Aardvark Jazz Orchestra's 40th annual Christmas Concert at Emmaneul Church in Boston on Saturday, December 15

Mark Harvey and his legendary Aardvark Jazz Orchestra celebrate their 40th annual Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. at Emmaneul Church in Boston's Back Bay.

Tickets to the show are $15, available at the door.  For information call 617 776-8778 or 617 452-3205. 

The Church is located at 15 Newbury Street and is readily accessible on the MBTA's Green Line, Arlington stop.

Find out more about live jazz in Massachusetts throughout the year by visiting MassJazz.com.

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

Blues Guitar Legend Ronnie Earl & Broadcasters Perform in Rockport on December 14

Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters is giving a concert at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport on Friday, December 14, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. Opening act is Tom "Satch" Kerans.

Tickets are $19, $29 and $39 and can be purchased online or by calling 978.546.7391.  You can also purchase tickets at the door the night of the concert.

B.B. King called Ronnie Earls "one of the most serious blues guitarist you can find today.  He makes me proud." 

Here is a schedule of upcoming concerts at Shalin Liu Performance Center, located at 37 Main Street in downtown Rockport.

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

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com.

Makanda Project Jazz Ensemble Performs Free Concert at Mechanics Hall in Worcester on December 12

Jazz ensemble Makanda Project is giving a free concert at Mechanics Hall in Worcester on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at noon.    The public is invited to bring a lunch or purchase a lunch at  Eric's LaPatisserie Café. 

The group is dedicated to playing the compositions of the late Ken McIntre of Boston, a master musician, composer and educator from Boston.  The band consists of 13 musicians: 5 saxophones, 2 trumpets, 2 trombones, a vocalist, piano, bass, and drums.
 
The free show is part of the Brown Bag Series produced by Mechanics Hall and WICN 95.5 FM Public Radio, which also streams the live concert.  Here is a schedule of this season's Brown Bag concerts.

You can find year round details on live jazz anywhere in Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com.

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com and CentraMA.org.

Paul Broadnax Duo Performing at Acton Jazz Cafe on Wednesday, December 12

Jazz pianist Paul Broadnax and bassist Peter Kontrimas perform at the Acton Jazz Cafe on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Then at 9:30 p.m. tenor saxophonist Gerry Bergonzi and his Quartet take the stage.

Here is a schedule of upcoming jazz shows at the Acton Jazz Cafe, located at the Acton Mall Shopping Center.

Find year round details on jazz clubs, concerts, campus events, weekend brunches, radio programs, festivals and other jazz activities in Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com.

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

Lowell Jazz Day Camp Presents Student Recital on Saturday, December 8

The Lowell Jazz Day Camp is presenting a student recital on Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. at The Space, located at 150 Western Avenue in Lowell.  The performances are free and open to the public.

The performances fature Ken Ya Dig Jazz band, comprised of Cassie Wise on vocals, Tim Duffy on keyboard, Bobby Byran on bass and Alan Kurman on drums.

Founded by jazz drummer Stanley Swann, the Lowell Jazz Day Camp is a two-week intensive educational course that provides instruction on various instruments as well as studio and recording technology.

You can find details on live jazz, jazz education, radio programs, festivals and more throughout Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com.

For tourist information go to MassVacation.com and MerrimackValley.org

Wellesley College BlueJazz Big Band Performs Free Concert on Friday, December 7

The Wellesley CollegeBlueJazz Big Band is performing a free concert at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 7, 2012 at the Jewett Arts Center Auditorium on campus.   The concert is free and open to the public.

Jazz saxophonist and faculty member Cercie Miller is director of JazzBlue. 

The band will play compositions by Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus and Duke Ellington.

Here is information about college jazz studies programs throughout Massachusetts. 

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

Visitors can find tourist information at MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com.

Brazilian Jazz Band at Amazing Things Arts Center in Framingham on Friday, December 7

Brazilian-born jazz composer/singer/pianist Luiz Simas is performing at the Amazing Things Arts Center in Framingham on Friday, December 7, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $18 and can be purchased online or at the door.

Simas is joined by bassist/guitarist Jason Davis and drummer Bertram Lehmann, and they'll play a variety of Bossa Nova standards, original compositions and Brazilian-flavored jazz melodies.

