After a spectacular kick off of the new JazzBuffalo and Road Less Traveled Productions Jazz Series, bringing jazz back to the theater district of downtown Buffalo, there is a full schedule of outstanding jazz taking place in the month of September. And it is Curtain Up! week for theaters throughout WNY, which also offers jazz as part of the festivities!
Highlights
The George Scott Big Band, Friday, September 16th at Shea’s 710 Theatre at 10 pm
Once again, the George Scott Big Band brings their fantastic sound to Buffalo’s biggest night for the theaters. Curtain Up! After the theater productions and shows on this evening, take in the contemporary big band sound of the George Scott Big Band as they play jazz for listening and dancing pleasures!
Mark Marinaccio and Friends, Thursday, September 15th at Pausa Art House at 8 pm
This group makes a return visit to Pausa after their successful debut there in August. Marinaccio offers a contemporary blend of original jazz compositions infused with R&B, soul, blues, funk, and jazz fusion. The group consists of some of the area’s outstanding performer with Preston Brown (drums), Paul Yates (bass), Tim Clarke and Jim Bohm (trumpets), Brendan Lanighan (trombone), Tom Marinaro (alto sax), Ken Witman (tenor sax) and Tim Martin (baritone sax).
JazzBuffalo and RLTP present the Greg Millar Quartet, Wednesday, September 21st at 7 pm at the Road Less Traveled Productions Theatre (500 Pearl Street)
The new JazzBuffalo and Road Less Traveled Productions Jazz Series kicked off this past Wednesday and will continue with the Greg Millar Quartet features guitarist Greg Millar from Charles Earland fame. It also features one of Buffalo’s premier B3 Hammond organ players in Ron Peterson. Rounding out the group are Abdul-Rahman Qadir on drums and Rey Scott (of Sun Ra fame) on sax. Come and experience jazz in this transformed historic lobby!
Rick Strauss For Peace Quartet, Friday, September 16th at Pausa Art House at 8 pm
Jazz guitarist Rick Strauss has a long history, dating back to Spyro Gyra, of bringing originality to his compositions and arrangements. Blending a range of classic jazz to jazz fusion in his tunes. Joining him on this date are Lisa Hasselback – piano, Wayne Moose – bass, and John Bacon – drums
JazzBuffalo and 189 Public House Sunday Jazz Series Present Winelight, Sunday, September 18th at 6 pm
The monthly Sunday Jazz Series at 189 Main in East Aurora continues with the instrumental jazz, vocal, and jazz fusion band Winelight. The band features the superb players Jim Bohm on trumpet/flugelhorn, Ken Witman on sax, Dave Calire on keys/vocals, Jerry Livingston on bass (former bassist for Rick James and Stephanie Mills), and Tim Webb on drums.These guys entertain so don’t miss it!
John Coltrane 90th Birthday Celebration with Vincent Herring
A special concert will be held on Thursday, September 22nd at the Burchfield Penney Museum commemorating the 90th birthday of the late jazz legend John Coltrane. The concert is presented by the Pappy Martin Jazz Society, which honors the legacy of local musician and band leader Pappy Martin. The concert features world-renowned jazz saxophonist, Vincent Herring. Herring has performed worldwide and recorded with the likes of Cedar Walton, Dizzy Gillespie, Horace Silver, Freddie Hubbard, and Art Blakely. The group will feature Sabu Adeyola on bass, George Caldwell on piano, and Abdul-Rahman Qadir on drums! Tickets available at the museum. Quite a celebration!
Jazz In Town
The Jared Tinkham Trio will be at the Shakti Lounge at Shakti Yoga on Grant Street in Buffalo’s West Side on Staurday, September 17 at 8 pm. The band features Jared Tinkham – Guitar (2015 JazzBuffalo Guitarist of the Year), Alec Dube – Drums, and Joe Goehle – Bass. They will be performing original compositions and their own arrangements of jazz standards.
