By Carol Fisher-Linn
There are so many delightful things about visiting The Chautauqua Institution on any given day of the week, from its tranquil environment, its historic homes and buildings and welcoming gardens, and of course, its proximity to Chautauqua Lake. It would be difficult to spend one day, or even a full week on the grounds without wishing you had more time to see more, hear more, experience more.
This month, at the Tastes of Chautauqua which runs from Sunday, August 16th to Saturday, August 22nd (12- 8pm) guests will have the pleasure of being entertained on Wednesday, August 19 (3pm) in Bestor Plaza by a renown, multi-talented artist who has, in the past, had performed in the Amphitheater. In fact, entertaining at Chautauqua inspired this artist and his wife to buy a home in Chautauqua County (Bemus Point) after performing and staying on the grounds for a time. But, of course, anyone familiar with the charms of Chautauqua Institution can surely understand the spell under which they fell.
So, although the National Arts Community may consider Mike Thornton an acclaimed performer, Chautauquan’s can consider him a neighbor stopping by. Mike Thornton and the Midnight Quartet will perform at Bestor Plaza at 3pm on Wednesday, August 19. Thornton is featured as a jazz vocalist, but we learn this from his bio: “Mike is a vocalist, musical director, actor, nationally known political satirist, director and producer.” “His jazz career began when he sang with Uptown Sound – a “Manhattan Transfer” style group featuring intricate harmonies and sophisticated arrangements by the former Glenn Miller Band arranger, Ed Cerveney.”
In Hartford, Ct., “Mike taught voice at The University of Hartford, Hartt School of Music; was vocalist with the well-known fusion band, Topazz, was guest soloist with Hartford Symphony, and sang with jazz groups throughout the New England area. Moving to New York City, Mike created a radio show that was broadcast around the northeast U.S. on NPR radio.” Closer to home Thornton, in December 2024, presented a radio play adaptation of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” at Jamestown’s Robert Jackson Center.
Perhaps some jazz aficionados may know the music of Al Jarreau (“We’re in this world together”), or the legendary sounds of Count Basie and Joe Williams, sounds I grew up with. It was Joe Williams and Basie who carried jazz into our homes where it was truly unknown, except to those who perhaps frequented jazz clubs. Thornton fondly refers to these greats with profound humility, as “Monster” Jazz artists.
Winner of many acting and music awards, Thornton preferred not to discuss his awards or his lifetime achievements, but rather the music and the joy of making music in the style of jazz. Thornton has done so much that it’s difficult to filter out the most significant. In conversation he hit upon an aspect of jazz that has a universal appeal to anyone “into” jazz – it’s latitude for on-the-spot alteration or change. As he has performed across the U.S., he continues to evolve in a way that only jazz offers the latitude to do so. His voice glowed when he talked about the vibrant community onstage, stating he loves that no two nights on stage with the same music are ever the same. Briefly, that describes the magic of jazz.
Thornton’s recorded music includes standards that open the door for his and his ensembles’ own interpretation. To explain: I asked Thornton if anything the great Frank Sinatra did was ever considered jazz. Thornton expressed a great admiration for the genius of Frank Sinatra but was clear to explain that every note in every song that Sinatra sang was well thought through with his music unchanging in the least. Jazz gives Thornton latitude for change as the beat, the chemistry of the band at that very moment moves him. Again, from his bio, “Mike Thornton blends traditional classic jazz standards with a passion for performing works by live, contemporary composers.” Mike is following the footsteps of giants of vocal jazz and making his own by interpreting a new generation of jazz artists.
If Thorton’s story has piqued your musical curiosity and you are ready for an afternoon of cool blues and soft jazz in the idyllic atmosphere of Chautauqua Institution, please don’t miss this opportunity. Wednesday, 8/19, 3pm, Bestor Plaza. He invites you to chill to classic and modern tunes and, bonus, enjoy the culinary feast set before you. It’s a triple win! Tunes, tastes and the infinite Magic of Chautauqua.