Here is a schedule of upcoming concerts at Amazing Things Arts Center in Framingham.

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

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

Tribute to Johnny Mercer at Scullers Jazz Club on Thursday, December 6

Famed jazz vocalists Bobbi Carrey and Will McMillan are performing a concert entitled Mostly Mercer at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston on Thursday, December 6, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $22 and can be purchased at the door.

They'll be singing songs from the opus of song writing master Johnny Mercer, whose hit songs spanned five decades and helped define the American sound of the 20th century.

Here are upcoming jazz concerts at Scullers this month.

You can find year round details on live jazz in Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com.

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

A Peter White Christmas Comes to Scullers Jazz Club on December 4-5

A Peter White Christmas, starring smooth jazz guitarist Peter White, saxophonist Mindi Abair and trumpeter Rick Braun takes place at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston on Tuesday, December 4 and Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at 10:00 p.m.

Tickets are $40 and can be purchased online or at the door.

For upcoming concerts at Scullers Jazz Club, click here.

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

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

Jazz Pianist Cyrus Chestnut Performs in Rockport on Sunday, December 9

Rockport Music is presenting famed jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut and his trio in concert at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport on Sunday, December 9, 2012 at 5:00 p.m.

MassJazz is giving away a free pair of tickets to the show.  Here's how to enter the contest.

Or, you can purchase tickets to the show online.

Time Magazine called Chestnut "the best jazz pianist of his generation."  In addition to his repertoire of jazz tunes, Mr. Chestnut will be playing some holiday classics from his album, A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Here's a schedule of upcoming concerts presented by Rockport Music.

Find year round information on jazz concerts, night clubs, campus events, radio programs and jazz activities throughout Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com.

For visitor information visit MassVacation.com.

Makanda Project Performs at Dudley Branch of Boston Public Library on November 30

The Makanda Project, dedicated to the compositions of Boston musician Makanda Ken McIntyre, is performing at the Dudley Branch of the Boston Public Library on Friday, November 30, 2012  from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m.  Jazz trumpeter Eddie Allen is the featured artist.

The concert is free and open to the public.  For more information call 617 442-4414. 

The band includes Eddie Allen and Kurtis Rivers, Arni Cheatham, Lance Bryant and Charlie Kohlhase on the saxophones; Eddie Allen and Jerry Sabatini on the trumpets; Bill Lowe and Robert Stringer on the trombones; Diane Richardson performing the vocals; John Kordalewski on piano; John Lockwood on bass and Yoron Israel on drums.

McIntyre was a gifted musician and educator who composed over 400 pieces of music in his life. The Makanda Project continues the legacy of Makanda through live concerts and educational programs.

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.

Cuban Jazz Great Chucho Valdes in Concert at Berklee Performance Center in Boston on November 29

Multi-Grammy Award winner Chucho Valdés and his quintet perform at the Berklee Performance Center on Thursday, November 29, 2012 at 8:00 p..m.  Tickets to the show range from $30 - $58.

The New York Times calls Valdes "the dean of Latin jazz" and "one of the world's great, virtuosic pianists."

Here is a schedule of concerts coming up at the Berklee Performance Center.

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

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

Rebirth of the Third Stream Concert at New England Conservatory on November 29

The New England Conservatory in Boston is presenting the Rebirth of the Third Stream concert, a tribute to Gunther Schuller, taking place at 8:00 p.m on Thursday, November 29, 2012 . at Jordan Hall.  The concert is free and open to the public.

Ken Schaphorst conducts the NEC orchestra, and pianist Ran Blake, founder of the school's Third Stream/ Contemporary Improvisation Department, will sit in for one number.

The concert is part of NEC's In the Mix jazz and contemporary improvisation music.

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

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

Souljazz Orchestra Performs at Brighton Music Hall on Thursday, November 29

World Music/CRASHarts is presenting the Souljazz Orchestra in concert at Brighton Music Hall in Boston on November 29, 2012 at 8:00 p.m.  Tickets are $15.00 in advance or $17 the day of the show.

Based in Canada, Souljazz Orchestra is a multicultural ensemble that plays an incredible range of world music, jazz and soul and roots music.

Here is a schedule of upcoming concerts presented by WorldMusic/CRASHarts.

