Lazaro Vega

Have you noticed how different Zoltan sounds without Elvin?

Bassist John Lindberg has moved back to Michigan, and in celebration Blue Lake Public Radio featured his recordings last night on Jazz From Blue Lake. Thanks to Ann Braithwaite and Javier Diaz we brought you his recent music with Wadada Leo Smith, as well as his newest LP, a duo with cellist Anil Eraslan caled "Juggling Kukla." Here's hoping you'll check out the program via these links: http://199.176.235.218/ondemand.pl

Tonight in Kalamazoo (from Tom Knific): Presenting one of the sweetest events of our WMU Jazz Series Wednesday 7:30pm, Dalton Center Recital Hall. European guitar legend Philip Catherine, in duo with one of my favorite bassists, Martin Wind, performing music from their new CD, Duo Art. This is Catherine's Michigan debut. His splendid career spans work with Stephane Grappelli to Dexter Gordon, and many of the young lions of the past two decades. Not to miss! http://www.philipcatherine.com/ http://martinwind.com/ Hope to see you tonight! Tom Knific Professor of Music Director of Jazz Studies Western Michigan University Past President, International Society of Bassists www.TomKnificMusic.com www.WMUJAZZ.com

Sweet. Maybe watch the remake of "The Secret Life of Walter Middy" to set the scene.

Please click Blue Lake Public Radio's on-demand page to hear Jazz From Blue Lake featuring saxophonist Sonny Stitt as well as Lazaro Vega's interview with pianist Marcus Roberts who appears Saturday with the Grand Rapids Symphony at DeVos Hall. http://199.176.235.218/ondemand.pl

Thank you Mr. Ubu.

A few years ago the docent at the Doris Duke Mansion in Newport mentioned during a tour that Doris Duke made some jazz recordings. At the time wasn't able to find anything, but low and behold, the docent was correct: http://www.joecastrojazz.com/

Corey J Wilkes music came to attention outside of Chicago through appearances the young trumpeter made with Roscoe Mitchell or Kahil El Zabar. Last night on Jazz From Blue Lake we checked out music under his own name, some beautiful playing with Dee Alexander and a few others. Plenty of new records, too, and a nod to Buddy Tate and Rex Stewart. Here are temporary links to the radio program: http://199.176.235.218/ondemand.pl

Pianist/arranger Mary Lou Williams caught a break in 1931 when Andy Kirk's Clouds of Joy pianist didn't show for a recording session. She became one of the band's featured soloists, then eventually wrote music for Benny Goodman (she introduced him to Charlie Christian, he invited her to play his 40th anniversary Carnegie Hall concert). There's more on Mary Lou Williams here, during Jazz From Blue Lake: http://199.176.235.218/ondemand.pl

