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Last evening's Jazz From Blue Lake broadcast, featuring recordings by Joe Henderson in the first part of the hours, is available today from www.bluelake.org/ondemand. The 3rd hour, "Out on Blue Lake," features Alex Harding in tribute to Cecil Taylor; the Julius Hemphill Sextet; Hamiet Bluiett's Blueblack, and the new Art Ensemble of Chicago recording taped at Ann Arbor's Edge Fest.

March 14, 2017 The Jazz Datebook: Timely Hits: Friday, March 17th at 7:30 p.m. vocalist Stacey Kent appears in a free concert sponsored by the Lawrence and Violet Collins Fund at the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts, downtown Muskegon. Though free, tickets are required and may be obtained from the Frauenthal Box Office, (231) 727 – 8001. Sunday, March 19th at 6:30 p.m. An Evening of Jazz with Edye Evans-Hyde and Elgin Vines at All Souls Community Church, 2727 Michigan Street NE, Grand Rapids. Social hour begins at 5:30. Information from www.allsoulscommunity.org/jazz-concert/ . Thursday, March 23rd, 13 year old piano prodigy Joey Alexander appears in the St. Cecilia Music Center’s Jazz Series with his trio. More from, http://www.scmc-online.org/2016-17-jazz-series. Thursday, March 23rd at 7:30 the Spring lake Bands present the Michigan State University Jazz Orchestra in concert at Spring Lake High School Auditorium, 16140 148th Ave, Spring Lake, with guest trombonist Conrad Herwig. The SL Middle School and High School bands perform, too. Tickets are available at the door. Sunday, March 26th at 3 p.m. guitarist Randy Napoleon performs with young bassist Stanley Ruvinov and drummer Keith Hall in the Underground Concert Series at LaFontsee Galleries, 833 Lake Drive SE, Grand Rapids. See www.adventuremusic.org for tickets, and www.randynapoleon.com for information. Thursday, March 30th, 2017, The Hot Sardines return to the Wharton Center For the Performing Arts, East Lansing. See: http://www.whartoncenter.com/events/detail/the-hot-sardines . Monday, April 10th at 7 p.m. 8 string guitarist Charlie Hunter leads his trio at The Tip Top Deluxe Bar and Grill, 760 Butterworth St. SW, Grand Rapids. His new album, released in July, 'Everybody Has A Plan Until They Get Punched In The Mouth', has a title referring to a quote by heavyweight boxing champion Iron Mike Tyson. Recorded 100% live in a studio in Hudson, New York, Charlie Hunter’s quartet performs 10 all-new Blues, Rock, Jazz and Latin-flavored songs with bandmates Kirk Knuffke (cornet), Bobby Previte (drums), and Curtis Fowlkes (trombone) .See www.ticketweb.com. April 21st, 2017, the Wayne Shorter Quartet appears in the Cobb Great Hall of The Wharton Center For the Performing Arts, East Lansing. See: www.whartoncenter.com/events/detail/wayne-shorter-quartet. Sunday, April 23rd at 3 p.m. percussionists Adam Rudolph and Hamid Drake appear as Karuna in the Underground Concert Series at LaFontsee Galleries, 833 Lake Drive SE, Grand Rapids. See www.adventuremusic.org . Saturday, April 29th, 2017, at 7:30 p.m. vocalist Dee Daniels performs at at The Block, an intimate 120 seat theater/bar above Unruly Brewing Company, 360 W. Western Ave, 2nd Floor, Muskegon, MI. (231) 726-3231 or www.theblockwestmichigan.org. Here her at http://www.deedaniels.com/ Thursday, May 4th 2017 the San Francisco Jazz Collective plays the music of Miles Davis at St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE, Grand Rapids. More from www.scmc-online.org/2016-17-jazz-series. Sunday, May 21st at 3 p.m. a fundraising concert for a community labyrinth at New Day Church-on-the-Hill features vocalist Edye Evans Hyde with pianist Mark Kahny, and drummer Mark Weymouth, at 2965 Wycliffe Dr. SE, near the corners of Cascade Road, Thorncrest and Wycliffe. Tickets or donations at the door. Information from (616) 735 – 9963. 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. Mondays, Lee and David Middleman play guitars with Chris Cudworth, bass, Rick Stephens, keyboards and Pat Eickenroth, percussion, as Swingtooth, anchoring the Monday night jam session at Rockford Brewing Company, 2 East Bridge St, Rockford. See www.rockfordbrewing.com or phone (616) 951 – 4677. 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 6-9 p.m. it’s “Jazz Night” at The Old Goat, 2434 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, features live jazz. See www.baaaaaaaa.com. 