Riverhead - East End Arts Council, with support from the Jazz Foundation of America, presents an ongoing Jazz Improv clinic with veteran musicians Billy Johnson and Teddy Charles. Jazz in the Carriage House meets the third Thursday of the month from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with the next session scheduled for January 21.

Each meeting will focus on interactively informing and educating participants in all aspects of jazz. This is a unique opportunity to learn firsthand from professionals who are not only passionate about the music, but have years of experience playing with some of the world's best jazz musicians. Musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments to learn from, and play with, these seasoned professionals.

Sessions will be held in the Carriage House located on the grounds of the East End Arts Council at 133 East Main Street, Riverhead. There is a nominal fee of $10. Current music students of the School of the Arts and EEAC members may attend this program at no charge.

For additional information call 631-369-2171 or visit www.eastendarts.org. What is so unique about this clinic, as Johnson states, is that it's not a classroom it is "a chance to work on the music the way jazz musicians used to learn - by playing together in an living-room type setting and letting the music develop by listening and playing together."

Johnson, Charles and others will also be performing in the LI Winterest Jazz on the Vine series. Their free concert will be held a Borghese Vineyard on Saturday March 20 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and is open to the public. Winterest Jazz on the Vine presents six weekends of over 60 free jazz concerts at local vineyards. Visit www.liwinterfest.com for a complete schedule, directions, and travel specials.

Johnson, bass player, was born during the golden age of jazz in Milwaukee to legendary local performer, William "Scat" Johnson. As soon as he was old enough, Johnson accompanied his father to gigs at historic Bronzeville and Milwaukee clubs. Being thoroughly immersed in music from infancy, it was only natural for him to go on to Wisconsin Conservatory College of Music where he attended from 1974-1978. In 1979 he migrated to New York City where he climbed the competitive ranks of the New York City Jazz scene while studying with such jazz greats as Ron Carter, Richard Davis, Buster Williams, Cecil McBee and Rufus Reid. At this time Johnson received a full scholarship to attend Long Island University where he was later named as Bass and Jazz Combo Instructor. While working as a street musician in NYC he was noticed by singer, Abbey Lincoln. His residency with Lincoln's band, accompanied by hard work and determination paved the way to touring with Lionel Hampton and Illinois Jaquet, with whom he played with at the 1993 Presidential Inaugural Ball. He toured worldwide with Arthur Taylor (Taylor's Wailers) as well as with other greats such as Abraham Burton, Marc Carey, Charles Davis, Wallace Roney and the Geri Allen Trio. His love of jazz has led him to share his experiences and skills with the community by teaching and performing in local schools, theatres and churches.

Charles is considered one of the great jazz vibraphonists and composers of all time, playing with such jazz legends as Charlie Mingus, Charlie Parker and Miles Davis. As a student at Julliard in the mid 1940s, he haunted New York's jazz clubs, occasionally sitting in with the bands on vibes or piano. His break came unexpectedly one night when he was asked to sit in on piano with Coleman Hawkin's band for the overdue Thelonious Monk. Soon after, Charles began to appear regularly with the top jazz groups of the day, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Buddy De Franco, playing alongside and writing for such jazz stars as Coltrane, Parker, Max Roach and Davis. He recently appeared with Roach, David Amram, and Lee Konitz. In the early 1950s he began leading his own groups, composing, producing and recording original works such as "No More Nights," "Blues Become Elektra" and "Word from Bird."

For more information contact the School of the Arts at 631-369-2171 or email education@eastendarts.org.