Tanglewood Holds Centennial Celebration Concert Honoring Ella Fitzgerald on July 9

Photo courtesy of EllaFitzgerald.com 

A centennial concert in honor of jazz great Ella Fitzgerald is taking place at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 9, 2017 at Seiji Ozawa Hall at Tanglewood.  Tickets range from $12 to $55 and can be purchased at the venue.

Featured  guests include Dawn Upshaw, soprano; Stephanie Blythe, mezzo-soprano; Lee Musiker, piano; members of the Boston Pops; and TMC vocal fellows.

Ella Fitzgerald was born in 1917, and became one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century.  Known as the First Lady of Song, Fitzgerald won 13 Grammys and sold over 40 million albums.

Here is a schedule of performances at Tanglewood this summer.

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

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com.

JAZZ IN JULY Returns to UMass Amherst Campus on July 10-21

The annual Jazz in July Summer Music Program is taking place on July 10-21, 2017 at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.

Founded over 30 years ago by the UMass/Amherst music department, Jazz in July brings together top jazz performers and educators to work with students for an intensive week of jazz instruction and improvisation.

In addition to the classes, the instructors and students also stage a series of concerts open to the public.  Here is a schedule of performances.

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

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com.

Darryl's Corner Bar + Kitchen features live jazz with trumpeter Darren Barrett on Sunday, July 9

Darren Barrett 

Darryl's Corner Bar + Kitchen in Boston's South End has a full line-up of live music this week, featuring rhythm and blues musicians from Berklee College of Music; a classic big band; and Canadian Grammy Award winning trumpeter Darren Barrett.  Here is the schedule below:

Thursday July 6 : Aaron Venable & Co. (7:00 p.m.)

Friday, July 7 : Briana'Lise & The Fellas (7:00 p.m.)

Saturday, July 8 : DCBK House Band (7:00 p.m.)

Sunday, July 9 : Darren Barrett Band (6:00 p.m.)

Here is the menu at Darryl's. 

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

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com. 

Bobby Keyes Jazz Trio Performs at Maudslay Arts Center in Newburyport on July 8

The Maudslay Arts Center presents the Bobby Keyes Trio in concert at the  at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 8, 2017.  Tickets to the show are $28 and can be purchased online or by calling 978 499-0050.

Bobby Keyes is a versatile guitarist who blends a range of music - jazz, r&b, country, pop and swing - into a distinct American sound.   His newest album is Dojogobo.

Located in Newburyport, the Maudslay Arts Center is now in its 25th year of staging live music through the summer.  Here is the upcoming schedule.

Find more about jazz in Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com.

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com.

Jason Palmer Performs at NEC's Jordan Hall on June 28

Jazz trumpeter Jason Palmer is performing at the Jazz Lab at the New England Conservatory of Music at 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 28, 2018. The concert takes place at Jordan Hall and is free and open to the public.

Palmer is a well-known musician, composer and educator who performs regularly at Wally's Cafe in Boston's South End when he is not on national or world tours.

The Jazz Lab provides opportunities for motivated students to spend a week on campus working with like-minded musicians, a world class faculty and renowned guest artists.

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

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com.

Jazz Trumpeter Chris Botti Performs with Boston Pops at Tanglewood on June 24

Jazz trumpet player Chris Botti & the Boston Pops Orchestra perform at Tanglewood at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, 2017.   Special guest conductor is Lawrence Loh.

Tickets to the show start at $23 and can be purchased online or at the venue.

Here are directions to Tanglewood.

Winner of numerous Grammy Awards, Botti has become the largest-selling American instrumentalist artist, selling more than four million albums.

Here is a schedule of jazz, pop and rock concerts taking place at Tanglewood this summer.

To learn more about jazz in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com. 

Jazz Singer Tierney Sutton Performs at Regattabar in Harvard Square on June 22

Jazz vocalist Tierney Sutton and her band perform at the Regattabar at the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, 2017.

Tickets to the show are $35 ($27 for students) and can be purchased online or by calling 617 661-5000.

Sutton, a seven-time Grammy nominee, has been performing and recording for 20 years, and has released nine CDs.  She is performing from her latest CD, The String Variations.  

Here is a recent interview with Tierney Sutton.

See calendar of upcoming events at Regattabar.

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

Jazz Singer Amanda Carr Becomes Executive Director of Jazz Radio Station WICN in Worcester

Congratulations to jazz artist Amanda Carr, who has been named as executive director of WICN-FM(90.5) in Worcester. 

“It’s an honor to be taking on this new and exciting leadership position at WICN,” Carr said in an announcement. “This station gave me my first interview as a jazz artist over 20 years ago, and I have been a loyal contributing member ever since, with a closeness to many of the hosts and staff. I’m looking forward to being an integral part of the emerging and exciting Central Massachusetts arts scene along with WICN.”

