Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Salem Jazz & Soul Festival this weekend, August 21-22


The fourth annual Salem Jazz & Soul Festival is taking place this Saturday and Sunday, August 21-22, at Salem Willows in the City of Salem.

This year's line-up includes the Grace Kelly Quintet, the Northshore Gospel Ambassadors, the Sam Kinninger Band and many other great acts.

Salem Trolley
is providing service to the Salem Willows from the Salem train station, the Salem ferry and the Bentley School.

In addition to continuous music, the festival also features arts & crafts, music education classes, a children's tent and family activities.

For a full schedule of events, click here.

For year round jazz in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com

For tourist information, visit MassVacation.com.

Monday, August 16, 2010

James Montgomery Blues Band Playing in Lowell on Saturday, August 21


Blues harp master James Montgomery and his Blues Band, along with the Uptown Horns, perform at the Lowell Summer Music Series this Saturday, August 21, at 7:30 p.m.

Considered one of the premier blues harmonica players over the last 30 years, Montgomery learned to play the blues first-hand from James Cotton, John Lee Hooker and Jurnior Wells. He's toured with Aerosmith, the Allman Brothers, Patti LaBelle and many others.

The concert takes place outdoors at Boarding House Park, 40 French Street, in downtown Lowell. Tickets are $18 and can be ordered online, or $25 at the gate the night of the concert.

For a complete list of concerts of the Lowell Summer Music Series through the rest of the summer, click here.

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

Friday, August 13, 2010

Tony Bennett performing in Cohasset and Hyannis on August 14-15


Jazz legend Tony Bennett is performing two shows in Massachusetts this weekend: at the South Shore Music Circus in Cohasset on Saturday, August 14, and at the Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis on Sunday, August 14. Both shows start at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are available online at the Music Circus and the Melody Tent or can be purchased at the gate the night of the concert.

A fifteen-time Grammy Award winner, Bennett's voice has helped define the American songbook since the late 1940s, when he began working with Pearl Bailey, Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra. In recent years he has recorded with a host of great singers, including Stevie Wonder, k.d. lang, James Taylor, Michael Buble and others.

Bennett is also a renaissance man whose reputation as a serious painter has grown over the years. He painted the image for the official poster of the 2010 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and regularly donates his artwork to a variety of worthwhile causes.

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

For tourism information in Massachusetts, visit MassVacation.com.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Jazz Singer Patti Austin Performs at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston, August 13-14

Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Patti Austin is performing at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston on the weekend of August 13-14, 2010. Performances are at 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. each night. Tickets are $40 and can be ordered online.

With 17 solo albums and countless collaborations with singing stars like Paul Simon, Robert Flack and Diana Ross, Austin has enjoyed a sterling career as a singer, songwriter, and interpreter of the American songbook. She also created her own one-woman show and was co-creator of several other musical showcases.

For a full schedule of upcoming concerts at Scullers, click here.

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

For tourism information on visiting Massachusetts, visit MassVacation.com.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Provincetown Jazz Festival Takes Place August 13-14 on Cape Cod

The 6th annual Provincetown Jazz Festival features a tribute to New Orleans jazz this Friday and Saturday, August 13-14, 2010 on Cape Cod.

Jazz drummer and festival director Bart Weisman says this year's festival features the Big Easy's Paul Sanchez, one of the many jazz musicians whose lives were affected by Hurricane Katrina, which occurred five years ago this month. Proceeds from the Provincetown Jazz Festival are going to the New Orleans Musicians Clinic.

Other stars of the two-day festival include saxophonist Greg Abate, vocalist Dane Vannatter, pianist Janice Friendman, bassist Chris Rathburn, drummer Bart Weisman, trumpeter Steve Ahern, and Berklee Rising Stars, including sax player Clay Lyons, trumpeter Matt Joseph, pianist Suzanne Davis, bassist John Lockwood, and Bob Kaufman on drums. For a complete schedule, click here.

For tourist information on visiting Cape Cod and Massachusetts, go to MassVacation.com.

For more upcoming jazz festivals in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.


Friday, August 6, 2010

Bill Harley Performs at Regattabar Kids Summer Music Series on Sunday, August 8 in Cambridge


Two-time Grammy Award winner Bill Harley brings his special brand of children's songs to the Regattabar in Harvard Square, Cambridge, this Sunday, August 8, at 4:30 p.m.

Tickets are available online for $12 or can be purchased at the door the day of show for $15.

Writer of songs like "You're in Trouble" and "Dad threw the TV out the window," Harley is a singer-songwriter whose music reaches children and adults alike. He is recipient of the Magic Penny Award from the Children's Music Network.

