Matisse, Jazz and an Evening of Culinary Improvisation at Menton Restaurant in Boston

A New Year's Eve celebration, inspired by the art and color of French painter Henry Matisse, with music from Brazilian guitarist Doug Siqueira and his jazz trio is being offered at Menton in Boston on Wednesday, December 31, 2014, with two seatings from 5-7:00 p.m. and from 8:00 - 9:45 p.m.

Across Chef Scott Jones’ tasting menu, guests will indulge in a colorful sequence of flavors that pay tribute to classic New Year’s Eve traditions, such as champagne, lobster and foie gras; each course masterfully paired by James Beard Award-Winning Wine Director, Cat Silirie. 

Opened in 2010 by Chef Barbara Lynch, Menton has gained praise as one of the top 100 restaurants America, and is Boston's only Relais & Chateaux, AAA Five-Diamond, and Forbest Travel Guide Five-Star property.  It is located at 354 Congress Street in Boston.  

Find live jazz year round in Massachusetts at MassJazz.com.

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com. 

Berklee Concert Jazz Orchestra Fall Concert is Monday, December 15

The Berklee Concert Jazz Orchestra is presenting its annual concert at 8:15 p.m. on Monday, December 15, 2014 at the Berklee Performance Center in Boston's Back Bay.  Tickets are $12 and can be purchased online or at the venue.

The orchestra is directed by trumpeter/composer Greg Hopkins.  Here is a video of the orchestra.

For year round information on live jazz in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

French Jazz Singer Annie Royer Performs at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston on December 10

French cabaret singer Annie Royer is singing at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at 8:00 p.m.  Tickets are $27 and can be reserved online, or $67 for dinner and show.

A native of Paris, Royer is an expert on the music of French singer Edith Piaff and the French jazz song book.  She has performed at Scullers before to critical acclaim.

Find more jazz events  coming to Scullers in December.

For year round details on live jazz in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

Chicago Underground Duo Performs at UMass in Amherst on Thursday, December 4

Chicago Underground Duo

The Fine Arts Center at UMass/Amherst presents the ChicagoUnderground Duo on Thursday, December 4, 2014 at 8:00 p.m., performing at the Bezanson Recital Hall. General admission to the show is $10, and $5 for students.

Now in its 17^th year, the Chicago Underground Duo, explores a unique brand of jazz and contemporary music that has won praise around the world.  Cornetist Rob Mazurek is an electro-acoustic composer who has written nearly 200 compositions.  He has held multi-media residences at leading museums and galleries, and won numerous grants and commissions for his work.  The Wire has praised  percussionist Chad Taylor, stating his “deftness, imagination and formidable technical skill always make his playing a joy to listen to... from the densest meshes to the sparsest near silent passage, each sonic cypher, beat and note seem to be leading somewhere, to have been made with a purpose.”  

Here is a schedule of upcoming jazz eventsat UMass/Amherst.

For year round jazz in Massachusetts, go to MassJazz.com. 

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com. 

Aardvark Jazz Orchestra Performs Free "Election-Year" Concert at MIT on November 1

The Aardvark Jazz Orchestra is performing a free, election-year concert Killian Hall at MIT on Saturday, November 1, 2014 starting at 8:00 p.m.

The pulse of politics and culture is the theme of the music, with selections like DeEvolution Blues, Through the Looking Glass Blues, and Keepin' On, from the band's latest CD Impressions (Leo Records).  Social consciousness runs through the jazz tradition, from Duke Ellington and Charlie Mingus to Charlie Haden and Archie Shepp.

Founded in 1973, Aardvark is one of the longest-running jazz ensembles in the world.  The band has premiered more than 150 works for jazz orchestra, performs widely, and appears on 12 CDs, including the latest disc, Impressions (Leo Records). 

The orchestra was founded by Dr. Mark Harvey, who teaches jazz studies and composition at MIT.  Harvey is also the band’s music direction and principal composer & arranger.

