Happenings By Chris J. Walker


the word contemporary

Triple-threat Jennifer Hudson, a two-time Grammy Winner, Academy Award Winning Actress and top-selling author, along with being a coach on NBC’s The Voice, took siege of the stage for her Hollywood Bowl debut. The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra Conducted by Thomas Wilkins who did a classical themed short opening set was her supporting ensemble with dancers and backup singers for the evening. It began with the Dream Girls intro and shifted to rousing R&B with her combo for “Love You I Do” and “Trouble.” “Where You At” was loaded with soulful silkiness from the orchestra and dancers on the pool divider as the headliner sang super dynamically with a dramatic close.

Ballad “We Gon’ Fight” embodied gospel textures bolstered by the backup singers strongly accenting, while Hudson injected personality and verve to fire up the audience. “Remember Me” also a ballad, was similarly structured and pop oriented. “Burden Down” showcased the singer’s powerful voice a cappella with inspirational lyrics about heroes needing help too to blow the audience away. It segued into “Hallelujah,” which she said was her favorite song to sing. With only piano initially, before accompanying orchestra and backup singers kicked in, it was a big “feel good moment” that concluded with women bearing candles joining Hudson on stage to garner a standing ovation. The singer noticed that audience didn’t sing along and called for a reprise with them also singing.

Making sure to return to upbeat fun, Hudson who savored every second of the show launched in high voltage jam “It’s Your World” with snippets of “Uptown Funk.” A surprise entry in the concert that differed greatly from the other songs was the Beatles classic rocking “Golden Slumbers” with orchestra that was sung with powerful clarity. Totally expected though was “Saving All My Love” done as a tribute to her idol Whitney Houston with an intense close that impressed the crowd and generated an enthusiastic standing ovation. For the encore Hudson conjured up theatrical ballad “Never Enough.”


The Hollywood Bowl had its own British Invasion recently. But it wasn’t anything like the Beatles, Rolling Stones or Led Zeppelin. Instead it was pop, R&B and jazz from Seal with the venue’s orchestra conducted by Thomas Wilkins, and Corinne Bailey Rae with her band, who both did separate sets. Seal a four-time Grammy Winning singer who was a mega-star in the ‘90s began showcasing songs from his 2017 album Standards. It focuses of the songs Rat Pack era and was recorded at the Capitol Records Studios, where many of the songs by Sinatra were originally recorded. During the live performance Seal gleefully admitted that doing the CD with a 65-piece orchestra that included musicians (Randy Waldman-piano, toured with Sinatra, Chuck Berghofer-bass, performed with Ella Fitzgerald and Ray Charles, and Greg Fields-drums performed with Count Basie and Quincy Jones) all from the legendary period, was an incredible opportunity.

Seal came out swinging hard with “Luck Be a Lady” and quickly established that he had the chops for the material that was lushly garnished by Wilkins and orchestra. Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ “I Put a Spell on You,” although not generally associated with the Rat Pack was tastefully jazzed up and thrilled the audience. The singer kept the excitement going by singing “They Can’t That Away From Me” on the pool divider and greeted concert attendees within reach. Other standards done tastefully were “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “My Funny Valentine” and “It Was a Very Good Year.” Not on the new record and powerfully sung was Sinatra’s “That’s Life” and also mixed into the show from the CD was Randy Newman’s “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is” done in ‘50s doo-wop fashion.

One of the biggest moments of the show actually occurred when Seal wasn’t singing. He took a moment to thank and credit as an important mentor Joni Mitchell, who was in attendance to both surprise and thrill the audience. He even briefly sang “Big Yellow Taxi (Paved Paradise-Put up a Parking Lot)” with a short sing-along. Afterwards, the singer shifted to his hits, first playing acoustic guitar to render his blockbuster pop song “Kiss From a Rose” with orchestration and backing singers. Pop-rocking “Prayer For The Dying” kept the party going with people dancing in the aisles as Seal sang soulfully and spiritually. From there the British artist jumped around to classic rock and soul songs such as Steve Miller’s “Fly Like an Eagle,” Curtis Mayfield’s “Move On Up,” and his own house music jams “Killer” and “Get it Together.” Seal finished with another surprise, singing Stevie Wonder’s “Superstitious” with only his eight-year old daughter Lou playing acoustic piano, which totally amazed the audience.