The Regattabar offers a series of children's music programs each summer. The final concert, featuring Flooky and the Beans, takes place on Sunday, August 15, 2010 at 4:30 p.m.

For a full schedule of upcoming jazz performances, click here.

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

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Jazz Pianist Herbie Hancock Performing at Lowell Summer Music Series this Saturday, August 7


Jazz legend Herbie Hancock is performing this Saturday, August 7, 2010 at the Lowell Summer Music Series in Lowell, Massachusetts at 7:30 p.m. The outdoor concert takes place at Boarding House Park, 40 French Street in Lowell.

Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 the day of the concert, and can be ordered online or by calling 978 970-5200.

Hancock began his career playing with the Miles Davis Quintet. He is a twelve-time Grammy Award winner and won an Oscar for scoring the film, Round Midnight.

For a full schedule of concerts at the Lowell Summer Music Series, click here.

For information on visiting Massachusetts, visit Massvacation.com.

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

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Tito Puente Latin Music Series Features Jerry Rivera at Boston City Hall Plaza


Salsa music star Jerry Rivera is performing at Boston City Hall Plaza on Saturday, July 31, at 7:00 p.m. as part of the city's Tito Puente Latin Music Series.

The Grammy-nominated singer is headining "Caliente, a celebration of Latin Music and Culture," featuring percussionist Eguie Castrillo and a hot horn section from Berklee College of Music.

The concert is sponsored by the City of Boston and is free and open to the public.

For year round jazz in Massachusetts visit MassJazz.com.


Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Roxbury International Film Festival features jazz film on Thelonius Monk



In My Mind

The 12th annual Roxbury International Film Festival gets underway in Boston this week, featuring a full slate of films, documentaries and workshops celebrating people of color in cinema.

One of the films featured this year is In My Mind, a documentary by jazz pianist Jason Moran that pays tribute to legendary jazz artist Theolonius Monk and his historic concert at New York's town hall in 1959. Combining rare audio and photos of Monk with Moran's own live performace in the same venue 50 years later, In My Mind has been described by Slant Magazine as "a vital document of jazz as a combined cultural heritage...(that) sets a new standard for jazz on film."

In My Mind is being shown at Mass College of Art on Saturday, July 31, at 6:00 p.m.

Presented by the Color of Film Collaborative and ACT Roxbury, the four-day festival embraces "a global community of filmmakers celebrating people of color," says Lisa Simmons, co-producer of the festival.

Screenings take place in venues throughout Boston, including the Roxbury Center for Arts at Hibernian Hall, Museum of Fine Arts, Mass College of Art, Wentworth College and the Haley House Bakery Cafe.

Full line-up of the RIFF film schedule.

Full list of RIFF workshops and panel discussions.

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

Saturday, July 17, 2010

New Black Eagle Jazz Band Performing at South Shore Conservatory on Saturday, July 17


New Orleans-style jazz is on the menu tonight at the popular band, the New Black Eagle Jazz Band takes to the stage at the Jane Carr Amphitheatre in Hingham, Massachusetts on Saturday, July 17, at 7:00 p.m.

The show is part of the Evenings under the Stars series sponsored by the South Shore Conservatory.

The band has been together for nearly 40 years and has a vast repertoire of over 600 songs, ranging from Scott Joplin tunes and gospel music to Dixieland and blues.

Tickets are $15 and $25 and can be ordered online.

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

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

Friday, July 16, 2010

Boston's Festival Betances 2010 celebrates Latino Arts and Culture, July 16-18



The annual Festival Betances at Villa Victoria in Boston's South End starts today and runs through Sunday, July 18, 2010. The festival includes exciting music and dance performances, delicious food and activities for all ages.

This year's music features Puerto Rican salsa stars Paquito Acosta and Michael Stuart, plus the US premier of Venezuelan harp virtuoso Leonard Jacome. Other performers include Sociedad Latina, Sierra Brothers, Lengua de Mi Barrio and more. For a full schedule click here.

Villa Victoria Center for the Arts
85 W. Newton Street. Boston, MA 02118
(617) 927-1722
www.VillaVictoriaArts.org

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

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Paulie's New Orleans Jazz and Blues Fest kicks off in Worchester on Friday, July 16

The sounds and tastes of New Orleans and Louisiana are coming to Worcester, Massachusetts this weekend at the third annual Paulie's Jazz & Blues Festival on Friday, July 16 and Saturday, July 17 at the Chandler Street Fairgrounds.