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

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

Bill & Bo Winiker Band Performs at Scullers on November 28

The Bill & Bo Winiker Band is performing at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at 8:00 p.m.   Tickets are $22 and can be purchased online or at the venue.

Regarded as "Boston's House Band" for decades, the Winiker Band has performed at some of Boston's most important occasions, bringing an upbeat, sophisticated sound that crosses generations and musical genres.

Here is a schedule of upcoming performances at Scullers.

You can find year round details on live jazz throughout Massachusetts at MassJazz.com.

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

Beantown Swing Orchestra Gives Free Concert at Mechanics Hall on November 28

The 18 piece Beantown Swing Orchestra is performing a free concert at Mechanics Hall in Worcester on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at noon. 

The public is invited to bring a lunch or purchase a lunch at  Eric's LaPatisserie Café. 

The free show is part of the Brown Bag Series produced by Mechanics Hall and WICN 95.5 FM Public Radio, which also streams the live concert.  Here is a schedule of this season's Brown Bag concerts.

You can find year round details on live jazz anywhere in Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com.

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com and CentraMA.org.

Halvorson & Pavone Perform at UMass/ Amherst on November 27

Guitarist Mary Halvorson and violinist Jessica Pavone are performing at Bezanson Recital Hall, Fine Arts Center at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 8:00 p.m.  General admission is $10 and $5 for students.

The concert is part of the Magic Triangle/ Solos and Duos series, which explores Black music from around the world. 

Halvorson and Pavone have been collaborating for the past decade to explore progressive and avante-gard, and modern music.

Here are upcoming jazz concerts at the Fine Arts Center at UMASS/Amherst.

For year round details on jazz concerts, clubs, weekend brunches, campus events and other jazz activities in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com.

Jazz Guitarist Albare Performs at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston on November 27

Jazz guitarist and composer Albare is performing with his band at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston on Tuesday, November 27 ,2012 at 8:00 p.m.  Tickets to the show are $20 and can be purchased online or at the door.

The Moroccan-born Albare, who now lives in Australia, issued his sixth album in 2012.  He says, "My band is a tribute to the human spirit of adventure. There are African, Middle-Eastern and South-European flavors on the new release and in the band along with diverse sounds, melodies and rhythms. All of it is interwoven and fused with the jazz heritage.”

Here is a schedule of upcoming jazz concerts at Scullers.

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

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

Marty Ballou Jazz Trio at Top of the Hub in Boston on Monday, November 26

Jazz bassist Marty Ballou and his Trio perform at the Top of the Hub Restaurant & Lounge at the Prudential Tower in Boston's Back Bay on Monday, November 26, 2012, from 8:00 to Midnight.

Located on the 52nd floor of the Prudential Tower, the award-winning Top of the Hub has the best views in the city, great cuisine, and consistently top-level jazz throughout the year.

For a schedule of upcoming jazz performers, click here.

You can find jazz any day or night of the year in Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com.

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

Free Jazz Concerts at New England Conservatory on Monday, November 26

The New England Conservatory presents three jazz group ensembles coached by jazz bassist Cecil McBee and drummer Joe Hunt on Monday, November 26, 2012 at Pierce Hall at 214 St. Botolph Street.  The ensembles start at 7:00, 8:00 and 9:00 p.m.  The concerts are free and open to the public.

It's part of  NEC's exciting new series, In the Mix, which presents a variety of student ensembles exploring jazz and improvisation, and led by distinguished NEC faculty members.

You can follow New England Conservatory on Facebook and Twitter. 

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

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

Live Jazz & Blues in Massachusetts on Saturday, November 24

Jazz pianist Yoko Miwa

Looking for great live jazz in Massachusetts on Saturday, November 24, 2012?  Check out these suggestions from MassJazz.

