Samantha Farrell performs at Boston Langham Hotel on Wednesday, October 26

Jazz vocalist Samantha Farrell has a return engagement at BOND Lounge at Boston Langham Hotel on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

The singer/songwriter, originally from Boston and now living in Los Angeles, has been described by Ben Evans of the Huffington Post as possessing "a liquor-honey voice, deft guitar work and slightly melancholic tones that meld to form an arching and elegant aural tapestry."

Samantha's show is part of the new BOND Jazz Experiment that features upcoming and established jazz artists on Wednesday nights.  A special menu is available.  For reservations, call 617 956-8765.

For a full schedule of artists coming to the BOND Restaurant and Lounge, click here.

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

For visitor information on Massachusetts, go to MassVacation.com or BostonUSA.com.

Oleta Adams, Spanish Harlem Orchestra Perform at Steppin out for Dimock fundraiser on October 29 in Boston

Jazz and gospel stars Oleta Adams, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, the Harlem Gospel Choir and Henry Butler are just some of the performers at the 24th annual Steppin out for Dimock charity event, taking place at the Westin Copley Hotel in Boston on Saturday, October 29, 2011.

The annual event raises funds for the Dimock Center, which provides quality health care and human services to a variety of constituents in Boston's neighborhoods.

The event takes place from 8:00 p.m to 1:00 a.m. Tickets are $150 general admission and can be purchased online. 

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

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

Joshua Abrams Natural Information Society Performs at UMASS Amherst on Wednesday, October 26

Joshua Abrams and the Natural Information Society perform at the Fine Arts Center at University of Massachusetts at Amherst on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at 8:15 p.m.  Tickets are $10 general admission and $5 for students and can be ordered online.

Playing bass and guimbri (North African bass lute), composer Abrams is part of Chicago's vibrant music scene over the past 15 years.  He appears with percussionist Frank Rosaly. 

For a complete schedule of concerts and events at the Fine Arts Center at UMass/Amherst, click here.

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

For tourist information visit MassVacation.com.

Gospel Feast at Hibernian Hall in Roxbury on Sunday, October 23

The Harmonizing Stars of Boston - a quartet of gospel singers - perform at the Roxbury Center for the Arts at Hibernian Hall in Dudley Square on Sunday, October 23, 2011 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

It's a dinner show with food prepared by Ethnica Gourmet Caterers.  Cost is $25 per person and $12 for children twelve and under and can be ordered online. 

The Harmonizing Stars of Boston  was named Best Gospel Band by the New England Urban Music Awards.  In 2009 it released a CD, Heaven Bound.

For a full schedule of upcoming events at Hibernian Hall, located at 184 Dudley Street in Boston 's Roxbury neighborhood, click here.

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

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

Milton Academy Jazz Band presents Tribute to Art Blakey on Friday, October 21

The award-winning Milton Academy Jazz Band, led by jazz musician and educator Bob Sinicrope, is performing a special tribute to jazz drummer Art Blakey on Friday evening, October 21, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.

The concert is free and open to the public and takes place at King Theater in the Kellner Performing Arts Center on campus. For directions, click here.

Born in Pittsburgh, PA, Blakey was a promising jazz pianist who later switched to drums, embarking on a brilliant career that included a thirty-year stint with his group, the Jazz Messengers and performing alongside the world's best jazz musicians. 

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

For information about visiting Massachusetts, go to MassVacation.com or BostonUSA.com. 

Music of Oscar Winner Harry Warren is featured at Arsenal Center for the Arts on Saturday, October 22

The American Songbook series at the Arsenal Center for the Arts in Watertown is featuring the music of Grammy Award winning composer and Hollywood legend Harry Warren on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online.

The music is being performed by Boston-based musicians Larry Monroe and Donna McElroy, featuring Russell Hoffman, John Rapucci, John Ramsay and Jeff Stout.

The winner of two Grammy Awards and eleven nominations over a distinguished career, Warren is known for his hits Lullaby of Broadway, That's Amore, and You'll Never Know.

