All Your Jazz » performance schedule

Monday Jazz At The Turning Point Cafe

jazzman — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 08:06:17 +0000

With its screened porch, woodstove, bright quilts, wainscoting and gleaming wood floors, the Turning Point Cafe is full of old-fashioned charm. The cafe, with ample bar, is crowded four or five times a week for performances.

Monday appears to be their feature night however, and on top of their great Monday lineups, they are offering great deals for these shows. Tickets for these shows are only $15, and there are 2 sets (8:00 pm and 9:30 pm). In addition, there is no drink minimum, though great drink prices are available.

Recent appearances included names like the Persuasions, Junior Wells, the Holmes Brothers, the Bobs and Freddie Hubbard, and coming up soon are Tommy Makem, Odetta and Fairport Convention, among others.

History:

The Turning Point was started back in May of 1976 by John McAvoy and his sister Diane. The name of the club was in dispute between John who wanted to call it “The SoHo” and Diane who wanted “Sojourners Truth” (a real mouthful). Their mother intervened and suggested finding the name of a song or album as the name. Well the name was found on one of John’s favorite performer’s album “The Turning Point ” by John Mayall.

The restaurant was created in a small room seating 36 people. After dinner, local musicians would come in to play and be paid by “passing the bottle”. In 1978 Diane and John with the help of some friends, bought the building that houses the Turning Point today. Finally moving into the new location in September of 1981. Opening on the first floor only at this time, there were always plans to get the Cafe open (in the basement).

Diane left the restaurant in 1979 finally settling in Austin, Tx.. In November of 1984 they presented Eric Anderson, the first of many concerts featuring nationally prominent musicians. The next to appear was Rambin’ Jack Elliott. Slowly more and more national acts came to the Turning Point. In August of 1985 they finally got the Cafe open. The opening night performer was a little known blues guitarist from Seattle named Robert Cray. More and more artists began to appear here, including Arlo Guthrie, Kris Kristofferson, Dave Mason, Poco, Orleans, Bela Fleck, Bill Monroe, Joan Osborne, Christine Lavin, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Richie Havens, Janis Ian, Rick Danko just to name a few. The rest is history, as The Turning Point continues to host some of the greatest names in jazz.

View their Performance Schedule.

Location:
Turning Point Cafe
468 Piermont Ave.
Piermont, NY 10968
(845) 359-1089
www.turningpointcafe.com

Kurt Elling Among Artists Announced For OCPAC’s 2009-2010 Jazz Series

jazzman — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 23:09:58 +0000

Audiences can enjoy an array of music as interpreted by some of today’s most acclaimed performers in the Orange County Performing Arts Center’s 2009 – 2010 Jazz Series. As always, the Center has scheduled a season of musical events that features the world’s top musicians, singers and renowned ensembles.

The Jazz Series includes Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis; Esperanza Spalding; Herb Alpert and Lani Hall; Django 100; and Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour featuring Kenny Barron, Regina Carter, Russell Malone and Kurt Elling.

The Center’s 2009 – 2010 Jazz Series combines established stars and the hottest new voices and musicians in today’s jazz world. The series makes its home in the cool, intimate Samueli Theater plus one-night-only special performances in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. The series is schedule to start October 1st, 2009 and go through April 24th, 2010.

Pianist Kenny Barron, violinist Regina Carter, guitarist Russell Malone and seven-time Grammy-nominated vocalist Kurt Elling are among the stars in the pantheon of the world’s longest running jazz festival. These four artists, each a major jazz power, come together to create a musical experience that celebrates the legacy of this uniquely American musical style and showcases their own amazing contributions.

See full listing in OCPAC’s Performance Schedule.

Location:
Orange County Performing Arts Center
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, 92626
(714) 556-2787
www.ocpac.org

Regatta Bar In Boston

jazzman — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:21:36 +0000

Just the name, Regatta Bar, suggests tony leisure. Indeed, tucked away in a corner of the elegant Charles Hotel in Cambridge, near Harvard Square and the boating clubs along the Charles River, this “bar” is more night club than corner hang. Or rather, more jazz club than sports bar.

On the third floor of the hotel, the Regatta is hardly a small venue by jazz club standards, seating 225 when packed full, which it was both nights I visited. Tables and chairs nearly spill onto the stage area, simply a corner of the floor rather than a raised platform. An outer circle of high tables and chairs suggests a low mezzanine.

Although open and presenting music all year, it’s the Regatta’s Jazz Fest (running from February through April) that brings in a tight schedule of such high profile artists as McCoy Tyner, Cassandra Wilson, Kenny Barron, John Scofield, and Bill Frisell, to grab a few names off the spring 2009 calendar. And it was my fortune to be in the Boston area in the midst of this annual celebration of jazz, and to snare tickets for Freddy Cole and McCoy Tyner only two nights apart. Two very different musicians, two different experiences, both memorable in their own way.

