Lazaro Vega

This March, Roscoe Mitchell performed a concert in tribute to Chicago saxophonist and musical giant Fred Anderson at Constellation Chicago. Among the pieces used as a basis for improvisation were Anderson's "Ladies in Love" and "Bernice." Tonight "Out on Blue Lake" at midnight (edt), we'll hear Anderson's original versions of those compostions, followed by the Roscoe Mitchell Quartet's interpretation of them from the newly issued recording on Nessa Records. Here's hoping you'll join us: www.bluelake.org/radio

The music of composer/pianist Sonny Clark was heard last night on Jazz From Blue Lake, including Tyler Vander Maas's saxophone ensemble playing his music, Bill Evans tribute to Clark, "NYC's No Lark," and pianist Benny Green's new salute. Here's hoping you have time to listen to this temporary link to the broadcast: http://199.176.235.218/ondemand/17-1-20150721.mp3

July 20 2015 The Jazz Datebook: Regular Hits: Mondays through August 10thfrom the West Michigan Jazz Society presents “Jazz in the Park” at Ah-Nab-Awen Park near the Gerald R. Ford Museum along the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids. After 14 years at John Ball Park, the series moves downtown. July 20th, swinging vocalist Mary Rademacher; July 27th, Chicago area pianist/vocalist Steve Sandner’s quintet; August 3rd, guitarist Jimmy Leach’s quartet; August 10th, Big Band Nouveau. For a full schedule see www.wmichjazz.org and more information from Eddie Tadlock at (616) 430 – 8487. Mondays from 8 to 11 p.m. pianist/vocalist John Shea swings downtown Grand Rapids with bassist Warren Jones III and drummer Fred Knapp from the front, street level window of The Republic, 45 South Division. 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 at 7 p.m. it is diva time at Bar Divani, 15 Ionia Ave. N.W., Grand Rapids, as the finest female singers in the area step up and swing. July 28th, Edye Evans Hyde; August 4th, Laura Bennett; August 11th Timmy Sanders; August 18th, Laura Bennett; August 25th Mary Rademacher. For a full schedule: http://www.bar-divani.com/tastings-a-events/live-music Phone (616) 774 – 9463. 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 through Sundays at 7 the World Class Jazz “Scully Tour” produced by Tim Scully brings jazz bands into 5 venues across northern Lower Michigan. Starting at the First Street Beach in Manistee on Tuesday, the group moves to Gull Landing, 438 S. Hancock St., Pentwater, on Wednesday; Rotary Pavilion in Cadillac on Thursday; then to Rambadt Park Campground in Reed City, Friday; Wenger Pavilion, Baldwin, Saturday; and back to Gull Landing in Pentwater for the grand finale on Sunday. Here are the jazz band appearing yet this summer; July 28th through August 2nd, Tom and Cheri Lynn Hagen with vocalist Rick Reuther; August 11th through the 16th, vocalist Jenna Mammina and guitarist Rolf Sturm; August 11th through the 23rd, pianist Terry Lower’s quintet with vocalist Edye Evans-Hyde; and Saturday, September 5th the General Assemble Big Band appears at Wenger Pavilion in Baldwin to wrap it up. 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. Easily 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. April 8th, vocalist Kathy Lamar; on 4/22, trumpeter Chris Lawrence and The Modern Mayors; and 4/29, the Jazz Fusion Project. More from www.thebob.com/houseofmusic . Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday live piano jazz is heard from 7 to 10 p.m. at Mangiamo, 1033 Lake Drive S.E., Grand Rapids. Information from (616) 742 – 0600. www.thegilmorecollection.com. 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. Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., pianist-vocalist Robin Connell plays in the Lumber Baron Bar at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 187 Monroe Avenue N.W., Grand Rapids. See www.robinconnell.com. 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, Randy Marsh’s Sunday Night Jazz Hang at The Speak EZ Lounge, 600 Monroe Avenue N.W., Grand Rapids, is a fun jam session. Information from (616) 458 – 2689. Student musicians under 21 with a parent or legal guardian will have a chance to play with Marsh from 7 to 9; the host trio plays from 9 p.m. – 10 p.m. www.speakezlounge.com. Sundays from 6 to 9 p.m. through the summer, pianist/vocalist John Shea leads his trio through the great American song book and jazz standards at New Holland Brewing Company, 66 E. 8th St., Holland. See www.newhollandbrew.com or phone (616) 355-6422. 