36th annual John Coltrane Memorial Concert Taking Place in Boston on November 23

The New England Spiritual Ensemble and the John Coltrane Memorial Concert Ensemble are performing at the 36th annual John Coltrane Memorial Concert at Blackman Theater at Northeastern University on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $32, or $27 for students and seniors, and can be purchased online or at the theater. 

Jazz radio personality Eric Jackson is host for the evening.  The theme of this year's concert is Jubilee Songs, to mark the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights movement.

The John Coltrane Memorial Concert is organized each year by Dr. Leonard Brown, associate professor of African American Studies and Music at Northeastern University.

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

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com.



 

Blues Legend Ronnie Earl & the Broadcasters in Concert at Regent Theatre in Arlington on November 16

Blues guitarist Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters are performing live at the Regent Theatre in Arlington on Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets are $28-$38 and be purchased online or at the theater the night of the concert.

B.B. King said Earl is "one of the most serious blues guitarists you can find today. He makes me proud."

Earl is an associate professor of guitar at Berklee College of Music.

Here is a schedule of upcoming concerts, musicals, films and other activities at Regent Theatre.

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

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


 

Jazz Legend Gary Burton at Berklee Performance Center on Tuesday, November 12

 

Seven time Grammy Award winner and renowned jazz vibraphonist Gary Burton is in concert at the Berklee Performance Center in Boston on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets to the concert are $28 ($16 for students with ID) and can be purchased online or at the concert hall.

Burton will also introduce his just-released auto-biography, Learning to Listen.  Each audience member will get a copy of the book as part of the festivities. 

The evening will feature Burton in conversation with Bob Blumenthal, Grammy Award winning music reporter.

Here are upcoming events at the Berklee Performance Center.

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

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

Berklee College of Music celebrates Alejandro Sanz on Wednesday, November 6th

 
Alejandro Sanz, a celebrated artist in Latin music, is coming to Boston this week to receive an honorary doctor of music degree from the Berklee College of Music.  A concert celebrating his work is taking place at the Berklee Performance Center at 8:15 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6^th.  Tickets are $8-$24 and can be ordered online or at the venue.

Born in Spain, Sanz is already a musical legend in his own right. He has sold over 22 million albums, received sixteen Latin Grammys, three American Grammys, and released fifteen albums. “I am excited to honor Alejandro Sanz for being one of the most important Latin artists and composers in the world, as well as for his contributions to flamenco music,” said Javier Limón, executive director of the Berklee Mediterranean Music Institute, which is producing the concert.

More information on this concert can be found here.

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

For tourism information go to MassVacation.com.

 

Hollywood Reporter Names Boston's Berklee College of Music the Top Hollywood Music School

The Berklee College of Music in Boston was named the Number One Hollywood music school in the world, according the Hollywood Reporter, which took a survey of industry insiders to rank the top 10 music schools making an impact in the movie and music industries there.

"The college’s impressive complement of Grammy, Emmy, and Oscar winners was among the distinctions that earned it the top spot in this inaugural list of Hollywood feeder institutions. Commercial music expert Timothy Taylor put it simply: “Berklee people are everywhere in L.A.”" wrote the Berklee Office of Communications.

Here is the full story from Hollywood Reporter.

Berklee beat out other top music schools including Julliard School of Music, UCLA, USC and the Royal College of Music in London.

The New England Conservatory of Music, also based in Boston, was ranked Number Eight.

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

For tourism information go to MassVacation.com.

Paula Cole Performing at the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall RIver on Saturday, November 2

Grammy award winner Paula Cole is performing at the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at 8:00 p.m.  Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 the day of the concert, and you can purchase the tickets online.

Cole is a Massachusetts native who attended the Berklee College of Music.  She has been nominated seven times for a Grammy, and is about to release her seventh solo album next spring.

Here is a schedule of upcoming concerts at Narrows Center for the Arts.

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

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com.

