Jazz Singer Nadia Washington Performing at BOND Lounge in Boston on Wednesday, June 22

Jazz singer Nadia Washington is performing at the BOND Restaurant | Lounge at the Boston Langham Hotel on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.

The Dallas-born musician - who is influenced by Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan - has been performing since she was a child.  She received the prestigious Bill Cosby Presidential Scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston, and since then she has been performing in the New England region and up and down the East Cost.

For a full schedule of jazz acts every Wednesday night at BOND Lounge, click here.

For a year round schedule of jazz concerts, clubs, campus events and festivals throughout Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For tourist information, visit MassVacation.com or BostonUSA.com.

Celebrate Quebec National Day at the Beehive on Wednesday, June 22

Enjoy an immersion of Quebec culture, music and food right here in Boston tonight at the Beehive, as part of Quebec National Day on Wednesday, June 22, 2011, starting at 5:30 p.m.

This exciting event is presented in partnership with the Association Québécoise en Nouvelle-Angleterre, the Quebec Delegation of Boston and The French Cultural Center of Boston. 

Québec artists include Isabelle Cyr and Yves Marchand, performing at 6:00 p.m. followed by Nicolas Pellerin et les Grands Hurleurs at 8:00 p.m..

For tourism information on Quebec, visit Quebec City Tourism.

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

Massachusetts Issues 2011 Jazz Festival Schedule

(Boston) -  MassJazz has released its annual schedule of jazz and blues festivals and outdoor concerts taking place in Massachusetts this summer and fall. 

The schedule includes a dozen outdoor jazz festivals across the Commonwealth, plus hundreds of outdoor concerts taking place in city parks and town squares, at museums and cultural venues, and at tourist spots around the state.

“Massachusetts has a lot to offer visitors, from our champion sports teams and our rich history to the stunning landscapes and abundance of cultural riches,” said Betsy Wall, executive director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism.  “It’s all here and the vibrant music scene – especially jazz and blues - is another great reason to spend time in the Commonwealth this summer. ”

The Massachusetts festival season kicks off with the Hoop City Jazz & Art Festival in Springfield on July 8-10 and ends with the Pittsfield Jazz Festival in western Massachusetts on October 7-20.

Wall pointed to the strong jazz presence across Massachusetts, with festivals or concerts taking place in every region of the state.

“For tourists who savor jazz and blues – two of America’s greatest art forms – Massachusetts has a terrific slate of festivals and outdoor events this season,” said MassJazz founder Michael P. Quinlin.  “And add to that the jazz clubs, campus events, and live jazz brunches at hotels and restaurants, and you have a music lover’s paradise.”

In July, MassJazz is issuing its 3rd annual MassJazz Travel Guide, a free 40-page magazine with jazz profiles, stories and listings on the state's vibrant jazz scene.  The Guide is available at jazz venues, tourism kiosks, and cultural sports around Massachusetts. 

Formed in 2009, MassJazz promotes the state’s jazz scene year round to the travel industry, in concert with Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism and other partners.  For more details on jazz in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

Click here for Jazz Festivals | Click here for Outdoor Concert Series.

Chihiro Yamanaka Performs at Regattabar on Wednesday, June 22 in Harvard Square

Japanese jazz pianist Chihiro Yamanaka is performing with her trio at the Regattabar Jazz Club at the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square, Cambridge, on Wednesday, June 21, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets to the performance are $20 and can be purchased online.

Hailed as one of the greatest jazz artists to come along in decades, Yamanaka won the Down Beat Best Outstanding Performance Award when she was still a student at Berklee College of Music.  Since then she has issued several award-winning albums, including new latest, Forever Begins, released in the United States in May.

For a schedule of upcoming performances at Regattabar this summer, click here.

For year round jazz in concert halls, clubs, hotel lounges and college campuses throughout Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com

For tourist information, visit MassVacation.com or BostonUSA.com. 

MassJazz: Live Jazz on Saturday, June 18 in Greater Boston and across Massachusetts

Donal Fox

Looking for great live jazz this weekend?  Here is a sampling of jazz throughout Massachusetts on Saturday, June 18, 2011.  You can find more jazz details by visiting MassJazz.com.