Rae’s opening set with her band was considerably mellower and without any unusual incidents. She in turn soothed the arriving audience with dreamy modern soul/jazz ballads such as “Been to the Moon,” “Closer” and “Till It Happens to You.” For some variety she injected Bob Marley’s “Is This Love” that was done in her own ethereal style. Also comparatively livelier soul grooving “Put Your Records On” with the band-adding choruses was included. Rae returned to more relaxing hit “Like a Star,” but notably finished with piano rocking ”The Skies Will Break” featuring her band jamming and soloing to furtherarouse the listeners.

 

About every month or so The Blowin’ Smoke Rhythm & Blues Band takes over Harvelle’s in Santa Monica (considered the earliest blues club in LA) for St. Louis Styled R&B, the way bandleader/bassist/vocalist Larry ‘Fuzzy’ Knight heard it growing up there. The music keeps folks dancing and is always a good time, or rather “a natural ball.” The band consisted of Carl Thomson-drums, Dave ‘Raven’ Rutchinski-guitar/vocals; Smoking’ Horns, Reggie Waddell-baritone sax, Steve Stassi-trumpet, Jim Thompson-tenor sax, Lance Keller-trombone; and The Fabulous SMOKETTES lead vocalists, Madame Dee aka Dwanna Parker, La Quita Davis and Francesca Capasso.

The band got down to business doing not surprisingly, “T-Bone Shuffle (Let’s Have a Natural Ball),” original “C.O.D” and “99 And a Half” featuring mighty jamming and soloing. Additionally, guitarist/vocalist Rutchinski was featured singing and ripping away on the Elmore James’ blues standard “The Sky is Crying” and Buddy Guy’s “(Ain’t no) Midnight Train.”

When The SMOKETTES joined band the show got a lot more soulful, beginning with Aretha Franklin’s mega hit “Chain of Fools.” The singers slowed it down for Etta James’ immortal ballad “At Last” and gave couples an opportunity to get cheek to cheek, with Dee singing powerfully and trombone turning in an impressive solo. Not forgetting the funk, the ladies and band wailed as well on Chaka Khan/Rufus’ “You Got The Love” with a Soul Train-like audience dance and singing showcase, Bonnie Raitt’s “Something to Talk About,” James Brown’s “I Feel Good” and Labelle’s “Lady Marmalade.” For more info go to: www.blowinsmokeband.com and http://santamonica.harvelles.com.

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The Museum of Making Music (MoMM) will present Concert with a Cause: A Play it Forward Benefit Event featuring renowned GRAMMY-winning artists Herb Alpert and vocalist Lani Hall. The proceeds from this event support education outreach programs that provide music making opportunities for at-risk youth, school children and senior amateur musicians. Proceeds also support the MoMM’s continued work to share the history of the
music products industry with more than 45,000 visitors annually. Southern California residents are invited to attend this concert for a cause. To ensure that there is enough seating available, purchase your tickets now. The Museum of Making Music (MoMM), a division of The NAMM Foundation, explores the music products industry through permanent and special exhibitions, concerts and educational programs.

Concert with a Cause: A Play it Forward Benefit Event
Friday, August 10, 2018 6:30-10:00 p.m.
The Museum of Making Music (MoMM),
The Music Box,
1337 India Street
San Diego, CA
www.museumofmakingmusic.org/
(760) 304-5844

MUSE/IQUE ANNOUNCES SUMMER SERIES PROGRAMMING FOR STATES/UNITED: MAPPING MUSICAL AMERICA AT THE HUNTINGTON

U.S./ROUTES August 25, 2018 at 8pm

American Ballet Theatre dancers Herman Cornejo and Sara Lane perform Twyla Tharp’s “Sinatra Suite,” and the works of Duke Ellington, Jackie Wilson, James Brown, Jerry Herman, Lloyd Price, Pearl Bailey and more serve as a guide for this ultimate musical U.S. road trip.

All programs curated By MUSE/IQUE Artistic Director Rachael Worby
MUSE/IQUE
August 25, 2018

Brown Garden Lawn, adjacent to the Virginia Steele Scott Galleries of American Art 1151 Oxford Road San Marino, CA 91108
muse-ique.com 626-539-7085.