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, 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, 7:30-10:30 the John Shea Trio is heard at the Knickerbocker Brewpub and Distillery/New Holland Brewing Company, 417 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids. The jazz is upstairs toward the back, in the Zeppelin Lounge. 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. The first Thursday evening of each month the Bill Huyge/Jeff Beavan/Dave Schock trio appear at New Harmony Hall, 401 Stocking Ave NW, Grand Rapids. Phone: (616) 233-9186, or on the web, www.harmonybeer.com. Fridays at 7 p.m., “It’s a Friday Thing” features vocalist Kathy Lamar with pianist Bob VanStee and drummer Kevin Jones at Noto’s Old World Italian Dining, 6600 28th Street S.E., Grand Rapids. See www.notosoldworld.com or call (616) 493-6686. 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 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. live jazz at The Old Goat, 2434 Eastern Avenue SE, Grand Rapids The second and fourth Sundays of the month from 2-4 p.m. the River Rogues traditional jazz band (see www.theriverrogues.org ) alternate weekends with the Bill Huyge, Jeff Beavan, David Schock trio at the New Harmony Hall, 401 Stocking Ave NW, Grand Rapids. Phone: (616) 233-9186, or on the web, www.harmonybeer.com. Sundays from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. “Jazz Brunch” at The Old Goat, 2434 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, features live jazz. See www.baaaaaaaa.com. 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.

January 11, 2017 The Jazz Datebook: Timely Hits: Friday, January 13 from 7-8:30 p.m., St. Cecilia Music Center presents their Concert Band and Jazz Ensembles winter concert. For tickets visit: http://www.scmc-online.org/concert-music-downloads/ Saturday, January 14th at 8 p.m. The Heritage Jazz Fest features soprano saxophonist Reggie Page and trumpeter Deb Wagner at the Doubletree by Hilton Grand Rapids Airport, 4747 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids. Tickets through www.eventbrite.com. Saturday, January 14th from 7-11, pianist/vocalist Robin Connell leads her trio at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel’s Garden Court, 187 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids. Monday, January 16th at 6:30 vocalist Tony Reynolds brings his four octave range to The Guest House, 634 Stocking Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, for the West Michigan Jazz Society’s Monday Night Jazz Gumbo. With Greg Miller, guitar, and Mark Weymouth on drums. Information from www.wmichjazz.org. Thursday, January 26th at 7:30 p.m. pianist/composer/educator Steve Talaga presents a major concert of his music at Hope College’s Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts in Holland. Five of Talaga’s compositions for big band will feature the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra; the work “For One Removed” features Hope’s Chapel Choir and Hope College percussion students; and “July Nocturne,” a new piece for full orchestra (world premier), features Hope’s Orchestra. Admission is free. See www.hope.edu/music. Wednesday, February 1st at 8 p.m. a new venue debuts in The B.O.B. downtown Grand Rapids as 20 Monroe Live features Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, with supporting act Joe Hertler and The Rainbow Seekers. Information from www.20monroelive.com. Wednesday, February 1st from 7-10 p.m. the Beer City Saxes play H.O.M.E. (at The B.O.B.), 20 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids. A saxophone section/rhythm section ensemble featuring music by jazz greats Benny Carter, Charlie Parker and others. Thursday, February 2nd at 7:30 the University Jazz Orchestra and University Jazz Lab Band from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo play a free concert at the Dalton Center Recital Hall, Van De Giessen Rd #3001, Kalamazoo, WMU. See www.wmich.edu/jazz . Wednesday, February 8th at 7 p.m. clarinetist Anat Cohen returns to Grand Rapids to play the Max Colley Jr. Performing Arts Center at Northview High School, 4451 Hunsberger NE, Grand Rapids. Along with the Michigan State University Jazz Octets I and II under the direction of Diego Rivera, plus the Northview High School and Rockford High School jazz bands. Cohen has released seven albums, been atop the Downbeat Magazine critics and reader’s poll since 2011 and been voted clarinetist of the year eight years in a row by the Jazz Journalist Association. Tickets (cash only) sold at the door. Information from www.anatcohen.com/about. Saturday, February 