Boston/Cambridge

Arturo Sandoval

Scullers Jazz Club

Doubletree Suites at Hilton Hotel

400 Soliders Field Road

Allston, Boston

Peter Smith Trio
Battery Wharf Lounge
Fairmont Battery Wharf Hotel
3 Battery Street
Downtown Boston 

Yoko Miwa

Les Zygomates Wine Bar

129 South Street

Boston

Henri Smith

Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen

604 Columbus Avenue

South End, Boston

Brian McCree Group

With vocalist Ron Murphy

Top of the Hub

Prudential Tower

800 Boylston Street

Back Bay, Boston

Cambridge
Stanley Sagov & Remembering the Future
Regattabar Jazz Club
Charles Hotel
Harvard Square, Cambridge

North of Boston

Catherine Russell
Shalin Liu Performance Center

38 Main Street

Rockport

HDRnB with Henley Douglas on sax

Chianti Jazz Lounge

285 Cabot Street

Beverly

John Matrona Jazz Band

The Java Room

14 Littleton Road

Chelmsford

Central Mass

Sandi Bedrisian With The Workingman's Jazz Band

Village Forge Tavern

Colonial Inn

48 Monument Square

Concord

Lisa Yves Trio

Bobby Gus Band

Acton Jazz Café
103 Nagog Park

Acton

Cape Cod
Zoe Lewis

Cotuit Center for the Arts

4404 Route 28

Cotuit, Cape Cod

Diociotto Corde Quintet 

A Woods Hole Living Room

Woods Hole, Cape Cod

Western Mass

Tim Ward Trio

Castle StreetCafé

10 Castle Street

Great Barrington

Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters

Iron Horse Music Hall

20 Center Street

Northampton

For a full list of jazz clubs, hotels, concert venues and festivals in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com. 

Arturo Sandoval Performs at Scullers on November 24

Afro-Cuban jazz artist Arturo Sandoval is performing two shows at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 8:00 and 10:00 p.m.  Tickets to the show are $40 and can be purchased online or at the door. 

Born near Havana, Cuba, Sandoval has won nine Grammy Awards for flugelhorn and trumpet and is also a celebrated classical pianist, educator and composer. 

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

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

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

Roomful of Blues Perform at Iron Horse in Northampton on Friday, November 23

Legendary blues band Roomful of Blues is performing at the Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton on Friday, November 23, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.   Tickets are $25 at the door.

The eight-piece ensemble heavy on electric guitars and horns is celebrating four decades as one of the premier live blues bands in America.  Read these reviews of Roomful of Blues. 

Here is a schedule of upcoming concerts at Iron Horse Music Hall.

Find year round information on jazz clubs, concert halls, campus events and other venues for live jazz by visiting Massjazz.com.

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com.

Jazz & Blues Vocalist Catherine Russell Performs in Rockport on Saturday, November 24

Rockport Music is presenting jazz and blues singer Catherine Russell in concert at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 8:00 p.m.

MassJazz is giving away a free pair of tickets to the concert.  Enter to win here. 

Or, you can purchase tickets to the concert online or at the venue the night of the concert. 

Russell is a Grammy Award winner whom the Wall Street Journal called "one of the outstanding singers of our time."

Check out the upcoming schedule of concerts at Shalin Liu Performance Center this season.

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

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com.
 

Looking for Live Jazz in Massachusetts?

Looking for live jazz in Massachusetts?  Here's a list of Massachusetts jazz clubs compiled by MassJazz, which promotes the state's jazz scene year round.

You can also find details on jazz brunches taking place at hotels, restaurants and cafes on weekends.

For visitors seeking tourism and travel information, go to MassVacation.com.

For up to date information on jazz any time of year, follow MassJazz on Twitter and Blog.

Jazz Singer / Guitarist Allan Harris Performs in Rockport on Friday, November 23

Rockport Music is presenting award-winning jazz singer and guitarist Allan Harris and his band in concert at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 23, 2012.

MassJazz is giving away a free pair of tickets to see the show.  Enter to win here. 

Or you can purchase tickets online or at the venue on the evening of the show. 

Tony Bennett calls Harris "my favorite singer," and the New York Times wrote that Harris "has the voice of a benign storyteller, a deeply romantic believer with an heroic vision."

Here is a schedule of live jazz presented by Rockport Music at Shalin Liu Performance Center. 

Find year round information on live jazz throughout Massachusetts at MassJazz.com.

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com.


 

Author / Educator Mike Ladd and Berklee Students Discuss Cutting Edge Music at the National Center of Afro-American Artists on November 14

The Berklee Interdisciplinary Arts Institute (BIAI) is presenting educator and poet Mike Ladd to perform an original work created during Ladd's week long residency at the Berklee College of Music.

