The Jazz Voyager
In the air once again and sailing onwards to the West Coast to witness a talented vocalist at the Purple Room in Palm Springs, California. This is the Jazz Voyager’s first trip to this venue and I am looking forward to this excursion. Performing this weekend is Tony nominated Ann Hampton Calloway for two nights only. She will be celebrating one of America’s most beloved artists, Peggy Lee.
The sophistication and glamour of the Rat Pack era comes alive at Michael Holmes’ Purple Room, the desert’s premier supper club. Tucked away in the Club Trinidad Hotel, The Purple Room is where Frank, Sammy, Dean, and their pals cavorted on and off the stage in the swinging 60s. Step in and you’ll be transported back to the elegance of the era: an intimate and inviting room, classic cocktails with a modern twist, world-class cuisine, and the best in live entertainment – six nights a week! Hobnob with celebrities, locals, and visitors alike at Michael Holmes’ Purple Room.
The Purple Room is located at 1900 E Palm Canyon Drive 92264 and their number is 760-322-4422. In order to get more information on showtimes and tickets then visit notoriousjazz.com/event/ann-hampton-callaway.
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The Jazz Voyager
Off to the City That Never Sleeps aka The Big Apple on my way to Harlem and the venue that still represents the standard of the community. It is still called The Apollo. After a fantastic performance in Boston it is good to be back home to experience the delights of the neighborhood.
Critically acclaimed composer and trumpeter Russell Gunn and his Royal Krunk Jazz Orkestra brings to life poet and author Amiri Baraka’s groundbreaking work, Blues People: Negro Music in White America. Special guests include Weedie Braimah, Davell Crawford, Miles Griffith, Craig Harris, Stefon Harris, Jazzmeia Horn, Oliver Lake, Jessica Care Moore, and Leon Timbo.
The building that later became the Apollo Theater was built in 1913 and was designed by architect George Keister. It was originally Hurtig and Seamon’s New (Burlesque) Theater, which enforced a strict “Whites Only” policy. The theater was operated by noted burlesque producers Jules Hurtig and Harry Seamon. They made alterations to the theater that same year and renamed it The Apollo.
In 1924, the Minskys took a long-term lease for burlesque shows, some of which included integrated casts with black performers such as Pigmeat Markham. After New York City mayor Fiorello La Guardia cracked down on burlesque, the theater was purchased in 1933 by Sidney Cohen, who owned other theaters in the area. Lavish renovations were made and it re-opened on January 26, 1934 catering to the Black community of Harlem. On February 14, 1934, the first major star to appear at the Apollo was jazz singer and Broadway star Adelaide Hall in Clarence Robinson’s production Chocolate Soldiers, which featured Sam Wooding’s Orchestra. The show ran for a limited engagement and was highly praised by the press, which helped establish Apollo’s reputation.
The Apollo’s number is 212-531-5300. If you want to get more show information visit https://notoriousjazz.com/event/russell-gunn-the-royal-krunk-jazz-orchestra.
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The Jazz Voyager
Coming off a fantastic performance by Cecilé McLorin Salvant in Miami, The Jazz Voyager is heading out of the South and up the East Coast for colder temperatures in Beantown to hang out at Scullers Jazz Club, and catch a pianist I haven’t seen in more than two decades. I was extremely impressed by his talent and his name is Loston Harris. As usual, after a relaxed dinner, I’ll be catching the second set which for me is the best.
After meeting Harry Connick, Jr. at the 1st Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition in Washington, DC, Connick led Loston to study with his mentor, Ellis Marsalis, who encouraged him to switch from drums to piano. The rest, as they say, is history. Blending jazz, gospel and blues with his own unique styling, Harris takes the Great American Songbook to new heights. He has toured and performed with numerous Grammy Award and Pulitzer winner Wynton Marsalis, and appeared in the PBS special Portraits in Blue with Grammy nominated pianist Marcus Roberts.
Since 1989 Scullers has presented the biggest names in straight ahead,Latin and Contemporary jazz along with blues, soul, r&b, and world music. It swet a new standard for jazz clubs in Boston with a world-class roster of renowned jazz artists.The club is located at 400 Soldiers Field Road, Boston, Massachusetts 02134. In the area or flying in and have the time, support jazz and hear a phenomenal musician and vocalist.
Sculler’s number is 617-747-2261. If you want to get more information visit https://notoriousjazz.com/event/loston-harris.
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The Jazz Voyager
The Jazz Voyager is jetting across the country once again, leaving Southern Cal for Southern Florida to check out for the very first time tomorrow, jazz vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. She will be performing selections from her latest album Ghost Song. Opening the evening is the Christian Sands Trio.
A child of Haitian/French heritage, Salvant returns home to wow the audience with her talents. She won the first prize in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition in 2010, released her first album, Cécile, shortly thereafter. Her sophomore album, WomanChild, was nominated for a Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album, and three of her albums For One to Love, Dreams and Daggers, and The Window have been awarded Grammy Awards for Best Jazz Vocal Album. She has received a Macarthur Genius Grant and the Jazz Journalists Association’s Jazz Award for Female Vocalist of the Year in 2022.
The performance will take place in the center’s Knight Concert Hall located at 1300 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, 33132. If you have the time, inclination and opportunity to catch this Friday performance, I suggest you do not hesitate to grab a couple of tickets. This rare appearance by this international artist in her hometown is not to be missed.
The center’s number is 305-949-6722. If you want to get more information visit https://notoriousjazz.com/event/cecile-mclorin-salvant.
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The Jazz Voyager
I’m leaving on a jet plane from the cold of the East Coast for much warmer temperatures of Southern California in San Diego. A jacket may be required by this Jazz Voyager to maintain a modicum of warmth in the evening hours. That said, I will be visiting the Balboa Theatre, located at 868 Fourth Avenue, 92101. They are playing host to a fabulous lineup of musicians on the Monterey Jazz Festival On Tour.
One of the world’s longest-running musical events that was begun in 2007 after celebrating 50 years, the Monterey Jazz Festival celebrates its 65th year with a once-in-a-lifetime ensemble. Featuring Tony and Grammy Award-winning NEA Jazz Master vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater alongside Grammy Award-winning vocalist Kurt Elling and critically acclaimed rising star saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin. This stellar band is directed by visionary pianist Christian Sands and anchored by his longtime rhythm section, bassist Yasushi Nakamura and drummer Clarence Penn.
If you’ve never been to the jazz festival in Monterey here’s your chance to experience the verve of these musicians. Take a moment to purchase your tickets and I’ll see you there and experience it together.
The theatre’s number is 619-615-4000. If you want to get more information visit notoriousjazz.com/event/monterey-jazz-festival-on-tour.
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