BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — ArtsBridge, a celebration of the arts, will present a spring concert and exhibit at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 26, at First Presbyterian Church, 475 Green Avenue on Morton Hill in Benton Harbor.

The program will feature jazz vocalist Dawn Yarbrough and The ARK Jazz Project.

Jazz musicians include bandleader and saxophonist Andy Kolosowsky, pianist Bill Yamakoski, bassist Tim King, and drummer Jim Allen.

Some of the music selections include “Daahoud” by Clifford Brown, “All the Things You Are” by Oscar Hammerstein and Jerome Kern, “Alone Together” by Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz, “West Coast Blues” by Wes Montgomery, and “Monkish” by Jamey Aebersold.

There will also be glass art on display and for sale by Fired Up! students from Water Street Glassworks.

“ArtsBridge is a vehicle of reconciliation and joy in a region that is often known for its division and brokenness. When people come together from various walks of life to celebrate and enjoy each other’s artistic talents and gifts, hope is born again,” Said Rev. Laurie Hartzell, minister at this church.

Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. A reception will follow this program.

For more information, call (269) 925-7075 or visit on the Facebook page, First Presbyterian Church in Benton Harbor.

 

Dawn Yarbrough

Dawn Yarbrough is a native of Benton Harbor. She is also a graduate of Eastern Michigan University, with a Bachelor’s Degree in radio, television and film.

Dawn has numerous years of production experience in the markets of Detroit, Los Angeles and Milan, Italy. Dawn lives in Milan, where she is a multi-talented artist, performer, singer and recording artist. Dawn has performed with international stars such as Michael Bublé and Italian artists Antonello Venditti and Gian Luca Guidi.

Dawn’s eclectic professions include actress on Italian television and cinema. Dawn has also performed as singer actress in an Italian musical, which toured all the major theaters in the cities of Milan, Rome, Florence, and Genova. She is also a runway model for Italian designers and a television show presenter.

In Europe, Dawn performs with her band at prestigious events all over the continent. Dawn now divides her time between Milan and Benton Harbor, where she returns to participate in the rejuvenation of her hometown.

Dawn is also creator, executive producer, and host of Harbor Lights TV. Harbor Lights TV (HLTV), a television series which features positive stories on the topics of education, economic and community development, agriculture, natural resources, healthcare, arts and culture, diversity and community relations throughout southwestern Michigan.

 

Andy Kolosowsky

Andy Kolosowsky started playing the saxophone when he was 13 years old and quickly fell in love with the instrument. When he turned 14, he started private lessons and continued through high school.

He studied music performance at Grand Valley State University and he played in a number of big bands and small jazz combos in the Grand Rapids area. After college, he decided to move to Chicago where he played with as many jazz groups as he could, including his own group, The Kolo Quartet and the occasional rock and roll job.

Andy played in the Chicago area for six years before getting hired by The Mel Hayes Group, a variety band that toured all over the United States.

Andy currently lives in Benton Harbor where he performs regularly with The Ark Jazz Project and other groups. Andy also owns and operates ARK Upholstery, a furniture upholstery business.

 

Bill Yamakoski

Bill Yamakoski started playing the piano at age six. His aptitude for the instrument was quickly recognized by his parents and he subsequently studied with a private instructor for many years.

As a teenager, Bill discovered jazz music, fell in love with the style, and has never stopped playing it. His expertise as a jazz pianist comes from years of practice, a keen ear, and a deep understanding of the structure of music.

As an adult, Bill has made a successful career in veterinary medicine and as an airline pilot, but through it all he has never stopped playing the piano. He has performed with many local bands such as The Ed Bagatini Quartet, Friends Jazz Trio, and more. While Bill is a traditionalist at heart, his ability to play contemporary jazz and many other styles is equally impressive.

 

Tim King

Tim King studied music at Lake Michigan College and the University of Michigan, and was tutored by his father and grandfather, both professional musicians. Not only is Tim noted for being an incredible bass player, he doubles on clarinet and saxophone, and has performed with many local groups including The Ed Bagatini Trio, The Ed Bagatini New Swing Orchestra, Lake Effect Big Band, Mister Edd, and other groups.

Tim is also the owner and operator of LTD Music Productions of Berrien Springs offering services for live bands, sound reinforcement services, audio recording, CD and cassette duplication, and background music productions.

Tim has worked with many top-notch local musicians and has been a guest soloist on many recordings. His versatility and his in depth knowledge of music makes him a highly sought after musician.

 

Jim Allen

Jim Allen enjoyed music at an early age and it has always been a large part of his life. He played trombone in the school band and guitar in garage bands. When he discovered drums and percussion, he made it his passion. His first opportunity to perform on drums was with The Cadillac High School Entertainers, a high school show band. This led to his inclusion in more high school combos playing at weddings and festivals. After high school, Jim was a member of the All Knoll Trio from Lansing.

Although Jim returned to school and became a successful endodontist, Jim continues to play the drums and has experience performing all kinds of music. In fact, Jim has studied drums with instructor Keith Hall from Western Michigan University and Nelson Oliva from New York City. He has also attended several jazz and drum music summer camps to continue honing his craft. Although he is experienced in many styles, jazz remains his favorite.