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: Wednesday, July 22nd at 7:30 p.m. The 2015 Blue Lake International Jazz Orchestra, conducted by James Sawyer and featuring trumpeter Brigette Berke, performs a homecoming concert at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp’s Bartlett Shell following their tour of Europe. For information about the Blue Lake International Exchange program please see: www.bluelake.org/international/index.php . Wednesday, July 22nd at 7:30 p.m. the 201 Blue Lake International Jazz Ensemble, conducted by David Jensen, performs a homecoming concert at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp’s Stewart Shell following their recent appearance at the world famous Marciac Jazz Festival in France. For information about the Blue Lake International Exchange program please see: www.bluelake.org/international/index.php . Thursday, July 23rd at 6 p.m. trumpeter Walter White appears at GRAM on the Green, a free outdoor concert series presented by the Grand Rapids Art Museum on their outdoor terrace. Cash bar; food trucks. More information from www.grartmuseum.org. Friday, July 24th at 7 p.m. trumpeter Allen Vizzutti and the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra perform at the Louis Armstrong Theater, Performing Arts Center, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, as part of the 2015 GVSU Trumpet Seminar. For information contact Dr. Sheryl Lott, (616) 331 – 3484. Tuesday, August 4th at 7 p.m. the River Rogues Jazz Band play traditional, early jazz at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park’s “Tuesday Evening Music Club” in the Amphitheater. Black Jake and the Carnies are also on the bill. 1000 East Beltline Avenue NE, Grand Rapids. See www.meijergardens.org for more. Thursday, August 6th at 8 p.m. vocalist Jenna Mammina and guitarist Rolf Sturm appear at One Trick Pony, 136 Fulton St. E, Grand Rapids. (616) 235 – 7669. See: http://www.waterstreetmusic.org/jenna_rolf.html/ . Friday, August 7th the singer/guitar duo of Jenna Mammina and Rolf Sturm celebrate the release of their first album together, “Spark,” with a concert at the Old Dog Tavern, 402 E Kalamazoo Avenue, Kalamazoo. (269) 381 – 5677. See http://www.waterstreetmusic.org/jenna_rolf.html. Sunday, August 9th, Bay-area/St. Joseph-Michigan vocalist Jenna Mammina and guitarist Rolf Sturm continue their whirlwind tour of Michigan with a performance at The Livery, 190 5th St, Benton Harbor, MI. (269) 925-8760. Thursday, August 13th at 8 p.m. Big Band Nouveau featuring Michael Doyle, Mark Wells and Dan Jacobs appears at Babarino’s in The B.O.B., 20 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids. (616) 356-2000 for more information. Thursday, August 13th at 8 p.m. the Rick Holland/Evan Dobbins Little Big Band with vocalist Lindsey Holland come in from Rochester, New York, for a performance at The Union Cabaret and Grill, 125 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI. (269 – 384 – 6756. http://www.rickhollandproductions.com/content/little-big-band Saturday and Sunday, August 15th and 16ththe 4th annual GRandJazzFest presented by DTE Energy Foundation at Rosa Parks Circle, downtown Grand Rapids. West Michigan’s only free weekend-long jazz festival combines internationally known jazz performers with Michigan based artists. Children’s activities and after hours performances this year, too. The festivities kick off Saturday at noon with the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra with vocalist Edye Evans Hyde, then presents Walt Gutowski and the Bridge Street Band at 2 p.m., Mike Frost’s Project 2.0 at 3:30 p.m., Latin jazz with Grupo Aye at 5 p.m.; Brian Simpson and Jackiem Joyner at 6:30 and this year’s Saturday night headliners Paul Brown and Nate Harasim (“The Producers”) with special guest, saxophonist Deon Yates at 8. An After Party follows at The B.O.B. GRandJazzFest picks up again Sunday at 1 with big Band Nouveau, followed by adult/contemporary singer/guitarist Bryan Lubeck at 2:30, bassist Michael Manson at 4 and then Sunday night’s headliner Steve Cole Music featuring the Chicago native wailing on saxophone. Free face painting for children, a variety of guitars available to try out at the Family Guitar Tent with Spanish guitarist Bryan Lubeck, and it’s recommended you bring folding chairs to Rose Parks Circle. www.grandjazzfest.org. August 22nd and 23rd the Shoreline Jazz Festival returns to Muskegon with headliner Al Jarreau. The festival opens at Heritage Landing on Saturday, August 22nd at 1 p.m. with the “Chicago Connection,” featuring Gerey Johnson, Reggie Foster, Lamar Jones, Collin Clausen, and Jason Grant, then continues at 2:30 p.m. with pianist/composer Greg Karukas; at 4 p.m. with Muskegon-born soul singer Bettye LaVette; at 5:45 with guitarist Norman Brown and special guest saxophonist Marion Meadows; then at 7:30 headliner Al Jarreau. Sunday at Heritage Landing starts at 1 p.m., and continues with 30 something guitarist Matt Marshack at 2:30; flutist/festival producer Alexander Zonjic and special guest, Swiss pianist Alex Bugnon at 4 p.m. ; rhythm and blues and jazz singer Will Downing at 5:45 and at 7:30 White Hot Summer Groove with guitarist Peter White and saxophonist Euge Groove. General admission is $25 per day with a limited number of preferred seats for $50 per day. See more from www.shorelinejazzfestival.com or www.startickets.com or 800-585-3737.

