The Green Jazz Band has been delighting audiences in the Greater Hartford area with fresh interpretations of jazz standards, including classics from the Great American Songbook, bossa nova favorites, and jazzed up blues and pop. The band’s area performances include the Wadsworth Atheneum Festival of Trees and Jazz Brunch series, Earthstock Connecticut, the Collinsville HOT Festival, the Gershon Fox Ballroom, the Society Room, and the Vitrano Jazz Series, as well as a Main Stage set at the Northwest (Lewiston) Jazz Festival. The ensemble performs for a wide range of audiences, including corporate events, retirement communities, private parties, weddings, and festivals.
No need to register. Just come along for this lively concert sponsored by The Friends of Canton Public Library.
Sally Terrell (vocals and piano) began a lifelong love affair with piano and singing at age six, poking out melodies alongside her father, a classically trained pianist and jazz aficionado who passed along his love of music while discovering his youngest daughter could play and sing by ear. Terrell put aside her musical ambitions for two decades while building a career as a college writing teacher. She rededicated herself to music and began her professional career when her husband, John Sarlo, formed the Green Jazz Band. She has recorded two albums, Feel Alive and Just in Time with legendary New York City pianist/producer John di Martino, including jazz standards and originals. In 2022, she performed on the Main Stage for the 20 th anniversary of the Northwest Lewiston (NY) Jazz Festival, opening for Stacey Kent. Terrell also sings with the Pratt & Whitney Screaming Eagles Big Band. Terrell’s intuitive interpretations and razor-sharp ear showcase a velvety alto and a gift for sharing the timeless stories of jazz while boldly exploring her range across musical genres. Kevin O'Neil (guitar), whose propulsive style and technical virtuosity landed him on the world tour and several recordings with the legendary saxophonist and NEA Jazz Master Anthony Braxton, established him as a force in avant-garde jazz. He earned his undergraduate degree from the Hartt School of Music, a master’s from Wesleyan University, and a PhD in music composition from University of Southampton in England. He is a professor of music at Southern Connecticut State University and Tunxis Community College and a teacher at the Essex, CT-based Community Music School. Mike Milner (horns) started playing with big bands in his early teens, sharing the stage with Maynard Ferguson, Mercer Ellington and Lionel Hampton. After performing with rock, reggae, top 40 and funk bands, Mike returned to his jazz roots with the GJB; he also leads the Pratt & Whitney Screaming Eagles Big Band. John Sarlo (bass) performed with rock and top 40 bands before coming back to his true home playing jazz standards. He formed the Green Jazz Band in 2010 and also plays with the Pratt & Whitney Screaming Eagles Big Band. Christopher Petersen (drums) was a member of the renowned Notre Dame Marching Band drumline and performed with the university’s jazz combo. He also plays with the Screaming Eagles Big Band.
