Garmany Music Series: Iconic Music of the 20th Century

Farmington favorite pianist John Brighenti and vocalist Gail Lumpkin will present a sampler of songs from two of the 20th century’s greatest entertainers, including Barbra Striesand, taking the audience on a journey back to the era of the Great American songbook.

John Brighenti 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.  He then studied big band arranging, and jazz piano techniques at the Hartford Conservatory of Music under the prominent Hartford pianist, composer, arranger and historian, Ray Cassarino.  In 1977 John toured the U.S. playing piano for the Glenn Miller Orchestra.  Since then, he has performed in libraries and concert venues all over the State.  He also teaches piano and music theory.

Gail Lumpkin performs throughout New England with the six-piece band “Celebrity” and Pianist/arranger John Brighenti. She also performs with Walter Gwardyak and has performed with the late Donn Trenner. She was the featured vocalist with the Paul Landerman Orchestra, performing for Three U. S. Presidents and a multitude of local political and charitable events and was invited to sing the National Anthem at Yankee Stadium. She has also performed with the Ed Bant Trio and the Hot Cat Jazz Band. She currently works as a consultant and music mentor at the Kinsella Magnet School of Performing Arts.