Boston
Charles Floyd & Gospel Night at the Pops
Boston Pops with Keith Lockhart
Boston Symphony Hall
301 Mass Ave., Boston

Jack Jones

Scullers Jazz Club at Doubletree Suites

400 Solders Field Road, Boston

Steve Soares Trio

Top of the Hub

Prudential Center

Back Bay, Boston

Live Jazz
Darryl's Corner Bar
604 Columbus Ave
South End, Boston

Live Jazz
Wally's Jazz Cafe
427 Mass Ave
South End, Boston

Tribute to Frank Sinatra
with singer Adam Herbert
Lucky's Lounge
355 Congress Street, Boston

 

North Shore

Chris Isaak
Lowell Summer Music Series
Boarding House Park
40 French Street, Lowell

Shawn Monteiro

Tribute to Carmen McRae

Marblehead Summer Jazz 11

Unitarian Universalist Church

28 Mugford Street, Marblehead

Donal Fox
North Shore Jazz Project
10 North Street, Danvers

South Coast

Bill Frisell’s Beautiful Dreams
Featuring Eyvind Kang & Rudy Royston
Narrows Center for the Arts
16 Anawan Street, Fall River

Cape Cod

Bart Weisman Klezmer Swing Group

Arts Alive Falmouth

Performance Tent at Falmouth Public Library

Falmouth, Cape Cod

Carol Wyeth Jazz Duo

Olyster Company

202 Depot Street
Dennisport, Cape Cod

Central Mass

Jean Mancini Gough & Friends

Sunset Jazz Series

Hopkinton Cultural Arts Alliance

99 Hayden Row Street, Hopkinton 

Western Mass

John Wayno Duo

Castle Street Restaurant

10 Castle Street
Great Barrington

You can find more details, including a list of jazz clubs, campus events, radio stations, concert venues and jazz festivals by visiting MassJazz.com.

For tourist information, visit MassVacation.com.

Live Jazz at BOND Restaurant at Langham Boston Hotel on Wednesday, June 15, features Jesse Scheinin

Young standout saxophonist Jesse Scheinin is performing at  BOND Restaurant & Lounge in downtown Boston on Wednesday, June 15, 2011 from 7:00 to 10:00  p.m.

A native of Santa Cruz, California, Scheinin is at the Berklee College of Music and a regular perform on the Boston jazz scene.

BOND Jazz Experiment, which runs from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. each Wednesday, highlights emerging artists and accomplished performers covering the jazz spectrum, including classic jazz from the American Songbook, rhythm and blues and funk.  For reservations call 617 956-8765.

Located at the Langham Boston Hotel,  BOND Restaurant & Lounge is open seven days a week, offering gourmet sandwiches for lunch, afternoon tea, and global cuisine for dinner, plus an extensive wine list and distinctive cocktails. A special jazz menu is available on Wednesdays.

For a full schedule of artists through April visit BONDBoston.com and click on events.

For year round jazz in concert halls, clubs, hotel lounges and college campuses throughout Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com

For tourist information, visit MassVacation.com or BostonUSA.com.

Trumpeter Byron Stripling Pays Tribute to Louie Armstrong at Boston Pops Concert on June 14-15

Jazz trumpeter Byron Stripling is paying homage to trumpet legend Louie Armstrong in the American Icons concert with the Boston Pops Orchestra, taking place on Tuesday-Wednesday, June 14-15, 2011 at Boston Symphony Hall.

Tickets to the concert are $21 - $91 and can be purchased online.

Also on the program is master clarinetist Thomas Martin for a tribute to Benny Goodman,  and gospel vocalist Renee King, who performs selections from Gershwin, Bernstein and other composers.

Thomas Wilkins, musical director for the Omaha Symphony, is guest conductor for the evening.

For a full schedule of this year's Boston Pops season, click here.

For year round jazz in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For tourist information, visit MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com.

R&B Sensation AHMIR performs on Boston Rock & Blues Concert Cruise on Sunday, June 12

Boston-based singing sensation Ahmir, the top R&B band on YouTube, is performing on the Rock & Blues Concert Cruise in Boston Harbor on Sunday, June 12, 2011 at 3:00 p.m.

Also performing A Capella group Ball in the House,also based in Boston.

Tickets to the show are $20 and can be purchased online.

For a full schedule of bands performing on the Rock & Blues Concert Cruise this summer, click here.

For year round details on jazz and blues concerts in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com

For tourist information, visit MassVacation.com.

Wally's Jazz Cafe in Boston wins Award from Jazz Journalists Association

Wally's Jazz Club in Boston's South End, is being honored with a Jazz Heroes award by the prestigious Jazz Journalists Association in New York City this weekend.

JazzBoston, which nominated the family-run jazz club for the award, has organized a party to celebrate the occasion on Saturday, June 11, 2011 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Wally's, simultaneous to the Jazz Journalists award ceremony in New York City.