February 15, 2016 The Jazz Datebook: Timely Hits: Tuesday, February 16th at 7:30 p.m. The Truth in Jazz Orchestra plays big band jazz at 920 Watermark, 930 Washington Ave, Muskegon. Cash bar, fresh sandwiches. Phone: (231) 727-0805. See www.tijo.org. Thursday, February 18th at 8 p.m. the Mack Avenue Superband is on tour at the Motor City Casino Hotel 1,500 seat club called The Sound Board. With Gary Burton, Tia Fuller, Sean Jones and the Christian McBride Trio. See: http://www.motorcitycasino.com/Schedules.aspx Friday, February 19th at 6 p.m. a weekly jazz series debuts at The Waldron Public House, 58 Ionia Avenue SW, Grand Rapids. Drummer Randy Marsh leads Marshland Express with Caleb Elzinga, saxophones; Steve Talaga, piano; Warren Jones, bass and Marsh on drums. (616) 965 – 9780. Friday, February 19that 8 p.m. one of the greatest tap dancers alive today, Savion Glover, is joined by jazz giant Jack DeJohnette on drums for a two set concert in Cobb Great Hall at The Wharton Center For the Performing Arts, 750 E. Shaw LN, East Lansing. Tickets from (517) 353-1982 or www.whartoncenter.com. Saturday, February 20th at 7 p.m., saxophonist Mike Frost leads his “Project,” with Bill Boris on guitar, Dave Rosin, bass and David Hilliker, drums, at the J.W. Marriott, 235 Louis Street N.W., Grand Rapids. (616) 242 – 1448. Saturday, February 20th the Keith Hall Drum Choir Experience is held, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Byron Center High School, 8500 Burlingame Ave SW, Byron Center. Tuition for this day long workshop is $75. Bring your drum set. Sign up at www.keithhallmusic.com or phone (201) 406 – 5059. Sunday, February 21st at 3 p.m. the Beer City Saxophone Ensemble plays a concert as part of the Underground Series presented by www.adventuremusic.org and curated by Blue Lake Public Radio’s own Lazaro Vega. The “Super Sax” style group includes saxophones by Gary MCourry, Jim Hayward, Mike Lutley, Tom Lockwood, Tom Stansell, Greg Marsden and Bob Nixon with a rhythm section of pianist Steve Talaga, bassist Joe Oprea and drummer Tim Froncek. The concerts are held in LaFontsee Galleries, 833 Lake Drive S.E., Grand Rapids. (616) 451 – 9820. Sunday, February21st the River Rogues traditional jazz band (see www.theriverrogues.org ) play the New Harmony Hall, 401 Stocking Ave NW, Grand Rapids. Phone: (616) 233-9186, or on the web, www.harmonybeer.com. Tuesday, February 23rd at 8 p.m. guitarist Ed Stone plays at the New Vintage Jazz Series at New Vintage Place, 889 Broadway Avenue NW, Grand Rapids. Cocktails at 7, music from 8-10. As a youth, Ed Stone played guitar in numerous soul, orchestra and jazz bands. Ed Stone is a medical doctor who returned to music and is now part of the Detroit scene, including the release of 3 CD's, the latest "King Of Hearts" and playing in local clubs (Baker's keyboard Lounge, Harbor House Restaurant) as well as The New Center Park Summer Music Series, Idlewild Music Festival, Belle Isle Jazz Concert Series, Campus Martus Park Jazz Series and the Fox 2 Morning News Weekend Show on WJKB-TV. See www.wmichjazz.org or phone (616) 498-0855. Wednesday, February 24th at 7:30 p.m.in the Dalton Center Recital Hall, Western Michigan University, the Western Michigan Jazz Program with the Frostic School of Art collaborate in “Climate Changes,” a live and interactive program featuring the Advanced Jazz Ensemble directed by Dr. Andrew Rathbun and installation/video by Prof Patrick Wilson and students form the Frostic School. Tickets from (800) 228 – 9858. Saturday, February 27that 8 p.m. the Grand Rapids Symphony’s “Symphony With Soul” welcomes renowned pianist Marcus Roberts Trio to this 15th annual celebration of of African-American musical expression. David Lockington is on the podium, and the program features performances by the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus (Duane Shields Davis, director) and Creative Connections (Jill Collier Warne, director). Roberts will be featured in George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” The concert takes place at DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids. See www.grsymphony.org for more. Tuesday, March 1st at 6:30 p.m., At Prize winning vibraphonist Jim Cooper leads his trio at The North Muskegon “Walker Memorial” Library, 1522 Ruddiman Dr, North Muskegon. Phone:(231) 744-6080. Tuesday, March 1st at 7:30 Tango sensation from Argentina, J.P. Jofre, bandoneon, and Paublo Cafici, piano, are joined by the Western Michigan University String Orchestra in a free performance at Dalton Center Recital Hall, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. See www.wmujazz.com . Thursday, March 3rd at 7 p.m. saxophonist Tim Warfield appears with the Michigan State University Bebop Spartans, also known as The MSU Jazz Orchestra 1, in the Michigan State University Federal Credit Union concert tour coming to Spring Lake high School Auditorium, 16140 148th Ave, Spring Lake. See www.timwarfieldmusic.com or phone the school at (616) 846-5501. Friday, March 4th at 7:30 p.m. in the Interlochen Arts Academy Dendrinos Chapel, Interlochen (15 miles southwest of Traverse City), Bill Sears leads the Interlochen Arts Academy Jazz Ensemble and Combos in concert with special guests trombonist Marshall Gilkes (nominated for 2 Grammy Awards this year); Michigan State University professor of jazz, trumpeter Etienne Charles; director of jazz studies at Oberlin Conservatory of Music, guitarist Bobby Ferrazza; bassist Marion Hayden; and drummer Sean Dobbins. See: www.interlochen.org for information. Saturday, March 5th at 7:30 p.m. at Interlochen Arts Academy’s Dendrinos Chapel, pianist Xavier Davis joins Bill Sears and the musicians performing on the 4th for a free faculty jazz recital. See www.interlochen.org for information. Thursday, March 10that 7:30 p.m. French vocalist Cyrille Aimee brings her blend of Gypsy jazz, Brazilian music and the straight ahead to St. Cecilia Music Center’s historic Royce Auditorium, 24 Ransom Avenue N.E., Grand Rapids. A finalist in the French version of American Idol, and went on to win the Montreux Jazz Festival Competition in 2007, was a finalist in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition in 2010, and won the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Competition in 2012. Today she records for Mack Avenue Records. See http://www.cyrillemusic.com. For