West Michigan Jazz Datebook

[Lazaro Vega]

March 7, 2012

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. Every Monday the What Not Inn jam session is open to musicians and vocalists featuring local, regional and international jazz musicians sitting in with the “house” band. No cover charge. For a full schedule see 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. pianist/vocalist John Shea continues at The Republic, 45 South Division, Grand Rapids, with veteran Chicago drummer Greg Sergo in the “first chair.” www.republicgrandrapids.com.

Tuesdays from 7 to 11 p.m. an open mic “Soundstage” with host and vocalist Larry Gramer accompanied by Bill Huyge on keys, Jeff Beavan on bass and Timm Sanders on drums inviting singers and instrumentalists to join them at The Muze, 925 Four Mile Road N.W., Grand Rapids. Reservations from (616) 608 -4198.

Tuesdays from 7 to 10 p.m. pianist John Shea’s trio plays Reserve, 201 Monroe Avenue, Grand Rapids. See www.reservegr.com.

Wednesdays from 7 to 10 p.m. The Tom Hagen Trio with vocalist Rick Reuther at Notos 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. Wednesday, March 7, Bob VanStee; Thursday, March 8, Steve Talaga; Friday, March 9, Bill Davidson; Saturday, March 10, Nick Ayoub; Wednesday, March 14, Gregg Miller, guitar; Thursday, March 15, Ryan Limbeck; Friday, March 16, Bob VanStee; Saturday, March 17, Mark Kahny; Wednesday, March 21, Steve Talaga; Thursday, March 22, Paul Lesinski; Friday, March 23, Bob VanStee; Saturday, March 24, Ryan Limbeck; Wednesday, March 28, Greg Miller, guitar; Thursday, March 29, Mark Kahny; Friday, March 30, Robin Connell; Saturday, March 31, Nick Ayoub. www.thegilmorecollection.com.

Wednesdays from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. the Wally Michaels/Tony Reynolds duo at Gilly’s in The B.O.B., 20 Monroe Avenue N.W., Grand Rapids, (616) 356 – 2627.

Thursdays, 6 – 9 p.m. pianist John Shea leads his swinging trio at Gilly’s in The B.O.B., 20 Monroe Avenue N.W., Grand Rapids. (616) 356 – 2627.

Thursdays and Fridays, from 6 to 9 p.m. live jazz at The Viceroy, 53 Commerce Avenue S.W., Grand Rapids. (616) 774 – VICE.

Thursdays from 7 to 10 and Fridays and Saturdays from 8 to 11 live jazz at Shepard’s Grill and Tavern, 6246 28th Street S.E., Cascade. (616) 350 – 9604.

Wednesday and Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 8 p.m. to midnight The Ottawa Tavern, on the corner of Pearl and Ottawa Streets in The Waters Building, presents jazz. In March Bite and The Ottawa Tavern will be transformed into Grand Rapids own full time jazz club, a cooperative between local musicians and The Gilmore Collective. Here’s the schedule: Wednesday, March 7, The John Shea Trio with drummer Tim Froncek; Thursday, March 8, guitarist Mike Hyde; Friday, March 9, Mary Rademacher Reed with the Tom Hagan Quartet; Saturday, March 10, the John Shea Trio with Tim Froncek; Thursday, March 15, Mike Hyde; Friday, March 16, saxophonist John Gist; Saturday, March 16, John Gist; Wednesday, March 21, The John Shea Trio; Thursday, March 22, Mike Hyde; Friday, March 23, the hard bop and Latin jazz of saxophonist Micheal Doyle and Evidence; Saturday, March 24, Evidence; Thursday, March 29, Mike Hyde; Friday, March 30, drummer Fred Knapp leads the jazz/soul band Groove Merchant; Saturday, March 31, The Paul Lesinski Trio See www.thegilmorecollection.com.

Sundays, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. pianist/vocalist John Shea returns to the J.W. Marriott, 235 Louis St. N.W., Grand Rapids. See www.jwgr.com or (616) 242 – 1448.

