Jazz is not only music but a host of experiences of different textures. The amount of jazz being offered in Greater Buffalo allows for many to experience jazz in a varietal mix of music, events, and venues.
Highlight
The Midnight Blue Experience, Friday, April 8th at 8 pm at Pausa Art House
In 1963, one of the greatest jazz guitar albums ever produced, Midnight Blue, was recorded on Blue Note Records featuring the legendary jazz guitarist Kenny Burrell. Cited by critics in lists recognizing the top 50 to 100 jazz albums of all time, the album is often referred to as defining the Blue Note sound.
On Friday, April 8th The Midnight Blue Experience will be led by guitarist George Kane along with Dave Schiavone on sax, Wayne Moose on bass, Devin Kelly on drums, and Tony Zambito on percussions in a performance dedicated to the music of this album and of Kenny Burrell. Recreating the Midnight Blue music and the Blue Note sound in what will surely be an unforgettable evening of jazz music.
On this night, guitarist George Kane is featured. He has performed in the Greater Buffalo and Niagara region for 30 years. He has played with many of the jazz artist greats in the area, including Dave Schiavone. George also has performed at the Lewiston Jazz Festival and the Niagara JazzFest. He is a graduate of the famed Berklee School of Music and has been one of the top jazz guitar teachers in the area to hundreds of students.
Jazz In Town
A reminder that Wednesday Night Jazz happens weekly at Mezza beginning at 6:30 pm hosted by bassist Wayne Moose. This week (April 6th) see the father and son duo Russ Carere and Russ Carere, Jr. on saxophones.
On Friday, April 8th at 7 pm the Rick Holland Little Big Band will present a swing concert at St John Vianney Church in Orchard Park. Proceeds will go to the family of Larry Durski, who is being treated for Colorectal Cancer, at the Cleveland Clinic.
On Friday, April 8th at 7:30 pm The Hot Club of Buffalo will be at the Roycroft Inn in East Aurora
On Friday, April 8th at 10 pm at McGarret’s you can catch the Frontstreet Men organ trio with Steve Lattimore, Drums, Ian Adelstein, Guitar, and Dave Pinchoff, Organ
On Saturday, April 9th at 8 pm at Pausa Art House you can catch the Alex McArthur Sextet which will feature bassist Zuri Appleby joining the young vocalist along with Jon Lehning – Saxophones, Harry Graser- Keys, Adam Bronstein – Guitar, and Alec Dube – Drums
On Sunday, April 10th you can go to the MAP Jazz Jam and Cajun Feast in support of the Massachusetts Avenue Project being held at Shango Bistro and Wine Bar. Entertainment will be provided by vocalist Mari McNeil who will be joined by Harry Graser on Keyboards and Jon Lehning on sax. Tickets are $50/$55 and include all you can eat Cajun buffet.
On Sunday, April 10th at 6 pm at the Historic Colored Musicians Club, you can catch the DMW Jazz Experience featuring jazz guitarist Dennis Warne from 6 pm to 7 pm flowed by the CMC Sunday jazz jam.
See the Jazz Example at their weekly Friday spot at the Anchor Bar beginning at 8 pm.
See Kevin Doyle led Sol Y Sombra, Latin jazz, at the Anchor Bar on Saturday’s beginning at 8pm.
See pianist George Jones with bassist Bill Stiebel and drummer John Bacon, Jr. at Oliver’s every Saturday beginning at 8 pm.
A reminder that the Joe Baudo Big Band performs every Tuesday at the Sportsmen Tavern from 12 pm to 2 pm.
Upcoming
Nietzsche’s in Allentown will be hosting the first-ever Nietzsche’s JazzFest organized by Ellen Pieroni. The festival, from April 13th to April 17th, will feature many of the young cadre of jazz and jazz –fusion musicians, such as the Houston Gardwell Collective, Fredtown Stompers, and Ellen Pieroni Quartet, who have made Nietzsche’s a home. In addition, the festival will include Mark Filsinger’s Eleventet, My Cousin Tone’, and Jazzline. Look for 5 days of jazz!
The annual Lewiston Jazz Festival Jazz & Pasta Fundraiser will be taking place on Sunday, April 24th from 1 pm to 6 pm at Water Street Landing Restaurant. This annual fundraiser, along with donations, goes a long way towards raising the funds needed to put on the free festival each year. There will be plenty of pasta and performances throughout the afternoon, including by jazz vocalist Lori Bordonaro and pianist Ron Corsaro. Tickets are available for $20 in advance or $25 at the door and can be purchased online at www.lewistonjazz.com.
The JazzBuffalo / 189 Sunday Jazz Series will begin once again on Sunday, May 15th with none other than Phil DiRe and Friends once again kicking the year off. Phil has good friends in John Hasselback, Jr, George Caldwell, John Bacon, Jr., Wayne Moose, and Dave Schiavone. Put this on your calendar and note the new start time now of 6pm. Stay tuned for more details about the series.
Make plans to see, direct from New York City and fresh off of their Moonglow: The Magic of Benny Goodman headline performance at the Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Peter and Will Anderson Trio presented in partnership by JazzBuffalo and MusicalFare Theatre Cabaret Lounge. Be sure to reserve your seats for Sunday, May 22nd beginning at 7 pm.
In June, look for two exciting series presented by JazzBuffalo and partners to begin. The First Saturday Jazz Brunch, which will begin in Clarence, NY on June 4th. And, The Premier Cabaret Jazz Duo Series, which will kick-off with Janice Mitchell and Jim Beishline at MusicalFare Theatre Cabaret Lounge at 6 pm on Sunday, June 12th. Stay tuned for more details in the near future.
Keep Jazz Alive In WNY!!