11th at 2 and 8 p.m. the vocal jazz ensemble Gold Company presents their big Miller Auditorium concerts at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. See http://wmugoldcompany.com . Friday, February 17th at 8 p.m., trombonist Nick Finzer, a New York City based Jazz trombonist and composer, a leader in the Millenial Jazz Movement, presents a guest artist recital at the Dalton Center Recital Hall, Van De Giessen Rd #3001, Kalamazoo. Information from www.wmich.edu/jazz. Or, www.nickfinzermusic.com/#home . Sunday, February 19th at 3 p.m. saxophonist/composer Andrew Rathbun leads a trio with 7 time Grammy Award and 4 time Emmy Award winning bassist/educator Robert Hurst and the dynamic drums of Keith Hall in the Underground Music Series at LaFontsee Galleries, 833 Lake Drive SE, Grand Rapids. See www.andrewrathbun.com. Monday, February 20th at 6:30 the West Michigan Jazz Society welcomes the River Rogues Dixieland Band to the The Guest House, 634 Stocking Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, for their Monday Night Jazz Gumbo. With Jim Everhart, piano; Dave Kadwell, banjo and guitar; David L. Wells, trombone; Ken Huisman, clarinet and saxophones; Dave Schock, trumpet; Paul Keen, tuba; and Tom Davis, drums. See www.wmichjazz.org. Wednesday, February 22nd at 7:30 p.m. the New Sound Festival at Western Michigan University includes their new music ensemble Birds on a Wire and their Advanced Jazz Ensemble in a concert presented by the Bullock Performance Institute at The Dalton Center Recital Hall, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. www.wmichjazz.org. Friday, March 10that 8 p.m. the 37th Annual Western Michigan University Invitational Jazz Festival’s opening concert presents saxophonist George Garzone and the Western Jazz Faculty at Dalton Center Recital Hall, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. Tenor saxophonist Garzone has played with Jack DeJohnette, Danilo Perez, Chick Corea, Elvin Jones, Medeski Martin and Wood, Joe Lovano’s Nonet, and even Aerosmith. His playing is so legendary that it led Michael Brecker to declare, “I’m not the master of the sax, George Garzone is.” Information from www.wmujazz.com. The Festival closes on Saturday, March 11th at 7:30 with the concert by the University Jazz Orchestra at Dalton Center. Thursday, March 2 jazz great Freddie Cole appears at the VanSingel Fine Arts Center, 84th Street and Burlingame Avenue SW, Grand Rapids. Information from www.vsfac.com or (616) 878-6800. Saturday, March 18th at 7:30 p.m. the popular jazz guitar duo of Frank Vignola and Vinny Raniolo appear at The Block, an intimate 120 seat theater/bar above Unruly Brewing Company, 360 W. Western Ave, 2nd Floor, Muskegon, MI. (231) 726-3231 or www.theblockwestmichigan.org. And for more on the artists, http://frankvignola.com/ . Thursday, March 23rd, 13 year old piano prodigy Joey Alexander appears in the St. Cecilia Music Center’s Jazz Series with his trio. More from, http://www.scmc-online.org/2016-17-jazz-series. Sunday, March 26th at 3 p.m. guitarist Randy Napoleon performs with young bassist Stanley Ruvinov and drummer Keith Hall in the Underground Concert Series at LaFontsee Galleries, 833 Lake Drive SE, Grand Rapids. See www.adventuremusic.org for tickets, and www.randynapoleon.com for information. Thursday, March 30th, 2017, The Hot Sardines return to the Wharton Center For the Performing Arts, East Lansing. See: http://www.whartoncenter.com/events/detail/the-hot-sardines . April 21st, 2017, the Wayne Shorter Quartet appears in the Cobb Great Hall of The Wharton Center For the Performing Arts, East Lansing. See: www.whartoncenter.com/events/detail/wayne-shorter-quartet. Sunday, April 23rd at 3 p.m. percussionists Adam Rudolph and Hamid Drake appear as Karuna in the Underground Concert Series at LaFontsee Galleries, 833 Lake Drive SE, Grand Rapids. See www.adventuremusic.org . Saturday, April 29th, 2017, at 7:30 p.m. vocalist Dee Daniels performs at at The Block, an intimate 120 seat theater/bar above Unruly Brewing Company, 360 W. Western Ave, 2nd Floor, Muskegon, MI. (231) 726-3231 or www.theblockwestmichigan.org. Here her at http://www.deedaniels.com/ Thursday, May 4th 2017 the San Francisco Jazz Collective plays the music of Miles Davis at St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE, Grand Rapids. More from www.scmc-online.org/2016-17-jazz-series. 