The Regatta Bar opened its doors to the public on January 29th, 1985. Since then it has become the leading jazz club not only in Boston, but also New England. Named one of the “Best of Boston” by Boston Magazine an astonishing thirteen times, the Regattabar has made its mark on the cultural landscape of New England. Honors have also been bestowed on the Regattabar by the Boston Phoenix and the Improper Bostonian.

Performance Schedule:

View their Show Schedule online.

Details:

- In addition to showcasing acts not normally found on the Boston scene, the Regattabar is home to an annual Jazz Festival that features the best of today’s jazz.

- The famed 225-seat venue is located on the third floor of The Charles Hotel at One Bennett Street in Cambridge, MA.

- All Regattabar concerts are open to ALL AGES, thought we request that children under the age of 13 be accompanied by an adult.

Location:
Regatta Bar (Charles Hotel)
1 Bennett Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 661-5000
http://www.regattabarjazz.com

Upstairs At Vitello’s: Studio City’s new addition for jazz entertainment

jazzman — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 00:18:48 +0000

Vocalist/promoter April Williams, who has presented a weekly jazz night at the Wine Bistro and Down Beat Entertainment jazz fundraisers for Symphony In The Glen, is adding another venue to her lineup. Upstairs at Vitello’s is a custom-built listening room over Vitello’s Italian Restaurant in Studio City.

Williams describes it as “like a Vegas lounge, with great sound, lights and stage.” The Thursday night jazz series launches on 2/19 with a pre-Oscar kickoff party; after a complimentary cocktail reception, there will be an evening of music by Gary Foster (s), Tom Ranier (p), Mike Valerio (b), and Steve Schaeffer (dr). The 2/26 lineup is Christian Jacob (p), Ray Brinker (dr), and Trey Henry (b).

- Voted Best Italian Food and Best Live Entertainment by The Daily News.
- Voted Best Live Entertainment by Los Angeles Magazine (Best of the best of LA)

Upcoming Events:

To view their performance schedule, click here and go to “Events & Calendar”

Details:

Shows Times:
Start between 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
(doors open 30 minutes before show time)

Appetizers, Drinks & Dinner available
(Cover is $10 for most shows)

For reservations: www.aprilwilliams.com
or call at (818) 769-0905

Location:
Upstairs at Vitello’s
4349 Tujunga Avenue
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 769-0905
http://www.vitellosrestaurant.com

The Phoenix: Great Jazz Nightclub in Kansas City

jazzman — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 04:24:11 +0000

The Phoenix restaurant and live jazz nightclub in Kansas City has recently re-opened. Almost as if they never missed a beat, The Phoenix is serving up great food and featuring some of the best Kansas City musicians nightly.

The Phoenix has always held it’s own in part because they consistently feature great Kansas City musicians on a nightly basis. While other bars in Kansas City skimp on the music budget and present boring twenty something year old accustic guitar playing “granola” new age hippies, The Phoenix keeps it real and brings in the big jazz artists.

The corner of downtown Kansas City where the Phoenix now sits used to be known as part of the Burgeoning Garment District in 1888. The Phoenix was there from the beginning, a somewhat shady hotel that was rumored to be more of a bordello than a hotel. On the first floor there was a speak-easy type saloon owned and operated by bartender Frank Valerius, and on the second floor was a “hotel” owned by Mrs. Linna Laws.

The main competition for The Phoenix were the hotels Metropolitan and The Savoy. The Exchange Hotel, which went belly up long ago, still sits dejected across the street from the thriving Phoenix much like a dead soldier from a war fought long ago.

Review:

“The Phoenix rises again. The new owners have spiffed up the place
a bit and reworked the menu. Among the new dishes: Black and Tan Onion
Rings, Red Canyon Chili With Cheddar, Three Cheese Melt Sandwich and
Chicken Salad Sliders. One thing has stayed the same: There will be live
music Tuesday through Saturday.”
- The Kansas City Star

Details:

Hours:
Mon-Sat. (11:00 am – 1:30 am)

Live Jazz:
Tuesday-Saturday

Location:
The Phoenix
302 W Eighth St.
Kansas City, MO 64112
(816) 221-JAZZ
http://thephoenixkansascity.com

Smoke Jazz & Supper Club-Lounge: Great Venue In New York

jazzman — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 01:56:36 +0000

Located off the southern edge of New York’s fabled Harlem neighborhood, Smoke Jazz & Supper Club-Lounge presents world-renowned jazz musicians seven nights a week. Candlelit tables, plush velvet banquets, antique chandeliers, and an historic full-length bar create a real jazz vibe to go with the excellent acoustics and sightlines. Smoke now serves the perfect complement to classic jazz—the innovative American Bistro cuisine of critically acclaimed executive chef / consultant Patricia Williams. Smoke was named “Best New Jazz Club” in 2000 by New York Magazine.