Here's a temporary link to last night's Jazz From Blue Lake featuring the music of Cootie Williams (we begin with his band playing the compositions of Thelonious Monk): http://199.176.235.218/ondemand/17-1-20150710.mp3 http://199.176.235.218/ondemand/17-1-20150710.mp3 Don't know why the hyper link isn't hyper linking. Please cut and paste.

Have you listened to Dizzy Gillespie's big band music of the 1940's? On July 9, 1946 Dizzy Gillespie's orchestra recorded one of the most hair raising big band recordings ever, Gil Fuller's adaptation of the small band composition called "Bebop" as "Things To Come." Here's John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie's Reunion Big Band performing the piece in Berlin, 1968 (starts about 50 seconds in): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1d3qeV-Ns4. And to hear Jazz From Blue Lake's broadcast of the original recording, please join us on demand through this link: http://199.176.235.218/ondemand/17-1-20150709.mp3

This past Sunday I was invited to discuss jazz and spirituality at a sort of Unitarian, all inclusive community church in Grand Haven, MI. The performers are pianist Bob VanStee and vocalist Kathy Lamar. Here's a link to the entire service: http://www.c3exchange.org/podcast/dont-rush-the-time-jazz-as-a-way-of-life/ And here's a link to a meditation one of the community members, David Dean, wrote for the event. The third part, with the song lyric mash ups, worked for me: http://www.c3exchange.org/podcast/meditation-july-5th/ The most recent foray into spiritualism in jazz came to me a couple of months back from guitarist Garrison Fewell, in the form of an e-book. Garrison succumbed to cancer this Sunday. As I'm not a theologian, nor Kurt Elling, I tried to make the case for the music's power in community, but was happy to use direct quotes from personal interviews with Ornette Coleman. Lazaro Vega Jazz Director, Blue Lake Public Radio www.bluelake.org/radio

Last evening Jazz From Blue Lake featured the music of Bay Area guitarist and bandleader Terrence Brewer on the "Jazz Retrospective," a regular part of our 5 hour program. We also went "Out on Blue Lake" at midnight with music by Ornette Coleman and others. Here's a temporary link to the broadcast: http://199.176.235.218/ondemand/17-1-20150701.mp3

1957 was a pivotal year in the lives of pianist/composer/bandleader Thelonious Monk and saxophonist John Coltrane. Last night on Jazz From Blue Lake we featured the studio recordings and Carnegie Hall concert by this premier jazz combination. Here's a temporary link to the broadcast: http://199.176.235.218/ondemand/17-1-20150630.mp3

Cool Ted -- I referenced the tour at the top of this program. The link is now expired. Ingrid spends some time teaching at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor with her friend, pianist/composer Ellen Rowe. Love her.