Jazz Singer Pat Braxton Performs at Scullers Jazz Club on Wednesday, October 30

Jazz vocalist Pat Braxton is performing at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston on Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at 8:00 p.m..  Tickets to the show are $25 and can be purchased online or at the door.

Based in the Boston area, Braxton won the 2012 Best Jazz Singer of the Year award from the New England Music Urban Awards, and has been nominated for the Boston Music Awards jazz category. She is influenced by Billie Holiday and other great singers of the jazz pantheon.

For a schedule of upcoming concerts at Scullers Jazz Club, located at 400 Soldiers Field Road at the Doubletree Suites by Hilton Hotel, click here.

For year round details on jazz in Massachusetts, including festivals, night clubs, campus events, radio programs and more, visit MassJazz.com.

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

Charles Neville headlines an all-star jazz and blues concert in Florence, MA on Sunday, October 27

 

Legendary saxophonist Charles Neville is performing at VFW Hall in Florence on Sunday, October 27, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are $12 at the door, with proceeds benefitting Stand Up To Cancer, a non-profit group that supports innovative cancer research.  He is joined by a host of excellent musicians, including Peter J. Newland and RadioXile, flutist Peter H. Bloom of the Aardvark Jazz Orchestra, and the Lonesome Brothers. 

 

A member of the Grammy Award-winning group the Neville Brothers from New Orleans, Charles is an iconic performer of jazz, blues, funk, R&B and Americana music.  Performing with Charles at the show are Mark Pappas on guitar, Chet Pasek on drums, Guy DeVito on bass and Ralph Whittle on keyboard.

 

For information on the October 27 show, call 413-625-6710.  Here are directions to the hall.

 

Find year round jazz on Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com

 

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com.

UMass Amherst Celebrates 150 Year Anniversary with Three Concerts in Boston on Friday, October 25

The University of Massachusetts at Amherst, celebrating 150 years in 2013 as a center of excellence, is bringing its award-winning, 400 member Minutemen Marching Band to Boston on Friday, October 25, for three concerts around the theme, Stand for UMass Day.   UMass alumni are encouraged to wear something maroon and join the festivities.

The opening ceremony takes place at the Grand Staircase in the Massachusetts State House at 11:00 a.m., followed by a free concert by the band on the front steps of the State House.  Then the Minutemen will parade through the streets to Faneuil Hall, where they will give a free performance at 1:00 p.m.

Later, on Friday evening at 8:00 p.m., UMass presents a concert live at Boston Symphony Hall, featuring the marching band along with the university wind ensemble, orchestra, jazz ensemble and chamber choir.  Tickets to the concert are $30 and can be purchased online or at the venue.

Find more about collegiate college bands in Massachusetts as well as live jazz year round by visiting MassJazz.com.

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



 

Northeastern University hosting panel discussion on musician John Coltrane on October 24

Dr. Leonard Brown

Northeastern University Center for the Arts and Friends of John Coltrane Memorial Concert  are presenting a forum called Jubilee Songs and Expressions of Freedom at the John D. O'Bryant African American Institute on Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.

Panelists include Myran Parker-Brass, jazz vocalist, executive director of the arts at Boston Public Schools, and co-rounder of the New England Spiritual Ensemble,  Dr. Leonard Brown, jazz saxophonist, head of the John Coltrane Memorial Concert and Northeastern professor, and Emmet G. Price III, professor of music at Northern University.

This year's annual John Coltrane Memorial Concert is takng place on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at Northeastern University.

Find year round details on jazz in Massachustts at massjazz.com.

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com.
 

Jazz Master JD Parran Performs at UMass/ Amherst on Thursday, October 24

Multi-instrumentalist and recording artist JD Parran is performing in concert at the Bezanson Recital Hall at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst on Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets are $10 general admission and $5 for college students.

Parran has collaborated with Anthony Braxton, Hamiet Bluiett, John Lindberg and others, and has recorded on numerous albums, including two of his own albums.

