Art and Music to Fuse at Jazz at the Panthereum

MELBOURNE, FLA. — WFIT 89.5 FM, a service of Florida Tech, the university, and the Melbourne-Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce, has added an exciting feature to
the already-announced music event, Jazz at the Panthereum, on Sunday, March 25, from 3 to 6 p.m. The event will be held in Florida Tech’s new, outdoor
Panthereum.
Famed abstract artist and former jazz musician Sigi Oberlaender will paint one of the musicians live starting at 3 p.m. Oberlaender paints abstracts with a
touch of realism in a unique blend of watercolor and oil. Also, those attending the concert may participate in a live auction at 4:15 p.m. The highest
bidder will bring home a vibrant painting. Auction proceeds will benefit new programs designed to bring together science and art at Florida Tech.
German-born Oberlaender, who has been an engineer, has always painted, His art has been shown around the world including The Netherlands, Germany and
Colombia. Exhibits in the United States have been in the Carolinas, Alabama and Florida. Since moving to Indialantic, Fla., in 1998, he has devoted his
time entirely to art.
The concert will feature the Norm Bernard Quintet. With Bernard on trumpet, Carl Hendrix on piano, Ron Pirtle on upright bass and Dave
Dunscombe on drums, vocalist Kim Evans will belt out jazz tunes. Bernard, who also plays flugelhorn, is a former Red Sox outfielder who was injured and
quit play. He went to Canada and started his own band, moving to Florida in the 1990s. Hendrix, an exceptional piano player, manages amazing cord changes,
and can back singers in any key they choose. Pirtle, on upright bass, is the bass player of choice for most area jazz bands. Dunscombe on drums is known
for the “softest hands in the business.” Evans, a church gospel and jazz singer, owns a voice to reckon with. Her intonation, timing, broad phrasing and
emotional intensity mesmerize her audiences.
Bring a blanket or lawn chair to the Panthereum, located on Country Club Road, near the Denius Student Center.
All performances are on the fourth Sunday of the month. The next one, on April 22, will celebrate the Smithsonian’s Jazz Appreciation Month.
Community donations are required to continue the series in subsequent years. To become a patron, make a donation of $25 or more by calling Sandi Hall at
(321) 674-7401.