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. Mondays, Lee and David Middleman play guitars with Chris Cudworth, bass, Rick Stephens, keyboards and Pat Eickenroth, percussion, as Swingtooth, anchoring the Monday night jam session at Rockford Brewing Company, 2 East Bridge St, Rockford. See www.rockfordbrewing.com or phone (616) 951 – 4677. 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 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, 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, 7:30-10:30 the John Shea Trio is heard at the Knickerbocker Brewpub and Distillery/New Holland Brewing Company, 417 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids. The jazz is upstairs toward the back, in the Zeppelin Lounge. 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. The first Thursday evening of each month the Bill Huyge/Jeff Beavan/Dave Schock trio appear at New Harmony Hall, 401 Stocking Ave NW, Grand Rapids. Phone: (616) 233-9186, or on the web, www.harmonybeer.com. Fridays at 7 p.m., “It’s a Friday Thing” features vocalist Kathy Lamar with pianist Bob VanStee and drummer Kevin Jones at Noto’s Old World Italian Dining, 6600 28th Street S.E., Grand Rapids. See www.notosoldworld.com or call (616) 493-6686. 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 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. live jazz at The Old Goat, 2434 Eastern Avenue SE, Grand Rapids The second and fourth Sundays of the month from 2-4 p.m. the River Rogues traditional jazz band (see www.theriverrogues.org ) alternate weekends with the Bill Huyge, Jeff Beavan, David Schock trio at the New Harmony Hall, 401 Stocking Ave NW, Grand Rapids. Phone: (616) 233-9186, or on the web, www.harmonybeer.com. 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.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20TH AT 6 P.M. The Waldron Public House, 58 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, Michigan presents Gary McCourry’s Beer City Saxophone Ensemble in a benefit concert for Blue Lake Public Radio. (800) 889 - 9258. Blue Lake Public Radio’s annual spring on-air membership drive begins Friday, April 22nd, and The Waldron Public House is getting this year’s fundraiser off with a special event, a concert by the nine member Beer City Saxophone Ensemble. “This group performs compositions by bebop great Charlie Parker and other Jazz Legends arranged in a ‘Supersax’ style for 5 saxophones and rhythm section,” explains baritone saxophonist and music instigator Gary McCourry, a gifted bandleader who returned to Grand Rapids after years of performing at the West Point U.S. Military Academy. “Supersax” was a 1970’s-era Grammy-award winning ensemble performing harmonized versions of jazz giant Charlie Parker solos. “The Beer City Saxophone Ensemble” uses them as a starting point for their jazz arrangements of standards, too, such as “Save Your Love For Me,” “I Let A Song Go Out of My Heart,” and “It Could Happen to You.” This concert promises a dinner hour of high quality improvisation, driving swing and unmatched musical unity. The Waldron Public House at 58 Ionia Ave. SW in downtown Grand Rapids features a menu of homemade cuisine, an extensive cocktail list, as well as European and American craft beers. Doors open at 6, music begins at 6:30. Concert only advance tickets are $10 for individuals, $15 per couple, and available through http://bluelake.eventbrite.com/ or Blue Lake Public Radio, (800) 889 – 9258. At the door tickets will be $12 for individuals, $20 per couple. Because of the Beer City Saxophone Ensemble’s popularity with musicians they carry one additional saxophonist who switches in during the performance. In Wednesday’s concert as part of this benefit for Blue Lake Public Radio, you’ll hear saxophonists McCourry, Mike Lutley, Tom Lockwood, Tom Stansell, Greg Marsden and Bob Nixon, plus a rhythm section including pianist/composer Robin Connell, bassist Joe Oprea and drummer Tim Froncek. This concert marks the first collaboration between Waldron Public House and Blue Lake Public Radio, which is committed to an aesthetic driven presentation of music under the direction of Lazaro Vega, now in his 34th year with the radio station. The Waldron Public House, 58 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, Michigan, (616) 454-9105, features live jazz every Friday night, 6-8 p.m. Video links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBUJKPKODP0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7ayOUPyMvI