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

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

Jazz Pianist Ahmad Jamal Performs at Shalin Liu Center in Rockport on October 22

Ahmad Jamal, legendary jazz pianist, is appearing at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport, Massachusetts on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 5:00 p.m.

The benefit concert will help support Rockport Music's artistic programming and its educational outreach on Cape Ann and the region.   Tickets are $200 and can be reserved online. 

Born in Pittsburgh, PA, Jamal is considered one of the most influential jazz musicians of the last half century, according to jazz critic and scholar Stanley Crouch.

For a list of upcoming concerts presented by Rockport Music, click here.

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

For tourist information, visit MassVacation.com.

34th John Coltrane Memorial Concert is on Saturday, October 22 at Northeastern University in Boston

The 34th John Coltrane Memorial Concert presents saxophonist John Coltrane's music in contemporary interpretations, illustrating influences  from Afro-Caribbean music cultures.

This year's concert honors Jose Masso, host of "Con Salsa" on WBUR, who is celebrating his 36th year of of presenting the best of Afro-Latin music.

The concert features the John Coltrane Memorial Ensemble, an outstanding lineup of 14 prominent Boston-based musicians, many of whom have been the core of the John Coltrane Memorial Concert over its 34 year legacy:  Carl Atkins, Leonard Brown, Jeff Galindo, Tim Ingles, John Lockwood, Ricardo Monzon, David Neves, Jason Palmer, Bill Pierce, Ron Savage, Syd Smart, Joel Larue Smith, Stan Strickland, and Gary Valente.

Tickets are $25 general admission; discounts available to groups, NU faculty & staff, WGBH Members, NU & non-NU students, and seniors. Tickets are on sale now online,  or call 617-373-4700 (TTY 617-373-2184).

For a history of the John Coltrane Memorial Concert in Boston, click here.

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

Live Jazz Everywhere in Massachusetts This Fall

Kurt Elling

(Boston) -  Massachusetts is boasting a great line-up of jazz this fall in hundreds of concert halls, night clubs, college campuses, and hotels and restaurants, fortifying the state’s growing reputation as a tourist destination for live jazz in the United States.

According to MassJazz, a sampling of jazz artists performing in the Bay State from October through December 2011 includes Grammy award winners like bassist and singer Esperanza Spalding, vocalist Kurt Elling, trumpeter Terence Blanchard, bassist Christian McBride, pianist/composer Gunther Schuller and the Spanish Harlem Orchestra.

Plus, local jazz musicians perform nightly in jazz clubs in greater Boston and throughout Massachusetts and at jazz brunches at hotels and restaurants each weekend.  

”Massachusetts is a magnet for the world’s best jazz performers,” says Michael Quinlin, founder of MassJazz, which promotes jazz to the tourist industry year round.  “Plus, our vibrant jazz scene is fueled by dozens of college jazz studies programs and jazz students from over forty countries who represent an appreciative and knowledgeable jazz audience.”

The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism is a partner in the MassJazz initiative.  

Visitors can pick up a free copy of the 40-page MassJazz Travel Guide detailing jazz connections for out-of-town visitors and local residents.  The Guide is available at local visitor kiosks, jazz clubs, hotels and colleges.

The web site, MassJazz.com has up-to-date listings of jazz concerts, nightclub and hotels, jazz brunches, campus events and festivals. 

Both the web site and Guide also provide resources like jazz radio programs, educational courses, jazz organizations and tourism outlets for visitors.   

And daily updates on are available on Tweeter:  @massjazz and at MassJazz.blogspot.com.

