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June 6, 2016 The Jazz Datebook: Timely Hits: Saturday, June 11that 7:30, the Rhythm Society Orchestra, a 15 piece swing dance band with vocalist Paul King, from Detroit appears at The Dogwood Center, 4734 S. Campus Court, Fremont, (one mile east of down town Fremont on 48th St). Drawing from the groove of Count Basie and power of Harry James, this Detroit-based swing band was featured in the Michigan-made independent film “Forever In Time.” Tickets are available from the Dogwood Center Box Office at (231) 924 – 8885 with more on line from www.dogwoodcenter.com. Saturday, June 11th from 7 to 10 p.m. saxophonist Mike Frost leads the Mike Frost Project at J.W. Marriot Hotel, 235 Louis Street N.W., Grand Rapids. (616) 242 – 1448. Sunday, June 12th at 6 p.m. “Under One Sky: Wisdom of the Native Americans” features the flute of Gary Stroutsos (who studied with jazz flutists Paul Horn and James Newton) plus flutist Ken Morgan, and percussionists Carolyn Koebel and Jim Cooper in a program of music interspersed with Native American wisdom readings. The concert is held at Spirit Space, 3493 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. Phone (269) 455-5329 or http://spirit-space.org/. Sunday, June 12th at 11 a.m. saxophonist Mike Frost and guitarist Mike Hyde play the Sunday Brunch Series at J.W. Marriot Hotel, 235 Louis Street N.W., Grand Rapids. (616) 242 – 1448. Monday, June 13th at 6:30 p.m. Chicago-born saxophonist Mike Frost plays the free Monday night summer concert series at Ah-Nab-Awen Park, 220 Front Ave. N.W., Grand Rapids, presented by the West Michigan Jazz Society, www.wmichjazz.org. This version of The Mike Frost project is his organ band featuring his brother, trumpeter Steve Frost). Friday and Saturday, June 17th and 18th the 20th annual East Lansing Summer Solstice Jazz Festival takes place in a large tent in the heart of downtown East Lansing. Under the artistic direction of Rodney Whitaker, this year’s festival includes an appearance by the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp International Jazz Ensemble, with headliners including pianist Marcus Roberts, vocalist Karrin Allyson, cellist Tomeka Reid’s trio, the Michael Dease Quintet, the Chicago Jazz Orchestra tribute to Frank Sinatra at 100 with vocalist Paul Marinaro. More from www.eljazzfest.com. Saturday, June 18, at 7 p.m. The Lowell Showboat Concert Series presents the horn-driven jump and swing of Those Delta Rhythm Kings, with a “little big band” jump blues sound from the 1940's and beyond. They personify the party-time culture that was so popular in post-war America. With Ray Aleshire (vocals), Rod Aleshire (bass), John Davidson (guitar), George Hirai, Chad Bement and Janell Christie (saxes), Andy Wilson (trumpet and harmonica) and Jeff Shoup (drums). See www.lowellartsmi.org for information. Sunday June 19th 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. Monday, June 19th at 6:30 p.m. the Detroit-based African-American ensemble In the Tradition brings their 9 piece ensemble playing a repertoire of jazz standards by John Coltrane, Art Blakey and Miles Davis, among others, to the free Monday night summer concert series at Ah-Nab-Awen Park, 220 Front Ave. N.W., Grand Rapids, presented by the West Michigan Jazz Society, www.wmichjazz.org. Tuesday, June 20th through Sunday, June 26th, bassist Paul Keller leads his At Sundown Quintet in the World Class Jazz Mini-tour through northern Lower Michigan. All shows at 7 p.m. Tuesday, at Rotary Gazebo, Douglas Park, First Street Beach, Manistee; Wednesday, Gull Landing, 438 S Hancock St, Pentwater, phone (231) 869-4215; Thursday, Rotary Pavilion, Cadillac (www.downtowncadillac.com); Friday, Rambadt Park, US 10, Reed City, phone (231) 832-2884; Saturday, Wenger Pavilion, Baldwin (phone (231)745-4500, or see www.baldwinsummerconcerts.org ); and Sunday a return to Gull Landing in Pentwater. Contact (231) 723-7500, or via e-mail mover.ts@gmail.com for more information. Monday, June 27th at 6:30 Greenbrook, led by Muskegon-based saxophonist Robert Moore, grooves in the style of Grover Washington Jr and George Benson at the free Monday night summer concert series at Ah-Nab-Awen Park, 220 Front Ave. N.W., Grand Rapids, presented by the West Michigan Jazz Society, www.wmichjazz.org. For the remainder of the summer concert schedule, please see our “Regular Hits” column below. Thursday, June 30th through Monday July 4th the second annual West Michigan Wine and Jazz Festival is held at The Book Nook and Java Shop, 8744 Ferry