January 29, 2015 The Jazz Datebook: Regular Hits: 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. They have two good jazz shows coming up in. 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. Mondays from 8 to 11 p.m. with low lighting and an inviting closeness to the band, pianist/vocalist John Shea holds for with real jazz played by unshakeable sidement, bassist Warren Jones III and drummer Fred Knapp, at The Republic, 45 South Division. www.republicgrandrapids.com. Monday night at 8 p.m. Swingtooth hosts the open mic jam at the Rockford Brewing Company, 12 E Bridge St, Rockford, Michigan, (616) 951-4677. Swingtooth includes two acoustic hand-built guitars played by Lee and David Middleman, with Chris Cudworth on bass. 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. Wednesdays from 7 to 10 p.m. The Tom Hagen Trio with vocalist Rick Reuther at Noto’s Old World Italian Dining, 6600 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids. (616) 493 – 6686, or www.notosoldworld.com. 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. On the Third Saturday of each month, Hope Church, 2010 Kalamazoo, SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507, presents “Jazz and Justice” with jazz from 6 to 7:15 p.m. and a Justice conversation from 7:20 to 8 p.m. 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. 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, February 5th at 7:30 p.m. six time Grammy award winning trumpeter Randy Brecker is Western Michigan University’s 2015 Jazz Masters Artist. He’s joined by guest pianist Edward Simon in concert with The Western Jazz Quartet, the WMU Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Lab Band at The Dalton Center Recital Hall, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. Tickets from (800) 228 – 9858. Friday, February 6 at 7:30 p.m. The Hart Community Performing Arts Series celebrates its 100th concert at Hart Public Schools Auditorium, 308 W. Johnson Street, Hart, MI 49420: www.hartauditorium.org. This special event features guitarists Frank Vignola and Vinny Raniola, accordionist Julien Labro, saxophonist Carl Cafagna, bassist Tom Knific and drummer Tim Froncek. More information about the Hart Community Performing Arts Series available from Tom Kirk, (231) 873 – 6270. Sunday, February 8th at 3 p.m. the new series of piano concerts in Grand Rapids features Xavier Davis with bassist Matt Brewer. “Jazz in the Sanctuary” is held at Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE, Grand Rapids 49503Information from www.jazzinthesanctuary.eventbrite.com or (616) 459 – 8386. Thursday, February 12th at 8 p.m. Western Michigan University Jams with drummer Keith Hall at The Union Cabaret and Grille, 125 South Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. This is an Open Jam Session. (269) 384- 6756 or www.millenniumrestaurants.com/union/index.php . Sunday, February 15th at 3 p.m. The LaFontsee Galleries in conjunction with www.adventuremusic.org presents a new series of improvised music concerts, “The Underground Concert Series,” with Grand Rapids’ first poet Laureate Linda Nemec Foster accompanied by music from composer/pianist Steve Talaga’s Nonet. Together they’ll perform Linda Nemec Foster’s poem cycle “Contemplating the Heavens.” A string quartet plus jazz quintet join Linda Nemec Foster as she reads from her 2001 chapbook “Contemplating the Heavens” published by Ridgeway Press, in the unique surroundings of LaFontsee Galleries, 833 Lake Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506; (616) 451-9820. Ticket are $20 in advance, $10 for students with a student I.D. and $25 at the door. Advance tickets available only from www.adventuremusic.org . Sunday, February 15th at 4 p.m. Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with 2011 NEA Jazz Master and 2014 UMS Distinguished Artist Award recipient, trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, at Hill Auditorium, Ann Arbor. Presented by the University Music Society, www.ums.org. Monday, February 16th at 6:30 p.m. the West Michigan Jazz Series, “Monday Night at The B.O.B.” presents the Tom Hagen Trio with vocalist Rick Reuther. Tom Hagen’s musical vitae is rich with performing, arranging and recording experience. With wife Cherie Hagen on drums and voice, the group includes the versatile saxophonist Mike Lutley and special guest vocalist Rick Reuther. See www.wmichjazz.org for more information. Tuesday February 17th at 7:30 p.m. the Truth in Jazz Orchestra returns to Watermark 920, 920 Washington Avenue, Muskegon, 49441. Fronted by drummer Tim Froncek, TIJO brings big band jazz excitement to the lakeshore. See www.tijo.org for more. Thursday, February 19th at 7:30 p.m., world renowned bassist Christian McBride leads his trio with Christian Sands, piano, and Ulysses Owens Jr., drums, in the Jazz Series at St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, 49503. Information from www.scmc-online.org or by calling (616) 459 – 2224. Friday, February 20, the Kris Bowers Trio appears in “Dinner and a Show” presented by the Fontana Chamber Arts in Kalamazoo. 