Last evening's broadcast available temporarily, including "Out On Blue Lake" in the third hour with new music by the AACM Experimental Ensemble and the Art Ensemble's "A Jackson In Your House." http://199.176.235.218/ondemand/17-1-20150624.mp3

http://199.176.235.218/ondemand/18-1-20150618.mp3

June 18, 2015 The Jazz Datebook: Regular Hits: Mondays from 8 to 11 p.m. pianist/vocalist John Shea swings downtown Grand Rapids with bassist Warren Jones III and drummer Fred Knapp from the front, street level window of The Republic, 45 South Division. 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 at 7 p.m. it is diva time at Bar Divani, 15 Ionia Ave. N.W., Grand Rapids, as the finest female singers in the area step up and swing. For a full schedule: http://www.bar-divani.com/tastings-a-events/live-music Phone (616) 774 – 9463. 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. Easily 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. April 8th, vocalist Kathy Lamar; on 4/22, trumpeter Chris Lawrence and The Modern Mayors; and 4/29, the Jazz Fusion Project. More from www.thebob.com/houseofmusic . Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday live piano jazz is heard from 7 to 10 p.m. at Mangiamo, 1033 Lake Drive S.E., Grand Rapids, including vocalist Kathy Lamar on Saturday, June 27th. Information from (616) 742 – 0600. www.thegilmorecollection.com. 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. You’ll hear the Robin Connell-Paul Brewer Quartet on June 25th. See www.thebooknookjavashop.com and click on the calendar for Thursday night. Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., pianist-vocalist Robin Connell plays in the Lumber Baron Bar at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 187 Monroe Avenue N.W., Grand Rapids. See www.robinconnell.com. 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, Randy Marsh’s Sunday Night Jazz Hang at The Speak EZ Lounge, 600 Monroe Avenue N.W., Grand Rapids, is a fun jam session. Information from (616) 458 – 2689. Student musicians under 21 with a parent or legal guardian will have a chance to play with Marsh from 7 to 9; the host trio plays from 9 p.m. – 10 p.m. www.speakezlounge.com. Sundays from 6 to 9 p.m. through the summer, pianist/vocalist John Shea leads his trio through the great American song book and jazz standards at New Holland Brewing Company, 66 E. 8th St., Holland. See www.newhollandbrew.com or phone (616) 355-6422. 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, June 20th at 7 p.m. The 2015 Blue Lake International Jazz Orchestra, conducted by James Sawyer and featuring trumpeter Brigette Berke, performs a bon voyage concert, prior to their European tour, at the Big Rapids High School Auditorium, 21175 15 Mile Road, Big Rapids, 49307. This summer, the Blue Lake International Exchange program sees one of their jazz ensembles appear at the world famous Marciac Jazz Festival in France. For information about the Blue Lake International Exchange program please see: www.bluelake.org/international/index.php . Saturday, June 20th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm, Swingtooth, from Grant, Michigan, plays early Swing, romantic ballads, gypsy jazz, and Bossa Nova at The Book Nook & Java Shop, 8744 Ferry St, Montague, Michigan 49437. Swingtooth includes two acoustic hand-built guitars played by Lee and David Middleman, with Chris Cudworth on bass. See www.thebooknookjavashop.com. Saturday, June 20th at 7 p.m. pianist Robin Connell’s trio with guest trombonist Paul Brewer plays the J.W. Marriott’s first floor atrium along the Grand River. See www.ilovethejw.com. Sunday, June 21st at 10 a.m., vocalist Kathy Lamar joins pianist Robin Connell for the worship service at Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain N.E., Grand Rapids. www.fountainstreet.org. Mondays through August 10thfrom the West Michigan Jazz Society presents “Jazz in the Park” at Ah-Nab-Awen Park near the Gerald R. Ford Museum along the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids. After 14 years at John Ball Park, the series moves downtown. June 22, guitarist