Thursday, October 2, 2014

Aardvark Jazz Orchestra Opens Its 42nd Season Tonight at Scullers


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

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

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

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

Find visitor information at MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com









Friday, September 26, 2014

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

Sheila E

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

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

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

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

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

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



Thursday, September 25, 2014

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


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

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

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

Here is a schedule of upcoming jazz events at Regattabar.

Find year round jazz at MassJazz.com.

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



Thursday, September 18, 2014

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Directions and parking can be found here.

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

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

Find Visitor Information at MassVacation.com and Bostonusa.com


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



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

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

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

Find Visitor Information at MassVacation.com and Bostonusa.com


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



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

Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased online.

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

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



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

Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased online

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

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

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

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Wolverine Jazz Band performs at The Sherborn Inn on September 16





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

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

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

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

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

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


 


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday, September 15, 2014

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




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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

Friday, September 12, 2014

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



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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

Monday, September 8, 2014

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

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

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

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

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Northampton Jazz Festival Taking Place Saturday, September 6


The 4th annual Northampton Jazz Festival is taking place on Saturday, September 6, 2014 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Hampton Avenue in downtown Northampton.

Headlining jazz performers include Etienne Charles, Seamus Blake, Champain Fulton and others.

Here is a full schedule of events.

The festival kicked off on Tuesday, September 2, with daily jazz activities leading up to the festival.

As part of the festivities, there is a Twelve Mile Meal Chef Battle featuring three teams of chefs from local restaurants.

And finally, a Home Brew Challente is taking place at the festival this year to determine the best home brewed beer in the area.

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

Sun Broadcasting Corp Launches Sun Music Live Shows at Wally's Cafe Jazz Club this Fall

Sun Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) has begun production of Sun Music Live. The inaugural shows set at  Wally’s CafĂ©  in Boston will f...