6:30 p.m. dinner and 8 p.m. performance at Cityscape at the City Centre, Kalamazoo. Information from www.fontanachamberarts.org or (269) 382-7774. Friday, February 20that 8:00 p.m. at Ann Arbor’s Michigan Theater, a 50th Anniversary Celebration: The Campbell Brothers perform John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme.” The Campbell Brothers, whose unique sacred steel gospel music was created in African-American churches, revisit John Coltrane’s 4 part spiritual work on their signature slide guitars, marking the 50th anniversary of Coltrane’s great recording, paying particular attention to “A Love Supreme”’s transcendent spiritual message. With Chuck Campbell, pedal steel; Darick Campbell, lap steel; Phillip Campbell, electric guitar; Carlton Campbell, drums; Daric Bennett, bass See more at: www.ums.org/performance/thecampbellbrothers . Saturday, February 21st at 8 p.m. trumpeter Brad Fritcher (see: http://www.youtube.com/user/BradFritcherMusic) and his band Moods appear at One Trick Pony, 136 Fulton Street East, Grand Rapids, 49503. Thursday, March 12that 7:30 p.m. 2014 Grammy nominated vocalist Rene Marie visits the St. Cecilia Music Center to perform in the historic Royce Auditorium, 24 Ransom Ave. N.E., Grand Rapids, 49503. See www.scmc-online.org/rene-marie . Friday and Saturday, March 13th and 14th, Saxophonist Miguel Zenon is guest artist in residence for the 35th Annual Western Invitational Jazz Festival. On Friday, March 13th at 7:30 Miguel Zenon performs with the Western Jazz Quartet at the Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU, Kalamazoo. Then, on Saturday, March 14th he’s heard at 7:30 p.m. with the Western Michigan University Big Band at the Dalton Center Recital Hall, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. On Saturday the 14 the Western Invitational Jazz Festival, featuring high school ensembles from across the region, begins at 8 a.m. Advance tickets available from Miller Auditorium (269) 387-2300 or (800) 228-9858 & at the door. Thursday, March 26that 8 p.m. Hammond organist Bill Heid headlines with guitarist Ralph Tope and drummer Jeff Shoup at The Tip Top Delux Bar, 760 Butterworth, Grand Rapids: (616) 272-3910. Friday, March 20that 8:00 p.m. Steve Wilson and Wilsonian's Grain plays the Dalton Center Recital Hall, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. Featuring Steve Wilson, saxophones; Orrin Evans, piano; Ugonna Okegwo, bass; and Bill Stewart, drums. Advance tickets available from Miller Auditorium (269) 387-2300 or (800) 228-9858 & at the door. Sunday, March 22ndat 3 p.m. The LaFontsee Galleries in conjunction with www.adventuremusic.org presents “The Underground Concert Series” with Charlie Kohlhase's Chicago Explorers Club featuring the Boston/Cambridge area leader Charlie Kohlhase on alto, tenor & baritone saxophones; James Falzone, clarinet; Aaron Darrell, bass; Tim Daisy, drums; and Russ Johnson, trumpet. Ticket are $20 in advance, $10 for students with a student I.D. and $25 at the door. Advance tickets available only from www.adventuremusic.org. The phone number at the LaFontsee Galleries is (616) 451 – 9820. The LaFontsee Galleries are wheel chair accessible. Wednesday, March 25th The Bad Plus perform at The Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 East 8th Street, Holland, 49423. See www.hope.edu/arts/knick or phone (616) 395 – 7890. Thursday, April 16th at 7:30 p.m. an evening with pianists Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea at Hill Auditorium, Ann Arbor. http://ums.org/performance/an-evening-with-herbie-hancock-and-chick-corea/. Friday, April 17th at 8 p.m. the Austin-based Hot Club of Cowtown plays gypsy jazz at the Saugatuck Center Center for the Arts, 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck, MI 49453, (269) 857 – 2399, or www.sc4a.org. With fiddler Elana James, guitarist Whit Smith and bassist Jake Erwin, the Hot Club of Cowtown plays off the legacies of Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys as well as jazz legend Django Reinhardt.