Here is a schedule of other jazz concerts at the Fine Arts Center at UMass/Amherst this fall and winter.

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

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com.

 

Arsenal Center for the Arts features the music of Frederick Loewe on October 19

The American Songbook: The Jazz View series continues on Saturday, October 19, 2013 with the songs of Frederick Lowe, taking place at the Arsenal Center for the Arts in Watertown.

Born in Australia, Loewe was best known for his work with Alan Jay Lerner on the Broadway hits, Brigadoon, My Fair Lady, Gigi and Camelot.   Some of his songs include "On the Street Where You Live" and "Almost Like Being in Love."

 Tickets to the show are $24, general admission, and can be purchased online or at the venue.

The series is directed by two faculty members at the Berklee College of Music - composer/saxophonist Larry Monroe and vocalist Donna McElroy - and explores the intersection of the American Songbook with jazz, focusing on an individual songwriter for each concert.

Here is a schedule of upcoming concerts in the American Songbook series.

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

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com.

Makanda Project with Odean Pope performing in Roxbury on Friday, October 11

Odean Pope

 

The Makanda Project, featuring guest tenor saxophonist Odean Pope, perform in concert at the Boston Public Library auditorium on Dudley Street in Boston's Roxbury neighborhood, on Friday, October 11, 2013, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.  The concert is free and open to the public.

Here is a recent performance by Makanda Project, which is dedicated to the music and compositions of the late Boston musician Makanda Ken McIntyre.

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

For tourist information, go to MassVacation.com.

Grace Kelly Performs at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston on Friday, October 11

Jazz saxophonist Grace Kelly is performing at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston on Friday, October 11, 2013 at 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.  Tickets to the show are $25 and can be purchased online and at the door.  Dinner and show is $65.00.

The 10:00 p.m. show is being aired live on WGBH-FM, on Eric in the Evening, hosted by jazz radio legend Eric Jackson.

Kelly is a noted musician, composer, and educator who attended Berklee College of Music at age 16 and has since then toured the world with her quintet and many notable jazz performers.

Here is a schedule of upcoming jazz events at Scullers in October.

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

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com.

 

Aardvark Jazz Orchestra opens 41st season at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston on October 9

The Aardvark Jazz Orchestra is opening its 41st season as one of the region's premier jazz ensembles, with a performance at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston on Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets to the show are $20, or $60 for dinner and show, and can be purchased online or at the venue.

The theme of the opening concert is Blues and Other Hues, and Aardvark will explore the compositions of Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, and Mark Harvey, music director of the orchestra.

Here is a schedule of upcoming shows by the Aardvark Jazz Orchestra, and a schedule of shows at Scullers in October.

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

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


 

HONK! Festival in Davis Square and Harvard Square runs from October 10-13, featuring dozens of free bands

Dozens of bands - from Boston to Brazil - are participating in the annual HONK! Festival in Cambridge and Somerville, starting Thursday, October 10 and running through Sunday, October 13, 2013.  The festival is free and open to the public.  Here is a schedule of performances.

Among the bands participating this year are the Dirty Water Brass Band from Somerville, the Bread & Puppet Circus Band from Vermont, the Minor Mishap Marching Band from Austin, TX, Perhaps Contraption Band from London, UK, Os Siderais from Rio de Janeiro, and the Young Fellaz Brass Band from New Orleans. Here is a list of the bands, or check out Honk! Facebook.

The festival culminates on Sunday, October 13, with a parade from noon to 2:00 p.m., starting in Davis Square in Somerville and ending in Harvard Square, Cambridge, where the bands will perform for the remainder of the afternoon as part of the Oktoberfest. 

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

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

 

Jazz Pianists Laszlo Gardony and Tim Ray in concert at Berklee Performance Center on Monday, October 7

Jazz pianist and composer Laszlo Gardony and Tim Ray, associate professor of piano at Berklee College of Music, are doing a concert at the Berklee Performance Center in Boston on Monday, October 7, 2013, at 8:15 p.m.