information, www.scmc-online.org or (616) 459 – 2224. Friday, March 11th at 8 p.m. the 35th Annual Western Invitational Jazz Festival features a performance by pianist Edward Simon and the Western Jazz Quartet at the Dalton Center Recital Hall, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. (800) 228 – 9858. Saturday, March 12th at 7 p.m. Alexander Zonjic’s Shoreline Jazz Festival Preview Concert at the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts, 425 W Western Ave #200, Muskegon, features Zonjic’s flute, Swiss pianist Alex Bugnon; saxophonist Eric Darius; guitarist Nick Colionne and vocalist Thornetta Davis. See www.shorelinejazzfestival.com, www.startickets.com or (800) 585 – 3737. Saturday, March 12th at 7:30 p.m., concluding a day of performances by high school and college jazz bands, pianist Edward Simon is guest soloist with the Western Michigan University Jazz Orchestra at Dalton Center Recital Hall, Kalamazoo. Tickets from (800) 228 – 9858. Wednesday, March 16th at 7:30 p.m. the famed Belgian jazz guitarist Philip Catherine and bassist Martin Wind appear at the Dalton Center Recital Hall, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. See www.philipcatherine.com or phone (800) 228 – 9858. Sunday, March 20that 3 p.m. bassist Matt Ulery presents an all-star edition of his band “LOOM” at LaFontsee Galleries, 833 Lake Drive S.E., Grand Rapids, as part of the Underground Series presented by www.adventuremusic.org. With Rob Clearfield on keyboards; Jon Dietemyer, drums; Russ Johnson, who performed in the Underground Series with the Charlie Kohlhase’s Explorers Club in March of 2015, trumpet; Geof Bradfield bass clarinet and Matt Ulery offering double bass, tuba and compositions. For directions see www.latontsee.us and for more on millennial jazz musician Matt Ulery, www.mattulery.com/wordpress . Monday, March 21st from 6:30 to 8:30 the West Michigan Jazz Society presents their Monday Night Jazz Series at The Guest House 634 Stocking Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, with Muskegon-area guitarist Rick Hicks, who’s penchant for jazz, gospel and blues has found him traveling to Italy with vocalist Betty Joplin, opening for Spyro Gyra, Bobby Blues Band, James Brown and L.L. Cool j. With Mark Hicks on bass and Mark Weymouth on drums. See www.wmichjazz.org. Monday, March 28th at 7:30 p.m. the University Jazz Lab Band directed by Tom Knific appears in a free concert at the Dalton Center Recital Hall, 1903 W. Michigan Avenue Kalamazoo, MI 49008. Phone: 269-387-4681. Tuesday, March 29th at 7:30 p.m. saxophonist Lucan Pino collaborates with professor/pianist Jeremy Siskind and the WMU Advanced Jazz Ensemble at the Dalton Center Recital Hall, 1903 W. Michigan Avenue Kalamazoo, MI 49008. Phone: 269-387-4681. Or see www.wmich.edu/jazz. Regular Hits: Mondays from 8 to 11 p.m. pianist/vocalist John Shea swings downtown Grand Rapids from the front window of The Republic, 45 South Division, Grand Rapids. With bassist Warren Jones III and drummer Fred Knapp, John presents a wide variety of jazz and songbook standards. www.republicgrandrapids.com. Mondays from 6 to 10 p.m., Fridays 7 – 11 p.m. and Saturdays 6-10 p.m. The What Not Inn features a revolving cast of local musicians each weekend and Mondays hosts a jam session open to musicians and vocalists. See the full schedule here: www.whatnotinn.com. The What Not Inn is located at M89 and the Blue Star Highway, 2405 68th Street, Fennville, MI. (269) 543-3341. Tuesdays, 7:30 – 10:30, there’s an open mic jazz jam session at The Grand, 22 Washington, Grand Haven, MI. (616) 847 – 8944. Tuesdays, vocalist Kathy Lamar performs with pianist Dutcher Snedeker and Mario Copeland, 7- 10 p.m., at Bar Divani, 15 Ionia Avenue S.W., Grand Rapids. (616) 774 – 9463. Wednesdays from 7 to 10 p.m. The Tom Hagen Trio with vocalist Rick Reuther have been appearing at Noto’s Old World Italian Dining, 6600 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids for more than 13 years, the longest continuous jazz hang in west Michigan. (616) 493 – 6686, or www.notosoldworld.com. Wednesdays from 8 to 10, a new jazz concert series features the Robin Connell Trio and special guests. The Harris Building Jazz Series is held at 111 S. Division Avenue, Grand Rapids, www.theharrisbuilding.com. Here’s the schedule of guests: February 17th, Michigan State University Professor of Jazz, saxophonist Diego Rivera; 2-24, Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra soloist and renowned jazz educator, trumpeter James Sawyer. Wednesdays, House of Music Entertainment at The B.O.B., 20 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, 49503, occasionally features jazz and blues. More from www.thebob.com/houseofmusic . Thursdays at 7 p.m. a variety of jazz bands rotate the schedule at The Book Nook and Java Shop, 8744 Ferry Street in Montague. See www.thebooknookjavashop.com and click on the calendar for Thursday night. Thursdays through May 2016, The Jeff Haas Quartet with saxophonist/flutist Laurie Sears, pianist Haas, bassist Jack Dryden and drummer Randy Marsh performs from 7 – 9:30 at West Bay Beach Resort, 615 E Front St, Traverse City. Phone (231) 947-3700. Fridays, 7 p.m. the John Shea Trio plays at the J.W. Marriot Hotel, 235 Louis Street N.W., Grand Rapids. (616) 242 – 1448. Saturdays at 7:30, pianist John Shea leads his trio at Noto’s Old World Italian Dining, 6600 28th Street S.E., Grand Rapids. See www.notosoldworld.com or call (616) 493 – 6686. Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. guitarist Greg Miller brings his 6-1-6 guitar concept to the J.W. Marriot Hotel, 235 Louis Street N.W., Grand Rapids. (616) 242 – 1448. Sundays at 7 p.m. Randy Marsh’s Sunday Night Jazz Hang at The Speak EZ Lounge, 600 Monroe Avenue N.W., Grand Rapids (616) 458 – 2689. A fun jam session celebrating a 3rd year anniversary Oct 18. Student jazz musicians under 21 with a parent or legal guardian have a chance to play from 8:15 until 9:00 p.m. Anyone under 21 has to leave at 9 pm. The host trio plays from 7:00 - 8:00. www.speakezlounge.com. First Sunday of every month from 5 to 7 p.m. the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra plays Founders Brewing Company, 235 Grandville Avenue S.W., downtown Grand Rapids. The GRJO is the region’s premier professional jazz orchestra. Information from www.grjo.com.

