The Big Easy comes to Buffalo via New Orleans pianist Tom McDermott. The Italian Heritage Festival finds a new location and it will include jazz with a couple of returning Buffalo natives.
Highlights
ASI’s The Big Easy Program Presents Tom McDermott Friday, July 14 at 8 pm at Pausa Art House
The highly touted New Orleans jazz pianist Tom McDermott makes a visit as part of the Big Easy Program. McDermott is one of the world’s premier ragtime and traditional jazz pianists who calls New Orleans home and travels the world. In the New Orleans-based HBO series Treme, he played himself five times in three seasons and had 10 pieces of music used on the soundtrack. Honored as a Duke of Dixieland, he has performed a tribute to Jelly Roll Morton. Tom has recorded 15 albums and has composed over 75 original tunes. Here is a clip of Tom McDermott in a solo setting you can expect hear:
Joe Gransden, Buffalo News Summer Jazz Series, Sunday, July 16 at 2 pm at the stairs of the AKG
Trumpeter and vocalist Joe Gransden return to Buffalo, where he spent 20 years of his youth. As a trumpeter, he found opportunities as a sideman with the Tommy Dorsey and the Glenn Miller Big Bands while establishing himself back in his hometown of New York City. In his journey, Joe began to be noted for his singing. Being compared to Chet Baker by some. His latest effort now finds him in front of a 16-piece band singing the songs of Sinatra. Here is a video of Joe Gransden that highlights his big band and his singing:
Tony Galla and Chris Tedesco / Buffalo Jazz & Swing Band, Italian Heritage Festival, Thursday, July 13 at 8:30 pm and Friday, July 14 at 5;30 pm
The Italian Festival this year moves to the Outer Harbor area of Buffalo. On Thursday, July 13 you can see Buffalo native vocalist Tony Galla and Niagara Falls native trumpeter Chris Tedesco perform together with an ensemble made of other Los Angeles players with area connections, as well as, with Bobby Militello and Phil Sims. Performing jazz standards and pop songs. On Friday, July 14 return to see the Buffalo Jazz and Swing Big Band led by Lou Mustillo and features singer Cheryl Ferris.
Jazz In Town
On Friday, July 14th at 6 pm at Pausa see the Hot Club of Buffalo, the area’s premier gypsy jazz band at Charlie’s Boat Yard on Fuhrman Boulevard
On Friday, July 14th at 6 pm you can find the jazz duo Custode & Parisi at The Como Restaurant in Niagara Falls
On Friday, July 14th at 6 pm you can see the French ConeXion at Webster's Bistro as they celebrate Bastille Day
On Sunday, July 16 at 7 pm catch jazz vocalist Becky Davis at the Quaker Arts Pavillion in Orchard Park (behind the Orchard Park Middle School – also the auditorium will serve as the rain location)
On Monday, July 17th beginning at 7 pm you can see first the All-City High School Jazz Band followed by the Buffalo Jazz Collective Repertory Orchestra that will feature jazz pianist George Caldwell and the music of Count Basie. Caldwell toured with the Count Basie Orchestra in his career, earning a Grammy in the late ‘90’s. The performance takes place at Sportsmen Tavern and runs until 10 pm.
On Tuesday, July 18 you can catch the George Caldwell Trio at 189 in East Aurora at 7 pm
On Wednesday, July 19 at 7:30 pm check out the Frank Gerard Quartet featuring vocalist Cheryl Ferris at Mason's Grille in Hamburg
Cyro Baptista Residency at ArtPark, July 19 to July 30
Internationally renowned percussionist Cyro Baptista will be in residence at Artpark from July 19-30 for a series of workshops, collaborations, and performances supported by the UB Creative Arts Initiative. Cyro Baptista arrived in the U.S. in 1980 from his native Brazil and has emerged as one of the premier percussionists in the world. A veteran of stage and studio work with the likes of Paul Simon, Herbie Hancock, Yo-Yo Ma, Laurie Anderson, Cassandra Wilson, Sting and many others, Baptista is one of the most sought-after players around. His visionary approach to music-making stresses inclusion, community, and pushing past boundaries, while remaining refreshingly fun and accessible. The residency will include daily Sound of Community workshops and a concert on July 30th. For more information visit www.artpark.net. Here is a clip of Cyro Baptista so you can see the excitement:
Upcoming
The very talented Drea d'Nur will perform a musical tribute to Nina Simone called The Spirit of Nina Simone on Saturday, July 22 at 7 pm. This will be Drea's second tribute event at Kleinhans Music Hall with a program highlighting the life and music of Nina Simone. She recently visited the birthplace of Sione in North Carolina and will show footage from that visit. Tickets at Kleinhans.