A SAMPLING OF LIVE JAZZ IN MASSACHUSETTS

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2011

COMPILED BY MASSJAZZ

October

October 27-28

The Bad Plus

Regattabar Jazz Club @ Charles Hotel

Harvard Square, Cambridge  

October 28

Jay Geils – Jazz and Blues Review

Shalin Liu Performance Center
Rockport

October 29
Steppin Out for Dimock Gala
Featuring Spanish Harlem Orchestra and Oleta Adams

Copley Westin Hotel
Back Bay, Boston

October 31

Office for the Arts at Harvard Presents

Trombonist Curtis Fuller

New College Theatre Studio

Cambridge

November

November 2

Kurt Elling and the Kluvers Big Band

Wilbur Theatre, Boston

November 5-6

Mickey Davidson and Makanda Project

Roxbury Center for the Arts at Hibernian Hall

Roxbury, Boston

November 6
Terence Blanchard & Poncho Sanchez
Berklee Performance Center
Boston

November 11
The Three Cohens
Shalin Liu Performance Center
Rockport

November 11
Buddy Guy
Wilbur Theatre, Boston

November 12-13

Arturo Sandoval

Scullers Jazz Club @ Doubletree Suites Hotel

Boston

November 16
Tia Fuller Quartet
Bowker Auditorium
University of Massachusetts, Amherst

November 18

Brian Evans

Shalin Liu Performance Center

Rockport

November 18-19

Spyro Gyra

Scullers Jazz Club @ Doubletree Suites Hotel

Boston

November 19

Klezmer Swing

Cape Cod Cultural Center

Yarmouth, Cape Cod

November 25-26

Regina Carter

Regattabar Jazz Club @ Charles Hotel

Harvard Square, Cambridge

November 30

Alexander Baboian

BOND Lounge @ Langham Hotel

Boston

December

December 2

Gunter ‘Baby’ Sommer and Wadada Leo Smith Duo
Bezanson Recital Hall
University of Massachusetts, Amherst

December 3

Grace Kelly

The Center for Arts

Natick

December 4
Boston Conservatory

New Music Festival
Progressive Jazz Orchestra with Gunther Schuller
Boston

December 7
USAF Band of Liberty Jazz Band

Mechanics Hall
Worcester

December 9-10-11

Esperanza Spalding

Scullers Jazz Club @ Doubletree Suites Hilton

Boston

December 16

Sergio Mendes Project: Brazilian Jazz

Amazing Things Arts Center

Framingham

December 18

Steve March Torme

Amazing Things Arts Center

Framingham

December 19

Sisters of Swing Holiday Concert

Arsenal Center for the Arts

Watertown

December 30-31

Christian McBride & Inside Straight

Scullers Jazz Club @ Doubletree Suites Hilton

Boston

###

Live Jazz and Blues in Massachusetts on Saturday, October 15

Japanese Jazz Pianist Hiromi at Sculllers 

 

There's great live jazz and blues taking place all across Massachusetts on Saturday, October 15, 2011.  Here is just a sampling from MassJazz

Western Mass

Grace Kelly and Phil Woods
Part of the Pittsfield CityJazz Festival
Colonial Theatre

111 South Street
Pittsfield

North Shore 

Shaboo Allstars with Matt Guitar Murphy
Blue Ocean Music Hall

4 Ocean Front North
Salisbury

Laszlo Gardony Quartet
Marblehead Jazz Series

Unitarian Universalist Church
28 Mugford Street
Marblehead

Boston/Cambridge 

Johnny A
Regattabar Jazz Club at Charles Hotel
One Bennett Street, Harvard Square

Cambridge

Hiromi Uehara Trio

Scullers Jazz Club @Doubletree Suites Hotel

400 Soldiers Field Road

Allston, Boston

Cape Cod

Bart Weisman Jazz Group

Grand Cru at Cape Codder Resort & Spa

1225 Iyannough Road (Route 132)

Hyannis, Cape Cod

Central Mass

Hannah Rose and Harvey Diamond

Concord Colonial Inn

48 Monument Square

Concord

You can find a full list of jazz clubs, concert venues, festival information, campus events and other jazz related activities throughout Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com.

For tourist information visit MassVacation.com.