Since 2012, the Mack Avenue Superband highlighted Labor Day weekend at the Detroit Jazz Festival. This past weekend they started, for the first time, to tour. Blue Lake Public Radio featured recordings by the band, with Gary Burton, Christian McBride, Tia Fuller, Warren Wolf, Rodney Whitaker, Evan Perri and many others in the first part of each hour here:http://199.176.235.218/ondemand.pl

70 years ago yesterday, Norman Granz presented one of his most sublime Jazz at the Philharmonic line-ups ever as Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker, who were playing at Billy Berg's in Los Angeles, joined the concert alongside jazz giant Lester Young. Parker's solo on "Lady Be Good" is one for the ages. We heard the concert, as well as many new records in a variety of settings, last night on Jazz From Blue Lake, available here today only: http://199.176.235.218/ondemand.pl

Coming up Sunday night on Blue Lake Public Radio....

Earlier this month on Jazz From Blue Lake we talked about the 4 mallet technique and the jazz-rock influence in the music of Gary Burton. Last night, we continued hearing musicians who changed the way the vibes "fit" into the jazz ensemble by spotlighting Bobby Hutcherson on the occasion of his 75th birthday. Here's hoping you'll check out the program today, temporarily on-demand: http://199.176.235.218/ondemand.pl

Including such hit compositions as "Dementia, My Darling"?

Truman Capote snarked on jazz violin in "Breakfast At Tiffany's." "As out of place as a violin in a jazz band." That bugs me. Hey Truman, put down the pen and put on some Joe Venuti records, or Eddie South. In the meantime, Blue Lake Public Radio celebrates the third great early jazz violinist who helped internationalize the music, the late Stephane Grappelli. And included in the radio broadcast are several contemporary practitioners of music more real than fictional! Here are the temporary links to the broadcast: http://199.176.235.218/ondemand.pl

Yesterday Blue Lake Public Radio celebrated the music of saxophonist/composer Benny Golson during the first part of each hour, opening with Arron Diehl's new recording featuring the master. Here's hoping you'll check out the program via these temporary links:http://199.176.235.218/ondemand.pl