Featured musicians this year include Charles Neville of The Neville Brothers, Henri Smith and his New Orleans Friends and Flavours, the Hurricane Horns and Anders Osborne among others.



The festival is dedicated this year to the people of Louisana who are fighting the oil spill in the Gulf, and to the great musicians of New Orleans. The festival includes Cajun inspired cuisine and other southern foods.

Proceeds benefit the National Autism Association.

For more information visit the festival website.

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

For information on visiting Massachusetts from out of state, go to MassVacation.com

Friday, July 9, 2010

Massachusetts issues summer Jazz Guide


(Boston) - Massachusetts has released its second annual MassJazz Travel Guide, a round-up of jazz festivals, concerts and musical events taking place across the Bay State from July through October 2010. The 32-page magazine is available free to visitors and residents at tourism kiosks, in hotels and nightclubs, and on college campuses.

Some of the biggest names in jazz and blues are performing in Massachusetts this summer, including Herbie Hancock, Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis, Ahmad Jamal, B.B. King, Esperanza Spalding, Paula Cole, Chris Botti, Kurt Elling and more.

The Guide includes a welcome greeting from Governor Deval Patrick, as well as stories on Boston jazz promoter Fred Taylor and the 25th annual John Coltrane Memorial Concert at Northeastern University.



“Jazz is part of our state’s cultural richness and vitality,” says Betsy Wall, executive director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, a partner in the MassJazz initiative. “We invite visitors from near and far to experience Massachusetts Jazz in one of America’s cultural capitals.”

This summer, several local festivals are celebrating New Orleans – the birthplace of jazz – to commemorate the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina this August, says Michael P. Quinlin, founder of MassJazz.

Paulie’s New Orleans Jazz & Blues Festival in Worchester (July 16-17), Provincetown Jazz Festival (August 13-14) and the Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival (September 15-25) are featuring New Orleans jazz masters like Charles Neville, Paul Sanchez and Terence Blanchard.

In addition to festivals and concerts, MassJazz Travel Guide lists dozens of nightclubs, hotel lounges, restaurants and coffee-houses where jazz is played nightly, two dozen colleges where jazz is taught, and dozens of radio programs, including local and syndicated shows. The Guide lists the best places to have a weekend jazz brunch, hotels with live jazz, and various jazz organizations, promoters and bloggers throughout Massachusetts.

MassJazz provides up-to-date information about jazz activities year round at its web sites, MassJazz.com and Massjazz.blogspot.com. For further information, contact MassJazz at 617 696 9880 or massjazz@comcast.net

Copies of the MassJazz Travel Guide are available free at visitor information centers on Boston Common, the Prudential Center, Berklee College of Music, Cape Cod Visitors Center, and at various jazz festivals, jazz clubs and concert venues throughout Massachusetts.

About MOTT:
Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) is the state agency dedicated to promoting Massachusetts as a leisure-travel destination. MOTT serves as a leader in the tourism industry, helping to generate state and local tax revenues, create jobs and support the growth of travel-related businesses. Tourism is an integral part of the state’s economy, generating over $887.2 million in state and local taxes and $14.2 billion in travel related expenditures. The industry supports 125,800 in-state jobs. For more information visit www.massvacation.com.

About MassJazz:
MassJazz is a concerted, statewide effort initiated in 2009 to promote a full range of live jazz performances, community events, educational courses and related cultural activities to the convention and visitors industry. Working with MOTT and other state convention and visitor agencies, MassJazz is branding Massachusetts as a jazz destination for domestic and international visitors. For more information visit www.massjazz.com.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

New Orleans is the theme at 10th annual Berklee BeanTown Jazz Fest in Boston, September 15-25


New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, is the theme of this year's Berklee BeanTown Jazz Fest, taking place in Boston from September 15-25, 2010.

Jazz greats such as Terence Blanchard, Jonathan Batiste, and the Wild Magnolias, will bring the Big Easy to Boston, in part to commemorate the five year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina that devastated New Orleans.

They'll play alongside jazz musicians from around the world, including Paula Cole, Kurt Rosenwinkel, the Bad Plus, Nona Hendryx, Danilo Perez, Mendoza Vibe and others.

Participating jazz venues include Scullers Jazz Club, the Regattabar and Wally's, as well as the Berklee Performance Center, 939 Cafe, and David Friend Recital Hall at Berklee.

On Saturday, September 25, the festivities culminate in an all-day, open air, free festival in Boston's historic South End.

For a full schedule of concerts at this year's Berklee Beantown Jazz Fest, click here.