Aardvark is: Arni Cheatham, Phil Scarff, Chris Rakowski, Michael Heller, Dan Zupan/saxes and woodwinds; K.C. Dunbar, Jeanne Snodgrass/trumpets; Bob Pilkington, Jay Keyser, Anita-Ann Jerosch /trombones; Bill Lowe/bass trombones, tuba; Richard Nelson/guitar; John Funkhouser/string bass; Harry Wellott/drums; Mark Harvey/trumpet, music director. 

MIT celebrated fifty years of jazz in 2013. 

Find year round details on live jazz in Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com.

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com. 

John Coltrane Memorial Concert in Boston on October 18 Celebrates 50th Anniversary of A Love Supreme

Buy Tickets Here

The 37th annual John Coltrane Memorial Concert is taking place at Blackman Auditorium at Northeastern University in Boston on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets to the concert are $25-40 and can be purchased online or at the theater.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Coltrane's majestic suite, A Love Supreme, considered one of the seminal compositions in jazz.

Featured guest is New Orleans jazz saxophonist Donald Harrison, who is being joined on stage by
Boston's master musicians Carl Atkins, Leonard Brown, Yoron Israel, Ron Mahdi, Jeff Galindo, John Ramsay and George W. Russell, Jr.

Here is a history of the John Coltrane Memorial Concert. 

Find year round live jazz in Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com.

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com. 

Pittsfield CityJazz Festival Continues through Sunday, October 19

Empire Jazz Orchestra

The 10th annual Pittsfield CityJazz Festival culminates this week with a host of great jazz in downtown Pittsfield.

On Thursday, October 16, a Block Party in town features the Eagles Swing Band at 5:00 p.m., followed by the Metro West Thump at 6:00 p.m.

On Friday, October 17 and Saturday, October 18, catch jazz vocalist Stephanie Nakasian and the Hod O'Brien Trio performing at Baba Louie's Backroom on Depot Street.  Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

Then on Saturday, the well-known Empire Jazz Orchestra takes the state at the Colonial Theatre, featuring three guest artists: saxophonists Claire Daly, Sharel Cassity and Ada Rovatti.  The Berkshires Jazz Youth Orchestra will also perform, with local student musicians.  Tickets are $25 and $35 and can be purchased online or at the theatre.

Finally, on Sunday, October 19, check out a movie screening of The Girls in the Band at the Little Cinema at the Berkshire Museum at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.

The Pittsfield CityJazz Festival is organized by Berkshires Jazz, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to live performances and jazz education in Berkshire County.

Find visitor information at Berkshires Tourism or MassVacation.com.

Annual HONK! Festival Taking Place in Cambridge & Somerville this Weekend

Photo by Leonardo March

The HONK! Festival of Activist Street Bands is taking place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 10-12, 2014, at various locations in Harvard Square, Cambridge and in Davis Square, Somerville.

Dozens of bands from across the United States participate in this free-wheeling, free celebration of music, from jazz and Dixieland to Afro-Brazil and all sorts of ethnic music.  This year's line-up of bands includes ensembles from Paris, France, Moscow, Russia and Vancover and Quebec City, Canada.

Here is a schedule of HONK! activities for the weekend, including indoor and outdoor concerts and parades.

Follow HONK! on Facebook for the latest updates.

For year round information on live jazz in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com, BostonUSA.com and CambridgeTourism.org

Holyoke Latin Jazz Festival Taking Place on Friday, October 10

The 3rd annual Holyoke Latin Jazz Festival is taking place on Friday, October 10 2014 from 6:00 - 11:00 p.m. at the War Memorial Auditorium on Appleton Street in Holyoke. Admission if $5 at the door.

Among the performers are Victor Sterling & Sabor a Timba; Wilo and DeLomas & Sones Band, and Dino & Su Alegre Swing Band.

The festival is part of Passport Holyoke, a cultural initiative that allows residents and visitors alike to discover Holyoke's rich culture and heritage.

Find year round details on live jazz in Massachusetts at MassJazz.com.

For visitor information go to Massvacation.com.