January 22, 2016 The Jazz Datebook: Regular Hits: Mondays from 8 to 11 p.m. pianist/vocalist John Shea swings downtown Grand Rapids from the front window of The Republic, 45 South Division, Grand Rapids. With bassist Warren Jones III and drummer Fred Knapp, John presents a wide variety of jazz and songbook standards. www.republicgrandrapids.com. Mondays from 6 to 10 p.m., Fridays 7 – 11 p.m. and Saturdays 6-10 p.m. The What Not Inn features a revolving cast of local musicians each weekend and Mondays hosts a jam session open to musicians and vocalists. See the full schedule here: www.whatnotinn.com. The What Not Inn is located at M89 and the Blue Star Highway, 2405 68th Street, Fennville, MI. (269) 543-3341. Tuesdays, 7:30 – 10:30, there’s an open mic jazz jam session at The Grand, 22 Washington, Grand Haven, MI. (616) 847 – 8944. Tuesdays, vocalist Kathy Lamar performs with pianist Dutcher Snedeker and Mario Copeland, 7- 10 p.m., at Bar Divani, 15 Ionia Avenue S.W., Grand Rapids. (616) 774 – 9463. Wednesdays from 7 to 10 p.m. The Tom Hagen Trio with vocalist Rick Reuther have been appearing at Noto’s Old World Italian Dining, 6600 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids for more than 13 years, the longest continuous jazz hang in west Michigan. (616) 493 – 6686, or www.notosoldworld.com. Wednesdays from 8 to 10, a new jazz concert series features the Robin Connell Trio and special guests. The Harris Building Jazz Series is held at 111 S. Division Avenue, Grand Rapids, www.theharrisbuilding.com. Here’s the schedule of guests: January 27th, “Mambo Combo” with Latin percussionist Rob Mulligan and vocalist Kathy Lamar; February 3rd, The Connell-Brewer Jazz Band CD Release Party with saxophonist Laurie Sears and trombonist Paul Brewer; 2-10, trombonists Earlie Braggs and Paul Brewer present a tribute to the J.J. Johnson/Kai Winding band; 2-17, Michigan State University Professor of Jazz, saxophonist Diego Rivera; 2-24, Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra soloist and renowned jazz educator, trumpeter James Sawyer. Wednesdays, House of Music Entertainment at The B.O.B., 20 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, 49503, occasionally features jazz and blues. More from www.thebob.com/houseofmusic . Thursdays at 7 p.m. a variety of jazz bands rotate the schedule at The Book Nook and Java Shop, 8744 Ferry Street in Montague. Pianist Steve Talaga plays on 1-28. See www.thebooknookjavashop.com and click on the calendar for Thursday night. Thursdays through May 2016, The Jeff Haas Quartet with saxophonist/flutist Laurie Sears, pianist Haas, bassist Jack Dryden and drummer Randy Marsh performs from 7 – 9:30 at West Bay Beach Resort, 615 E Front St, Traverse City. Phone (231) 947-3700. Fridays, 7 p.m. the John Shea Trio plays at the J.W. Marriot Hotel, 235 Louis Street N.W., Grand Rapids. (616) 242 – 1448. Saturdays at 7:30, pianist John Shea leads his trio at Noto’s Old World Italian Dining, 6600 28th Street S.E., Grand Rapids. See www.notosoldworld.com or call (616) 493 – 6686. Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. guitarist Greg Miller brings his 6-1-6 guitar concept to the J.W. Marriot Hotel, 235 Louis Street N.W., Grand Rapids. (616) 242 – 1448. Sundays at 7 p.m. Randy Marsh’s Sunday Night Jazz Hang at The Speak EZ Lounge, 600 Monroe Avenue N.W., Grand Rapids (616) 458 – 2689. A fun jam session celebrating a 3rd year anniversary Oct 18. Student jazz musicians under 21 with a parent or legal guardian have a chance to play from 8:15 until 9:00 p.m. Anyone under 21 has to leave at 9 pm. The host trio plays from 7:00 - 8:00. www.speakezlounge.com. First Sunday of every month from 5 to 7 p.m. the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra plays Founders Brewing Company, 235 Grandville Avenue S.W., downtown Grand Rapids. The GRJO is the region’s premier professional jazz orchestra. Information from www.grjo.com. Timely Hits: Saturday, January 22 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, January 23 at 3 p.m. the Grand Rapids Symphony’s Fox Motors Pops Concerts present a tribute to Louis Armstrong and the spirit of New Orleans with special guest trumpeter Byron Stripling and vocalist Marva Hicks in “What A Wonderful World.” Associate Conductor John Varineau is on the podium this weekend at DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids. See www.grsymphony.org for more. Saturday, January 23rd from 7 to 10 p.m., transplanted Chicago saxophonist Mike Frost leads his band at the J.W. Marriott Hotel, 235 Louis St. N.W., Grand Rapids. See www.mikefrostproject.com. Saturday, January 23rd from 3 to 5 p.m. vibraphonist/pianist Jim Cooper celebrates his 65th birthday with an open house at The What Not Inn, 2405 68th Street, Fennville, MI. Including live music and cake, and musicians are welcome to sit in and jam. See www.jimcooper.net or phone the What Not, (269) 543 – 3341. Saturday, January 23rd at 8 p.m. the Robin Connell Trio appears at Morat’s Bakery and Pub, 4747 1st Street, New Era. See www.moratsbakeshop.com or (231) 259-0073. Monday, January 25 at 7:30 the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra, www.grjo.com, performs at Kretschmer Recital Hall in the Art and Music Center at Aquinas College, 1607 Robinson Road S.E., Grand Rapids. Tuesday, January 26th at 8 p.m. vocalist Edye Evans Hyde commands the stage with husband Mike Hyde on guitar, the great Tim Froncek, drums, Terry Lower, piano, and Denis Shebukov on bass at the New Vintage Jazz Series at New Vintage Place, 889 Broadway Avenue NW, Grand Rapids. Cocktails at 7, music from 8-10. See www.wmichjazz.org or phone (616) 498-0855. Trumpeter Chris Lawrence returns from California to play there on February 9th and guitarist Ed Stone is heard February 23rd. Friday and Saturday, February 5th and 6th pianist Wally Michaels and vocalist Tony Reynolds entertain at The Porto Bello, 41 Washington Avenue, Grand Haven. Music from 7 p.m. Sunday, February 7th the River Rogues traditional jazz band (see www.theriverrogues.org ) play the New Harmony Hall, 401 Stocking Ave NW, Grand Rapids. Phone: (616) 233-9186, or on the web, www.harmonybeer.com. The band returns on Sunday, February 21st. Sunday, February 14th at 3 p.m., the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra with vocalist Edye Evans Hyde plays a free concert at First United Methodist Church, 227 Fulton SE, Grand Rapids. (616) 451-2879. Monday, February 15th from 6:30 to 8:30 the West Michigan Jazz Society presents their Monday Night Jazz Series at The Guest House 634 Stocking Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, with The Mike Frost Project. Frost, a Chicago born saxophonist and working musician for 30 plus years, recently relocated to Grand Rapids. For 22 years, Mike served as Director of Entertainment for Premier Yachts Inc. providing and creating all of the entertainment for their dinner cruise ships at Navy Pier in Chicago and the sister ships in Boston, Washington D.C. and New York. For this hit, he’s joined by Bill Boris on guitar, Dave Rosin, bass and David Hilliker, drums. See www.wmichjazz.org. Saturday, February 20th the Keith Hall Drum Choir Experience is held, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Byron Center High School, 8500 Burlingame Ave SW, Byron Center. Tuition for this day long workshop is $75. Bring your drum set. Sign up at www.keithhallmusic.com or phone (201) 406 – 5059. Sunday, February 21st at 3 p.m. the Beer City Saxophone Ensemble plays a concert as part of the Underground Series presented by www.adventuremusic.org and curated by Blue Lake Public Radio’s own Lazaro Vega. The “Super Sax” style group includes saxophones by Gary MCourry, Jim Hayward, Mike Lutley, Tom Lockwood, Tom Stansell, Greg Marsden and Bob Nixon with a rhythm section of pianist Steve Talaga, bassist Joe Oprea and drummer Tim Froncek. The concerts are held in LaFontsee Galleries, 833 Lake Drive S.E., Grand Rapids. (616) 451 – 9820.

