The normally serene green in the back of St. John’s Episcopal Church is about to get jazzed up today.

The last summer event of the church’s four-year-old Festival on the Green series (formerly Music on the Green) is called Jazz on the Green and will feature St. John’s Music Director Pam Drews Phillips, an accomplished pianist-conductor-composer. Start time is 6 p.m. Phillips will be joined by jazz vocalist Nicole Madison — who has also been her assistant music director at the church for the past three years — as well as members of her band, the Pam Drews Phillips Trio.

Phillips came to Jackson by way of Broadway 18 years ago after a successful run as a conductor and keyboardist on the Great White Way for numerous shows, as well as in film and television. She began playing piano at St. John’s in 1999 and became music director around 2002.

While she has played it all — classical, Broadway, new age, pop — it is as a jazz performer that she particularly shines.

“Jazz is absolutely my favorite thing to do,” Phillips said.

When not playing at the church, she teaches piano in town and has a longstanding gig performing at the Granary on Friday and Saturday nights. Earlier this year she took her talents on the road and showcased her skills on the ivories at venues in Montana, Oregon and California, among others.

Madison and Philllips met in 2000 when Madison — also a former Broadway performer — came out to Jackson to sing and act in the Phillips’-penned, original musical “Petticoat Rules.” Madison’s commitment to the genre of jazz has led her around the country to perform in duos, trios, quartets, with jazz bands and in voice-over work. When she performs around town, Phillips’ husband and fellow jazz pianist, Keith, will often accompany her.

The members of Phillips’ band include Bill Plummer (upright bass) — who in his past played with the likes of the Rolling Stones, the Grateful Dead and Quincy Jones — and Ed Domer (drummer). Coming down specifically to play with the band for Jazz on the Green is Rexburg, Idaho, saxophonist Mat Miles.

“I can’t give you anything but love,” and “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” by Fats Waller are just two ditties among the jazz standards from the Great American Songbook that the musicians will be treating listeners to during the concert.

Concert-goers are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to the event, as well as a picnic meal. Another fun option is to buy dinner from Cafe Genevieve’s food truck, which will be parked next to the lawn on either Deloney or Gill Avenues. Additionally, the church will have beer and wine for sale at $5 a glass.

“I have been a part of this series since it started,” Phillips said. “It’s a great chance to get out on the lawn and listen to good music.”

This article appeared in the Jackson Hole News & Guide on 8/25/14.