Aardvark Jazz Orchestra Opens Its 42nd Season Tonight at Scullers

The Aardvark Jazz Orchestra kicks off its new season with a show at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston on Thursday, October 2, 2014 at 8:00 p.m.  Tickets to the show are $25 and can be purchased online or at the venue. 

Now in its 42nd season, tonight's show celebrates the release of the band’s 12^th CD, Impressions, featuring compositions by Aardvark music director Mark Harvey.  On tap:  selections from the new CD, plus Dizzy Gillespie's Manteca, the Mary Lou Williams classic Roll 'Em, and a rare Django Reinhardt composition Manoir de mes Reves, arranged by Bob Brookmeyer.

You can find more about Aardvark and its upcoming season by visiting AardvarkJazz.com. 

For year round information on live jazz in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

Find visitor information at MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com. 

Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival Taking Place Saturday, September 27 in Boston's South End

Sheila E

The 14th annual Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival is taking place from noon to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2014 in Boston's South End.  The  outdoor festival, which runs along Columbus Avenue between Massachusetts Avenue and Burke Street, is free and open to the public.

Here is a full schedule of performances on three stages throughout the festival.

The theme of this year's festival is Jazz - A Global Ambassador, with the line-up reflecting a global slate of performers like Italian saxophonist Marco Pignataro’s Jazzet, featuring legendary bassist Eddie Gomez; Marcus Santos and BlocoBrazil; Puerto Rican saxophone master Miguel Zenon; and a special appearance by the Sapporo Junior Jazz School Band from Hokkaido Prefecture in Japan.

Equally impressive is the line-up of American artists, including popular Latin percussionist Sheila E; Grammy-nominated Singer Oleta Adams; rising trumpet star Ambrose Akinmusire from New York City; Grammy award-winning vocalist Dionne Farris with the Russell Gunn Quartet; Snarky Puppy, an innovative funk band from Texas; and Bill Banfield’s Jazz Urbane group, with special guest Grace Kelly.

Find year round details on jazz in Massachusetts at MassJazz.com.

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com. 

Kenny Werner: Coalition Performs at Regattabar in Harvard Square on Thursday, September 25

World-renowned jazz pianist Kenny Werner is performing at Regattabar Jazz Club at the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square, Cambridge, on Thursday, September 25, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $28 and can be purchased online or at the venue.

Joining Werner are Gilad Hekselman on guitar, Miguel Zenon on alto sax, David Sanchez on tenor sax and Ference Nemeth on Drums.

Here is a schedule of upcoming jazz events at Regattabar.

Find year round jazz at MassJazz.com.

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com.

Newton Jazz & Wine Fest presents free jazz on Saturday, September 20

New England Jazz Productions presents Jazz In The Yard as part of the 2014 Newton Jazz and Wine Festival. The 5th annual Jazz-in-the-Yard event takes place at The Jackson Homestead, located at 527 Washington Street in Newton. The event runs from noon to 5:00 p.m. and is free to the public.

Bring your own chairs and blankets to relax and listen to a great line-up of musicians, including: 

The Lance Martin Band- playing Nu Jazz Funk, which is a new style of contemporary funk jazz.

B3 Kings-featuring organist and pianist Rusty Scott, who is playing blues and funk jazz.

KenYaDig-a group of high school musicians,who are returning for their second year.

The Joe McMahon Trio-perform rock, country, and jazz; the group is a Newton Jazz and Wine Festival favorite.

Newton Jazz and Wine Festival Allstars- play Latin jazz. The jazz group is featuring guitarist Leo Colon, saxophonist Aaron Gratzmiller, percussionist Santiago Hernadez, pianist Brian Eggleston, and Newton Jazz and Wine Festival's Creative Director Stephen Bourassa on drums.

Directions and parking can be found here.

This event is presented by the New England Jazz Enrichment Foundation, the Power of Music and Community Coming Together.

You can find year round details on live jazz and blues in Massachusetts, including festivals, concerts, night clubs, radio programs and campus events, by visiting MassJazz.com

Find Visitor Information at MassVacation.com and Bostonusa.com

Downtown Gloucester Block Party Features Jazz, Blues and More on Saturday, September 20

Join Gloucester for its final Downtown Gloucester Block Party of the summer season, taking place on Saturday September 20, 2014, and showcasing a variety of music on five different stages.  It takes place along Main Street in Gloucester, and is free and open to the public.