As James Carter tours Europe with his organ trio, just having debuted the Sierra Concerto with orchestras in Leipzig and Berlin, Blue Lake Public Radio celebrates the music of the Detroit native during Jazz From Blue Lake, available here, temporarily, on demand: http://199.176.235.218/ondemand.pl

Jimmy Cobb was on our mind yesterday as the great jazz drummer celebrated his solar return. We heard music he recorded with Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Art Pepper, as well as Michigan's own Ron Di Salvio, and took the program "Out on Blue Lake" in the 3rd hour. Here's hoping you'll check out these temporary links to the broadcast:http://199.176.235.218/ondemand.pl

Kenny Wheeler was a master of his instrument. We remembered him last night during Jazz From Blue Lake by presenting his recordings in the first part of each hour, including an appearance he made live on Blue Lake in 2002. Here's hoping you'll enjoy the new format for our on-demand listening. The sound quality is truly spectacular. Here is the page with the links, which expire at 10 p.m. eastern time tonight:http://199.176.235.218/ondemand.pl

Multi-instrumentalist Scott Robinson embodies Roscoe Mitchell's notion of the "super musician" in that he plays it all at the highest level possible. From tributes to Louis Armstrong and "trad" jazz with The EarRegulars, to the complex bop of Thad Jones to the lovely melodic and colorful orchestrations of Maria Schneider, to far flung sound work in the freest settings, not to mention his own compositions, Robinson is completely of our time. Here's a temporary link to last night's broadcast featuring his music at the start of each hour: http://199.176.235.218/ondemand/17-1-20151124.mp3