For year round jazz in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com





Monday, June 14, 2010

Jose James and Jef Neve at Regattabar in Cambridge on June 16


Jazz vocalist Jose James and Belgian pianist Jef Neve are performing at the Regattabar Jazz Club at Charles Hotel in Harvard Square, Cambridge, on Wednesday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online or by calling 617 395-7757.

The show celebrates the release of their new CD, For All We Know, issued by Impulse! Records.

James, born and raised in Minneapolis, is the son of a jazz saxophonist from Panama. James studied at the New School in New York City before moving to London, where he is based.

Neve is one of Europe's rising jazz stars. He debuted his first piano concerto with the Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra in 2009, and has released five best-selling albums.

Regattabar Jazz
Charles Hotel
One Bennett Street
Harvard Square
Cambridge
617 661-5099

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

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Swing Dancing at the Armenian Church in Watertown, June 12


Bombay Jim and the Swinging Sapphires - one of America's hottest swing bands - perform from 9:00 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, June 12 at the St. James Armenian Church in Watertown.

Admission is $15, which includes a free one-hour dance lesson that includes beginning swing dance, two-step and ends with one intermediate swing dance move.

The event is organized by the Boston Swing Dance Network.

465 Mt. Auburn Street
Watertown MA

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

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Kelli O'Hara Sings Cole Porter at Boston Symphony Hall on June 9-11


Broadway star Kelli O'Hara is appearing with the Boston Pops at Boston Symphony Hall for a three-night engagement to perform some of the greatest hits of Broadway from the music of Cole Porter, on June 9, 10, 11, 2010.

Considered one of Broadway's leading ladies, O'Hara will perform classics such as "Night and Day," "Love for Sale," and selections from the Tony Award-winning musical, Kiss Me Kate.

The Boston Pops is celebrating its 125 season as one of the world's leading musical organization, and has a full schedule of performances leading up to the Fourth of July.

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



Friday, June 4, 2010

Jazz Vocalist Nnenna Freelon at Sculler's Jazz Club in Boston, June 4


Six-time Grammy award-nominee Nnenna Freelon performs at the famous Sculler's Jazz Club in Boston on Friday, June 4, for two shows starting at 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Tickets for the show are $25; dinner and show $63, and can be ordered online or by calling 617 562-4111.

Hailed as the "international voice of jazz," Freelon has performed at the Grammy Awards, the White House, and concert venues around the world.
Doubletree Hotel
400 Soldiers Field Road
Boston, MA 02134


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

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Guitarist Alex Cuba Plays Regattabar in Cambridge on June 3


Alex Cuba, eclectic and inventive guitarist, is playing at the Regattabar in Cambridge on Thursday, June 3, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $18 and can be purchased online.

Born outside of Havanna, and having lived near Vancouver for the past decade, Cuba has melded a variety of Spanish influences with pop-soul and funk-rock chords to create a unique sound all his own.

He's been compared to Marvin Gaye and Jimi Hendrix, a testiment to his range and vision.

Regattabar
at the Charles Hotel
One Bennett Street
Harvard Square, Cambridge
617 395-7757

For year round jazz in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Melody Gardot Performing at Wilbur Theatre in Boston on June 2


Jazz and blues singer Melody Gardot is performing at the Wilbur Theatre on Wednesday, June 2, at 8:00 p.m.

The Philadelphia native has melded the traditions of jazz with a personal and intimate sound that resonates with listeners around the world.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or by calling 1 800 745-3000.

Wilbur Theatre
246 Tremont Street
Boston

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

Friday, May 28, 2010

Ellis Hall Performs Ray Charles Tribute at Boston Symphony Hall on Saturday, May 29


Ellis Hall, protege of the great Ray Charles, plays a special tribute concert to Charles on Saturday, May 29, at Boston Symphony Hall, starting at 8:00 p.m..

Among the hit songs Hall is performing: Georgia on my Mind; Hit the Road Jack and Unchain my Heart.

The concert is part of the 125th anniversary celebration of the Boston Pops taking place this spring.

Boston Symphony Hall
301 Massachusetts Avenue
Boston
1 888 266-1200
BSO.org

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

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Deva Mahal Performing at Boston's Beehive jazz club on May 22


R&B singer Deva Mahal brings her soul power to Boston on Saturday, May 22, when she performs with her band at the Beehive Jazz Club in the South End.

Daughter of legendary bluesman Taj Mahal, Deva is emerging as a talented blues singer "who can wail with the best of them," wrote the Albany Times Union.