The event is taking place at the National Center of Afro-American Artists (NCAA) in Roxbury on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Berklee students and Ladd will have a discussion on using music or sound design to create a new cutting-edge work based on his latest project, Satchmokovich, a forthcoming graphic novel.

BIAI provides innovative learning experiences for students seeking to move beyond the conventions of traditional musical practice.  

Here are directions to NCAA, located at 300 Walnut Street in Boston's Roxbury neighborhood.

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

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

New England Conservatory Presents Free Jazz Vocal Ensembles on November 14

The New England Conservatory presents three jazz vocal ensembles coached by jazz vocalist Dominque Eade on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at Pierce Hall at 214 St. Botolph Street.  The ensembles start at 7:00, 8:00 and 9:00 p.m.  The concerts are free and open to the public.

It's part of  NEC's exciting new series, In the Mix, which presents a variety of student ensembles exploring jazz and improvisation, and led by distinguished NEC faculty members.

You can follow New England Conservatory on Facebook and Twitter. 

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

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

Dave Douglas Quintet with Aoife O'Donovan Perform at Regattabar Jazz Club on November 15

Two-time Grammy nominated jazz trumpeter Dave Douglas and his quintet, along with folk vocalist Aoife O'Donovan, perform two shows at the Regattabar Jazz Club in Harvard Square on Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 7:30 p.m and 10:00 p.m.

Tickets to the show is $ and can be ordered online or at the door.

Douglas is performing songs from his new album Be Still, which features folk singer and songwriter O'Donovan.

Here is a schedule of upcoming concerts at Regattabar.

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

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

Yoko Miwa Trio Performs at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston on November 14

Jazz pianist Yoko Miwa is performing with her trio at Scullers Jazz Club at the Doubletree Suites Boston on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 8:00 p.m.  Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online or at the door.

Born in Kobe, Japan, Yoko studied classical and jazz piano, then won a scholarship to Berklee College of Music.  She has toured with numerous performers like Kevin Mahogany and played with Arturo Sandoval, Jon Faddis and many others. 

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

For tourist information, visit MassVacation and BostonUSA.com.

Sugar Ray and the Bluetones Perform at Blackstone River Theatre on November 3

Sugar Ray and the Bluetones are performing at the Blackstone River Theatre on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 8:00 p.m.   Tickets to the show are $20, and can be purchased by calling 401 725-9272 or by paying at the door.

Find a full schedule of upcoming concerts at Blackstone River Theatre, located in Cumberland, Rhode Island.

Find a complete list of year round jazz in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com

Guitar Masters Juanito Pascual and the Julian Lage Perform at Somerville Theatre on Saturday, November 3

Juanito Pascual New Flamenco Trio and the Julian Lage Group perform at the Somerville Theatre in Davis Square, Somerville on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets are $18-$38 and can be purchased online or at the box office the night of the performance. 

Both Pascual and Lage are considered to be among the world's premier guitar players, and bring a dazzling display of artistry and virtuosity to their performances.

Find a complete list of year round jazz in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

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

Ameranouche Plays Gypsy Jazz at Bull Run Restaurant on November 3

Ameranouche, the premier gypsy jazz band in the United States, is performing at Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 8:00 p.m.  Tickets to the show are $12 and can be purchased online or at the door.

Inspired by the great French jazz guitarist Django Rienhardt, Ameranouche plays a driving swing jazz that evokes a unique brand of acoustic music.

Here's a schedule of upcoming performances at the Bull Run Restaurant. 

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 MerrimackValley.org

Berkshire Symphony Orchestra Premiers "Every Day Blues" Jazz Suite at Williams College on November 2

The Berkshire Symphony Orchestra is performing the world premier of Every Day Blues, an original jazz suite composed by Andy Jaffe, at Williams College in Williamstown on Friday, November 2, 2012 at 8:00 p.m.  The concert, directed by Ronald Feldman, is free and open to the public.

Jaffe, who is director of the jazz program at Williams College, wrote the suite for the late Professor Ernest Brown, who pioneered the inclusion of African and African American musical studies in the music department at Williams.

Find more details on jazz across Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com.

