Centrum is pleased to showcase award-winning pianist Tamir Hendelman at Jazz Port Townsend in 2007. Tamir began studying the piano at the age of six, attending the Anazagi Conservatory in Tel Aviv, Israel. During this period, a Count Basie recording introduced him to jazz. In 1984, his family moved to Los Angeles. Two years later, at the age of fourteen, Tamir won top honors at Yamaha’s national keyboard competition. As a result, performances in Japan and at the Kennedy Center followed.

In 1988, Tamir studied composition at the Tanglewood Institute where he received his first writing commission for large ensemble. The Eastman School of Music was his the next stop. This experience afforded him learning opportunities with Ron Carter and jazz great Lee Konitz.

Since returning to Los Angeles in 1996, Tamir (pictured, left, with Jeff Hamilton) has been in demand as both pianist and arranger. His accomplishments include receiving awards from ASCAP and the National Foundation For Advancement in the Arts and serving as the musical director for Lovewell Institute for Creative Arts. In March of 2000, Tamir joined the Jeff Hamilton Trio and in January of 2001, became the pianist with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.

On Saturday, July 28, at 1:30 pm, Tamir Hendelman performs with singer Roberta Gambarini, John Clayton (bass) and Joe LaBarbera (drums). The set follows a performance by Joe Locke and is followed by the Jazz Port Townsend Festival All-Star Big Band, led by and featuring the music of NEA Jazz Master Gerald Wilson. Reserved-seating tickets are available by calling Centrum at 360.385.3102, x117 and online at our secure Acteva site.