WGBH jazz radio hosts Eric Jackson and Steve Schwartz will be at Wally's to present the family with the award when it is announced in New York.

For more details visit Wally's Jazz Cafe or JazzBoston.

For information about the Jazz Journalists Association, click here.

For year round jazz activities throughout Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

Gospel Singing Star Oleta Adams Performs at Scullers in Boston on June 10-11

International gospel and R&B star Oleta Adams is performing at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston on Friday and Saturday, June 10-11, 2011, at 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. each night.

Tickets to the show are $38 and can be ordered online.  A show-and-dinner package is also available by calling 617 562-4111.

Adams, whose seven albums have sold over 2.5 million copies, has toured the world with Luther Vandross, Phil Collins, Tears for Fears and other performers.  

For a schedule of live events at Scullers this summer, click here.

For year round jazz in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For tourist information visit MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com. 

Fireplace Restaurant Hosts annual Latin Music Fest in Brookline on June 11-12

The Fireplace Restaurant  is hosting a two-day Latin Music Fest on Saturday, June 11 and Sunday, June 12, 2011 at 1634 Beacon Street in Brookline, Massachusetts.

The Fest goes from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. each night and features an outdoor stage with dance floor, plus food and beverage available outdoors.  Tickets to the Fest are $22 in advance and $30 the day of the event.  To purchase online click here.

Among the bands on Saturday:  Camelia Latinjazz Sextet, Tentumbao, Florencia Gonzalez Candombe Project, and Samba Tremeterra Percusion Ensemble.

On Sunday the bands include IRESI, Grupo Fantasia, Mango Blue, Receita de Samba and Cinco Son.

For a schedule of live jazz at the Fireplace in June, click here.

For year round jazz in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For tourist information visit MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com.

Arturo O'Farrill Trio Performs at Regattabar Jazz Club in Cambridge on Friday, June 10

Jazz pianist Arturo O'Farrill is performing with his trio - Ruben Rodriguez on bass and Vince Cherico on drums - at the Regattabar Jazz Club at the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square on Friday, June 10, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets to the show are $20 and can be ordered online.

A renowned performer, educator and expert on Afro-Latin jazz, O'Farrill was born in Mexico and grew up in New York City.  His father, Chico O'Farrill, was leader of the famous Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra.

For a full schedule of jazz at the Regattabar, click here.

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

For tourist information visit MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com.

Boston Jazz Drummer Roy Haynes on David Letterman Show Tonight! June 8, 2011

Legendary jazz drummer Roy Haynes is appearing on The Late Show with David Letterman this evening, June 8, 2011 as part of drum solo week on the show, according to JazzCorner.

Haynes, who grew up in Boston's Roxbury neighborhood, is considered one of the world's best jazz drummers.  In February he was given a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 51st annual Grammy Awards.

Boston Herald jazz writer Bob Young noted, "Roxbury-born Roy Haynes has kept some pretty good company in his nearly seven decades in the music business. Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Pat Metheny have all shared the stage with the man known as the father of modern jazz drumming."

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

For tourist information visit MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com.

Jazz Guitarist Freddie Bryant Performs at Ryles in Cambridge on Wednesday, June 8

Freddie Bryant and the Kaleideoscope Trio perform at Ryles Jazz Club in Cambridge, Massachusetts on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 9:00 p.m.

The group features Byrant on electric, nylon and 12-string guitars, Oscar Sagnaro on bass and Mark Walker on Drums. 

Tickets to the show are $10, and you can make reservations by calling 617 876-9330.


For a schedule of live performances at Ryles in June, click here.

For year round details on jazz nightclubs, concerts, campus events, brunches and festivals throughout Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For tourist information, visit MassVacation.com or BostonUSA.com.

American Idol Katharine McPhee Performs with Boston Pops on Wednesday, June 8

Rising singing star Katharine McPhee, a finalist on American Idol, is appearing with the Boston Pops at Symphony Hall on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets to the concert are $21-$91 and can be reserved by calling 617 266-1200.
 
McPhee, who also appeared on two PBS Specials - Foster and Friends, and Chris Botti in Boston  - is appearing at the 30th annual Presidents at the Pops event, which is a major fundraiser for the acclaimed orchestra.

She'll be joined by the Swingle Singers, with Keith Lockhart conducting.

For a complete schedule of the 126th season of the Boston Pops, click here.

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

For tourist information visit MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com.