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com.

Live Jazz at the Lily Pad in Cambridge, Halloween Night

There's plenty of great music at the Lily Pad in Cambridge on Wednesday, October 31, 2012, including the Gil Aharon Trio starting at 10:00 p.m.  It's located at 1353 Cambridge Street in Inman Square.

Find a complete list of jazz clubs in Massachusetts. 

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

Jazz Drummer Terri Lyne Carrington Headlines 35th John Coltrane Memorial Concert at Northeastern University in Boston on November 3

The 35th annual John Coltrane Memorial Concert is taking place at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at Blackman Theatre at Northeastern University in Boston.  

The concert, hosted by jazz radio personality Eric Jackson, features Grammy Award winning jazz drummer Terri Lyne Carrington. 

Tickets are $35 general admission, and $30 for students, faculty members and seniors, and can be ordered online or  by calling 617 373-4700.

The event also honors Steve Schwartz, highly acclaimed jazz producer and radio personality, and Andy McGhee, master saxophonist and educator, recognized as Boston's  ‘golden man of jazz.’

Carrington is joined by the John Coltrane Memorial Concert Ensemble, which includes Tim Ingles (electric bass); John Lockwood (acoustic bass); Consuelo Candelaria-Barry and Emmett G. Price III (piano/keyboards); Ricardo Monzon (percussion); Bill Banfield (guitar); and Bill Pierce, Stan Strickland, Carl Atkins, and Leonard Brown (reeds and woodwinds).

Here is a history of the John Coltrane Memorial Concert.  

Find year round jazz in Massachusetts - including concerts, campus events, weekend brunches, festivals, night clubs, hotel lounges, radio programs  and more- by visiting MassJazz.com.

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

Cirque du Soleil Opens at Boston's Agganis Arena on Halloween, October 31

Cirque du Soleil's Saltimbanco, an acrobatic celebration of urban life, is coming to the Agganis Arena at Boston University for eight shows from Wednesday, October 31 through Sunday, November 4, 2012.

After touring the world for two decades, the show is winding down and Boston is one of its final stops before it returns to Montreal in December to disband.  It's a great chance to see this extravaganza of acrobatic feats enhanced by a polyrhythmic live band of world class musicians.

Purchase tickets online to any of the eight shows.

Find out about live jazz in Massachusetts any time of the year by visiting MassJazz.com.

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

Jazz Saxophonist Daniel Bennett Performing at Liberty Hotel in Boston on October 31

Noted jazz saxophonist Daniel Bennett and his band are performing at the Liberty Bar in Boston's Liberty Hotel on Wednesday, October 31, 2012, and every Wednesday night through the fall, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.  Admission is free.

A graduate of Boston's New England Conservatory,  Daniel Bennett is an accomplished jazz performer who pioneered a new brand of experimental folk jazz.

Located at 215 Charles Street in Boston's Beacon Hill neighborhood, Liberty Hotel is described one of the city's most spectacular hotels and architectural gems. 

Here's a list of other Massachusetts hotels that offer jazz regularly.

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

Find visitor information by going to MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com.

Harvard Hosts Boston Jazz Forum with Fred Taylor, Eric Jackson and Steve Schwartz on November 1st

The Office of the Arts at Harvard University is presenting a forum, "The Hub of Swing: A Look at Boston's Jazz Scene," at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 1, 2012 at the Baker Center for the Humanities in Harvard Square, Cambridge.   The event is free and open to the public.

Jazz impresario Fred Taylor, along with radio hosts Eric Jackson and Steve Schwartz, will discuss their illustrious careers and talk about the state of jazz in Boston.   The event is part of the Learning from Performers Series, which establishes a direct connection between students and gifted artists.

Then on Friday, November 2, Harvard is honoring Taylor, Jackson and Schwartz for their lifelong contributions to jazz.  That event takes place at 8:00 p.m. at Lowell Lecture Hall on Kirkland Street in Harvard Square.  Tickets are $10 general admission and $5 for students and seniors. 

You can find year round live jazz in Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com.

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

Brazilian Samba Jazz Band Mozik and Rebecca Parris Perform the Music of Jobim at Scullers Jazz Club on Tuesday, October 30

Mozik, a 'vivacious and exciting' samba jazz band, is performing the music of Antonio Carols Jobim, the legendary Brazilian musician and composer, at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston on Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at 8:00 p.m.  Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online or at the door.