Florencia Gonzalez Performs at Lily Pad Club in Cambridge on Thursday, October 13

Jazz saxophonist Florencia Gonzalez is performing with her big band at the Lily Pad jazz club in Inman Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts on Thursday, October 13, 2011 from 8:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Born and raised in Montevideo, Uruguay,  Gonzalez is an accomplished jazz and classical saxophonist, composer and arranger. She came to Boston to attend Berklee College of Music on a scholarship and graduated with honors in 2007.

Following Gonzalez on stage at the Lily Pad, guitarist-composer Joel Harrison is performing with Stan Strickland, Bruce Gertz and Steve Langone starting at 9:00 p.m.

Then at 10:30 p.m, the Jorge Perez-Albela Quartet finishes out the evening.

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

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

Armen Donelian Trio Appearing at Pittsfield Jazz Festival on Friday, October 14

The Armen Donelian Trio is appearing at Baba Louie's Music Hall in Pittsfield on Friday, October 14, 2011 at 7:30 p.m., as part of the annual Pittsfield CityJazz Festival taking place through October 20 at venues around the city.

Click for a full schedule of performances. You can also follow the Pittsfield CityJazz Festival Facebook page.

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

For tourist information visit MassVacation or BerkshiresTourism

Lance Houston Performs at Boston's Langham Hotel on Wednesday, October 12

Jazz flugelhorn player Lance Houston and his quartet perform at the BOND Lounge | Restaurant at the Boston Langham Hotel on Wednesday, October 12, 2011, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.

The gig is part of the BOND Jazz Experiment, which runs from  each Wednesday evening and 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.

For a full schedule of artists through the fall, 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. 

Pablo Ablanedo Octet Performs at Regattabar on Tuesday, October 11

Argentinean composer and pianist Pablo Ablanedo and his octet perform at the Regattabar Jazz Club at the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square, Cambridge, on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets to the show are $15 and can be purchased online.

Ablanedo has a distinctive sound that is influenced by his Argentinian roots and by American jazz artists Bill Evans and Gil Evans, Astor Piazzola of Argentina and Egbuto Gismaonta of Brazil.  His unique use of various instruments in his compositions - violin, trumpet, two reeds, guitar, piano, bass and drums - gives him the freedom to explore South America rhythms through jazz and classical forms.

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

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

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

Jazz Guitarist Pat Metheny Performs at Somerville Theatre on Sunday, October 9

Jazz guitar legend Pat Metheny is performing with bassist Larry Grenadier at the Somerville Theatre in Davis Square, Somerville, on Sunday, October 9, 2011 at 5:00 p.m.

Ticket to the concert are $35 and $45 and can be purchased online.

Metheny will be performing from his new album, What It's All About, a collection of classic songs and favorites of the musician, released this summer.

For year round jazz in Massachusetts visit MassJazz.com.

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

Live Jazz in Massachusetts on Saturday, October 8

Hannah Christianson at the Lily Pad

There's great live jazz and blues taking place all across Massachusetts on Saturday, October 8, 2011.  Here is just a sampling from MassJazz:

Robin Glasper Trio
Regattabar Jazz Club at Charles Hotel
One Bennett Street, Cambridge

Aardvark JazzOrchestra

39th season opener
MIT, Killian Hall
Cambridge

Hannah Christianson and Sarah Brindell

Lily Pad Jazz Club

1352 Cambridge Street

Inman Square, Cambridge

Marlena Shaw & the David Hazeltine Trio

with Special Guest Elan Trotman

Sculler’s Jazz Club

400 Soldiers Field Road

Allston, Boston

Laszlo Gardony & Stan Strickland
Harvest Gallery & Wine Bar
776 Main Street
Dennis, Cape Cod

DD Martin
Firehouse Center for the Arts
Market Square
Newburyport

Geoffrey Gee

ActonJazz Club

452 Great Road

James Montgomery

Firely’s

350 East Main Street

Marlborough

Pittsfield CityJazz Festival presents

Ted Murray Quartet

Patrick's Pub

Park Square

Pittsfield

You can find a full list of jazz clubs, concert venues, festival information, campus events and other jazz related activities throughout Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com.

