Join the John Brighenti Trio for music by Rodgers and Hart!

Composer Richard Rodgers and lyricist Lorenz Hart collaborated on over 500 songs for stage and screen in the 1920s until Hart's death in 1943. Their Broadway musicals were highly regarded, and their works became standards by cabaret and jazz singers such as Ella Fitzgerald.

John Brighenti (piano) is a native of Connecticut born in New Britain. He is a 1967 graduate of the Hartt College of Music of the University of Hartford where he received a Bachelor of Music Education with a minor in both classical piano and music theory. John’s professional experiences as a pianist include performing with numerous orchestras, lounge groups, jazz ensembles and vocalists in the New England States, Atlanta, Phoenix, Las Vegas and cruise ships.  His weekly appearances and monthly Jazz Nights at Vito's Wethersfield are "legend." He performs twice a month at Mohegan Sun Casino in the Grand Lobby and at Todd English's Tuscany Restaurant. In addition to performing, John finds great satisfaction in his role as a teacher of piano and music theory. Read more at https://www.johnbrighenti.com/.

Lou Bocciarelli (bass) is a member of the Hartford Jazz Orchestra, Al Copley’s Blues Band, Bill’s Seafood All-Stars, Charlie Holland All-Stars, Greg Caputo Big Band, Vince Thompson & friends, and can be seen at venues around the New England area. Lou has had the good fortune to perform in the Jazz world with many wonderful artists including Phil Woods, Louie Bellson, Joe Morello, Dave Bruebeck, Bob Mintzer, Claudio Roditi, Dick Johnson, Tom Kubis, Steve Allen, Donn Trenner to name a few. Equally comfortable in the theater, Lou has performed in many pits including performances with the Goodspeed Playhouse in CT, Foxwoods Casino, and the Mohegan Sun Casino. Lou frequently enjoys country and blues performance with the Jim Oblon Blues Band and Vince Thompson. Lou was a music teacher in the Griswold, CT public school system for many years before retiring and holds an MS in Music. Lou resides in Griswold, CT with his wife Kathryn and two young children.

Jeff Taylor (saxophone) graduated with Bachelor of Music degree (cum laude) from the University of Connecticut in 1983. He spent seven years “on the road” with The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, playing lead alto sax and clarinet throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. Jeff started subbing with the Hartford Jazz Orchestra in the mid 1980s. He played bari with the ensemble from 2002 to 2005ish, tenor from 2015 to 2020 and presently plays lead alto! He has taught in privately, in group woodwind instruction, and at summer jazz camps. He has presented clinics and has adjudicated middle and high school regional and All-State festivals for over 30 years.

Registration required. Cheshire residents can register starting Saturday, December 13, 2025. Nonresidents can register starting Saturday, December 20, 2025.

Snow date: January 31.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Cheshire Public Library.