The music ranges from jazz and blues to Italian folk music and children's songs.  Here is a schedule of events.  In addition, many restaurants and shops are open during this event for all age groups.

You can find year round details on live jazz and blues in Massachusetts, including festivals, concerts, night clubs, radio programs and campus events, by visiting MassJazz.com

Find Visitor Information at MassVacation.com and Bostonusa.com

Bass Soloist Mark Dresser is Playing at Umass Amherst's Fine Arts Center tonight, September 18 at 8 p.m.

Umass Amherst's Fine Arts Center starts off their fall jazz events with Mark Dresser playing at the Bezanson Recital Hall tonight, September 18, 2014 at 8 p.m. Bezanson Recital Hall is located on Amherst Center in Amherst.

Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased online.

Mark Dresser has been performing as a solo artist since 1983 and generally plays the double bass with unconventional amplification techniques. Visit Mark Dresser's website to learn more about his accomplishments and achievements.

To view upcoming jazz events at Umass Amherst's Fine Arts Center, click here.

You can find year round details on live jazz and blues in Massachusetts, including festivals, concerts, night clubs, radio programs and campus events, by visiting MassJazz.com.

Find visitor information at MassVacation.com and Bostonusa.com/

Youn Sun Nah and Ulf Wakenius Duo Performs at the Regatta Bar Tonight, September 17

Youn Sun Nah and Ulf Wakenius Duo is performing at the Regatta Bar on at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 17, 2014.  The Regattabar is in the Charles Hotel, located at 1 Bennett Street in Harvard Square, Cambridge.

Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased online. 

Jazz guitarist Ulf Wakenius  was born in Sweden, and is a Grammy-nominated recording artist. Youn Sun Nah just received a Sejong Munhwasang Culture Award in Korea for her cultural achievements. She studied at CIM Jazz School, one of the oldest jazz schools in Europe. To learn more visit the artist's website.

You can find year round details on live jazz and blues in Massachusetts, including festivals, concerts, night clubs, radio programs and campus events, by visiting MassJazz.com.

Find visitor information at MassVacation.com and Bostonusa.com/

Wolverine Jazz Band performs at The Sherborn Inn on September 16

Wolverine Jazz Band performs at The Sherborn Inn  on September 16, 2014 located on 33 North Main St in Sherborn. 

Their performance begins at 7:00 p.m. and tickets are $10. Call ahead for reservations at (800) 552-9742

The Wolverine Jazz Band is most widely known for their upbeat swing music all over the Boston area. To learn more about the Wolverine Jazz Band and their band members click here.

You can find year round details on live jazz and blues in Massachusetts, including festivals, concerts, night clubs, radio programs and campus events, by visiting MassJazz.com.

Find visitor information at MassVacation.com and Bostonusa.com/

Newton Jazz and Wine Festival hosts Celebrating Ella, by Patrice Williamson on Friday September 19

 

The 5^th annual Newton Jazz and Wine Festival kicks off this year with a tribute to jazz great Ella Fitzgerald, presented by vocalist Patrice Williamson.

The event takes place on Friday, September 19, 2014 at the Newton War Memorial Auditorium at Newton City Hall, located at 1000 Commonwealth Avenue.

Doors open at 7:00 p.m. for the 8:00 p.m. show. Tickets are $25 for the show, or $50 for the show plus wine and appetizers, and can be purchased online.

Joining Williamson on stage are guest vocalists Lydia Harrell, Cassandra Pearl, Dale LePage and Dominique Eade.   The instrumental trio includes Mark Shilansky on piano, Keala Kaumeheiwa on bass and Steve Langone on drums.

On Saturday, check out an afternoon of free music at the Jackson Homestead in Newton from noon to 5:00 p.m., featuring the Lance Martin Band, B3 Kings, KenyaDig, Joe McMahon Trio and NJ&WF All Stars. 