Deva is playing at the Beehive with Steph Brown and band. The show starts at 10:00 p.m.
541 Tremont Street
Boston MA 02116
617 423-0069

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

Monday, May 17, 2010

Tanglewood Jazz Festival Holds Contest for Talented Musicians to Perform at this year’s Festival

Grace Kelly played the Jazz Cafe at Tanglewood

Tanglewood Jazz Festival - which presents some of the world’s best jazz artists each year over Labor Day weekend, is hosting a video contest for four performance slots at this year’s festival.


The contest is open from May 6 through June 15. Contestants must submit a link to their video and electronic press kit through the music website, Sonicbids.


Winners will be announced on July 1. They will receive national publicity and promotion for their appearance and a nominal fee of $1,000 for travel and hotel. There is no age restriction, but artists who have already headlined at a jazz festival or similar event will not be eligible.


The winners will perform at the popular Jazz Café, a premier venue at the festival for rising stars on the verge of national recognition. Some past performers at the Jazz Café include Esperanza Spalding, Grace Kelly, Sachal Vasandani, Julian Lage and Taylor Eigsti.


This year's Tanglewood Jazz Festival takes place on September 4-5, 2010 in Lenox, Massachusetts, summer home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra.


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

Friday, May 14, 2010

Chris Botti Performs at Hanover Theatre in Worcester, May 15


Jazz trumpeter Chris Botti is performing at the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts in Worcester, Massachusetts on Saturday, May 15, 2010, at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets are $47-$62 and can be ordered online or by calling 508 831-0800.

Botti is the largest-selling American jazz instrumentalist, and has performed with a range of artists, from Sting and Michael Buble to the Boston Pops and Andrea Bocelli.
2 Southbridge Street
Worcester
1 877 571-SHOW

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

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Blue Note Presents Karrin Allyson and J. Geils at Showcase Live on May 14


Acclaimed jazz vocalist Karrin Allyson teams up with blues guitarist J. Geils for an evening of great music at the Showcase Live in Foxborough on Friday, May 14, starting at 8:00 p.m.

Joining Allyson and Geils are noted jazz guitarists Bucky Pizzarelli and Gerry Beaudoin, tenor saxophonist Harry Allen, bassist Jesse Williams and drummer Lee Harris, Jr.

Tickets to the show are $25.00, available through Ticketmaster.

Showcase Live
23 Patriot Place
Foxborough, MA
508 543-5120

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

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Jonathan Singleton Brings Jazz and Gospel to Roxbury Center for the Arts at Hibernian Hall on May 16



Renowned gospel and jazz choral conductor Jonathan Singleton brings An Afternoon of Inspiration to Boston on Sunday, May 16, 2010, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Roxbury Center for Arts at Hibernian Hall.

The musical program features a mixed choir of forty hand-picked voices as well as a smaller group of back-up singers and a full band.

Tickets are $15 for general admission, $10 for senior citizens and $5 for children, and can be purchased by calling 617 849-6322 or by ordering online.

A graduate of Berklee College of Music in 1987, Mr. Stapleton has an illustrious career as a choral conductor, including a long association with the historic 12th Baptist Church in Roxbury, where he conducts the Gospel Ensemble.

Built in 1913, Hibernian Hall was refurbished in 2005 by Madison Park Development and boasts a two-story performance space and ballroom plus state-of-the-art lighting, sound and project systems. It is located at 184 Dudley Street in Boston's Roxbury neighborhood.

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

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Boston's Beehive Club Celebrates Cinco de Mayo on Wednesday, May 5


Enjoy Mexican and Latin-inspired jazz at the Beehive, one of Boston's coolest night clubs, featuring Mariachi Internacional, led by Carlos Alfredo.

And you can enjoy a feast of Mexican dishes by Beehive's inventive Executive Chef Rebecca Newell.

For year round activities at Beehive, located at 541 Tremont Street in Boston's South End, click here or call 617 423-0069.

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


Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Boston Pops 125th Season Features Jazz and Blues Performances

Jazz Pianist Dave Brubeck


The Boston Pops is celebrating its 125th anniversary this spring and summer with a tremendous line-up of performances from May 4 through July 4, 2010, including some stalwart jazz and blues artists and tributes to musical greats like Ray Charles and Duke Elington.

On May 4, the opening night of the season, trumpet legend Doc Severinsen is guest artist, and pianist Michael Chertock is performing Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue.

On May 19, jazz vocalists Patti Austin and Brian Stokes Mitchell are part of an all star line-up that includes Arlo Gurthrie, and actors Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, and Ed Harris in a tribute to the Kennedy brothers.