Band on top if the word Fusion

Meshell Ndegecello is an artist in every sense of the word. The bassist/vocalist has both astonished and confounded audiences, critics and the music industry with her endeavors. Prior to performing at the Blue Whale, which sold out, the venue’s website listed her as only playing with guitarist Jeff Parker. Surprisingly, after a long delay she appeared with also Abraham Rounds-drums and Jebin Bruni-keyboards. Ndegecello thanked the audience for being there and said, “I really didn’t think anyone would come.” She began the show that mixed old and new songs with ambient keyboard, guitar and bass textures accented by cymbals. It eventually morphed into a lightly fused “I Choose You” fused with guitar and light singing/chanting. Somewhat similar sounding, but even more ethereal was expanded instrument “Inundated.”

The bassist’s haunting falsetto voice beautifully melded with acoustic piano, feathery guitar runs and propulsive drums for Serge Gainsbourg-like “Crazy And Wild” that drew strong crowd reaction. Ndegecello continued singing and speaking to spacey sounding “Sloganeer” while guitar subtlety ripped. “Chance” was a jazzy instrumental mostly featuring Parker’s edgy playing. Very different was “See Line Woman” that began with a cappella band singing and then shifted to a jam-like piece with angular Allan Holdsworth like runs, fiery drumming and atmospheric keyboards. Alternatively, “Don’t Take All Night” was soulful with the bassist grooving away and singing sweetly.
Getting back to jamming with her band was upbeat instrumental “Mainz” that was a jazzy piece accented with ambient keyboard textures. The drummer put down a funky backbeat and sang with synth textures and percolating guitar for “You’re Me Bringing Down.” Following the song, the bandleader was ready to end the show, but then remembered she had one more song. It was ultramodern and shimmering “Forget My Name.” Artist Choey Smith added background computer graphics and effects to the show. For more info go to: www.meshell.com/ and www.bluewhalemusic.com

 

 

The word world in blue colors and green colersBeres Hammond, who breaks out of the mold of universal love and ganga glorification, headlined Reggae Night XVII at the Hollywood Bowl. Instead, the Jamaican singer is more of a lover man in the tradition of American R&B with a heavy touch of his homeland’s vibe. He opened with mid-tempo love overture “Can’t Stop a Man” and dramatically segued into easy grooving “Step Aside (Another Man Wants to Take Your Place)” to get the audience going. In between songs he said, “Tonight is the best night of my life because I’ve never seen this night before and I’m sharing it with all my family. It’s a party night.” Sounding a bit like Toots and The Maytals with a driving rock-steady beat, Hammond coolly crooned “What One Dance Can Do” with backup singers echoing the choruses. In medley fashion the soulful Jamaican jumped around to songs like “Live My Life,” “Life” and “Falling in Love” with touches of dance hall and the crowd singing along.

Hammond spotlighted his singers and band working out, soloing and returned to love themes “Distress,” “Cry No More,” with “Gonna Shine Again” featuring his sax player soloing and “I Love Jah.” The Jamaican lover man’s “Putting Up Resistance” drew strong response from the concert attendees with the band playing intensely. “Can You Play Some More” brought out the party vibe again and “Fire” finished featuring the band jamming away.

Prior to Hammond, Cocoa Tea subbed for Alpha Blondy melding roots and dancehall reggae for “I am Blessed” with the audience singing along. Other uplifting tunes from the group were “It Comes Everyday,” “Babylon Falling,” Bob Marley’s “Rise Up” and anthem “Only Me.” Opening band Protoje was raw and raucous with elements of hiphop and rock that got the audience’s attention. KCRW DJ Aaron Byrd was the emcee.

 

 

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Skirball Sunset Concerts
Peter Mawanga August 2
The Marías August 9
Ranky Tanky August 16
Kishi Bashi August 23
Gili Yalo (LA debut) August 30

Skirball Cultural Center
8:00 p.m
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 440-4500 •
skirball.org
Check-in and FREE admission to the Museum and Skirball campus open at 5:30 p.m. Doors to the concert venue open at 6:30 p.m.
FREE concert admission
Parking: $10 per car (cash only) Carpooling and ridesharing are encouraged. Street parking is strictly prohibited. Or take Metro Rapid 734/234

logo for blues previews

Twenty-two guitarists go head-to-head at the “6 String Showdown.” Four semi-finalists face off on the Golden Groove Stage at New Blues Festival V, Saturday, September 1. Two finalists go head-to-head on the NBF Main Stage, Sunday, September 2.

