Boston Pops Opening Night features Linda Eder Singing Judy Garland, Wednesday, May 11

Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops kick off the 2011 Spring Pops Season on Wednesday, May 11, with a gala Opening Night tribute to the music of Judy Garland featuring Broadway star Linda Eder.

The concert, which is being repeated on May 12 and May 13, takes place at Boston Symphony Hall at 301 Massachusetts Avenue, one of the nation's great acoustic halls.  Tickets to the shows range from $40 - $120 and can be ordered online.  

The Boston Pops is celebrating its 126th season in 2011 with a stellar line-up of music from the American Songbook, Broadway hits, gospel and more.  For a full schedule of Boston Pops 2011 season, click here. 

For year round information on cultural activities in Massachusetts, visit IrishMassachusetts.com.

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

Sol y Canto performs concert for mothers and daughters tonight at Regattabar in Cambridge

Sol y Canto's 4th Annual - Gracias, Mamá: a Concert Celebrating Mothers & Daughters, takes place tonight, May 6, 2011 at the Reggatabar Jazz Club at the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square, Cambridge, starting at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets to the show are $20 and can be purchased online.

The band features Rosi Amador, husband Brian Amador and their twin 15 year old daughters Sonia & Alisa Amador with the Sol y Canto sextet.

For a full schedule of upcoming events at Regattabar, click here.

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

Sunday Brunch and Live Jazz on Mother’s Day this Sunday, May 8 in Massachusetts

Happy Mothers, Live Jazz and Sunday Brunch -- talk about a winning combination!

MassJazz has compiled a list of places to hear live jazz in greater Boston and throughout Massachusetts this Sunday, May 8, 2011 for Mother’s Day.

You can find year-round details on jazz concerts, brunches, campus events, festivals and more by visiting MassJazz.com.

BOSTON

75 Chestnut

75 Chestnut Street

Back Bay

10:30 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Sunday Jazz Brunch with Billy Novick and Bill Duffy

617 227-2175

Beehive Jazz Club
541 Columbus Ave
South End
617 423-0069
10 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Sunday Jazz Brunch featuring Miss Tess, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.,

Michelle “Evil Gal” Wilson from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m.

Café Fleuri
Langham Hotel
250 Franklin Street
Downtown

11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Eight buffet stations, jazz trio, in the atrium.

Darryl's Corner Bar & Kitchen
604 Columbus Avenue

South End

10 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Complimentary Mother’s Day Drink or Mimosa in her honor

617 536-1100

Lucky’s Lounge
355 Congress Street
Boston

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Sunday Jazz Brunch with live music by the Ron Poster Duo

617 357-LUCK

Odyssey’s Jazz Brunch Cruises
Rowes Wharf

Boston Waterfront
Live jazz and a delicious meal as you view Boston’s beautiful skyline and harbor islands.
Cruise: 10:00am – Noon (board at 9:30 a.m.)

866 307-2469

Skipjack’s
199 Clarendon Street
Back Bay

Sunday Jazz Brunch with the Bo Winiker Band.
10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
617 536-3500

Top of the Hub

Prudential Center

Back Bay

Noon – 3:00 p.m.

Sunday Jazz Brunch with Lee Childs Group in the afternoon, followed by Rebecca Cline Trio
617 536-1775

CAMBRIDGE

Ryles Jazz Club
212 Hampshire Street

Sunday Jazz Brunch with Vocalist Patricia Adams

A long-time dining tradition in Cambridge, reservations suggested.
10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

617 876-9330

CAPE COD

Bleu Restaurant
10 Market Street
Mashpee Commons
Mashpee
Sunday Jazz Brunch featuring chart-topping Vocalist Samantha Farrell

11:30-4:00pm

508 539-7907

FOXBOROUGH

Skipjack’s
226 Patriot Place
Noon – 3:00 p.m.
Bo Winiker Band.
508 543-2200
Skipjacks

NEWBURYPORT

Ten Center Street
10 Center Street

11: 00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sunday Jazz Brunch with live solo jazz by Bill McGowan (12 noon – 3:00 p.m.)

Create your own Bloody Marys and Omelets.
978.462.6652
tencenterstreet.com

ROCKPORT

Seaward Inn Bed & Breakfast
4 Marmion Way
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Lori Diamond & Fred Abatelli

978 546-3471

SOMERVILLE

Johnny D’s Uptown Restaurant
17 Holland Street

Davis Square
Sunday Jazz Brunch

9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
617 776-2004

And to enjoy jazz in on Mother's Day evening, check out Amanda Carr's Tribute to Benny Goodman and Peggy Lee at the Regent Theatre in Arlington, or the Trumpet at Twilight Jazz Series at the Back Page in Lowell.

For more details on year-round jazz across Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.  For tourist information, visit MassVacation or BostonUSA.