For tourist information visit MassVacation.com.

Cuban jazz drummer Francisco Mela performs at Regattabar Jazz Club in Harvard Square on Thursday, October 6

Cuban-born jazz drummer Francisco Mela and Cuban Safari perform at the Regattabar Jazz Club  in Harvard Square on Thursday, October 6, 2011 at 7:30 p.m   Tickets are $20 general admission and $15 for students and can be purchased online.

Mela is releasing his new CD, Tree of Life, which has been selected as a 'recommended release' by New York City Jazz Records.

Located at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge, Regattabar is a world-renowned jazz club with great jazz artists throughout the year.  Click schedule of  upcoming performances.

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.

Pittsfield CityJazz Festival (October 7-20) Celebrates Live Jazz in Western Massachusetts

Grace Kelly & Phil Woods

The 7th annual Pittsfield CityJazz Festival in Pittsfield, Massachusetts gets underway on Friday, October 7 and runs through Thursday, October 20, 2011 at various concert halls, schools and local restaurants in the Pittsfield area.

Headlining this year's festival is the exciting jazz partnership of saxophone legend Phil Woods and rising jazz star Grace Kelly, who perform together at Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield on Saturday, October 15, 2011.  They'll be joined by drummer Phil Caputo and the Berkshires Jazz Youth Ensemble.  Tickets are $25 and $15 and can be purchased online.

The festivities start with the Jazz about Town series on Columbus Day weekend, October 7-8, with live jazz performances taking place local venues. 

Other highlights: Alma Macbride Trio performs at the Berkshire Music School on October 12 and  Armen Donelian Trio perform at Baba Louie's Music Hall on October 14.

The festival concludes on October 20 with a block party on North Street in downtown Pittsfield.

Click for a full schedule of performances. You can also follow the Pittsfield CityJazz Festival Facebook page.

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

For tourist information visit MassVacation or BerkshiresTourism.

Japanese Jazz Pianist Yoko Miwa Performs at Les Zygomates on Tuesday, October 4

Jazz pianist Yoko Miwa is performing at Les Zygomates Wine Bar & Bistro in Boston on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at 5:30 p.m.

The Bistro is located at 129 South Street. There is no admission charge but reservations are recommended.

The Japanese pianist is now teaching at Berklee College of Music and performing frequently in Massachusetts.  For a schedule of upcoming shows, click here.   You can also follow Yoko on Facebook.

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.

Jazz Fest in Falmouth Cape Cod Continues Today, Sunday, October 2

Goodis and Glenn

 

JazzFest Falmouth continues today with a series of mid-day jazz performances in Falmouth and Woods Hole on Cape Cod through Sunday, October 2, 2011.

Here is a schedule of performances, check the venue web sites for more details:

Down Street Jazz Ensemble
Nimrod Jazz Lounge
100 Dillingham
508 540 4132

Linda Freitas

Quicks Hole 

6 Luscombe Avenue
Woods Hole

508 495 0792

Glenway Fripp Trio
Coffee Obsession              

38 Water Street

Woods Hole
508 540 8130

Flip Side

The Beach House
Rtes 28A and 151

North Falmouth

508 564 5029

Bela Sarkozy
Dianne's Restaurant
339 East Falmouth Highway
East Falmouth

508 444 6928

Goodis and Glenn
Persey's Place
40 North Main Street
Falmouth

508 540 3500

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 CapeCodChamber.

Night Clubs with live jazz and blues in Boston and throughout Massachusetts

Looking for great live music any night of the week?  Check out these jazz clubs in greater Boston and across Massachusetts that feature live jazz throughout the year.

For more details on upcoming jazz concerts, festivals, campus events, Sunday brunches, radio stations and jazz organizations in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For tourist information go to MassVacation.com.

Reagle Theatre Presents Irving Berlin's Say it with Music on October 1-2

A new musical revue, Irving Berlin's Say it with Music, is being presented by the Reagle Theatre of Greater Boston at Robinson Theater in Waltham on Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October 2, 2011.