The CMC Jazz Festival, book-ended by the Pappy Martin Legacy Masten Jazz Festival will result in a spectacular week of jazz in the heart of Buffalo. From Sunday, July 23rd to Sunday, July 30th, you will be able to catch jazz stars and rising stars at the two festivals. The international jazz artists making their way through Buffalo include Wallace Roney, Camille Thurman, Vanessa Rubin, Freddie Hendrix, Scott Tixier, Andre Killian, Otis Brown III, Juini Booth, Bruce Johnstone, and the Baylor Project. Look for many local jazz performers at both festivals as well. A fabulous week of jazz throughout the heart of Buffalo! See more about the schedule and the CMC Jazz Festival, Presented by M&T Bank here in this JazzBuffalo article: CMC Jazz Fest
On Sunday, July 23rd in Olcott Beach, NY, there will be the first-ever Olcott Beach Jazz Trail starting at noon (until 10 pm) and be featuring local jazz performers, as well as, Jazz vocalist Nancy Kelly from Syracuse.
Congrats to DeeAnn Dimeo Tompkins for her upcoming EP Release on July 23rd at the Sportsmen Tavern at 6 pm – entitled Desperately Seeking DeeAnn – and produced by Rishon Odel Northington
July ends with a performance by the contemporary jazz duo of Dave Koz and Larry Graham. Both are Grammy Nominated contemporary jazz and R&B artists with number one ranked albums on Billboard. Look for them at the Riviera Theater on Sunday, July 30th at 8 pm with reserved seats available online at the Riviera Theater.
The next JazzBuffalo and Hollow Bistro First Saturday Jazz Brunch is scheduled for August 5 at 11:30 am and will feature guitarist Drew Azzinaro with bassist Rayon Eamon both with Lady Lush and the Vinyls out of New York City – call 716-759-7351 for reservation
In Erie, PA, the 25th Annual Erie Arts Museum Blues and Jazz Festival takes place on August 4 and 5 and will feature Russell Malone and Trio 3 (jazz giants Oliver Lake, Reggie Workman, and Andrew Cyrille) – for more info: Erie Arts Museum Blues and Jazz Fest
On Friday, August 11th at Pausa Art House JazzBuffalo will present the Eric Johnson Trio that will feature the former sideman guitarists for the likes of Jack McDuff, Lou Donaldson, Jimmy Smith, and more
On September 29th, Jazz At The Lincoln Center Orchestra With Wynton Marsalis will be at the UB Center for the Arts
Music Is Arts
This year, Music Is Arts takes place on September 9th at a new location – Riverworks. For the first time, they will have a dedicated Jazz Stage. JazzBuffalo proudly supports MIA and their non-profit efforts to spur creative music in the community. JazzBuffalo will present jazz for a block of time during the day. We are seeking jazz groups and artists who are interested in showcasing their music during this fabulous event. Please contact JazzBuffalo!
JazzBuffalo Presents International Jazz Artists
On Sunday, August 13, one of the best gypsy jazz bands internationally will visit Buffalo for a night of gypsy jazz. The Rhythm Future Quartet is rewriting the book on gypsy jazz with innovative compositions and arrangements. Opening the show will be the Hot Club of Buffalo. This show is already more than half-way reserved so act fast on reserving seats here: RFQ Reserve. Approximately 20 tickets available – gypsy jazz fans do not miss out!
In the fall, JazzBuffalo will be presenting the Julliard and New York City-based Pete and Will Anderson Trio, the highly-regarded Cuban-born and Julliard jazz pianist Elio Villafranca, alto sax legend Richie Cole, and the Joe Policastro Trio out of Chicago. Stay tuned for more details soon.
In October, JazzBuffalo and Pausa Art House will team to host the Jazz 100 Festival running on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 10-19 to 10/2. The festival will celebrate the 100th birthdays of Ella Fitzgerald, Thelonious Monk, and Dizzy Gillespie. Stay tuned for more details.
Keep Jazz Alive!!