Smoke opened for business on April 9, 1999. Co-owners Paul Stache and Frank Christopher are carrying on a three-decade tradition of jazz at this location formerly known as Augie’s Jazz Bar. When Augie’s closed in 1998, Paul and Frank pooled their resources to reopen the club but were unable to keep the name. Part of the Augie’s legend was that frequent patron and author Paul Auster based his Augie character in the screenplay for “Smoke” on the real life Augie. In tribute to his legacy, Paul and Frank renamed the club Smoke.

The room has seating for just over fifty, which ensures that every listener is close to the action. During Smoke’s renovation, the primary focus was on creating an unparalleled room for music…and it shows. The acoustics are some of the best anywhere. Pianist David Hazeltine remarked, “I love playing this room. It’s rare that the piano can be heard as clearly as it is in this club.” Harold Mabern added, “It’s the best jazz club in the world.” In the decade since its opening, jazz has continued to thrive at 106th and Broadway and adding a few new chapters to that old Augie’s legend.

Smoke is now a restaurant, too, and is particularly proud of its association with renowned chef Patricia Williams. Patricia’s extraodinary culinary career includes stints at Sarabeth’s Kitchen, City Wine & Cigar Company, Berkeley Bar & Grill, Butterfield 81, and Morrels. Her passion for cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients is clear from her menu for Smoke.

Upcoming Events:

For their performance schedule, please visit their site and click on “Calendar.”

Details:

Reservations:
Highly recommended and can be made no their site (click on “Reservations”).

- all 8:00 pm reservations are “dinner & show” reservations. Tables are available for dinner guests only.
- The 8:00 pm show offers reservation times for seating between 6:30 pm – 7:30pm; the 10 pm show for seating between 9:15 pm or 9:30 pm; and the 11:30 pm show for seating at 11:15 pm. The seating time, not the show time, is the time of your reservation.

Location:
Smoke Jazz & Supper Club-Lounge
2751 Broadway (between 105th and 106th)
New York, NY 10025
(212) 864-6662
http://www.smokejazz.com

The Times Bar and Cafe In Minneapolis

jazzman — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 06:03:47 +0000

Located just over the Hennepin Avenue Bridge at 201 East Hennepin Avenue in
Northeast Minneapolis The Times Bar & Cafe has melded the old world charm of the mahogany walls and cathedral tin ceiling with the spaciousness of a large dining room, entertainment stage and dance floor.

The Times offers fresh, made from scratch Salads, Sandwiches, Lighter Fare, seasonal Entrees (and don’t forget about our signature Fondues!). They can also host groups and gatherings for up to 100 people in the casual setting that has always been The Times!

When the sun sets The Times showcases some of the finest talents the Twin Cities has to offer and all with NO COVER! Start your week with Martini Mondays! Tuesday nights we present the “The Singer Showcase”. Wednesday nights, The Wolverines Jazz Trio with special guest vocalist and Thursday nights the hot Latin sounds of Salsa del Soul. Friday and Saturday nights wine, dine, and dance to the big band swing notes of Vic Volare and The Volare Lounge Orchestra or listen to the International sounds of Mark Stillman and Francine Roché.

Upcoming Events:

For a list of events, please visit their
Entertainment Calendar.

Details:

Hours:
Monday 5:00pm – 11:00pm
Tuesday through Friday 11:00am – 1:00am
Saturday 10:00am – 1:00am
Sunday 10:00am – 11:00pm

Specials Events:
Sunday Jazz Brunch with The Wolverines Jazz Trio
(10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Music begins at 11:00 am).

Reservations:
Can be made by calling (612) 617-8098.

Location:
The Times Bar and Cafe
201 E. Hennepin
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 617-8098
http://www.timesbarandcafe.com

Kitano Hotel In Manhattan: Great Jazz four nights a week

jazzman — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:58:56 +0000

Located on the Mezzanine level overlooking the lobby, the Bar Lounge at The Kitano Hotel in Manhattan seats 70 people and serves light fare and a full selection of cocktails, including rare malt whiskeys, Champagne and Sake. Menu selections are available from The Garden Café and Hakubai Restaurant. From Wednesday to Saturday, the Bar Lounge offers some of the finest live jazz in one of the city’s most intimate venues.

The Bar Lounge is open seven days a week from 5:00pm to midnight, and live Jazz can be found at 8:00pm and 10:00pm from Wednesday to Saturday.