Eric Jackson Hosts Films of Jazz Greats at the Regent Theatre in Arlington on Friday, May 6

As part of JazzWeek '11 festivities throughout Greater Boston, the Regent Theatre in Arlington is presenting a night of some of the best jazz films, hosted by Eric Jackson, jazz radio personality from WGBH, 89.7 FM.

The videos come from the collection of jazz historian Hal Miller, owner of the world’s largest collection of rare jazz film and video. Among Jackson’s picks will be clips of John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Sarah Vaughan, Herbie Hancock, Duke Ellington, Wes Montgomery, Pharoah Sanders and Sonny Rollins. A reception with Jackson and Miller precedes the screening.

Tickets to the event are $8, of $16 for the films plus the reception. Either can be ordered online. 

JazzWeek 'll is organized by JazzBoston, a non-profit group dedicated to promoting jazz in the greater Boston area.  For more details  visit JazzBoston.org.

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

For tourist information about Massachusetts, visit MassVacation.com.

American Classics Performing Songs of Scott Joplin at Longy School in Cambridge on Saturday May 7

American Classics - a Boston group dedicated to exploring the time-capsule of original American music - is performing a special concert on the Rags and Songs of Scott Joplin at Pickman Concert Hall at Longy School of Music, on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets to the show are $20 and can be purchased online or at the door. The hall is located at 27 Garden Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Joplin, who founded and perfected ragtime music, wrote over 40 ragtimes as well as two operas.  After his death he was awarded a Pulitzer Prize in 1976 for his contributions to American music.

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

For tourist information, visit MassVacation.com. 

Blues Legend Joe Lewis Walker is Performing at Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley on Friday, May 6

Legendary blues guitarist Joe Lewis Walker is performing with special guest Murali Coryell at the Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley, Massachusetts on Friday, May 6, 2011 at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets are $16 and can be purchased online. 

Walker, recently voted Most Outstanding Guitarist by "Living Blues" critics, was raised in San Francisco, where he learned to play from Lightnin Hopkins, Fred McDowell, Magic Sam and Earle Hooker.  He also knew the city's famed rockers, including Carlos Santana, Sly Stone and Mike Bloomfield.

At the Bull Run performance Walker is joined by Murali Coryall, the son of jazz guitar legend Larry Coryell.

For a schedule of upcoming concerts at Bull Run, click here. 

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

For tourist information, visit MassVacation.com. 

Tribute to Cape Town Jazz comes to Ryles Jazz Club in Cambridge on Thursday, May 5

The works of Abdullah Ibrahim and Winston Mankunku, two composers from Cape Town, South Africa are being performed by the World Leaders ensemble at Ryles Jazz Club in Inman Square, Cambridge, on Thursday, May 5, 2011 at 9:00 p.m. 

Opening the show are two great local jazz bands: the Boston Higashi School Jazz Band from Randolph, playing at 7:00 p.m., and the Milton Academy Jazz Combo from Milton, playing at 7:30 p.m..  Cover charge is $10.

Milton Academy has developed an educational exchange program with South Africa dating back to 1991,  under the of guidance of jazz director Bob Sinicrope. The jazz combo has just returned from a two-week musical journey through South Africa.

For a schedule of upcoming events at Ryles, 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 Drummer Ralph Peterson Playing at Tatant Cafe in Boston on Thursday, May 5

Veteran jazz drummer Ralph Peterson and his trio, Spectrum, perform at Cafe Tatant dinner jazz series at the Roxbury Center for the Arts at Hibernian Hall in Dudley Square, Boston's Roxbury neighborhood on Thursday, May 5, 2011.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for cocktails, dinner is served at 7:00 p.m., and the music begins at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets to the show are $12; for the show and dinner cost is $28, and for a couple, the cost is $54.  To purchase tickets click here.

A professor at Berklee College of Music, Peterson has performed with Art Blakeley, Elvin Jones and many other jazz greats during his 30 year career.  He is founder of the Blackstone Education Foundation, which helps mentor children to become musicians by providing them with education, instruments and inspiration.

For more details on jazz events at Cafe Tatant, click here.

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

For tourist information, visit MassVacation.com.

Jazz-inspired Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in Boston, Thursday May 5

Here are some jazz and Latin gigs in the greater Boston area celebrating Cinco de Mayo on Thursday, May 5, 2011, with a mixture of Mexican food and Latin-inspired jazz:

Florencia Gonzalez Duo

Avenue One at Hyatt Regency Hotel

One Avenue de Lafayette

Downtown Crossing, Boston
617 422-5579

Florenciagonzalez

Aquas-Aquas with Rafael Alcala

Beehive Jazz Club
541 Tremont Street
South End, Boston
617 423-0069
beehivejazz.com

Manguito - Latin music

Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen

604 Columbus Avenue

South End, Boston

617 536-1100

darrylscornerbarboston

All that Brass: A Tribute to Herb Albert & the Tijuana Brass
Sherborn Inn
33 North Main Street, Sherborn
800 552-9742
sherborninn

Zumix Jazz Allstars and the Nick Grondin Group

Zumix

260 Sumner Street

East Boston

617 568-9777

zumix

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

For tourist information, visit MassVacation.com.