On May 29 the Boston Pops' tribute to Ray Charles features guest artist Elis Hall and conductor Robert Bernhardt.

One June 1-2 Dave Brubeck - one of the foremost pianists in jazz history - appears with the Boston Pops, with Keith Lockhardt conducting.

On June 4-5 the Boston Pops' Tribute to Duke Elington features jazz and blues singer Dee Daniels, with Jeff Tyzik conducting.

For a full line up of the 2010 Boston Pops 125th anniversity season, click here.

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

Friday, April 30, 2010

Corinne Bailey Rae and Daniel Merriweather at Boston's House of Blues, April 30



British vocalist Corinne Bailey Rae appears at Boston's House of Blues with Daniel Merriweather on Friday, April 30, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. (doors open at 7:00 p.m.).

Since releasing her self-titled debut album in 2006, the 30 year old singer and song writer has gained a worldwide audience of music lovers, as well as several Grammy nominations.

Tickets are $25 for general admission and $35 for reserved seating. For more information call 1 888 693 BLUE (2583)

House of Blues Boston is located at 15 Lansdowne Street, just outside of Kenmore Square and in the shadow of Fenway Park.

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

Monday, April 26, 2010

Mexican Jazz Vocalist Magos Herrera at Sculler's in Boston on Thursday, April 29


Latin American jazz vocalist Magos Herrera and her band perform at Sculler's Jazz Club in Boston on Thursday, April 29, 2010, starting at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $20.00

Born in Mexico City, Herrera blends the styling of jazz standards with Latin American melodies to create a unique musical sound that is at once traditional and contemporary.

Herrera's band includes Aaron Goldberg, piano; Ben Monder, guitar; Ricky Rodriquez, bass; and Alan Kautz, drums.

For a list of upcoming jazz shows at Sculler's, click here.

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

Friday, April 16, 2010

Sax Master Sonny Rollins at Boston Symphony Hall on Saturday, April 18


Sonny Rollins, one of the great tenor sax players of jazz over the past 50 years, is celebrating his 80th birthday with a concert at Boston Symphony Hall on Saturday, April 18, 2010, starting at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets to the show are $30-$65 and can be purchased by calling 1 888 266-1200 or by clicking here.

Joining Sonny on stage is Bobby Broom on guitar, Bob Cranshaw on bass, Kobie Watkins on Drums and Victor See-Yuen on percussion.

The concert is presented by Absolutely Live Entertainment (ALE).

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

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Salem's Jazz Community All Keyed Up for April 17 Spring Gala at Peabody Essex Museum


A New Orleans-inspired piano night at the Peabody Essex Museum kicks off this year’s gala event, All Keyed Up, to officially launch the 4th annual Salem Jazz and Soul Festival.


Headliner Dave Maxwell, renowned blues pianist and Grammy Award winner, brings his unique blend of Chicago Blues, Boogy Woogie and New Orleans jazz licks that he’s perfected by playing with the likes of Bonnie Rait, Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters and James Cotton.


Local piano and Hammond B3 players include Ben Zecker, Jen Kearney, Ken Clark and Marty Rowen. Supporting the All Keyed Up artists is the Salem Jazz and Soul All-Stars. MC for the evening is Henley Douglas Jr., co-founder of the festival.


Tickets are $50 ($45 for PEM members) and can be ordered online at Peabody Essex Museum or by calling 978 745-9500. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and music begins at 8:00 p.m.


Salem Jazz and Soul Festival is a 501(c)3 non profit group whose mission is to support music education programs and produce free concerts for the public.


For jazz in Massachusetts year round, visit MassJazz.com

Monday, April 12, 2010

John Baboian Quartet Performs at Arsenal Center for the Arts in Watertown on Monday, April 12


The John Baboian Quartet - comprised of Jazz masters from Berklee College of Music - perform this evening at the Arsenal Center for the Arts in Watertown, Massachusetts, at 7:30.

The quartet includes Baboian on guitar, Daniel Ian Smith on woodwinds, Bruce Gertz on bass and Larry Finn on drums. Their set consists of original compositions and original arrangements of jazz standards.

Tickets are $15 and $10 for students and members. For more information contact jbpr@comcast.net or call 617 923-8487.

Arsenal Center for the Arts
321 Arsenal Street
Watertown, MA 02472

For year round jazz in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Jazz Pianist Carmen Staaf Plays the Lily Pad in Cambridge on April 9

Jazz pianist and composer Carmen Staaf performs tonight at the Lily Pad in Cambridge at 10:00 p.m. She is joined by Kendall Eddy on bass and Austin McMahon on drums.