Steve Hilger’s Quintet; June 29th, saxophonist Mike Lutley’s West Coast Trio; July 6th, The Truth in Jazz Orchestra with saxophonist Dan Giacobassi; July 13th, Latin jazz with Tumbao Bravo; July 20th, swinging vocalist Mary Rademacher; July 27th, Chicago area pianist/vocalist Steve Sandner’s quintet; August 3rd, guitarist Jimmy Leach’s quartet; August 10th, Big Band Nouveau. For a full schedule see www.wmichjazz.org and more information from Eddie Tadlock at (616) 430 – 8487. Wednesday, June 24th, guitarist Greg Miller plays solo at Reds on the River, 8 E. Bridge St., Suite 100, Rockford, Michigan. (616) 863 – 8181. www.resontheriver.net. Tuesday, June 30th at 6:30 p.m. jazz vocalist Libby York and pianist/composer/vocalist John Proulx reunite for a musical evening at Charles W. Loosemore Auditorium, 401 W. Fulton, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI. (616) 331 – 6624. These exceptional performers (Proulx is a Grammy award winner; York is reviewed by the New York Times) are raising funds to support GVSU students who are degree-seeking in voice or dance as a portion of ticket proceeds will go to the PAMELLA AND DANIEL G. DEVOS MUSICAL THEATER Scholarship. Information from www.gvsu.edu/giving/clasmusicaleve. And for more information contact University Development at (616) 331-6000 or e-mail, universitydevelopment@gvsu.edu. Thursday, July 2nd through Sunday, July 5ththe inaugural West Michigan Wine and Jazz Festival takes place in Montague Michigan with music by world famous pianist Xavier Davis, the University of Michigan’s jazz pianist/composer Ellen Rowe, plus Brad Frichter, Checkers Morton, Tim Froncek and Friends, vocalist Ginny Dusseau with the Dave Collee Quartet in a pre-fireworks band shell concert, and others. A full schedule with times and ticket prices from www.westmichiganwinejazz.com. Wednesday, July 8th at 7:30 p.m. the Blue Lake Jazz Faculty performs at Blodgett Recital Hall, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. With saxophonist James Hughes, trumpeters Scott Cowan and Jimmy Smith, trombonist Glenn Williams, and our “first session” rhythm section for years now, Dan Karlsberg, Steve Whipple and Tim Froncek (piano, bass and drums). Together they present The “Blue” Recital to honor Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp’s 50th Anniversary season. Information from www.bluelake.org. Friday, July 17th at 7:30 p.m. a concert to benefit Northview High School Bands called “Max the Sax and his Young Lions,” with Max Colley Jr. on saxophones, his son Max Colley III on trumpet; Keaton Royer, piano; Cary Kocher, vibes; Ryan Limbeck, guitar; Jordan Richardson, bass; and Mike Harvey, drums. Plus a variety of special guests who graduated Northview High School’s jazz program. The concert features famous saxophone music by Paul Desmond, Charlie Parker, Stan Getz and many others. The concert takes place in the max Colley Jr. Performing Arts Center, Northview High School, 4451 Hunsberger Ave. NE, Grand Rapids. Information from www.maxcolleyjrpac.weebly.com. Saturday, July 18th at 7:30 p.m. “Jazz at the Swan” features drummer/vocalist Tim Johnson’s trio with vocalist Mary Rademacher and pianist/vocalist Mark Kahny in a special back yard benefit for the White Lake Chamber Music Festival. The White Swan bed and breakfast is located at 303 S. Mears Avenue, Whitehall, 49461. Information from the Arts Council of White Lake, (231) 893 – 2524. Wednesday, July 22 at 7:30 the Blue Lake International Jazz Ensemble and International Jazz Orchestras present their homecoming concerts simultaneously at Blue Lake Lake Fine Arts Camp (Ensemble at Stewart Shell, Orchestra at Barlett Shell). See www.bluelake.org for more information. Saturday and Sunday, August 15th and 16ththe 4th annual GRandJazzFest presented by DTE Energy Foundation at Rosa Parks Circle, downtown Grand Rapids. West Michigan’s only free weekend-long jazz festival. More than 10,000 people attended in 2014. See www.grandjazzfest.org. August 22nd and 23rd the Shoreline Jazz Festival returns to Muskegon with headliner Al Jarreau. See more from www.shorelinejazzfestival.com.