Street, Montague, MI. Headlined by pianist Xavier Davis, this year’s festival includes performances by saxophonist Josh Quinlan, vocalists Robin Connell and Kathy Lamar, Checkers Morton, Atlanta based pianist Daniel Solberg, the Gene Knific Trio, Feral Cats, the Lakeshoe Big Band, the Dot Org Jazz Organ Como and more. Daily 10 a.m. breakfast performances; a 5 p.m. regional performer with 5 course wine tasting, and an 8 p.m. showcase performance. Information from www.westmichiganwinejazz.com. Thursday, June 30th at 7 p.m. Big Band Nouveau plays jazz standards in a big band setting, with plenty of improvisation, at The Lowell Showboat Concert Series. See www.lowellartsmi.org for information. Saurday, July 2nd from 5:30 to 7:30, vocalist Edye Evans-Hyde is accompanied by guitarist Mike Hyde and bassist Joe Opera at The Button Gallery, 33-35 E. Center Street, Douglas. See www.joeopera.com. Saturday, July 2nd at 7 p.m. the River City Jazz Ensemble plays big band jazz at the Lowell Showboat Concert Series. The River City Jazz Ensemble is rich in tradition, with the instantly identifiable sound of the Big Band era. The ensemble is led by David Wells (Trombone) and includes Kathy Wagner (vocals), Phil Bajema (trumpet), Elden Stielstra (trumpet), Mike Lutley (alto sax), Dave Swart (alto sax), Craig Hribek (tenor sax) and Wright McCargar (piano). See www.lowellartsmi.org for more information. Monday, July 11th at 8 p.m. the New West Guitar Group appears at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck. After 10 years and 7 recordings as a band, this group is recognized as a premier improvising guitar ensemble. See www.newwestguitar.com for more; and www.sc4a.org for tickets. Tuesday, July 12th through Sunday, July 17th at 7 p.m. Chicago based jazz vocalist Petra vanNuis brings her Chicago jazz band with Chris White, keys, Dan Delorenzo, bass and Bob Rummage on drums to the World Class Jazz Mini tour at these venues: Tuesday, at Rotary Gazebo, Douglas Park, First Street Beach, Manistee; Wednesday, Gull Landing, 438 S Hancock St, Pentwater, phone (231) 869-4215; Thursday, Rotary Pavilion, Cadillac (www.downtowncadillac.com); Friday, Rambadt Park, US 10, Reed City, phone (231) 832-2884; Saturday, Wenger Pavilion, Baldwin (phone (231)745-4500, or see www.baldwinsummerconcerts.org ); and Sunday a return to Gull Landing in Pentwater. Contact (231) 723-7500, or via e-mail mover.ts@gmail.com for more information. Sunday, July 23rd, from 7 to 10 p.m. Chicago-bred saxophonist and professional musician Mike Frost presents his recording group The Mike Frost Project at the J.W. Marriott Hotel, 235 Louis Street N.W., Grand Rapids. (616) 242 – 1448. Tuesday, July 26th through Sunday, July 31st at 7 p.m. Detroit’s award winning swing band, The Planet D Nonet plays the World Class Jazz Mini-Tour in northern lower Michigan. See www.facebook.com/PlanetDNonet.Detroit. Tuesday, at Rotary Gazebo, Douglas Park, First Street Beach, Manistee; Wednesday, Gull Landing, 438 S Hancock St, Pentwater, phone (231) 869-4215; Thursday, Rotary Pavilion, Cadillac (www.downtowncadillac.com); Friday, Rambadt Park, US 10, Reed City, phone (231) 832-2884; Saturday, Wenger Pavilion, Baldwin (phone (231)745-4500, or see www.baldwinsummerconcerts.org ); and Sunday a return to Gull Landing in Pentwater. Contact (231) 723-7500, or via e-mail mover.ts@gmail.com for more information. Thursday, July 28th at 7 p.m. trumpeter/drummer/educator Max Colley III leads a jazz band in the Sounds of Summer concert series at Cutler Park, 6701 Cutler Park Drive, Byron Center. See www.facebook.com/cutlerparkbc. Tuesday, August 9th through Sunday, August 14th at 7 p.m. the world renowned west Michigan based vocalist Edye Evans-Hyde with the West Michigan Jazz Society’s Musician of the Year 2016, Terry Lower, appear in the World Class Jazz Mini-tour. Tuesday, at Rotary Gazebo, Douglas Park, First Street Beach, Manistee; Wednesday, Gull Landing, 438 S Hancock St, Pentwater, phone (231) 869-4215; Thursday, Rotary Pavilion, Cadillac (www.downtowncadillac.com); Friday, Rambadt Park, US 10, Reed City, phone (231) 832-2884; Saturday, Wenger Pavilion, Baldwin (phone (231)745-4500, or see www.baldwinsummerconcerts.org ); and Sunday a return to Gull Landing in Pentwater. Contact (231) 723-7500, or via e-mail mover.ts@gmail.com for more information. Tuesday, August 16th through Sunday, August 21st at 7 p.m. New York jazz drummer Rudy Petschauer’s NYC All Stars including vocalist Melanie Marod appear in the World Class Jazz Mini-tour. Tuesday, at Rotary Gazebo, Douglas