Winner of the 2009 Mary Lou Williams ' Women in Jazz Piano Competition,' Staaf brings an original and wholly unique sound that suggests Eric Satie, Keith Jarrett and Mary Lou Williams herself, among other influences.

The Lily Pad is at 1353 Cambridge Street in Inman Square. Suggested donation is $8.

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

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Great Vibes with Gary Burton at Berklee, April 8, 2010


Gary Burton celebrates his amazing musical career with a special concert at the Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Avenue in Boston on Thursday, April 8, 2010, starting at 8:15 p.m.

The six-time Grammy-winning vibraphonist is being joined by other musical giants like Joe Lovano, John Scofield, Steve Swallow, Julian Lage and others.

Tickets are $25-$35 for reserved seating, and can be purchased at the box office or at Ticketmaster by calling 617 931-2000.

Burton has been associated with Berklee College of Music for 50 years, as a student, professor and adminstrator.

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

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

April is Smithsonian Jazz Appreciation Month

The Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC announced its 9th annual celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) throughout April. The national celebration of America's jazz heritage started in 2001 and now takes place in all 50 states as well as 40 countries around the world.

In addition to a schedule of events taking place in DC during April, JAM is also offering a free poster of JAM 2010 featuring an illustration of pianist Dave Brubeck.

To request a copy of the poster, contact jazz@si.edu.

For details on jazz in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.

Friday, April 2, 2010

Kenny Barron Trio Plays at Regattabar, Cambridge, April 2-3, 2010


Kenny Barron, one of the great lyrical pianists of jazz, is playing four concerts at the Regattabar Jazz Club at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge this weekend, April 2-3, 2010.

He is joined by Kiyoshi Kitagawa, bass and Jonathan Blake on Drums. Tickets are $25.

Barron is regarded as one of the most influential pianists of his generation. He was recently honored with a 2010 Jazz Master Award bestowed by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), one of the nation's most prestigious awards.

To find jazz any time of the year in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

JazzBoston announces this year's Jazz Week, April 23-May 2, 2010


(Boston) -- Jazz Week ’10: “Made in Boston, Played in Boston” celebrates the special role the Boston jazz scene plays as incubator and stage for some of the most creative musicians in the world.

The ten day celebration, which runs from April 23 to May 2, offers more than 230 events at over 80 venues, many of them inspired by this year’s theme, Made in Boston, Played in Boston.

In addition to live concerts, JazzWeek also features rare films, jazz dance, and children’s events, plus tributes to influential figures in the city’s rich cultural history.

Jazz Week is coordinated and promoted for the fourth consecutive year by the nonprofit organization JazzBoston.

Jazz Week ’10 events are being added daily. Check the JazzBoston website for the full JazzWeek ’10 schedule of events.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Favorite (Jazz) Spot in Massachusetts? Nominate Your Choice

Wally's Cafe Jazz Club in Boston's South End

From Boston to the Berkshires, Cape Cod to the North Shore and everywhere in between, Massachusetts is filled with thousands of great places, and the state’s tourism office -Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism - is narrowing them down to the Top 1,000.

MOTT is seeking nominations for the 1,000 best places in the Commonwealth, drawing upon the abundance of exceptional historical sites, cultural venues and natural landscapes all over Massachusetts. According to the guidelines, all of the sites selected must be open and available to the public.

The nomination period closes this Thursday, April 1, 2010 and the winners will be announced in May.

MOTT has set up a website to accept nominations from the public: www.massvacation.com/1000/index.php.

MassJazz
is urging jazz lovers from across Massachusetts to submit their favorite jazz club or historical landmark to this project!

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Jazz on North Shore Today!


The North Shore Jazz Project is presenting an afternoon of Latin Music: Jazz & Gypsy Flamenco, at the Chianti Tuscan Restaurant in Beverly, MA.

The event features Maxim Lubarsky Quintet (pictured above), Alexei Tsiganov Quintet and Peruvian master guitarist D Rafael.

Show times are 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. and 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.. Tickets are available at the door for $20 ($15 for students with ID).

Chianti Tuscan Restaurant is located at 285 Cabot Street in Beverly.

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

Friday, March 26, 2010

Irish Film Festival features The Bass Player: A Song for Dad, on March 27


The 11th annual Irish Film Festival Boston is presenting The Bass Player: A Song For Dad by Irish filmmaker Niall McKay, at the Somerville Theatre in Davis Square, Somerville, MA. on Saturday, March 27, at 2:30 p.m.