Jazz vocalist Rebecca Parris is performing alongside the band, which includes  Brazilian pianist Gilson Schachnik, drummer Mauricio Zottarelli, Brazilian guitarist Gustavo Assis-Brasil, Russian flutist Yulia Musayelyan and Argentine bassist Fernando Huergo. 

Here is a schedule of upcoming performances at Scullers Jazz Club. 

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

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

Dick Campo Big Band Performs at Mechanics Hall in Worcester on Sunday, October 28

The Dick Campo Big Band is performing a special Steppin' Out concert at Mechanics Hall in Worcester on Sunday, October 28, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at the venue.

Proceeds from the concert to benefit the Shrewsbury Fragrant Garden, a sensory garden for the blind and visually impaired.

Here are directions to Mechanics Hall.  For a calendar of upcoming events at Mechanics Hall, click here.  

Find year round jazz in Massachusetts - including concerts, night clubs, weekend brunches, festivals and campus events - by visiting MassJazz.com.

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com and CentralMass.org. 

Jazz Flugelhornist Lance Houston at Fairmont Battery Wharf Hotel in Boston on Friday, October 26

Jazz flugelhorn player Lance Houston and his quartet perform at the Fairmont Hotel at Battery Wharf's jazz bar  in downtown Boston on Friday, October 26, 2012, from 9:00 p.m. to midnight.

Houston and his band are performing in the Battery Jazz Lounge, which offers live jazz on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the year. The Peter Smith Trio performs on Saturday, October 27, 2012.

Here's a list of hotels in greater Boston and across Massachusetts with live jazz.

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

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

Athene Wilson, Gospel and Jazz Singer, Performs at Scullers in Boston on October 23

Popular Boston singer Athene Wilson is performing at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at 8:00 p.m.

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

Wilson is the three-time winner of the Boston Urban Music Awards.  She began performing at age 11 in Jamaica and since moving to Boston has become one of the most popular singers on the local scene.

Here is a schedule of upcoming jazz performances at Scullers Jazz Club, located at Doubletree Guest Suites -  Hilton Hotel Boston, located at 400 Soldiers Field Road in Boston's Allston neighborhood.

You can find year round jazz in Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com.

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

Win Tickets to Hear Jazz Pianist Jason Moran Perform in Worcester on November 9

Jazz pianist and composer Jason Moran and his trio The Bandwagon, perform in concert at Tuckerman Hall in Worcester on Friday, November 9, 2012 at 8:00 p.m.   The show is presented by Music Worcester.

MassJazz is pleased to be raffling off five pairs of tickets to the show.  Enter the contest here.

Or, you can purchase tickets to the show online. 

Described as 'the most provocative thinker in modern jazz," Moran is recipient of the MacAurthor Fellowship, also known as the genius grant.  

Here is a full schedule of upcoming concerts presented by Music Worcester.

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

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com and CentralMass.org.

Chick Corea, Gary Burton and Harlem String Quartet Perform in Amherst and Boston on October 20-21

Jazz legends Chick Corea and Gary Burton are performing, along with the Harlem String Quartet, at the Fine Arts Center, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 8:00 p.m.  Tickets are $25-$55, and $15 for students under 17.

On Sunday, October 21, the Celebrity Series of Boston is presenting Corea, Burton and the Harlem String Quartet at Boston Symphony Hall at 5:00 p.m. Tickets the the show are $30-$75 and can purchased online or at the hall.

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

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

Win Tix to Hear Jazz Trumpeter Chris Botti in Rockport on Saturday, November 3

Jazz trumpet player Chris Botti is playing at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. 

MassJazz is giving away a pair of free tickets to the show, courtesy of Rockport Music.  Here's how to enter the contest.

Botti's performance is part of Jazz on the Rocks - Take Three, a fundraiser to support Rockport Music's education and outreach activities.  Tickets to Jazz on the Rocks are $300, and include a cocktail reception, live auction, and the Botti concert.  To purchase a ticket click here.

Here is a calendar of upcoming concerts presented by Rockport Music.

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

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com.