Newton Jazz and Wine Festival is presented by the New England Jazz Enrichment Foundation.

You can find year round details on live jazz and blues in Massachusetts, including festivals, concerts, night clubs, radio programs and campus events, by visiting MassJazz.com.

Find visitor information at MassVacation.com and Bostonusa.com/

 

Mozik group performs tonight (9/15) at Arsenal Center for the Arts

Brazilian jazz group with Afro-Cuban rhythms, Mozik, performs tonight, 9/15 at the Arsenal Center for the Arts located on 321 Arsenal Street in Watertown at 7:30 p.m. Tickets to the show can are $20 and can be purchased online.

“Vivacious and exciting,” is how Downbeat describes them.

Reared on hard rock, classical music, blues, funk and jazz, pianist Gilson Schachnik and drummer Mauricio Zottarelli independently found their way to Berklee College of Music, earning scholarships to study at the prestigious institution. They combined forces to produce the group Mozik which came to include Russian Yulia Musayelyan/ flute, Argentine Fernando Huergo/ bass and Brazilian Gustavo Assis Brasil/guitars.  To learn more and listen: http://mozikmusic.com/

Here is a schedule of upcoming events at the Arsenal Center for the Arts this fall.

You can find year round details on live jazz and blues in Massachusetts, including festivals, concerts, night clubs, radio programs and campus events, by visiting MassJazz.com.

Find visitor information at MassVacation.com and Bostonusa.com/

British Blues Vocalist Polly Gibbons performs 9/16 at Ryles Jazz Club.

Polly Gibbons, a talented blues and jazz vocalist from the United Kingdom, is performing at Ryles Jazz Club in Cambridge on September 16 at 8:00 p.m.   Tickets can be purchased online for $10.

Most known for her rich and unique vocals, she was nominated for a BBC Jazz Award in 2006 for her original tone. Her soulfulness and versatility has given her the recognition she deserves. To learn more about Polly or to listen to a few songs, visit her website.

Upcoming fall events at Ryles Jazz club can be found here.  Ryles Jazz Club is located on 212 Hampshire Street in Inman Square, Cambridge.
 
You can find year round details on live jazz and blues in Massachusetts, including festivals, concerts, night clubs, radio programs and campus events, by visiting MassJazz.com.

Find visitor information at MassVacation.com and Bostonusa.com/

Jazz Guitar Ace John Pizzarelli Performs at Scullers Jazz Club on September 12-13

World-famous jazz guitarist John Pizzarelli and his quartet perform in concert at Scullers Jazz Club at 400 Soldier's Field Road in Boston on Friday, September 12-13, 2014 at 8:00 p.m and 10: p.m.  Tickets to the show are $35 and be be purchased online.

Pizzarelli has been hailed for "reinvigorating the American Songbook and re-popularizing jazz," wrote The Boston Globe.

Here is a schedule of upcoming concerts at Scullers Jazz Club this fall.

You can find year round details on live jazz and blues in Massachusetts, including festivals, concerts, night clubs, radio programs and campus events, by visiting MassJazz.com.

Find visitor information at MassVacation.com and Bostonusa.com/

Utar Artun – Turkish Composer Studies at Boston’s New England Conservatory

Here is a profile of Boston's Turkish Composer, Utar Artun, in the current issue of the 2014 MassJazz Guide.  Read the digital version here.

Pick up a free copy of MassJazz Guide at these locations.

Find year round details on live jazz in Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com.

For tourism information, go to MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com. 

Profile of NEC jazz student Xiongguan Zhang: From Shanghai to Boston

Check out our profile of jazz guitarist Xiongguan Zhang, a student at the New England Conservatory of Music.  Xiongguan is featured in the 2014 issue of MassJazz Guide, a compendium about live music, educational programs, nightlife, brunches,  and other features of the jazz scene in Massachusetts.

Published by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, the MassJazz Guide is available for free at visitor centers, nightclubs and hotels, college campuses and festivals around Massachusetts.

For year round details on live jazz throughout Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.