June 18, 2015 The Jazz Datebook: Regular Hits: Mondays from 8 to 11 p.m. pianist/vocalist John Shea swings downtown Grand Rapids with bassist Warren Jones III and drummer Fred Knapp from the front, street level window of The Republic, 45 South Division. 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 at 7 p.m. it is diva time at Bar Divani, 15 Ionia Ave. N.W., Grand Rapids, as the finest female singers in the area step up and swing. For a full schedule: http://www.bar-divani.com/tastings-a-events/live-music Phone (616) 774 – 9463. 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. Easily 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. April 8th, vocalist Kathy Lamar; on 4/22, trumpeter Chris Lawrence and The Modern Mayors; and 4/29, the Jazz Fusion Project. More from www.thebob.com/houseofmusic . Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday live piano jazz is heard from 7 to 10 p.m. at Mangiamo, 1033 Lake Drive S.E., Grand Rapids, including vocalist Kathy Lamar on Saturday, June 27th. Information from (616) 742 – 0600. www.thegilmorecollection.com. 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. You’ll hear the Robin Connell-Paul Brewer Quartet on June 25th. See www.thebooknookjavashop.com and click on the calendar for Thursday night. Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., pianist-vocalist Robin Connell plays in the Lumber Baron Bar at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 187 Monroe Avenue N.W., Grand Rapids. See www.robinconnell.com. 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, Randy Marsh’s Sunday Night Jazz Hang at The Speak EZ Lounge, 600 Monroe Avenue N.W., Grand Rapids, is a fun jam session. Information from (616) 458 – 2689. Student musicians under 21 with a parent or legal guardian will have a chance to play with Marsh from 7 to 9; the host trio plays from 9 p.m. – 10 p.m. www.speakezlounge.com. Sundays from 6 to 9 p.m. through the summer, pianist/vocalist John Shea leads his trio through the great American song book and jazz standards at New Holland Brewing Company, 66 E. 8th St., Holland. See www.newhollandbrew.com or phone (616) 355-6422. 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, June 20th at 7 p.m. The 2015 Blue Lake International Jazz Orchestra, conducted by James Sawyer and featuring trumpeter Brigette Berke, performs a bon voyage concert, prior to their European tour, at the Big Rapids High School Auditorium, 21175 15 Mile Road, Big Rapids, 49307. This summer, the Blue Lake International Exchange program sees one of their jazz ensembles appear at the world famous Marciac Jazz Festival in France. For information about the Blue Lake International Exchange program please see: www.bluelake.org/international/index.php . Saturday, June 20th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm, Swingtooth, from Grant, Michigan, plays early Swing, romantic ballads, gypsy jazz, and Bossa Nova at The Book Nook & Java Shop, 8744 Ferry St, Montague, Michigan 49437. Swingtooth includes two acoustic hand-built guitars played by Lee and David Middleman, with Chris Cudworth on bass. See www.thebooknookjavashop.com. Saturday, June 20th at 7 p.m. pianist Robin Connell’s trio with guest trombonist Paul Brewer plays the J.W. Marriott’s first floor atrium along the Grand River. See www.ilovethejw.com. Sunday, June 21st at 10 a.m., vocalist Kathy Lamar joins pianist Robin Connell for the worship service at Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain N.E., Grand Rapids. www.fountainstreet.org. Mondays through August 10thfrom the West Michigan Jazz Society presents “Jazz in the Park” at Ah-Nab-Awen Park near the Gerald R. Ford Museum along the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids. After 14 years at John Ball Park, the series moves downtown. June 22, guitarist Steve Hilger’s Quintet; June 29th, saxophonist Mike Lutley’s West Coast Trio; July 6th, The Truth in Jazz Orchestra with saxophonist Dan Giacobassi; July 13th, Latin jazz with