Bart Weisman Trio Performs at Summer Stock Restaurant in Dennis, Cape Cod on Wednesday, June 8

The Bart Weisman Trio, one of Cape Cod's premier jazz groups, is performing at the Summer Stock Restaurant at the Cape Playhouse in Dennis, Cape Cod, on Wednesday June 8, 2011, starting at 7:30 p.m..  There is no cover charge.

Founder of the Provincetown Jazz Festival, Weisman is a seasoned jazz drummer who has played with many of the great jazz players of the region. 

Located on the campus of the Dennis Cape Playhouse, Cape Cod Cinema and Cape Cod Museum of Art, Summer Stock is renowned for its great menu and line-up of live music throughout the summer.

For year round details on jazz nightclubs, concerts, campus events, brunches and festivals throughout Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For tourist information, visit MassVacation.com or CapeCodChamber.

Jazz Violinist Ada Pasternak Performing at BOND Lounge in Boston on Wednesday, June 8,

Violinist Ada Pasternak is performing on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at BOND Lounge at the Langham Boston Hotel from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. 

Born in Moscow, Russia, Pasternak moved to the United States and studied with her aunt, Aysa Meshberg in New York.  She received a Presidential Scholarship to Berklee College of Music, where she studied performance. 

Located at the Langham Boston Hotel,  the BOND Restaurant & Lounge is open seven days a week, offering gourmet sandwiches for lunch, afternoon tea, and global cuisine for dinner, plus an extensive wine list and distinctive cocktails. A special jazz menu is available on Wednesdays

For year round details on jazz nightclubs, concerts, campus events, brunches and festivals throughout Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For tourist information, visit MassVacation.com or BostonUSA.com.

Natalie Cole Performs at Hanover Theatre in Worcester on Thursday, June 9

Nine-time Grammy Award winner Natalie Cole is performing at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester Massachusetts on Thursday, June 9, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets to the show range from $38- $68 and can be ordered online. Discounts are available. Please call the box office at 877.571.7469 for more information.

A legendary jazz singer, Natalie Cole has been an international star since her debut album in the 1970s, with her hit song, This Will Be (an Everlasting Love).

For a schedule of upcoming shows at the Hanover Theatre, click here.

For jazz year round in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For tourist information visit MassVacation.com. 

Boston Pops Presents Ellis Hall Tribute to Ray Charles at Boston Symphony Hall on June 3-4

The Boston Pops has special guest Ellis Hall, doing a musical tribute to Ray Charles, Tower of Power and the Motown Sound, at Boston Symphony Hall, on Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets to the performance are $21-$91 and can be purchased online.

Keith Lockhart is conducting. 

A dynamic vocalist, who is the lead singer of the band Tower of Power, Ellis Hall has performed with Stevie Wonder,  George Benson, James Taylor, and Ellis' mentor, Ray Charles.

For a full schedule of Boston Pops concerts this season, click here.

For jazz year round in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For tourist information visit MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com.

Jonathan Singleton Performing at Cafe Tatant in Roxbury On Thursday, June 2

Renowned gospel and choral leader Jonathan Singleton is performing a jazz set at Cafe Tatant, Roxbury Center for the Arts, on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 8:00 p.m.

It's a dinner club format, reminiscent of old style jazz clubs.  Doors open at 7:00 p.m. for drinks, followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m., and the music begins at 8:00 p.m. Ethnica Gourmet Catering provides the food.

Tickets to the show are $12 each; meal and show combo is $28; and meal and show for two people is $54. 

A graduate of Berklee College of Music in 1987, Mr. Stapleton has an illustrious career as a choral conductor, including a long association with the historic 12th Baptist Church in Roxbury, where he conducts the Gospel Ensemble.

Built in 1913, Hibernian Hall was refurbished in 2005 by Madison Park Development and boasts a two-story performance space and ballroom plus state-of-the-art lighting, sound and project systems.

For a schedule of upcoming events at the Roxbury Center for the Arts, located at Hibernian Hall, 184 Dudley Street in Roxbury, click here.

For jazz year round in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For tourist information visit MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com.

Lance Houston Jazz Quartet Performing at Tamo Bar on Boston Waterfront Tonight!

Flugelhorn player Lance Houston and his jazz quartet are performing outdoors at the Tamo Bar at the Seaport Boston Hotel in the Seaport District on Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 6:00 p.m.

The Berklee-graduate and his talented group play a wide range of cool jazz songs perfect for the warm summer breezes.  Houston's sound has been compared to jazz great Freddie Hubbard.

Tamo Bar is one of Boston's finest new gathering spots, thanks to the culinary genius of Chef Rachel Klein, the terrific staff at Tamo, and the scenic beauty of Boston Harbor.