Ray is performing compositions from his work, On My Own, while Gardony is playing songs from his new album, Clarity.

Tickets are $12 the night of the show, and can be purchased online or at the venue.

For year round details on jazz concerts, clubs, campus events, radio stations and jazz groups throughout Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For tourism information visit MassVacation.com.

2013 Pittsfield CityJazz Festival Taking Place October 11-20 in Western Massachusetts

The 2013 Pittsfield CityJazz Festival is taking place on October 11-20, 2013 at various venues in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.  Many of the events are free and open to the public, while others are ticketed events.

Headlining this year's festival is the Brubeck Brothers Quartet, in a tribute to their legendary father, the late jazz pianist Dave Brubeck.  They'll be performing at the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at 8:00 p.m.   Tickets are $18 and $30.  Here is more information and ticketing details.

Other performers throughout the festival include Sherri Buxton, Geoff Vidal, Zoe Obadia, Dave Bartley, Andy Wrba, Bronte Roman and more.  Here is a list of performers and schedule.

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

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com or the Berkshires Visitor Bureau.

JazzFest Falmouth features Tierney Sutton Band and other top jazz performers on October 4-5

This year's JazzFest Falmouth features a top line of up jazz performers, including the Tierney Sutton Band, which performs on Saturday, October 5, 2013at the Highfield Theatre in Falmouth, Cape Cod.

Tickets to the Tierney Sutton concert are $30 and can be purchased online or at the venue.

The festival kicks off on Friday, October 4, with a jazz stroll on Main Street, as well as performances by Stage Door Canteen Big Band at Liam Maguires, and blues singer Michelle Willson at Grumpys Pub.

Here is a complete line-up of jazz performers.

For year round jazz in Massachusetts visit MassJazz.com.

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com.

 

 

 



Jazz duo Vijay Iyer and Rudresh Mahanthappa Performing at UMass Amherst on September 26

Jazz pianist Vijay Iyer and saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa are performing at the Benansen Recital Hall at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst on Thursday, September 26, 2013 at 8:00 p.m.  Tickets are $10 general admission and $5 for college students, and can be purchased online or at the venue.

Iyer has just been named a 2013 MacArthur Foundation fellow, a prestigious award given to talented individuals who have shown creativity and accomplishment in their pursuits.

Here is a schedule of upcoming jazz concerts at the Fine Arts Center at UMass/Amherst.

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

For tourist information, go to MassVacation.com.

Berklee's BeanTown Jazz Festival Taking Place on Saturday, September 28

 Christian Scott

 

The 13th annual Berklee Beantown Jazz Festival is taking place on Saturday, September 28, 2013, from noon to 6:00 p.m.

Described as Boston's biggest block party, the outdoor festival is free and open to the public.  It is located on Columbus Avenue between Massachusetts Avenue and Burke Street in Boston's South End.  Here are directions.

This year's theme is "The Next Generation," and features a number of up-and-coming and acclaimed artists, including Grammy-nominated trumpeter Christian Scott; Mike Tucker Trio featuring vibraphonist Warren Wolf; and the Matt Savage Quartet featuring sax great Bobby Watson.

Here is a schedule of performances throughout the day.

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

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

Merrmimack Valley Jazz Festival taking place in Lowell on Saturday, September 21

The 3rd annual Merrimack Valley Jazz Festival is taking place from noon to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at Boarding House Park in downtown Lowell.  The event is free and open to the public.

Among the performers are the Amanda Carr Sextet, the Greg Hopkins Jazz Orchestra, the Adagio Big Band and others. Here is a full line-up of performers.

You can find tourist information, including local hotels, restaurants and attractions, by visiting Greater Merrimack Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau.  For tourism information across Massachusetts, visit MassVacation.com.