Sundays from 7 to 10:30 p.m. a jazz jam session under drummer/harmonica master Randy Marsh’s direction at Hop Cat, 25 Ionia, Grand Rapids. (616) 451-HOPS. This is a great opportunity for young musicians to gain playing experience with a professional level band. March 11, keyboardist Paul Lesinski and fretless electric bassist Charlie Hoats join drummer Randy Marsh; March 18, pianist Terry Lower and guitarist Carlos 'Kiko' Melendez are in the trio; and on March 25, Professor Steve Talaga plays piano with bass and reeds by Tom Lockwood.

Timely Hits:

Friday, March 9 at 9 p.m. The West Side Jazz Trio plays Hennessy’s Irish Pub, 885 Jefferson Street in downtown Muskegon. See http://hennessyspub.com .

Friday and Saturday, March 9 and 10, pianist Wally Michaels and singer and saxophonist Andy Frisinger plays The Porto Bello, 41 Washington, Grand Haven. (616) 846 1221. See www.enjoyportobello.com.

Saturday, March 10 at 8 p.m. The Turtle Island String Quartet presents “A Love Supreme: The Music of John Coltrane” in the Covenant Fine Arts Center, Calvin College, Grand Rapids. Information on his Artist Series concert at Calvin College from the Calvin College Box Office, (616) 526 – 6282 or on-line from www.calvin.edu/academic/music.

Tuesday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m. the Holland Area Jazz Festival welcomes the jazz bands of Holland Christian High School, West Ottawa High School and Holland High School to a performance in the Holland Christian High School Fine Arts Auditorium, 950 Ottawa Avenue, Holland. Headlining the concert is the Holland Jazz Orchestra directed by Brian Coyle. Information from Scott VendenBerg, Holland Christian High School, (616) 820 – 2905 or www.hollandsymphony.org/hollandjazzorchestra.

Thursday, March 15 at 7:30 p.m. The Grand Rapids Federation of Musicians and the Grand Rapids Community College Music Department present “The Ray Gill All Star Orchestra” directed by Bob Nixon playing charts from Gill’s big band book. Also on the program, GRCC student jazz orchestra and the vocal group Shades of Blue. The concert is held at the St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Avenue N.E., Grand Rapids. Proceeds of the concert will create a Ray Gill Instrumental Jazz Scholarship at GRCC. For information see: www.livemusicgr.org/raygilltribute.cfm.

Friday, March 16 at 8:15 p.m. trumpeter Scott Cowan celebrates the release of his newest CD “Jack’s Place” with a Faculty and Guest Concert at Dalton Center Recital Hall, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. Joining Cowan in Quintet, Sextet and Octet configurations are saxophonist John Wojciechowski, the trio Tri-Fi, and musicians from WMU’s School of Music. Tickets through the Miller Auditorium Box Office, (800) 228 – 9859 or www.millerauditorium.com.

Saturday, March 16 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. the 32nd Annual Western Invitational Jazz Festival showcases 30 outstanding high school big bands and combos, followed by at 7:30 p.m. concert featuring The Scott Cowan Quintet with saxophonist John Wojciechowski and the NYC rhythm section Tri-Fi with drummer Keith Hall, bassist Phil Palambi and pianist Matthew Fries. The event is held in the Dalton Center Recital Hall, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. Tickets from (800) 228 – 9859 or www.millerauditorium.com.

Sunday, March 17th (the first and third Sundays of each month) at 5:30 p.m. the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra plays a broad spectrum of big band jazz at Founders Brewing Company, 235 Grandville Avenue S.W. Grand Rapids. If you can’t make it to the bar the performance is streamed (both audio and video with a live chat) via www.grjo.com.

Saturday, March 17 at 6 p.m. vibraphonist Jim Cooper brings his trio to the Jazz Vespers service at First United Methodist Church, 227 East Fulton Street, Grand Rapids. Then on April 21st, Hugh DeWitt; May 19, Robin Connell and Paul Brewer. See www.grandrapidsfumc.org.

Monday, March 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 the West Michigan Jazz Society’s Jazz Gumbo Showcase presents “My Favorite Things,” with music by Chris Bickley on saxophones, Mark Kahny, keyboard, Tom Lockwood, bass and Tim Froncek, drums, at The Kopper Top Guest House, 634 Stocking N.W., Grand Rapids. Information from (616) 735 – 4744 or www.wmichjazz.org .