The show features Broadway stars Kirby and Beverly Ward, and master of ceremonies Scott Wahle.

For ticket information 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.

JazzFest Falmouth is this weekend, September 30-October 2

The annual JazzFest Falmouth,  is taking place this weekend, September 30-October 2, 2011 in various venues in Falmouth, Cape Cod.

Featured performers include Gary Beaudoin Trio, with special guests jazz vocalist Cassandre McKinley and saxophonist Harry Allen, and the Stan Strickland All Star Quartet.

For a full list of musicians, click here. For a schedule of performances, click here. For ticket information 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 CapeCodChamber.

Grace Kelly Experiment Performing at Cafe 939 on Saturday, October 1

The Grace Kelly Experiment - featuring jazz saxophonist Grace Kelly - performs at Cafe 939 in Boston's Back Bay on Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 8:00 p.m.

Also on the bill: Neo Soul, an international collective of Berklee students specializing in soul and R&B; and Columbus, an 70s funk/soul band.

Admission is $10 general, and $5 for Berklee students.

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

Live Jazz in Massachusetts Tonight! Friday, September 30

Kenny Barron 

There's great live jazz and blues taking place all across Massachusetts on Friday, September 30, 2011.  Here is just a sampling from MassJazz:

Boston

Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society
Museum of Fine Arts
465 Huntington Ave
Boston

Eliane Elias
Scullers Jazz Club at DoubleTree Suites
400 Soldiers Field Rd, Boston

Cambridge/Somerville

Kenny Barron Trio
Regattabar Jazz Club at Charles Hotel
One Bennett Street, Cambridge

6th Honk! Festival of Activist Street Bands

Johnny D’s Uptown Club
Davis Square, Somerville

MetroWest

Laszlo Gardony
Acton Jazz Club

Acton

Luther “Guitar” Johnson
Bull Run
215 Great Road
Shirley

Cape Cod

 JazzFest Falmouth ‘11

Jazz Stoll on Main Street

Falmouth, Cape Cod

Larry Marsland Sings Sinatra
Harwich Junior Theatre
105 Division Street
West Harwich, Cape Cod

Bart Weisman Klezmer Swing Group

New Church

Route 6A on the Common

Yarmouth Port, Cape Cod

North Shore

Boston Horns
Firehouse Center for the Arts
Market Square
Newburyport

You can find a full list of jazz clubs, concert venues, festival information, campus events and other jazz related activities throughout Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com.

For tourist information visit MassVacation.com. 

First Annual Northampton Jazz Festival Takes Place on Saturday, October 1

The newly-launched Northampton Jazz Festival is taking place on Saturday, October 1, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Thornes Marketplace on Main Street in downtown Northampton.  The event is free and open to the public.

The all day festival has over a dozen performances, featuring jazz guitarist Freddie Bryant, Charles Neville from the famous Neville Brothers of New Orleans, the Jonathan Kreisberg Quartet, Gene Bertoncini,and more.   See bios of musicians, and the schedule of performances.

The festival is being organized by  LoudJazz, a non-profit group that seeks to develop performance opportunities for jazz musicians and to cultivate a youth audience.  To read more about the festival organizers, read this Daily Hampshire Gazette story.

In addition to the music, the festival is also presenting the "12 Mile Meal Celebrity Chef Throw Down" from 11:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m.  It features three two-person chef teams competing for top prize. 

Directions to the Torne Marketplace.

For year round details about jazz concerts, festivals, campus events and related activities across Massachusetts throughout the year, visit MassJazz.com.

For tourist information, visit MassVacation.com, or find details at Northampton Visitor Center.

Jazz Guitarist James Blood Ulmer Performs at UMASS/Amherst on Thurday, September 29

Free-form jazz guitarist James Blood Ulmer is performing in concert at the Fine Arts Center at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst on Thursday, September 29, 2011 at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets to the concert are $10 general admission and $5 students and can be purchased online.