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

 

Johnny Mercer's music kicks off American Songbook Series at Arsenal Center for the Arts on September 21

A new season of the American Songbook: The Jazz View, kicks off with the songs of Johnny Mercer, taking place at the Arsenal Center for the Arts in Watertown on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at  7:30 p.m.

Tickets to the show are $24, general admission, and can be purchased online or at the venue.

The series is directed by two faculty members at the Berklee College of Music - composer/saxophonist Larry Monroe and vocalist Donna McElroy - and explores the intersection of the American Songbook with jazz, focusing on an individual songwriter for each concert.

Here is a schedule of upcoming concerts in the American Songbook series.

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

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com.


 

Kevin Harris Trio Performing at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston on September 17

Jazz pianist Kevin Harris is performing with his trio at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston on Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at 8:00 p.m.  Tickets to the show are $20 and can be purchased online or at the venue.   Joining Harris is Francisco Mela on drums and Peter Slavov on acoustic bass.

A graduate of the New England Conservatory, Harris is based in Boston and New  York.  He teaches piano at the Berklee College of Music.

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

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

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



 

Jazz singer Pat Braxton Performs at Amazing Things Arts Center in Framinghan on September 13

Boston jazz vocalist, composer and recording artist Pat Braxton is performing at the Amazing Things Arts Center in Framingham, Massachusetts on Friday, September 13, 2013 at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets to the concert are $18 general admission, $17 for students and seniors, $15 for members and $9 for children under twelve.  Order tickets online or call 508 405-2787.

With a vocal style reminiscent of Billie Holiday, Ms. Braxton has performed at Blues Alley in Washington DC, Scullers Jazz Club in Boston and other venues throughout New England.

 For directions to Amazing Things Arts Center, click here.

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

For tourist information visit MassVacation.com.

3rd annual Northampton Jazz Festival Taking Place Saturday, September 7

The 3rd annual Northampton Jazz Festival is taking place on Saturday, September 7, 2013 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:p.m. on Hampton Avenue in downtown Northampton.  The event is free and open to the public.

Headlining the festival this year is venerable jazz drummer Al Foster, who played in the Miles Davis Quartet and worked with jazz legends like Sonny Rollins, Cannonball Adderly and Joe Henderson.

Other jazz artists at this year's festival includes Ben Allison, Hailey Niswanger, and the Green Street Trio, featuring Houston Person.  Here is the full schedule.

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

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com.

Japanese Jazz Artist Satoko Fujii at Lily Pad in Cambridge on Monday, September 2

(Photo by Stefan Postius)

Japanese jazz pianist and composer Satoko Fujii is performing at the Lily Pad in Inman Square, Cambridge, on Monday, September 2, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.  

Satoko is followed by Jerry Bergonzi Quartet at 8:30 and the Fringe at 10:30 p.m.

Here is a schedule of jazz at Lily Pad in September. 

Find year round jazz in Massachusetts at MassJazz.com.

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com.

Jazz Pianist Donal Fox Performs at Tanglewood on Saturday, August 31

Donal Fox is performing his composition, Scarlatti Jazz Suite Project, at the Seiji Ozawa Hall at Tanglewood on Saturday, August 31, 2013 at 1:00 p.m.  Tickets to the performance are $18-$53 and can be purchased at the concert venue.

Combining classical, jazz and Latin music, Fox's influences range from Igor Stravinsky and Bela Bartok to McCoy Tyner and Cecil Taylor.

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

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com. 

James Montgomery Band Performing at Iron Horse Music Hall on Friday, August 30

Blues legend James Montgomery and his band perform live at the Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton on Friday, August 30, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.  Tickets are $15 in advance (+ $5 fee) or $18 at the door.

A master blues harmonica player, Montgomery has shared the stage with blues legends like James Cotton, Greg Allman, John Lee Hooker and other acclaimed musicians of our time.

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

Find year round details on jazz by visiting MassJazz.com.

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com.

