boys, recording projects with George Duke and Larry Coryell for the Musitronics projects, and various commercials and soundtracks for the Sesame Street animators.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” featuring Eric Mintel Quartet will take place in the ACP’s intimate Solley Theater at the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts. Call (609) 924-8777 or visit artscouncilofprinceton.org for more information. This concert is supported in part by grants from the NJ State Council on the Arts and Wells Fargo Foundation.