On Saturday, September 17th at Hot Mama’s Canteen beginning at 1 pm you can see Luke Ciminelli and Anthony Re for Beats and Brunch.
On Saturday, September 17th, see jazz vocalist Mary McMahon with jazz guitarist Rick Strauss at Merge beginning at 7 pm.
See the Jazz Example at their weekly Friday spot at the Anchor Bar beginning at 8 pm led by Bilal Abdullah on sax and Doug “Trigger” Gaston on piano
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.
On Tuesdays at 727 on Elmwood, Adam Bronstein leads a trio for jazz beginning at 7:30 pm with Anthony Henry and Alec Dube
On the first and third Wednesday of every month, at Mason’s Grille in Hamburg at 7:30 pm, you can catch the Frank Gerard and Ray Chamberlain Group with vocalist Cheryl Ferris.
On the last Wednesday of every month, the Gypsy Jazz Jam takes place at the Gypsy Parlor at 8:30 pm
On the first Wednesday of every month, the band Fountain Head hosts a Jazz Jam at McGarret’s on Elmwood 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. And, the Joe Baudo Organ-based group performs on Wednesday between 12 pm and 2 pm.
Don’t forget the Historic Colored Musicians Club has open rehearsals on Mondays with George Scott Big Band and on Thursdays with the Carol McLaughlin Big Band. Sundays typically have a performance at 6 pm followed by jazz jam at 7 pm.
Upcoming
On Wednesday, September 28th, the JazzBuffalo and Road Less Traveled Productions Jazz Series will present its third performance in September with The Mary McMahon Project. The ensemble will feature 2014 JazzBuffalo Female Jazz Vocalist winner Mary McMahon with a stellar ensemble that includes Dave Schiavone, Rick Strauss, Lisa Hasselback, Wayne Moose, Tony Zambito, and Tom Kasperek.
On Friday, September 30th JazzBuffalo, in association with Pausa Art House, will present a special tribute entitled Sky Dive: Freddie Hubbard – The CTI Years. This special tribute will focus on the years when the iconic songs First Light, Sky Dive, Red Clay, Little Sunflower, and etc. were produced. Featured will be the Freddie Hubbard CTI Experience group – Tim Clarke, Dave Schiavone, Rick Strauss, John Hasselback, Jr., Harry Graser, Jack Kulp, John Bacon, Jr. and Tony Zambito.
On Saturday, October 1st at Pausa Art House, the night will feature jazz pianist Doug "Trigger" Gaston as JazzBuffalo, in association with Pausa Art House, will present the concept performance Red Garland: Red In Mambo. The tribute to Red Garland will include Sabu Adeyola, Abdul-Rahman Qadir, and Tony Zambito.
Free jazz aficionados will want to check out 3DOM FACTOR with Jon Iragabon, (saxophones), Joe Fonda (contrabass), and Barry Altschul (drums, compositions) on Saturday, September 24 at Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center. Atschul is a legendary drummer and composer who has performed with Chick Corea, Anthony Braxton, and Dave Holland.
Benny and Me: Sal Andolina and The BPO Big Band. Renowned saxophonist and clarinetist Sal Andolina leads a celebration of the musical genius of Benny Goodman to be held at Kleinhans Music Hall. Get tickets at the BPO box office for this personal tribute to the King of Swing, whose music still Sing, Sing, Sing today.
On Saturday, October 1st at 11:30 am, the JazzBuffalo/Hollow Bistro and Brew First Saturday JazzBrunch will continue with jazz and musical vocalist Katy Miner and jazz guitarist Warren Stirtzinger. This promises to be special so be sure to make your reservations soon!
Pausa Art House will have jazz throughout September, which will include the Walt Sopicki Organ Trio, The Katy Miner Quintet, and The Bobby Militello Quartet.
As part of the 100th celebration of The Historic Colored Musicians Club origins, saxophonist Will Horton, and the club will present an evening of jazz entitled Jazz In The Sanctuary at True Bethel Baptist Church taking place on Friday, October 7th at 7 pm.
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