6 String Showdown is a Summer-long series of regional blues guitar competitions to crown Southern California’s best blues guitar player, the winner getting to perform on the Main Stage of this year’s New Blues Festival V. Each entrant gets personalized PR throughout the competition, including a web page on the 6 String Showdown website, publicity headshots by Rebecca Bogdanoff, and performance video for promotional use by MusicUCanSee.com.

Finalists and Semi-Finalists will play before thousands and receive a Meet-And-Greet with bookers, club owners, A&R execs, record label owners and radio personalities. One winner receives over $5,000 in cash and prizes, including a guaranteed, Main Stage paid slot at the 2019 New Blues Festival. 6 String Showdown has partnered with Sweet Relief Musicians
Cancer Fund and will donate a portion of the registration fees, making this truly an event by musicians for musicians.

“6 String Showdown”
Arcadia Blues Club
6 PM to midnight
August
4 16 E. Huntington Dr
Arcadia
www.arcadiabluesclub.com
www.6stringshowdown.com
facebook.com/6stringshowdown
626-447-9349

Text Special Mention

The teaming of Gerald Clayton with his bassist father John and drummer Jeff Hamilton seemed like it might be the Clayton Hamilton Trio or maybe Quartet at the Moss Theatre, part of Jazz Bakery’s Movable Feast series. However, the addition of saxophonist Walter Smith III’s ECM/pastoral jazz tendencies strongly affected the balance and definitely made it the younger Clayton’s ensemble for the sold-out gig. The pianist further displayed his forward thinking by featuring his high caliber sidemen in a variety of configurations that made things more interesting, especially for himself.

The Claytons as a duet opened the concert playing standard “Should I Lose You” that exhibited the players’ cohesiveness and contrasts. The pianist was high-flying and explosive, while the bassist was solid, traditional and melodic to astound the audience. Next, was the full band for Clayton’s originals, neo-bop themed “Deep Dry Ocean” and a melding of Monk quirkiness and Ellington swing for “Under Madhatter Medicinal Groupon,” based on Billy Strayhorn’s “U.M.M.G. (Upper Manhattan Medical Group).” The latter tune also included Hamilton’s signature brushwork and drumming to further delight the audience.

The pianist continued with a traditional trio grouping for a Cedar Walton’s blues number and proceeded to burn down the house, along with his father turning in a stirring bowing solo. From there, the bandleader, Smith and the bassist performed Clayton’s chamber jazz piece “Patience Patients” with the players delectably soaring. For the sake of varying the settings the bandleader sat out for “I’ll be Seeing You” with Hamilton continuing to give a clinic on jazz drumming, Smith showing off his bebop and
improvisational chops, and older Clayton coolly strolling along on his axe. Upon Clayton’s return he added bass synth textures with piano and drums for a unique spin on Dizzy Gillespie classic “Con Alma.” For ballad “Him or Me” by Smith, Clayton stayed in the same mode and injected synth riffs like random splashes of color on a painting.

During the latter part of the crowd-pleasing set the bandleader closed out his configuration explorations by serving up an enchanting and slow-drawn solo piano treatment of Monk’s classic “Round Midnight.” Reunited with full band the bandleader closed things out doing a stimulating standard to showcase all his band-members’ skills and urged the appreciative audience “to go out and multiply.”

Gilbert Castellanos one of Southern California’s emerging trumpeters who’s played with a who’s who list of acclaimed jazz and pop artists is based in San Diego, yet seems to spend a lot of time in LA. He teaches at USC’s Thornton School of Music, is a member of the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Anthony Wilson’s Nonet, Charles McPherson Quintet, Willie Jones III’s Quintet and his own quintet. They recently performed at the Blue Whale for a Tribute to Lee Morgan & Jacky McLean and included Joshua White-piano, Christopher Hollyday-alto sax, Dean Hulett-upright bass and Tyler Kreutel-drums. The trumpeter’s band opened with Morgan’s hard-hitting “Mr. Kenyatta” featuring him and alto saxophone blazing away in traditional hard-bop fashion, along with the other players strongly supporting and also soloing. Notably, White pushed the boundaries with divergent avant-garde strains to make things more interesting. McLean’s “Little Melanie (his daughter)” leaned more to bebop and proved to be a perfect vehicle for Hollyday’s opening forays. Castellanos, on the other hand was slightly subdued initially, but ended up being equally strong. Bass and drums made compelling statements together and individually during their respective solos, while piano maintained a supporting role. However, for Morgan’s jazz waltz “Totem Pole” he was prominently featured and ventured into some abstract explorations, while trumpet, sax and other players stayed within traditional boundaries.