Described as the missing link between Jimi Hendrix and Wes Montgomery, Ulmer was born in South Carolina and moved to Pittsburgh as a teenager, where he played with a variety of gospel, blues and do-wop groups before picking up with jazz greats like Jimmy Smith and others. Ultimately he got into the avant garde jazz scene and played with Ornette Coleman and developed his own distinct brand of music.

UMASS/Amherst is celebrating its 30th year in 2011 of Jazz in July, a premier jazz educational program taking place each summer. For a full schedule of jazz events taking place this fall and winter 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 find details on Western Massachusets.

6th annual Honk Festival Taking Place in Somerville this Weekend

The 6th annual Honk Festival, a gathering of  twenty-eight street bands from around the world, is taking place Friday, September 30 through Monday, October 3, 2011 in Davis Square, Somerville.

The action kicks off on Friday, September 30, at Johnny D's Uptown Club, with performances by Revolutionary Snake Ensemble. 

Saturday, October 1 is the big day, with performances running from noon to 8:00 p.m. in venues around the city.  For a complete schedule click here.

To see a video called, Honk: No Noise is Illegal, click here.

For year round jazz in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com

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

Afro-Latin Caribbean Jazz at BOND Lounge in Boston on Wednesday, September 28

Ten Tumbao, a funky, soulful Afro-Latin-Caribbean band, performs at the BOND Restaurant | Lounge at the Langham Hotel in Boston on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Tumbao is a Cuban word signifying rhythm, flavor, style and flair and the band lives up to those descriptions.

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 the fall, 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.

Jazz pianist Laszlo Gardony in concert at Berklee Performance Center in Boston on Tuesday, September 27

Pianist and composer Laszlo Gardony is playing a concert at the Berklee Performance Center in Boston's Back Bay on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at 8:15 p.m.   Tickets to the show are $12 and can be purchased at the door.

Gardony  who teaches at Berklee College of Music, has just released his ninth album, Signature Time, and it features a number of original compositions and as well as reworked Beatles tunes and classic jazz numbers, with a nod to the influence of African music on his music.

Joining Gardony in the quartet are Stan Strickland (sax, flute, vocals, kalimba), Yoron Israel (drums), and John Lockwood (bass).

In the second half of the show, faculty jazz pianist and composer Vadim Neselovskyi, called "the most promising of the young improvisers" by the Guardian, presents his new compositions with an exciting new band.

For year round information on jazz concerts, festivals, campus events, brunches, and other jazz-related activities in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

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

Gary Burton Quartet in concert at Berklee Performance Center on Sunday, September 25

Grammy Award winning jazz star Gary Burton and his new quartet are playing in concert at the Berklee Performance Center in Boston on Sunday, September 25, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets to the concert are $25 and $35 and can be purchased at the door.

Burton's new quartet features guitarist Julian Lage, bassist Scott Colley, and drummer Antonio Sanchez.

The concert is also the closing event of the 11th annual Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival that took place over the weekend. 

For year round information on jazz concerts, festivals, campus events, brunches and jazz-related activities in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

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

Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival is Saturday, September 24

The 11th annual Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival is taking place on Saturday, September 24, 2011, from noon to 6:00 p.m. on Columbus Avenue in Boston's South End.  The festival is free and open to the public.

There's a rich assortment of live music the entire day, featuring artists like Oleta Adams, Grace Kelly, Marcus Santos and Bloco AfroBrazil, Rafael Zaldivar and many others.  Click for a full schedule of performances. 

In addition to live performances, you can also enjoy dozens of food vendors, jazz and cultural organizations, workshops and demonstrations and merchandise from the festival.  Among the local organizations planning to attend are Roxbury International Film Festival, JazzBoston and WICN 90.5 FM.

For more information, visit Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival.

For year round details on jazz festivals, concerts, campus events, brunches, radio stations and cultural groups in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For tourist information visit MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com

Win Tickets to Madeleine Peyroux Concert in Boston on October 7

Jazz and roots singer Madeleine Peyroux is returning to Boston on Friday, October 7, 2011 for a 7:30 p.m. concert at the Berklee Performance Center in the Back Bay, and MassJazz has a pair of great seats to give away.