 

Marty Ballou Trio Performing at Top of the Hub Restaurant in Boston's Back Bay on Monday, August 26

The Marty Ballou Trio is performing at the Top of the Hub Restaurant & Lounge on Monday, August 26, 2013, starting at 8:00 p.m. and running to midnight.

Ballou is a sought-after bassist who has performed around the world with Jay McShann, Jimmy Witherspoon and Herb Ellis and recorded with numerous artists in jazz, blues and pop.

Here is a schedule of upcoming jazz at Top of the Hub, which is located on the 52nd floor of the Prudential Towers in Boston's Back Bay.

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

For tourist information, visit MassVacation.com.
 

Jazz pianist Monty Alexander performs at Tanglewood on Sunday, August 25

Jamaican pianist Monty Alexander and his trio perform at Ozawa Hall at Tanglewood in Lenox, Massachusetts on Sunday, August 25, 2013 at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets to the show range from $20 to $99 and can be purchased online or at the venue.

Celebrating his 50th year as a jazz performer, Alexander has been at the forefront for half a century in exploring the music of America and of his native land.

Here is a schedule of other concerts at Tanglewood in August.

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

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com.

Live Jazz in Massachusetts - This Weekend, and All Year Round

Looking for live jazz in Massachusetts this weekend?  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.

North River Blues Festival Taking Place in Marshfield on August 24-25

Mississippi Heat



The 18th annual North River Blues Festival is taking place at the Marshfield Fairgrounds in Marshfield, Massachusetts on Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25, 2013.  General admission is $10.

Headlining this year's festival: Mississippi Heat, Royal Southern Brotherhood, Eden Brent, Sugar Ray and the Bluetones and Diane Blue.

For more information on the North River Blues Festival, call 781-834-2948.

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

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com.


 

Jazz singer Kurt Elling Performs at Rockport Jazz Festival on Friday, August 16

Kurt Elling, one of the world's foremost jazz singers, is featured at the 2nd annual Rockport Jazz Festival at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport on Friday, August 16, 2013 at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets to the concert are $39-$58 and can be purchased at the venue.

A Chicago native and Grammy award winner, who now lives in New York, Elling has just released his newest album, 1619 Broadway - The Brill Building Project.

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

To learn about visiting Massachusetts, go to MassVacation.com.

 

Provincetown Jazz Festival Taking Place on Cape Cod, Saturday, August 17 and Monday, August 19

Guitarist Jay Geils

 

The 9th annual Provincetown Jazz Festival is taking place on Saturday, August 17 at the Provincetown Town Hall auditorium, and on Monday, August 19, 2013 at the Cotuit Center for the Arts in Cotuit, Cape Cod.  Tickets are $25 for each night and can be purchased online with service charges, or at the venues.

Headlining this year is the New Guitar Summit, featuring local guitar legend Jay Geils, Howard Alden, and Gerry Beaudoin, along with Bart Weisman on drums, Ron Ormby on bass and Gerry Beaudoin III on vibes.  They're performing Saturday night in Provincetown. The opening band features Berklee professor Jane Miller on guitar, David Clarke on bass and Cercie Miller on saxophone.

On Monday, the festival shifts to Cotuit, where the line-up includes jazz singer Donna Bryne, along pianist Tim Ray, bassist Marshall Wood and drummer Bart Weisman.  A jazz quartet opens the show, featuring Fred Fried on guitar,  Bruce Abbot on sax and flutes, Michael Lavoie on bass and Miki Matsuki on drums.

Here is a full schedule of events.

You can also find a schedule of upcoming jazz festivals in Massachusetts, and more details on year round jazz in Massachusetts at MassJazz.com.

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com or CapeCodChamber.org.

 

7th annual Salem Jazz & Soul Festival is August 17-18

Salem High School Jazz Band

The 7th annual Salem Jazz & Soul Festival takes place this weekend, on Saturday, August 17, and Sunday, August 18, 2013 in Salem, Massachusetts.  The festival runs from 11:15 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day, and is free and open to the public.