Larry Young played organ while Elvin Jones powered their music from the drums. With guitarist Grant Green they became one of the 1960- era's premier combinations, as Blue Note Records wonderfully documented. Here's a link to last evening's broadcast of Jazz From Blue Lake, featuring the music of Larry Young in the first 20 minutes of the hour, and "Out on Blue Lake" two hours into the file. http://199.176.235.218/ondemand/17-1-20151007.mp3

October 7, 2015 The Jazz Datebook: Regular Hits: Mondays from 8 to 11 p.m. pianist/vocalist John Shea swings downtown Grand Rapids from the front window of The Republic, 45 South Division, Grand Rapids. With bassist Warren Jones III and drummer Fred Knapp, John presents a wide variety of jazz and songbook standards. www.republicgrandrapids.com. Mondays from 6 to 10 p.m., Fridays 7 – 11 p.m. and Saturdays 6-10 p.m. The What Not Inn features a revolving cast of local musicians each weekend and Mondays hosts a jam session open to musicians and vocalists. See the full schedule here: www.whatnotinn.com. The What Not Inn is located at M89 and the Blue Star Highway, 2405 68th Street, Fennville, MI. (269) 543-3341. Tuesdays, 7:30 – 10:30, there’s an open mic jazz jam session at The Grand, 22 Washington, Grand Haven, MI. (616) 847 – 8944. Wednesdays from 7 to 10 p.m. The Tom Hagen Trio with vocalist Rick Reuther have been appearing at Notos Old World Italian Dining, 6600 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids for more than 13 years, the longest continuous jazz hang in west Michigan. (616) 493 – 6686, or www.notosoldworld.com. Wednesdays, House of Music Entertainment at The B.O.B., 20 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, 49503, features jazz and blues. October 21st, the John Shea Trio. More from www.thebob.com/houseofmusic . Thursdays at 7 p.m. a variety of jazz bands rotate the schedule at The Book Nook and Java Shop, 8744 Ferry Street in Montague. The last Thursday of the month belongs to trumpeter Brad Fritcher and Trios. See www.thebooknookjavashop.com and click on the calendar for Thursday night. Fridays, 7 p.m. the John Shea Trio plays at the J.W. Marriot Hotel, 235 Louis Street N.W., Grand Rapids. (616) 242 – 1448. Saturdays at 7:30, pianist John Shea leads his trio at Noto’s Old World Italian Dining, 6600 28th Street S.E., Grand Rapids. See www.notosoldworld.com or call (616) 493 – 6686. Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. guitarist Greg Miller brings his 6-1-6 guitar concept to the J.W. Marriot Hotel, 235 Louis Street N.W., Grand Rapids. (616) 242 – 1448. Sundays at 7 p.m. Randy Marsh’s Sunday Night Jazz Hang at The Speak EZ Lounge, 600 Monroe Avenue N.W., Grand Rapids (616) 458 – 2689. A fun jam session celebrating a 3rd year anniversary Oct 18. Student jazz musicians under 21 with a parent or legal guardian have a chance to play from 8:15 until 9:00 pm. Anyone under 21 has to leave at 9 pm. The host trio plays from 7:00 - 8:00. www.speakezlounge.com. First Sunday of every month from 5 to 7 p.m. the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra plays Founders Brewing Company, 235 Grandville Avenue S.W., downtown Grand Rapids. The GRJO is the region’s premier professional jazz orchestra. Information from www.grjo.com. Timely Hits: Thursday, October 8thtrumpeter Brian Lynch joins the Michigan State University Bebop Spartans directed by bassist Rodney Whitaker at Van Singel Fine Arts Center Auditorium, 8500 Burlingame SW, Byron Center, MI. (616) 878-6800. Friday, October 9that 6 p.m. the Art Prize award ceremony streams live from the Harris Building, 111 S. Division, Grand Rapids, with live music by the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra quartet including Paul Brewer, Robin Connell and Tim Froncek. www.artprize.org Saturday, October 10th at 7:30 Park Church in Grand Rapids presents “Sweet Honey In the Rock” as part of the “Great American Voices Concert Series.” The five women African-American a cappella ensemble is rooted in African American History and Culture and blend their voices in a spectrum of styles, from blues, gospel and jazz. Tickets are available from www.parkchurchgr.org or by phone from series curator Dr. Patrick Coyle, (616) 459-3203 ext. 129. Saturday, October 10th at 7:30 p.m. The Michigan State University Bebop Spartans with special guest, trumpeter Brian Lynch, continue their tour of the state with a concert at Center Stage Theater, West Shore Community