The Ridgefield Playhouse to Feature Bernie Williams

The famed Yankees centerfielder brings his a brand new night of music back to The Ridgefield Playhouse with his All-star band on Saturday, September 10 at 7:30 p.m. A recent graduate of the Manhattan Music School, fans can once again marvel at this Latin Grammy nominated artist’s classical guitar skills!  Starting the day, Bernie and his team of All-stars will treat fans to an afternoon Celebrity Softball Game in the ballpark adjacent to the Playhouse at 1 p.m., with play by play announcing courtesy of 100.7fm WHUD’s morning personality Mike Bennett.  A portion of the proceeds will benefit Hillside Food Outreach and the Playhouse Arts for Everyone Program. Although he’s won four World Series championships, five appearances on the American League All Star Team, four Gold Glove Awards and the 1996 American League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award – Bernie’s real passion is music.  Since his retirement he has devoted his time getting back to those musical roots.  This evening of jazz guitar is generously underwritten by Anita and Nick Donofrio.  In this Moffly Media Evening of Art Wine and Jazz, 109 Cheese & Wine will offer complimentary wine tastings in the lobby at take place in the lobby at 6:45 p.m. with a special art exhibit with Cortney Wall.  Kicking off the night is Grammy Award nominated guitar virtuoso Gil Parris, is known for his special blend of Blues, Jazz, Rock and Smooth Jazz. He has recorded and toured both as a solo artist and sideman with major artists like Dr.John, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Diane Schuur, David Mann, Billy Vera, Bobby Caldwell, Toni Braxton to name just a few.  Additional sponsorship provided by Canine Training and Behavioral Service, CULTEC, Inc., Northeast Builders of Ridgefield, LLC, United Rentals and Blue Line Labradors, LLC and media sponsors i95fm and WHUD.  Make it a great night out with dinner and a show – visit Piccolo’s Pizza and Jazzeria (24 Prospect Street, Ridgefield) for dinner the night of the show and enjoy a complimentary glass of house wine with your entree when you show your ticket!

Having topped the contemporary jazz Billboard Chart with #1 singles, recorded albums with guests as varied as Bruce Springsteen and Jon Secada, and having accepted an invitation to sit in with The Allman Brothers Band at their storied Beacon Theatre residencies, Williams instantly established himself as a formidable talent.  A modern-day multi-talented Renaissance man, Bernie Williams grew up in Puerto Rico where he learned classical guitar at an early age and was to focus on a career in music, until being drafted by the Yankees.  Williams has developed a fresh style of jazz influenced by his classical music background along with Brazilian, pop and Latin rhythms. His albums include Moving Forward and The Journey Within. Williams has also written a book, Rhythms of the Game: The Link between Musical and Athletic Performance (2011).  Bernie Williams is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, both in his baseball career and in music. He performed at the Latin Recording Academy’s Person of the Year tribute to Gloria Estefan and at the final home game played at historic Yankee Stadium in 2009.