In Boston, live jazz at the Langham Hotel on Wednesday, May 4 with Ada Pasternak

Violinist Ada Pasternak is performing on Wednesday, May 4, 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.

Ellingtonia - a tribute to Duke Ellington - at NEC's Jordan Hall in Boston on Tuesday, May 3

New England Conservatory jazz stalwarts Anthony Coleman, Ran Blake and a talented host of faculty and students are presenting a tribute to Duke Ellington this evening at on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. at Jordan Hall in Boston.  The concert - called Ellingtonia -- is free and open to the public.

You can find notes, comments and details on Ellingtonia on Facebook.

Jordan Hall is located at 30 Gainsborough Street in Boston, off of Huntington Avenue.

For a list of jazz events happening in greater Boston this week, visit JazzWeek 11. 

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

For tourist information visit MassVacation.com.

Seaport Boston Hotel Introducing Live Jazz at Tamo Bar & Terrace Starting on Tuesday, May 3

The Tamo Bar and Terrace at Seaport Boston Hotel is welcoming the Lance Houston Jazz Quartet to perform Tuesday nights on the Terrace throughout the summer, starting on Tuesday, May 3, 2011, at 6:00 p.m.

Overlooking Boston's waterfront in the Seaport District,  Tamo is an upscale, popular spot for local residents and visitors, with a menu created by renowned chef Rachel Klein.    It's located in the Seaport Boston Hotel, one of the city's finest hotels, right next to the World Trade Center.  

Lance Houston is a talented flugelhorn player from Berklee College of Music with a superior quartet, including pianist Mihoko Abe, drummer Miki Matsuki, and bassist Francisco Ojeda.

For year round jazz in hotels, nightclubs, concert halls and campuses throughout New England, visit MassJazz.com.

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

Monte Carlo Jazz Ensemble Performing at Sherborn Inn on Tuesday, May 3

Classic jazz group Monte Carlo Jazz Ensemble is performing at the Sherborn Inn on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Led by pianist Robin Vedier and featuring clarinetist Craig Ball, Monte Carlo plays the music of Irving Berlin, Jelly Roll Morton and others from the early days of jazz.

Located at 33 North Main Street in Sherborn, the Sherborn Inn has an excellent series of jazz on Tuesday evenings and other nights throughout the year featuring top jazz bands from the New England region. A great source of jazz information for the entire region is the New England Traditional Jazz Plus website.

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

For tourist information, visit MassVacation.com.

Tribute to Eric Jackson, WGBH Jazz Radio Host, at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston on Monday, May 2

As part of JazzWeek 11', the jazz community of greater Boston is paying special tribute to radio host Eric Jackson of WGBH, 89.7 FM on Monday, May 2, 2011 at Sculler's Jazz Club in Boston.

Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. 

This special concert features many of region's 's finest jazz musicians, including Danilo Perez, Walter Beasley, Grace Kelly, Terri Lyne Carrington, Cecil McBee, Rebecca Parris, Phil Wilson, George Garzone, Bob Moses, Ralph Peterson, Dominique Eade, Bill Pierce, Donal Fox, Laszlo Gardony, and many more.

Fred Taylor, the renowned jazz impressario, is the producer of the show.

For more details on JazzWeek 11, visit JazzBoston.org.

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

For tourist information about Massachusetts, visit MassVacation.com.

John Payne Sax Choir Performing at Ryles on Tuesday, May 3 for two shows

The John Payne Quartet is reuniting with the 35-member John Payne Saxophone Choir for a special reunion concert on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at Ryles Jazz Club in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Show time is 8:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m..  Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online.

Payne is renowned in the Boston area  as a performer (flute, soprano,alto and tenor sax) and as an educator.  He was a studio musician on Van Morrison's seminal album, Astral Week, and played on many other albums. 

He has been teaching hundreds of local children and adults how to play the saxophone at the John Payne Music Center in Brookline over the past 30 years.  

The Saxophone Choir - an outgrowth of the Music Center - has allowed hundreds of Payne's saxophone students to hone their skills through live performance at some of the area's big jazz clubs.  This concert is a reunion of 35 of these players.  The choir is led by sax player and teacher Duncan Martin.

The concert is part of hundreds of concerts taking place in the greater Boston area during JazzWeek 11.

For more details on jazz clubs, concerts, campus events, festivals and other activities throughout Massachusetts throughout the year, visit MassJazz.com

For tourist information about Massachusetts, visit MassVacation.com.