Both Morgan and McLean put in tenures with legendary bandleader, drummer Art Blakey, though it’s unclear if they were in Blakey’s Jazz Messengers at the same time. And included in the tribute was pianist Bobby Timmon’s gospel tinged classic “Moanin’” that set the club on fire with hot trumpet and sax sections, along with piano going in a very different direction, yet able to reunite with band. Castellanos’ group concluded the show with Morgan’s best-known tune “Sidewinder” and his ensemble continued to mightily blaze away. For a bonus they included a fiery bebop number to further satisfy the audience. Be sure to check out Castellanos when he is up this way again and for more into go to: bluewhalemusic.com.

Janis Mann joins the current crop of entrepreneurial singers who are establishing their own monthly series with a variety of talented supporting players, group configurations and sometime even featuring other vocalists. At the San Fernando Valley Cultural Center in Tarzana, which also doubles as an art gallery, the adventurous and conversant songbird hosted the July installment of her Jazz Muse Concert series. Enlisted for the occasion were Rich Eames (Ed Shaughnessy, Bill Holman) on piano, Ken Wild (Gloria Estafan, Barbra Streisand) on bass, and Kendall Kay (Diane Schurr, Kyle Eastwood) on drums.

The singer and cohorts got things underway doing tantalizing “Wild With The Wind,” a song she recorded with New York-based pianist Kenny Werner, putting the musicians through their paces, while showcasing Mann’s interpretative chops. Part of the price of admission was Mann’s supplemental info about the origins, arrangements and other versions of the featured songs—definitely good for impressing music geeks and winning bets. “My Romance” was sultry in the group’s hands and the singer laid an extra coating of personality for its close. Lesser known, but equally notable were Latin tinged “Only Trust Your Heart” by Benny Carter and Sammy Cahn, along with R&B ballad “Everything Must Change” by Bernard Ighner. Contrarily, “What’s New” was adorned with a sophisticated arrangement highlighted by Eames’ spry solo and supple singing from Mann.

The singer had many more songs and after an intermission returned with Johnny Mandell’s lavish “A Time For Love” and Bobby Troupe’s poignant ballad “The Meaning of The Blues.” Mann shifted to upbeat “I Wish I Knew” and dedicated it to recently departed Boston-based vocalist Rebecca Pidgeon that was further bolstered by solos from the trio members. Along the same lines “Maybe September” by Percy Faith and recorded by Tony Bennett was sullen and stirring in Mann’s hands. Employing a reggae rhythm was “Nothing Can be Done” with the singer and pianist swinging hard, while bassist got into a funky grooving. Concluding the evening was Mann rendering cool swinging “I Remember Autumn” with Kay turning in explosive tradeoffs and a solo to standout that generated a standing ovation for the group. Mann’s next show is:
Saturday, August 18, 2018
Doors open at 7 pm / Show starts at 8 pm

Jazz Muse Concert Series
“Two Voices” — Janis Mann with special guest Greta Matassa
Greta Matassa – vocals,
Janis Mann – vocals,
Bill Cunliffe – piano,
Bruce Lett – bass,
Roy McCurdy – drums

San Fernando Valley Arts and Cultural Center
18312 Oxnard Street
Tarzana, CA 91356
janismann.com

Seattle-based flugelhorn player Dmitri Matheny’s Jazz Noir recently toured 100 cities and included several engagements in Southern California. One of them was at Vibrato’s with pianist Joe Bagg, bassist Trevor Ware and drummer Kendall Kay. “People Will Say We’re in Love” opened the gig and featured lively band interaction with the bandleader coolly out front. The group continued with the easy flowing ballad Two For The Road, mostly embellished by Matheny and Bragg, from the 1967 film of the same name starring Katherine Hepburn and Albert Finney. Original “Perfect Peaches” had a slight bossa feel and proved to be the perfect vehicle for effortless playing and soloing, especially from the bandleader. The same could be said for the group’s interpretation of “My Romance” with Ware and the others soloing delectably.

