ALL THAT JAZZ; ANDOVER SINGER TO PERFORM AT LOCAL CHURCH THIS WEEKEND
by Rosemary Ford

The Eagle-Tribune
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News
January 22, 2009 Thursday
North Andover, Massachusetts

Jan. 22–She’s played before national acts like Barbara Mandrell and
Sheena Easton.

This Saturday, Andover jazz sensation Sandi Bedrosian will play before
St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church in North Andover.

Members of the church approached Bedrosian after seeing one of
her shows.

"Usually, people want to hear jazz and not go too far away," she
said. "If it’s in your backyard, it’s a lot more enticing."

Bedrosian, also known as Sandi B., and her acclaimed ensemble will
play jazz standards Saturday at 7 p.m., inside Jaffarian Hall.

The group will cover standards from the American songbook — think
Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra — as well as some
Armenian favorites from her childhood with a jazz flavor.

"It’s exciting, it’s multicultural," Bedrosian said. "We’re trying
to hit all sides musically and ethnically as well."

Bedrosian owns a voice studio in Andover where she works as a teacher
and vocal coach to new and professional artists when not singing
herself.

Over the past 25 years, she has performed at dozens of venues, from
the Ritz Carlton Hotel to the Spirit of Boston, starring in musicals
like "Carousel" and operettas like "Die Fledermaus."

Right now, she is focusing on her jazz career, which keeps her busy
locally at Serene Restaurant in Andover.

"As the economy and the world changes, it’s harder to find venues
that even feature jazz," Bedrosian said.

IF YOU GO

What: Sandi Bedrosian Trio

When: Saturday at 7 p.m.

Where: St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church Hall, 158 Main St.,
North Andover.

How: Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Cocktails and
appetizers will be available, with a cash bar. Proceeds will benefit
the church renovation fund. Reservations may be made through the
church at 978-685-5038 or through Sossy Jeknavorian at 978-256-2538.