PAP World Music Series Presents : The Kenny Rittenhouse Trio

Meet us at Port-au-Prince – a crossroads for those who love Haiti, her culinary and artistic offerings, as well as the arts and culture beyond her shores. Indeed, we aim to be a true “port” where the world intentionally collides! Coming up in our music series, we present to you The Kenny Rittenhouse Trio.

Kenny Rittenhouse has led his own jazz quartet for the past 20 years, performing in and around the Washington, DC area. He has performed with many great jazz artists including Larry Willis, Ralph Peterson, Don Braden, Buck Hill, and Steve Wilson. He is a member of The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra and The Army Blues Jazz Ensemble. He is also Adjunct Professor of Jazz Trumpet at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.

The Kenny Rittenhouse Ensemble is one of the hardest swinging jazz groups in the greater DC metro area. The group, under the direction of trumpeter Kenny Rittenhouse, was formed several years ago and has appeared in such venues as Blues Alley, Bohemian Caverns, and Twins Jazz Club. The group recorded their first release (a sextet) in 2006 titled “The Francis Suite”. Their second release, recorded in February 2013 is titled “New York Suite”. It’s a hard swinging septet playing mostly original songs highlighting traditional straight ahead jazz with a bit of Funk & R&B in the mix.

The ensemble performs with intensity and fervor, focusing on the concept of “swing”, paying homage to the blue note recording artist of the 60’s. These gifted performers pride themselves on presenting bop/post bop styles and modern originals as well as establishing a report with their audience that few others produce.