College, Scottville. An afterglow jam session will be held at the Jamesport Brewing Company, 410 South James Street in Ludington, starting at approximately 10 p.m. There is no cover charge for this event, however early seating or reservations are highly recommended. See: http://www.westshore.edu/about/public_relations/2015/09/bebop.html Tuesday, October 13th at 8 p.m. Organissimo, the jazz organ trio, christens The New Vintage Jazz Series at New Vintage Place, 889 Broadway Avenue N.W., Grand Rapids. For members of the West Michigan Jazz Society tickets are $10, or $75 for the season of 10 concerts (once a month through February). For information see www.wmichjazz.org or phone Steve Hilger at (616) 498 – 0855. Tuesday, October 13th at 7:30 p.m. the Western Michigan University Jazz Lab Band directed by Tom Knific plays a free concert at the Dalton Center Recital Hall, Van De Giessen Rd #3001, Kalamazoo Twp, MI. See www.wmich.edu/music. Thursday, October 15th Hope College’s Jazz Arts Collective, a student ensemble, performs as part of the Visiting Writers Series at 6:30 p.m. (reading at 7:30) in the new Jack H. Miller Center, John and Dede Howard Recital Hall, 221 Columbia Avenue, Holland, MI. Phone (616) 395-7890 or see www.hope.edu/music. Friday, October 16th at 7:30 p.m. pianist Aaron Diehl’s Trio performs in in the new Jack H. Miller Center, John and Dede Howard Recital Hall, 221 Columbia Avenue, Holland, MI. See http://calendar.hope.edu/event/guest_artist_-_the_aaron_diehl_jazz_trio#.VhUxzvlVhBc or Phone (616) 395-7890. Friday, October 16th at 8 p.m. pianist John Mortensen presents a solo recital of classical compositions and jazz compositions and improvisations at Dalton Center Recital Hall, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. See: https://www.cedarville.edu/Academics/Music-and-Worship/Faculty-Staff/Music/Mortensen-John.aspx Monday, October 19th at 7:30 p.m. saxophonist Dave Liebman presents his newest group “Expansions” in the John and Dede Howard Recital Hall, Jack H. Miller Center, 221 Columbia Avenue, Holland, MI. See: http://www.hope.edu/news/2015/arts/expansions-dave-liebman-group-to-perform-on-oct-19-2015.html Monday, October 19th at 6:30 the West Michigan Jazz Society’s Monday Night Jazz Series presents drummer Fred Knapp’s Trio with the return from China of vocalist Kathy Lamar and including jazz great Jeremy Siskind, piano, and David Rosin, bass. Held at The Guest House, 638 Stocking Ave. NW, Grand Rapids. For details, www.wmichjazz.org. Friday, October 23rd, Hope College’s Jazz Arts Collective performs as part of an Art and Humanities Symposium featuring insights from architect Bill Blanski and jazz musician/educator Brian Coyle. This event takes place in the new John and Dede Howard Recital Hall, Jack H. Miller Center, 221 Columbia Avenue, Holland, MI. Thursday, October 29th at 6:30 p.m. vocalist Dianne Reeves in the Great Artist Gala. The Great Artist Gala is St. Cecilia Music Center’s biggest fundraising event of the year. By purchasing a ticket to this benefit you can support SCMC and all of its programs, while enjoying a fabulous evening of food, wine and music. All tickets ($125) include a roaming dinner and wine at 6:30 on all three floors of the historic Music Center at 24 Ransom Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, then an intimate concert with Grammy winning jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves in Royce Auditorium at 8pm. Benefactor tickets ($250) also include a donation to St. Cecilia Music Center AND a Post-Concert Reception with Dianne Reeves. Reservations from (616) 459 – 2224. See: http://www.scmc-online.org/great-artist-gala-dianne-reeves/.

Thursday, October 8thtrumpeter Brian Lynch joins the Michigan State University Bebop Spartans directed by bassist Rodney Whitaker at VanSingel Fine Arts Center Auditorium, 8500 Burlingame SW, Byron Center, MI. (616) 878-6800. Saturday, October 10th at 7:30 p.m. The Michigan State University Bebop Spartans with special guest, trumpeter Brian Lynch, continue their tour of the state with a concert at Center Stage Theater, West Shore Community College, Scottville. An afterglow jam session will be held at the Jamesport Brewing Company, 410 South James Street in Ludington, starting at approximately 10 p.m. There is no cover charge for this event, however early seating or reservations are highly recommended. See: http://www.westshore.edu/about/public_relations/2015/09/bebop.html