Enter the contest and take a chance on seeing one of the coolest new voices to emerge in the music world over the past few years.

Or, if you don’t want to risk missing out on this one-night only performance, you can also purchase tickets here.

The singer/songwriter, who garnered acclaim for her rich interpretations of Billie Holiday and Edith Piaf, has a new album, Standing on the Rooftop, which includes eight original compositions and covers of songs by Robert Johnson, Bob Dylan and the Beatles. 

Directions to Berklee Performance Center located at 136 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston.

For year round jazz concerts,  festivals,  brunches, campus events and other jazz-related activities across Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

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

Singer Pat Braxton Performing at Cafe Tatant at Roxbury Center for the Arts on Thursday, September 22

Vivacious jazz singer Pat Braxton is performing a dinner club set at Cafe Tatant at the Roxbury Center for the Arts in Dudley Square, Boston on Thursday, September 22, 2011.

Drinks and dinner are served beginning at 7:30, and the live show runs from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.  Food is provided by Ethnica Gourmet Catering.

Tickets to the just the performance are $12 each.  A meal and show combo is $28 per person, or $54 for two.  To order tickets online click here.

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

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

James Cotton in Concert at Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport on Friday, September 23

Rockport Music is hosting legendary blues singer and harmonica player James "Superharp" Cotton in concert at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport on Friday, September 23, 2011, at 7:00 p.m.  The show is presented by M.E. Productions.

Tickets to the show are $29, $39 and $49 and can be purchased online.

Born in Mississippi in 1935 Cotton was the youngest of eight brothers and sisters.  He learned his music at the Baptist Church where his father Mose was a preacher, and later he came under the guidance of blues master Sonny Boy Williamson.

For a schedule of upcoming concerts at Shalin Liu Performance Center this fall, click here.

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

For tourist information visit MassVacation.com.

Jazz Clarinetist Felix Peikli Performs at BOND Lounge in Boston on Wednesday, September 21

Norwegian stand-out jazz clarinetist Felix Peikli is performing with his band at the BOND Lounge| Restaurant at Langham Hotel in Boston on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.

The performance is part of the BOND Jazz Experiment taking place every Wednesday night, featuring some of the city's most talented young artists.  

Peikli began studying the clarinet at age eight, inspired by the music of Benny Goodman.  He performed at the Oslo Jazz Festival at age 12 and become an jazz icon throughout Europe.  In 2008, Peikli came to Boston's Berklee College of Music on a full scholarship and has since been performing with the Berklee Global Jazz Institute.

For a complete schedule of the fall lineup at BOND Lounge | Restaurant 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.

Jazz Vocalist Jon Regen Performs at Scullers on Wednesday, September 21

Jazz vocalist, pianist and songwriter Jon Regan is performing at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets to the show are $20 and can be purchased online.

Based in New York City, Regan studied with legendary pianist Kenny Barron.  His latest album, Revolution, has ten original compositions, is being hailed as a masterpiece of invention, musicality and verve.

Scullers Jazz Club at the Doubletree Suites by Hilton Hotels, is considered one of the world's premier jazz clubs.  For a schedule of upcoming performances, click here.

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

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

Blues Singer Shemekia Copeland Performs at Regattabar on Wednesday, September 21

Powerful blues singer Shemekia Copeland is performing at the Regattabar Jazz Club in Harvard Square on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online or at the door.

Copeland, born in Harlem in 1979, is a talented young singer who has performed around the world, opening for the Rolling Stones and headlining the Chicago Blues Festival. 

Located at the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square, the Regattabar Jazz Club has a great schedule of performances featuring great jazz and blues musicians coming to town this fall.

For a full schedule of jazz festivals, night clubs, campus events, brunches and concerts in Massachusetts throughout the year, visit MassJazz.com.

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