The Festival raises funds to support year round music education in the Salem school system.  Read more about the Salem Jazz & Soul Fest.

Here is a full schedule of the performers on Saturday and Sunday.

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

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com.



 

Jazz on Martha's Vineyard at Featherstone Center for the Arts on Sunday, August 18

An Evening of Jazz on the Vineyard is taking place on Sunday, August 18, 2013 at the Featherstone Center for the Arts in Oaks Bluff.  The event runs from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Featured artists include the Love and Power Trio, with Orrin Evans on piano, Dezron Douglas on bass and Ralph Peterson, Jr. on drums.

Tickets are $65 and can be purchased online.  The price includes parking, hors d'oeuvres, wine and a signature cocktail. The event helps support Student Achievement Through Opportunity (SATO), a non-profit organization based in Hartford, CT. 

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

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com.
 

Italian Jazz Singer Roberta Gambarini Opens this year's Rockport Jazz Festival on Wednesday, August 14

Jazz vocalist Roberta Gambarini is kicking off this year's Rockport Jazz Festival on Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport, Massachusetts. The concert begins at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets to the concert are $31-$52 and can be purchased online.

The Boston Globe referred to Gambarini as "a true successor to Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan,
and Carmen McRae.” 

Here is a full schedule of this year's Rockport Jazz Festival.

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

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com.
 

George Schuller Jazz Trio Perform at Castle Street Cafe on Saturday, August 10

The George Schuller Trio, featuring Helen Sung on piano, Joris Teepe on bass and George Schuller on drums, perform at the Castle Street Café in Great Barrington, MA on Saturday, August 10, 2013 at 8:00 p.m.  Admission is free.

Here's a schedule of upcoming jazz at Castle Street this month.

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

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com

 

Jazz Guitar Masters Eric Johnson and Mike Stern Perform at Regattabar in Harvard Square on August 9

Two masters on the electric guitar -  - Eric Johnson and Mike Stern -perform at Regattabar Jazz Club in Harvard Square, Cambridge on Friday, August 9, 2013 at 7:30 and 10:00 p.m. Tickets to the show are $30 and can be purchased online or at the venue.

Johnson has been named one of the 100 greatest guitarists of the 20th century by Musician Magazine, and Stern was named one of the top 75 jazz, blues and beyond guitarists by Downbeat Magazine.

Here is a schedule of upcoming shows at Regattabar.

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

Find visitor information at MassVacation.com.

MassVacation blog posting on MassJazz Travel Guide

Check out our blog posting today on MassVacation.com about the new MassJazz Travel Guide.

http://www.massvacation.com/blog/2013/08/massjazz-a-cultural-passport-to-the-world/

Pick up your free copy of MassJazz in jazz haunts and visitor centers across Massachusetts!

Finnish guitarist Jussi Reijonen Performs at Acton Jazz Club on Friday, August 9

Finnish jazz guitarist and oudist Jussi Reijonen is performing at the Acton Jazz Club in Acton, Massachusetts on Friday, August 9, 2013 at 9:00 p.m.  Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online or at the door.

Now based in Boston, Reijonen has released his first album, un, a stunning debut that combines his musical influences from Finland, the Middle East and Africa with his affiliation with Scandinavian and American jazz.

Here is a schedule of upcoming jazz events at Acton Jazz Club.

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

Find visitor information at MassVacation.com.
 

Steve Cole & Nick Colionne Perform at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston on August 8

Jazz saxophonist Steve Cole and guitarist  Nick Colionne are performing in concert at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston on Thursday, August 8, 2013 at 8:00 p.m.  

Tickets to the show are $25 and can be reserved online.  Dinner and the show are $65 per person and reservations can be made by calling 617 562-4111.

Cole recently released his seventh solo album and has had five number one Smooth Jazz hits in his career.  Colionne is a noted jazz guitarist and singer who combines jazz, blues, R&B and funk to create a distinct sound all his own.

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

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

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com.