Tumbao Bravo; July 20th, swinging vocalist Mary Rademacher; July 27th, Chicago area pianist/vocalist Steve Sandner’s quintet; August 3rd, guitarist Jimmy Leach’s quartet; August 10th, Big Band Nouveau. For a full schedule see www.wmichjazz.org and more information from Eddie Tadlock at (616) 430 – 8487. Wednesday, June 24th, guitarist Greg Miller plays solo at Reds on the River, 8 E. Bridge St., Suite 100, Rockford, Michigan. (616) 863 – 8181. www.resontheriver.net. Tuesday, June 30th at 6:30 p.m. jazz vocalist Libby York and pianist/composer/vocalist John Proulx reunite for a musical evening at Charles W. Loosemore Auditorium, 401 W. Fulton, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI. (616) 331 – 6624. These exceptional performers (Proulx is a Grammy award winner; York is reviewed by the New York Times) are raising funds to support GVSU students who are degree-seeking in voice or dance as a portion of ticket proceeds will go to the PAMELLA AND DANIEL G. DEVOS MUSICAL THEATER Scholarship. Information from www.gvsu.edu/giving/clasmusicaleve. And for more information contact University Development at (616) 331-6000 or e-mail, universitydevelopment@gvsu.edu. Thursday, July 2nd through Sunday, July 5ththe inaugural West Michigan Wine and Jazz Festival takes place in Montague Michigan with music by world famous pianist Xavier Davis, the University of Michigan’s jazz pianist/composer Ellen Rowe, plus Brad Frichter, Checkers Morton, Tim Froncek and Friends, vocalist Ginny Dusseau with the Dave Collee Quartet in a pre-fireworks band shell concert, and others. A full schedule with times and ticket prices from www.westmichiganwinejazz.com. Wednesday, July 8th at 7:30 p.m. the Blue Lake Jazz Faculty performs at Blodgett Recital Hall, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. With saxophonist James Hughes, trumpeters Scott Cowan and Jimmy Smith, trombonist Glenn Williams, and our “first session” rhythm section for years now, Dan Karlsberg, Steve Whipple and Tim Froncek (piano, bass and drums). Together they present The “Blue” Recital to honor Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp’s 50th Anniversary season. Information from www.bluelake.org. Friday, July 17th at 7:30 p.m. a concert to benefit Northview High School Bands called “Max the Sax and his Young Lions,” with Max Colley Jr. on saxophones, his son Max Colley III on trumpet; Keaton Royer, piano; Cary Kocher, vibes; Ryan Limbeck, guitar; Jordan Richardson, bass; and Mike Harvey, drums. Plus a variety of special guests who graduated Northview High School’s jazz program. The concert features famous saxophone music by Paul Desmond, Charlie Parker, Stan Getz and many others. The concert takes place in the max Colley Jr. Performing Arts Center, Northview High School, 4451 Hunsberger Ave. NE, Grand Rapids. Information from www.maxcolleyjrpac.weebly.com. Saturday, July 18th at 7:30 p.m. “Jazz at the Swan” features drummer/vocalist Tim Johnson’s trio with vocalist Mary Rademacher and pianist/vocalist Mark Kahny in a special back yard benefit for the White Lake Chamber Music Festival. The White Swan bed and breakfast is located at 303 S. Mears Avenue, Whitehall, 49461. Information from the Arts Council of White Lake, (231) 893 – 2524. Wednesday, July 22 at 7:30 the Blue Lake International Jazz Ensemble and International Jazz Orchestras present their homecoming concerts simultaneously at Blue Lake Lake Fine Arts Camp (Ensemble at Stewart Shell, Orchestra at Barlett Shell). See www.bluelake.org for more information. Saturday and Sunday, August 15th and 16ththe 4th annual GRandJazzFest presented by DTE Energy Foundation at Rosa Parks Circle, downtown Grand Rapids. West Michigan’s only free weekend-long jazz festival. More than 10,000 people attended in 2014. See www.grandjazzfest.org. August 22nd and 23rd the Shoreline Jazz Festival returns to Muskegon with headliner Al Jarreau. See more from www.shorelinejazzfestival.com.

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