Departing a bit from the breezy faire the band spotlighted Hank Mobley’s “Funk in a Deep Freeze” to serve up strident hard-bop to get the club-goers foot-tapping and swaying along as Matheny blazed away. Also in the same vein was Ellington’s classic pulsating “Caravan” that the bandleader mentioned seems to be used a lot for movie safe robbing scenes and featured the band dramatically, especially drums working out. The group continued with the Ellington songbook with a mid-tempo and lightly jumping version of
“I’m Beginning to See The Light.” Wrapping up the set was a very stimulating rendering of “Just in Time” from the 1956 musical Bells Are Ringing and according to Matheny later became the theme for Gerry Mulligan’s West Coast Cool, also very much an influence for the flugelhorn player. For more info go to: www.dmitrimatheny.com and www.vibratogrilljazz.com.

 

 


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The mega Tech Center’s downtown transforms itself into a mighty Music Hub for a weekend featuring 12 stages and array of genres. Basically something for anyone who has an interest in jazz and/or related music. Some of the highlighted performers are:

10th Annual Jazz Organ Fellowship with Matthew Whitaker and Brian Charette
7th Street Big Band
aron Abernathy Trio
Aaron Lington Plays the Music of Astor Piazzolla
Alastair Greene Band
Andre Thierry
Arnie Co Nonet
Avance
Barbara Morrison Quintet
Big Sam’s Funky Nation
Billy Valentine Big Band
Bobbito García a.k.a. Kool Bob Love
Boogaloo Assassins
Booker T.’s Stax Revue: A Journey Through Soul, Blues and R&B
Changüí Majadero
Christian Tamburr and Dominick Farinacci Quartet
CONFUNKSHUN
Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio
Doug Beavers’ Titanes del Trombón: Tribute to Cheo Feliciano
East Bay Jazz High School All-Stars
Echoes
Eddie Gale
Edgardo & Candela
Emmet Cohen Trio
Eric Alexander
Erik Jekabson Quintet
Eugenie Jones
Evan Thomas Blues Revue
Film Screening: Rock Rubber 45s W/ Bobbito García
Footnotes Jazz
Full Spectrum Big Band
Gail Dobson’s Vocals for Kids with the Gail Dobson Band
Gnius Wesley Project
Ghost & the City
Goapele
Gold Lion Arts Cosmic Garden
Herb Alpert and Lani Hall
Jackie Gage
Jane Monheit
Jeff Denson: Outside My Window
Jemal Ramirez Group with Warren Wolf
Jessica Johnson
Jessica Lá Rel
Jimetta Rose
John Santos Quartet + Orestes Vilató, Bobi Céspedes and Jose Roberto Hernandez
Johnny Gill
Kat Edmonson
Kat Parra Latin World Ensemble
Katie Thiroux Trio
Kiefer Kishi Bashi W/ Strings
Kool & the Gang
Kristen Strom: Moving Day–The Music of John Shifflett
La Tenaza Tango Son
Lalah Hathaway
Legally Blue
LGS Big Band Lydia Pense & Cold Blood With Fred Ross
Made By Crooks
MAE.SUN
Makaya McCraven
Marcus Roberts and the Modern Jazz Generation
Mariachi Los Toritos
Mason Razavi Nonet
Maxx Cabello Jr.
Meernaa
Millennium Sounds
Mino Yanci
Mitch Woods and His Rocket 88’s
Monterey Jazz Festival High School All-Star Band
Monterey Jazz Festival High School Honor Vocal Jazz Ensemble
Mr. Clifford’s Young Jazz All Stars
Nachito Herrera Trio
Nasa Ames Jazz Band
Never Weather
Next Gen Jam
Nick Panoutsos Quartet
No Water After Midnight
Oakadelic
Octobop
Organic Trio
Orquesta Borínquen
Orquesta Latin Heat
Orquesta Saboricua
Orquesta Son Mayor
Pascal Bokar Afro Blue Grazz Band
Paula West with the Adam Shulman Trio
Ratatet
Retro Notes
Rumbankete
San Jose Jazz High School All Stars
San Jose Jazz Summer Jazz Camp Combo
Sandy Cressman and Homenagem Brasileira
Sara Niemietz & Snuffy Walden
Sarah McKenzie
School of Rock San Jose
SJZ Collective Reimagines Monk
SJZ U19s
SOJ Big Band
South Bay Big Band Jazz
Swing Solution
Sylvia Cuenca Quartet
Synchronicity
Tango Jazz Quartet
The Lyratones
The Serenaders
The Soul Rebels
Theo Croker Quartet
Tom Rigney and Flambeau
Top Shelf Big Band
Urban Renewal Project
Vincent Herring’s Story of Jazz: 100 Years
Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Septet
YASSOU
Yissy & Bandancha
Yoshiaki Miyanoue