In an eclectic city like New York, why not go Japanese at the four starr Kitano hotel. This quiet elegant hotel is the only Japanes style hotel in New York. The sere decor is enhanced by artowrks throughout. Hiding Away in the basement is an authentic Japanese restraurant serving delicious sushi. In addition, you will find yourself in absolute comfort, not only with marble bathrooms and comfortable beds, but also sound-proofed windows that invites a private and calming environment.

When you are in the mood for a drink and a little entertainment, just head into the Bar Lounge. Offering a wide variety of drinks and appetizers, this place really sets the scene and complements the live jazz that plays every Wednesday through Saturday evenings.

Upcoming Events:

For a list of their performance schedule, please visit their Calender.

Details:

Set Times & prices:
Offering Jazz entertainment every Wed-Sat.
Sets are at 8:00 pm & 10:00 pm
Wed-Thurs: sets are free
Fri-Sat: $25 cover + $15 min.

Reservations:
Are encouraged for Friday & Saturday shows
and can be made by calling (212) 885-7119.

Dining Available:
Offering a full menu featuring Japanese & American specialties.

Specials:
Also be sure to look into their Jazz Packages.

Location:
The Kitano New York
66 Park Avenue at East 38th Street
New York NY 10016
(212) 885-7000
http://www.kitano.com/home.php

Dakota Jazz Club In Minneapolis

jazzman — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 09:18:35 +0000

The Dakota is a favorite club among many of jazz´s top players. It is located right in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. The intimate sound and lights, the stage and the expanded room provide an ideal atmosphere to showcase the most talented jazz musicians in the world as well as the fantastic local talent right here in the Midwest. Jazz fans and jazz musicians appreciate the experience from the finest jazz club in town combined with the absolute best in local cuisine.

Some of today’s finest musicians request gigs at The Dakota. This phenomenon is reflected in praise by notable publications like the New York Times, USA Today, Esquire, Gourmet, Time, Downbeat, Fortune, Money, The Wall Street Journal and a chorus of newspapers from coast to coast.

Upcoming Events:

For information about their upcoming performances, please check out their Music Calendar.

Details:

Artist Sets:
Sun – Thurs: music begins at 7:00 pm (occasionally with 9:30 set as well)
Fri – Sat: music begins at 8:00 pm
-These are general times, please check the calendar for specific event times.

Ticket Information:
Tickets vary in price, depending on the night and performer. They
can be purchased on The Dakota’s own online ticketing service.

Some events require advanced ticket purchase and reservation. Please refer to the
Music Calendar for details.

Reservations:
Dining reservations are encouraged for more popular events and can be done online.

Location:
Dakota Jazz Club
1010 Nicollet Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 332-1010
www.dakotacooks.com

Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola In New York

jazzman — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 18:49:47 +0000

Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola is designed to entertain people in the spirit that Dizzy had – very welcoming. Their mission is that you have a good time and that you have a memorable experience. The whole facility is designed for international participation. This is a hall of integration…to bring everything together.

Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola is the hottest jazz bands in the business to our new club. You can expect a spicy variety of musicians to grace the stage. As Jazz at Lincoln Center continues to perpetuate the art form, Monday nights are dedicated to young, upcoming musicians who will showcase their talent. On the other nights, you never know who will show up for a surprise appearance at one of our late-night hang sets. All are welcome to come and enjoy the great music, the great view and the great food.

Upcoming Events:

For a performance schedule for regular events, visit their Calendar.

For a performance schedule for after-hours events, visit their After Hours Calendar.

Details:

Doors open at 6:00 pm for the 7:30 pm set and
at 9 pm for the 9:30 pm set.

Set Times:
Sunday-Thursday: 7:30 pm & 9:30 pm
Friday & Saturday: 7:30 pm, 9:30 pm & 11:30 pm

After Hours Sets:
Tuesday-Thursday: 11:00 pm
Friday & Saturday: after last artist set

Cover Charge:
Artist Sets: $20-$35
After Hours Sets: $10
Food & Beverage: $10 minimum, table; $5 minimum, bar

Reservations:
Can be made by calling 212 258-9595 or 9795.
Seating is available on a first-come first-served basis either at tables or at the bar.
*(Reservations are NOT available for After-Hours performances)

Specials:
Late Night, Student Night (a swing set for night owls)
-$10 COVER
-FREE food and sodas, as well as special giveaways

Student Discounts:
$15 for 9:30 pm set on Sundays, Tuesdays-Thursdays
$15 for 11:30 pm set on Fridays & Saturdays
$10 on Mondays
$5 for After Hours Sets
Valid student ID required

Location:
Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola
Jazz at Lincoln Center
33 West 60 Street, Floor 11
New York, NY 10023
www.jalc.org