See full press release on Amanda Carr here. 

WICN is a National Public Radio affiliate now in its 47th year.  It has a full schedule of jazz, 24/7. 

Find out more about jazz in Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com.

For details on visiting Massachusetts, go to MassVacation.com. 

Fred Taylor's Jazz & Heritage Series at the Cabot

Jazz impresario and jazz hero Fred Taylor has launched a new Jazz & Heritage Series at  The Cabot Theatre in Beverly.

The series kicks off on Saturday, June 3, with Joey DeFrancesco & The People, and the Grace Kelly Group, and finishes up on Friday, December 8 with the world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra.

For more information and to order tickets, call 866 811-4111.

Here is a full schedule of events at The Cabot.

Find year round information on the jazz scene in Massachusetts at MassJazz.com.

For details about visiting Massachusetts, go to MassVacation.com.

Mother's Day Weekend at Darryl's Corner Bar & Kitchen features Tia Fuller, Troy Durden and Valerie Stevens

Darryl's Corner Bar & Kitchen in Boston's South End is featuring a great line up of live jazz and blues over Mother's Day weekend.

On Friday, May 12, blues and pop singer Troy Durden takes then stage, then on Saturday, May 13, renowned saxophonist Tia Fuller performs.  Then on Sunday, May 14, jazz and blues singer Valerie Stevens performs during brunch.

Here is a full schedule of live music at Darryl's this spring.

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

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com.

Singer/Songwriter Lucinda Williams in Concert at Berklee Performance Center on May 10, 2017

Two-time Grammy Award winner Lucinda Williams is in concert at the Berklee Performance Center in Boston at 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 10, 2017.

Tickets to the concert are $35 & $45, and are available online or at the venue.

Here are directions to the Berklee Performance Center in Boston's Back Bay.

Regarded as one of America's most original poet-songwriters, Lucinda Williams follows the blue highways and the back roads of America for her inspiration and material.

This is the only New England appearance of Williams this season.

For more about live music in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

Massachusetts Celebrates Jazz Month & International Jazz Day on April 30

Governor Charlie Baker has declared April 2017 to be Jazz Month in Massachusetts,  a tribute to the state's vibrant, year-round jazz scene.  Governor Baker called jazz "one of America's most treasured exports, connecting races, cultures and continents."

The proclamation coincides with "Jazz Week 2017," organized each year by JazzBoston, a non-profit organization that promotes jazz year round in greater Boston.

Another resource for jazz lovers is MassJazz.com at the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, a year round marketing effort to promote the state's jazz performance and education.  

Sunday, April 30 is International Jazz Day, which is organized by UNESCO each year to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the world. 

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

Jazz Greats Branford Marsalis Quartet with Kurt Elling Performs at Cary Hall in Lexington on April 28

Spectacle Management is presenting the Branford Marsalis Quartet with jazz vocalist Kurt Elling at Lexington’s Cary Memorial Hall at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 28.

Tickets are $79-$59 and are on sale now at caryhalllexington.com or by calling 617-531-1257.

Regarded as among the most creative and exciting musicians of this generation, Marsalis and Elling joined forces in 2016 to create Upward Spirit, an ambitious album that has been nominated for a 2017 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal album.

The top flight quartet consists of saxophonist Marsalis, pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis and drummer Justin Faulkner.

Here is a schedule of upcoming show presented by Spectacle Management, a full-service booking, marketing and promotion company with offices in Boston and Lexington.

For more jazz in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com. 

Cuba Con Salsa Features Pedrito Martinez Group. at Boston's Cutler Majestic

WBUR is celebrating the rich heritage of Cuban music at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at the Emerson Cultler Majestic Theatre.  

Robin Young, co-host of Here & Now, and José Massó, host of ¡Con Salsa!, emcee the event.

The evening features multiple performances by the Grammy Award-nominated Pedrito Martinez Group. 

Ned Sublette, author of “Cuba and its Music” and award-winning Cuban singer Gema Corredera will discuss the origins of Cuban music and its influences. Corredera will also join Pedrito Martinez for the final number. 

The event will be recorded live and broadcast throughout the Greater Boston Area. 

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

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com. 

Trumpeter Terence Blanchard + E Collective Perform at UMass Amherst on April 8

Trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard performs with his new quintet, The E-Collective, at the Fine Arts Center at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 8, 2017. 

Tickets are $25-35, and $10 for local students from the five colleges.  To order, call the box office at 413 545-2511 or 800-999-UMAS.  

A native of New Orleans, Terence Blanchard is a multiple Grammy Award winning musician and composer who has recorded more than 30 albums.  His latest album is Breathless (Blue Note), recorded with the E-Collective. 

Here is a full lineup of upcoming concerts at the Fine Arts Center. 

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

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com.