SAN JOSE JAZZ SUMMERFEST
Aug 10-12, 2018
Downtown San Jose
summerfest.sanjosejazz.org
408.288.7557

 

 

Mr. Musichead, celebrating 20 years as a premier boutique art gallery and its owner Sam Milgrom, teamed up with Los Angeles Jazz Radio Broadcaster and Producer LeRoy Downs and All Music Television Founder & CEO Frederick Smith, Jr to present Just Jazz featuring a lineup of internationally recognized jazz artists. From 6:30pm to Showtime, before each show, tune into “The Jazzcat” LeRoy Downs as he spins one hour of supreme, eclectic jazz live on SoundsandColorsRadio.net direct from the Mr Musichead Gallery! Downs will play music and interview the weekly artist as jazz patrons are arriving for the performance, enticing listeners to come on out and be a part of the Curated Jazz Experience!! A portion of the proceeds from each show will be donated to a local charity.
Doors Open: 6:00pm
Drinks & Appetizer Reception: 6:30pm
Live Music: 7:30pm

 

August
1 Steve Ferrone
8 Nathan East
15 Denny Seiwell
22 Gerald Clayton
29 Guillermo Brown

Other upcoming artists include Nicole Mitchell, Marquis Hill and more…

 

Mr Musichead Gallery
7420 W. Sunset Blvd (across from Guitar Center) Los Angeles, CA 90046 323-876-90046 www.mrmusichead.com
www.SoundsandColorsRadio.net
www.allmusictelevision.net www.
TheJazzcat.net

 


THE CALIFORNIA JAZZ ARTS SOCIETY And THE ACADEMY OF MAGICAL ARTS PRESENT

AUGUST 22 DALE BOATMAN & THE CalJAS ALL-STARS Featuring LIA BOOTH

YOU MUST BE INCLUDED ON DALE BOATMAN’S GUEST LIST EMAIL: DALE175@AOL.COM FOR RESERVATIONS

 

 

HONORING LEGENDS … PUSHING BOUNDARIES

Jazz Bakery’s Moveable Feasts

Yosvany Terry Afro-Cuban Quintet

Yosvany Terry saxophonist
Yunior Terry bass
Manuel Valera pno
Michael Rodriguez tpt
Obed Calvaire drums

August 4, 2018
8:00 pm
Moss Theatre
Jazz Bakery’s Moveable Feasts
jazzbakery.org
(800) 838-3006

“Concerts and Conversations with Southern California Jazz Legends” made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. KJAZZ 88.1 – official media sponsor.


Enjoy free live jazz concerts at Subaru Summer Jazz Nights. A nominal donation for wine, beer, cheese selection, and seating with 100% of the proceeds benefitting Project Angel Food. Sponsored by Subaru. Produced by KJAZZ 88.1 FM Radio and Rum & Humble.

August 7 Poncho Sanchez
Hollywood & Highland
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Every Tuesday night
July 10 through August 7,
www.kkjz.org
www.hollywoodandhighland.com/

Summer Jazz on the Argyros Plaza

Relax with friends and family at, Summer Jazz on the Argyros Plaza, a thrilling selection of free outdoor jazz concerts every Friday evening through August 10 on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza featuring acclaimed artists across the genre. From crooners to singers, up and comers to all-stars, our summer lineup is unrivaled and will be hosted by radio personality Bubba Jackson who will keep you in the mood for a new flavor of Jazz every week. Guests are encouraged to bring beach chairs or other easily portable seating items. Food and drinks are available for purchase at the Center 360 café.

August 3 Clifford Lamb Trio
August 10 Brian Bromberg

Segerstrom Center for the Arts Argyros Plaza
7:00 PM
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
scfta.org www.kkjz.org

 

Any information to be considered for this column can be sent to: chrisjwalker1@earthlink.net