Thursday, March 22 at 8 p.m. saxophonist and composer Faruq Z. Bey appears with The Northwoods Improvisers and special guest Native American poet Gordon Henry at Central Michigan University Library Auditorium, Mount Pleasant. Information from: http://www.ipl.org/div/natam/bin/browse.pl/A124 or www.northwoodsimprovisers.com .

Friday, March 23 at 8 p.m. the a cappella vocal group Groove For Thought kicks off the Gold Company Invitational Jazz Festival, Dalton Center Recital Hall, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. Finalists in the NBC program “The Sing Off,” Groove For Thought is an a cappella septet from Seattle. Tickets available at the door. Information from (800) 228 – 9859 or www.grooveforthought.com or www.wmugoldcompany.com.

Saturday, March 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the 32nd Annual Gold Company Invitational Vocal Jazz Festival features 25 high school and college vocal jazz ensembles from seven states as well as Canada, Austrailia and Germany. At 4:15 Gold Company II directed by Michael Wheaton performs, and at 8 p.m. Gold Company directed by Steve Zegree closes out the festival. Tickets will be available at the door. For information: (800) 228 – 9859 or www.millerauditorium.com.

Wednesday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m. jazz pianist Fred Hersch presents a solo recital in the Wichers Auditorium, Nykerk Music Building, 127 East 12th Street, Hope College, Holland.

Fred Hersch, jazz pianist, is on Hope's campus Wednesday and Thursday.

Contact Kathy Waterstone, Music Departmental Assistant, waterstone@hope.edu, 616-395-7650.

Sunday March 28 East Lansing’s Summer Solstice Jazz Brunch at the East Lansing Marriott, University Place, 300 M.A.C. Avenue, East Lansing. (517) 337 – 4440. Details to follow.

Friday, March 30 at 7 p.m. pianist Terry Lower and vocalist Edye Evans Hyde plays duets at The Blackhawk, 8940 N. 32nd Street, Richland, MI (near the corner of M-89 and M-43). Information from (269) 731 – 5388.

Friday, March 30 and Saturday, March 31 at 9 p.m. four of Michigan’s finest practitioners of blues roots music – harmonica virtuoso Peter Madcat Ruth, guitarist Drew Cap’n Midnight Howard, bassist Mark Schrock and drummer Michael Shimmin – appear at The Union Cabaret and Grille, 125 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo. For more on the musicians see www.Madcatmusic.net/maxwellstreet.html.

Monday, April 9 at 7:30 p.m. the Hope College Jazz Combos play the Wichers Auditorium, Nykerk Music Building, 127 East 12th Street, Hope College, Holland. Contact Kathy Waterstone, Music Departmental Assistant, waterstone@hope.edu ,616-395-7650

Tuesday, April 10 at 7:30 p.m. Edye Evans Hyde instructs a Vocal Jazz Workshop at Hope College’s Wichers Auditorium, Nykerk Music Building, 127 East 12th Street, Holland. Contact Kathy Waterstone, Music Departmental Assistant, waterstone@hope.edu ,616-395-7650

Wednesday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m. Hope College’s Jazz Arts Collective and top two Jazz Combos appear in concert at the Dimnent Chapel, 277 College Avenue, Holland. Contact Kathy Waterstone, Music Departmental Assistant, waterstone@hope.edu ,616-395-7650.

Friday, April 13 at 7 p.m. the Shelby Rotary Club’s 4th Annual Ocean County Jazz Festival at Shelby High School Auditorium featuring the high school jazz bands from Shelby, Hart and Pentwater plus headliners The Truth in Jazz Orchestra with Blue Lake Public Radio’s Lazaro Vega as your evening host. Information from The Shelby Gang via slessens@charter.net.

Friday, April 13, the world music of 12 string guitarist Neil Jacobs is heard in the MAJIC Concert Series, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 250 Commerce Ave. SW Grand Rapids. See http://grmajic.org or www.neiljacobs.com.

Saturday, April 14 at 7:30 and 9:30 first prize winner of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocals Competition, Gretchen Parlato, performs at Wellspring Theater, EPIC Center, Kalamazoo as part of the Fontana Chamber Arts Jazz Series. See: http://tinyurl.com/6ug45v4 or phone (269) 382 – 7774.

Saturday, April 14, by the Charles Lloyd Quartet, with Jason Moran, Reuben Rogers, and Eric Harland at Hill Auditorium, Ann Arbor. See www.ums.org for more information.