For year round jazz concerts, night clubs, campus events and festivals in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For tourist information visit MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com.

Greg Abate and Yoko Miwa Performing at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston on Wednesday, June 1

Jazz saxophonist, composer and teacher Greg Abate is performing with pianist Yoko Miwa at Scullers Jazz Club at the Doubletree Guest Suites by Hilton Hotel in Boston on Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets to the show are $22 ($60 for dinner and show) and can be ordered online.

Located at 400 Soldiers Field Road in Boston's Allston neighborhood, Scullers is regarded as one of the country's best jazz venues.

For a schedule of upcoming events at Scullers click here.

For year round jazz concerts, night clubs, campus events and festivals in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For tourist information visit MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com.

Boston Pops and Michael Feinstein Pay Tribute to Frank Sinatra at Symphony Hall on Monday, May 31 and Tuesday, June 1

The Boston Pops, led by conductor Keith Lockhart, is welcoming Michael Feinstein to Boston Symphony Hall for a tribute to Frank Sinatra on Monday, May 31 and Tuesday, June 1, 2011.

Feinstein, known as the Ambassador of the American Songbook,  performs over 150 shows a year and in 2009 released The Sinatra Project and was the subject of a PBS special on the American Songbook.

For a full schedule of this season's Boston Pops performances, click here.

For more cultural events in greater Boston visit MassJazz.com.

For tourist information visit MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com.

Great Live Jazz and Blues in Boston Area Today, Friday, May 27

There's a lot of great live jazz and blues happening in the Boston area on Friday, May 27, 2011.

See some suggestions here:

Akashic Record

Beehive Jazz Club

541 Tremont Street, Boston

Valerie Stephens

Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen

604 Columbus Avenue, South End

 Terminals: performed by SO Percussion and Bobby Previte
ICA/Institute of Contemporary Art
Boston Seaport District

Roomful of Blues
CD Release Party for Hook, Line and Sinker
Regattabar Jazz Club at Charles Hotel
One Bennett Street, Cambridge

No Static and Latin Caribbean Night

Ryles Jazz Club

212 Hampshire Street Cambridge

Rebecca Paris with Mike Turk
Scullers Jazz Club
Doubletree Hotel
400 Soldiers Field Road, Boston

Bob Nieske Band / Marty Ballou

Top of the Hub

Prudential Tower

Back Back, Boston 

For year round jazz concerts, night clubs, campus events, and festivals in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For tourist information visit MassVacation.com. 

Conductor John Williams Leads the Boston Pops in Hooray for Holywood on Thursday, May 26

John Williams, laureate conductor of the world-famous Boston Pops, is returning to Boston Symphony Hall on Thursday, May 26, 2011 to conduct an evening of music entitled Hooray for Holywood.

Among the songs featured: Imperial March from The Emperor Strikes Back, Suite from Casablanca, and Suite from Far & Away.

Guest musicians include Keisuke Wakao on oboe and  Tamara Smirnova on violin.

Tickets to the show are $51 - $101 and can be purchased online.

For a full schedule of the Boston Pops season, click here.

For year round jazz concerts and other musical events in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For tourist information, visit MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com.





 

Jazz Concert on Henri Matisse at Boston's Cathedral Church of St. Paul on Thursday, May 26

The Chris Bakriges Trio is giving a recital entitled Reflections on Henri Matisse's Jazz at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in downtown Boston on Thursday, May 26, 2011 at noon.

The recital is a musical reflection on French painter Henri Matisse's important art book, Jazz, published in 1947 and part of his innovative "painting with scissors" phase.

Cathedral Church of St. Paul is located at 138 Tremont Street, directly across the the Park Street Station on Boston Common.

For year round jazz concerts, nightclubs, campus events, brunches and festivals in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For tourist information, visit MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com.

NEC Youth Jazz Orchestra Performing Monk, Mingus at Jordan Hall in Boston on May 25

The highly acclaimed NEC Youth Orchestra of the New England Conservatory is giving a final spring concert at Jordan Hall in Boston on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 8:00 p.m.  The concert is free and open to the public.

The NEC Youth Orchestra is led by Ken Schaphorst, chair of the Jazz Studies Department at NEC and founding member of the Boston Jazz Composers Alliance.

Schaphorst created the Orchestra in 2008 as a way to instruct talented high school musicians on the art of jazz.  It is open to pre-college-age trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano, guitar, bass, and percussion players.

For year round details on jazz concerts, night clubs, campus events, brunches and festivals throughout Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For tourist information visit MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com.