Park, First Street Beach, Manistee; Wednesday, Gull Landing, 438 S Hancock St, Pentwater, phone (231) 869-4215; Thursday, Rotary Pavilion, Cadillac (www.downtowncadillac.com); Friday, Rambadt Park, US 10, Reed City, phone (231) 832-2884; Saturday, Wenger Pavilion, Baldwin (phone (231)745-4500, or see www.baldwinsummerconcerts.org ); and Sunday a return to Gull Landing in Pentwater. Contact (231) 723-7500, or via e-mail mover.ts@gmail.com for more information. Saturday, August 20th and Sunday, August 21st the 5th Annual GRandJazzFest presented by DTE Energy Foundation at Rosa Park Circle, Grand Rapids. This year’s Saturday night headliner is smooth jazz trumpeter Cindy Bradley (see: www.cindybradley.com); while Sunday’s headliner is contemporary jazz guitarist Chris Standring (see: www.chrisstandring.com ). The two day free outdoor festival will include performances from the Grand Rapids Jazz orchestra with Edye Evans-Hyde; Organissimo; Tumbao Bravo; guitarist Steve Hilger; the Lakeshore Big Band, trumpeter Walter White; the Urban Jazz Coalition; Tim Bowman and more. See, www.grandjazzfest.org. Friday and Saturday, September 9th and 10th, Hope College presents a Jazz Organ Summit with organists Tony Monaco, Jim Alfredson and Dr. Lonnie Smith, as well as guitarist Chuck Leob, drummer Harvey Mason Sr. and filmmaker Murv Seymour (“Killer B3’s”) in celebration of the first Jazz Organ Major in Hope College’s music program. See www.hope.edu/jazzsummit for concert information, clinics and workshops. September 10th, the iRockJazzFestival take place in Holland at Windows on the Waterfront, www.cityofholland.com/parksandcemeteries/riverview-park-window-waterfront . See www.irockjazzfestival.com . Thursday, October 20th at AZIZA, a jazz super band including bassist Dave Holland, saxophonist Chris Potter, guitarist/vocalist Lionel Loueke and drummer Eric Harland at The Wharton Center for the Performing Arts, Michigan State University, East Lansing. See www.whartoncenter.com/events/detail/aziza. Thursday, December 8th, Grammy Award winning vocalist Cecil McLorin Salvant kicks off the Jazz Series at St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE, Grand Rapids. See: www.scmc-online.org/2016-17-jazz-series/. 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 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. 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 through August 15th from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. to the free summer concert series at Ah-Nab-Awen Park, 220 Front Ave. N.W., Grand Rapids, is presented by the West Michigan Jazz Society, www.wmichjazz.org. (Continued from June 27th) July 11th, pianist Terry Lower, West Michigan Jazz Society’s Jazz Musician of the Year; July 18th a traditional jazz ensemble from Detroit’s east side, The Mack Avenue Jazz Band, known to local’s as “the Marge’s Bar Band;” July 25th, drummer/composer Gustavo Cortinas (www.gustavocortinasmusic.com ); August 1st, a huge local favorite, vocalist Mary Rademacher Reed; August 8th, Checkers Morton with Dave Colee, bass; Dan Giacobassi, saxes and flute; Jim Beegle, trumpet, flute and congas; Bob VanStee, keys, Tim Froncek, drums); August 15, the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra, www.grjo.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 . Wednesdays June 8th and June 22nd the JMM Trio, which specializes in standards popularized by Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Dean Martin and Nat “King” Cole, appears from 7:30 – 10:30 at the Black Sheep Baa and Grill, 1642 S. Shore Drive, Holland. (616) 335 – 9319, or www.bsbaa.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. See www.thebooknookjavashop.com and click on the calendar for Thursday night. Fridays from 7 -9 p.m. a weekly jazz happy hour 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. 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 7 to 9:30 p.m. through August, The Jeff Haas Quartet with saxophonist/flutist Laurie Sears, pianist Haas, bassist Jack Dryden and drummer Randy Marsh performs at West Bay Beach Resort, 615 E Front St, Traverse City. Phone (231) 947-3700 or see www.westbaybeachresorttraversecity.com . Sundays, June 26th , July 10th, August 7th, 21st, September 4th, 18th and October 2nd, at 11 a.m. saxophonist Mike Frost and guitarist Mike Hyde play the Sunday Brunch Series at J.W. Marriot Hotel, 235 Louis Street N.W., Grand Rapids. (616) 242 – 1448. Sundays 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. Sunday June 19th 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.