Monday, April 16 the last Jazz Gumbo of the season presented by The West Michigan Jazz Society features a prohibition theme and is a CD release party for vocalist/actress Mary Rademacher Reed, pianist Tom Hagen, bassist Elgin Vines, saxophonist Mike Lutely and drummer Cherie Lynn. Information from www.wmichjazz.org.

Saturday, April 21 at 6:00 p.m. The Hugh DeWitt Trio appears in the liturgical setting of the First United Methodist Church Jazz Vespers Service, meant for jazz and worship lovers of all ages, free of charge, at First United Methodist Church – 227 East Fulton St, Grand Rapids.

Sunday, April 22, at 6:00 p.m. vibraphonist Dave Samuels and The Organik Vibe Trio with Ron Oswanski and Marko Marcinko plays Butch's Restaurant, 44 East 8th Street, downtown Holland. Butch’s phone number is (616) 396-8227. For information contact Kathy Waterstone, Music Departmental Assistant, waterstone@hope.edu , 616-395-7650.

Tuesday, April 24 from 7:30 pm – 9:30 p.m. The Truth In Jazz Orchestra plays big band jazz at the West Side Inn, 1635 Beidler Street, Muskegon. Come early for best seating in the intimate tavern (the perch special makes it a night). The band promises more new charts for this hit. www.tijo.org.

Sunday, April 29 at 8 p.m. Diana Krall returns to the Gilmore Keyboard Festival for an opening weekend concert at Chenery Auditorium, Kalamazoo. A full schedule with bios and videos of all the artists coming to the Festival is found at www.thegilmore.org.

Friday, May 4 at 8 p.m. The Lakeshore Big Band plays The Grand Haven American Legion Hall. They’ll return on October 5, November 2 and December 7. Information from www.lakeshorebigband.com.

Sunday, May 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Grand Lady Riverboat is hosting a Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch with music by Tom and Cherie Hagen. The Grand Lady launches from the Steamboat Landing (near Riverview Airport), 755 Taylor Street, Jenison. RSVP (616) 457 - 4837 or see www.grandlady.com.

Mondays June 11 through August 13 the West Michigan Jazz Society presents “Jazz at the Zoo” at John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids. A special concert there June 4 will showcase the East Kentwood High School Jazz Bands. Information from (616) 735 – 4744 or www.wmichjazz.org.

Saturday, August 18 from noon to 10 p.m. the Grand Rapids Jazz Fest takes place at Rosa Parks Circle, downtown Grand Rapids. Information from www.grandjazzfest.com.

Friday, October 26, bassist Ben Allison’s band appears at 7:30 and 9:30 in the Wellspring Theater of the Epic Center, Kalamazoo. See www.fontanachamberarts.org for more information, or phone (269)382-7774. www.benallison.com.

Thursday, November 1, The St. Cecilia Music Center’s Great Artist Gala features John Pizzarelli, the world-renowned jazz guitarist and singer, called “Hip with a wink” by Town & Country, “madly creative” by the Los Angeles Times and “the genial genius of the guitar” by The Toronto Star. When he performs with his wife, singer/actress Jessica Molaskey, and his father, guitar legend Bucky Pizzarelli, they’re labeled “the First Family of Cool” (by the San Francisco Chronicle) and “the von Trapps on Martinis” (by The New Yorker). According to The New York Times, “the Pizzarelli-Molaskey duo are as good as it gets in any entertainment medium.” Sponsorships are now available. Contact development director Ricki L. Levine at 616.459.2224 (ext 205) or ricki@scmc-online.org. St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Avenue N.E., Grand Rapids. www.johnpizzarelli.com.

Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 7:30 and 9:30 jazz saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa’s Quartet presents performances in the Wellspring Theater of the Epic Center, Kalamazoo, as part of the Fontana Chamber Arts Jazz Series. Information from www.fontanachamberarts.org or (269)382-7774.

Saturday, April 20th at 8 p.m. Beyonce’s saxophonist, Tia Fuller, appears in a jazz concert at Western Michigan University’s Dalton Recital Hall, Kalamazoo, as part of the Fontana Chamber Arts Jazz Series. Information from www.tiafuller.com or from www.fontanachamberarts.org and (269)382-7774.