In this eloquent, witty homage to his father, McKay wrestles with his family's unsettling past to overcome his fear of commitment. As he helps his elderly father Jim, a jazz bass player, return home to Ireland, a parallel journey unfolds into an admiration for his dad and his innermost thoughts about love.

Tickets to the screening are $9 per person and can be ordered online here.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Governor Deval Patrick Donates His Father's Jazz Archives to Boston's Berklee College of Music


Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick is honoring his late father's musical and cultural legacy by donating the vast collection of jazz musician, composer, and arranger Laurdine Kenneth "Pat" Patrick to Berklee College of Music's Africana Studies archive. The historical Pat Patrick Collection comprises hundreds of scores, photographs, personal materials, and recordings.

Best known for his 40-year association with the avant-garde artist Sun Ra, Patrick also played with jazz greats John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington and many others, according to The Boston Globe.

The materials represent a treasure trove for musicians, educators and cultural historians, says Bill Banfield, director of Africana Studies at Berklee.

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

Monday, March 15, 2010

Boston Jazz Club Celebrating St. Patrick's Day with Celtic Band


To celebrate St. Patrick's Day in America's most Irish city, the Beehive Jazz Club in Boston is hosting its third annual Irish celebration on Wednesday, March 17, from 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m, featuring Celtic band Tri.


Tri consists of award-winning bagpiper Matthew Phelps, fiddler Doug Lamey and guitarist Cliff McCann. They’ll be joined by step dancers Pamela Campbell and Christine Morrison.

Beehive Chef Rebecca Newell has created several Irish-inspired specials including corned beef and cabbage flatbread with sauerkraut and cheese, Finann Haddie Smoked fish & chips, and Grilled Lamb Chops with colcannon mashed potatoes.

There is no cover charge and dinner reservations are recommended.

The Beehive
541 Tremont Street
Boston MA 02116

beehiveboston

For more details on Irish music in greater Boston year round, visit
IrishBoston.

For more details on jazz in Massachusetts year round, visit
MassJazz

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Toots Thielmans Playing at Sculler's Jazz Club in Boston, March 12-13, 2010

Toots Thielmans - regarded as the world's greatest jazz harmonica player - plays at Sculler's Jazz Club in Boston on Friday and Saturday, March 12-13, 2010.

He is performing with Kenny Werner and Oscar Castro-Neves.

In 2009, Mr. Thielmans was named an American Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more details, visit Sculler's Jazz Club.

For a complete list of jazz in Boston and throughout Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Cape Cod Honors Singer Patti Page with Her Own Street


Jazz and popular singer Patti Page, whose rendition of the song, Old Cape Cod, was a hit in 1957, now has a street officially named after her on Cape Cod.

The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Barnstable unveiled the Patti Page Way sign at Shoot Flying Hill in Centerville, Cape Cod on February 26, which was also officially declared Patti Page Day on the Cape.

Ms. Page attended the ceremony and was there to greet fans and admirers of the song.

Tourism officials say the song Old Cape Cod accentuated the many charms of the Cape and helped make it a tourism destination over the last 50 years.

Cape Cod has long been a jazz haven, with summer festivals in Provincetown, Chatham and Falmouth, and year round jazz clubs and concerts throughout the Cape.

For more information on jazz on the Cape, visit MassJazz.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Berklee Teaching Jazz in Dublin, Ireland in April 2010


Boston's Berklee College of Music is returning to Dublin, Ireland, April 5-11, to conduct improvisation workshops and to hold auditions for aspiring student musicians seeking scholarships to the prestigious university.

The program, now in its second year, is taking place at the Newpark Music Centre in Blackrock, Co. Dublin. Students must apply online for the workshop by March 19.

Participating Berklee faculty members include Greg Badolato, Jim Kelly, John McGann, and Ken Zambello, along with Ronan Guilfoyle, artistic director of the Newpark Music Centre.

For more details, click here.

For year round jazz in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.

Monday, February 22, 2010

New Jazz Series at Boston's Historic Wilbur Theatre


Boston’s historic Wilbur Theatre, renovated and revitalized by Bill Blumenreich Presents, has initiated a new series of jazz, world music, Latin, blues and other related music.

The series is being produced and developed by Boston jazz entrepreneur Fred Taylor.

Upcoming concerts include

Sunday, February 28 at 4:00 p.m.
John Pizzarelli (image above) and The Swing Seven

Wednesday, March 24 at 7:30 p.m.
Tower of Power

Thursday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Lizz Wright
Opening Act: Yoko Miwa Trio

For more information visit thewilburtheatre.com/.

For information on year round jazz throughout Massachusetts visit 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...