Free 2013 MassJazz Guide now available at Tourism Centers in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism has issued the 5th annual MassJazz, a 44 page booklet guide to jazz festivals, concerts, campus events and other jazz activities taking place in Massachusetts this summer and fall.

The MassJazz guide is free and available at these locations in Massachusetts.

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

To explore the arts and cultural scene in Massachusetts, visit MassVacation.com.

Blues Legend Buddy Guy Performs at Lowell Summer Music Series on Saturday, August 3

Blues master Buddy Guy is performing at the Lowell Summer Music Series in Lowell, Massachusetts on Saturday, August 3, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.

The concert takes place at Boarding House Park at 40 French Street in downtown Lowell.  Tickets to the concert are $44 in advance and $50 at the gate.  Tickets can be reserved online. 

The Louisiana-born musician is considered the pioneer of the Chicago rhythm and blues style which influenced a generation of musicians like Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

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

To explore the arts and cultural scene in Massachusetts, visit MassVacation.com.  

Jazz Trumpeter Chris Botti Performing August 2 and 3 in Hyannis and Cohasset, Massachusetts

Chris Botti, one of world's best selling jazz artists, is performing two concerts in Massachusetts this weekend.  On Friday, August 2, Botti and his band play at the Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis, Cape Cod, and on Saturday, August 3, at the South Shore Music Circus in Cohasset.

Both concerts begin at 8:00 p.m.  You can order tickets online through the Melody Tent or the Music Circus. 

Also, MassJazz is announcing the winner of free tickets and dinner to each show on Wednesday, July 31.  Here's how to enter the contest.

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

To explore the arts and cultural scene in Massachusetts, visit MassVacation.com. 

Jacob's Pillow - Jazz and Musical Theatre Program runs July 29 through August 18

The annual Jazz and Musical Theatre summer course at Jacob's Pillow Dance in Becket, Massachusetts opens today and runs through Sunday, August 18, 2013.  The course is led by Broadway choreographer Chet Walker and faculty includes directors, composers/arrangers, choreographers and musicians from Broadway.

The dancers present their work to the general public on August 3, 10, and 17, as part of Jacob's Pillow's free outdoor performing arts series.

Here is a schedule of dance concerts taking place through the summer at Jacob's Pillow Dance.

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

To explore the arts and cultural scene in Massachusetts, visit MassVacation.com. 

Berkshire Gateway Jazz Weekend Taking Place in Lee on July 25-29

Jazz guitarist Freddie Bryant



The 2nd annual Berkshire Gateway Jazz Weekend is taking place from Thursday, July 25 through Monday, July 29, 2013 in the town of Lee, Massachusetts.

Highlights of this year's festival are concerts at the First Congressional Church in Lee featuring Freddie Bryant & Kaleidoscope on Friday, July 26, and Phil Woods with the Greg Caputo Big Band on Saturday, July 27.  Here is ticket information. 

In addition, there are a series of other activities, including jazz outdoors, an art exhibit, and roving musicians in downtown Lee.  For details on related events, visit Berkshire Gateway Jazz Weekend.

These events are presented by Berkshires Jazz, Inc. and Berkshire Gateway Preservation, Inc.

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

For information about visiting Massachusetts, visit MassVacation.com.

 

Preservation Hall Jazz Band Performs at Boston's Summer Arts Weekend in Copley Square on Friday, July 26

The world-famous Preservation Hall Jazz Band from New Orleans is performing at this year's Summer Arts Weekend festival at Copley Square in Boston's Back Bay.  The Band performs on Friday, July 26 at 9:20 p.m.

Friday night's schedule also includes Noe Socha, Della Mae, and Dr. John and the Nite Trippers.

The weekend series, free to the public, is presented by The Boston Globe and WGBH.

The series takes place on Saturday and Sunday.  For complete details visit Summer Arts Weekend. 

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

To explore the arts and cultural scene in Massachusetts, visit MassVacation.com.