Jimmy Simmons & Friends to perform at Music at the McFaddins’ Sep. 28
Beaumont, TX; Sep. 18, 2023 – The McFaddin-Ward House invites the community to enjoy a night of great jazz in its beautiful gardens at Music at the McFaddins’ featuring Jimmy Simmons & Friends, an admission-free outdoor music event, on Thursday, Sep. 28, at 6:30 p.m.
Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, and snacks as they gather on the historic home’s lawn at 1906 McFaddin Avenue in Beaumont for an evening of great tunes and community fellowship. Gates open at 6 p.m.
“I can’t think of a better way to begin our fall programming than hosting Jimmy Simmons and the talented group of musicians he always assembles,” said Tony Chauveaux, McFaddin-Ward House executive director. “Jimmy is fluent in the international language everyone understands — music! It’s sure to be an outstanding evening for jazz fans of all ages.”
A member of the faculty and leadership team at Lamar University for more than four decades and President Emeritus of the university, Simmons is an accomplished musician and talented orchestra leader with an active performance career spanning beyond his tenure at Lamar. Skilled on saxophone, piano, and clarinet, he currently performs with a varied group of musicians at venues throughout the nation.
Simmons said he’s looking forward to returning to the McFaddin-Ward House to have the opportunity to perform with such “a great group of musicians” for so many of his friends and members of the community.
“We were so well received last year; I’m really excited to be coming back,” Simmons said. “We play such a wide variety of music that hits so many genres and periods, and that’s one of the big successes of our group.”
In case of inclement weather, Music at the McFaddins’ will be cancelled.
Upcoming events include the McFaddin-Ward House’s 2023 Lecture Series, which begins on Thursday, Oct. 5, with “Texas Fossil Finds: Following the Journey from Dig to the Museum” by professional paleontologist Andre LuJan. On Friday, Oct. 20, the McFaddin-Ward House and the Lamar University Center for History and Culture of Southeast Texas and the Upper Gulf Coast will host a unique outdoor event exploring the history and narrative of Swamp Pop music, featuring a presentation by Rachel Stiles and a live performance by original Swamp Pop musicians including Jivin’ Gene. Lectures begin at 6:30 p.m. All events are free and open to the public.
Built in 1905-1906 in the distinctive Beaux-Arts Colonial style, the McFaddin-Ward House reflects the lifestyle of the prominent family which lived in the house for 75 years. The museum features free tours, educational programming, year-round events, a carriage house, and gardens.
For more information, call 409-832-2134 or visit mcfaddin-ward.org.