The Jazz Voyager

Returning from abroad the Jazz Voyager is landing in Miami, Florida and heading to Coral Gables for a little bit of jazz at Sanctuary of the Arts.  Known to present world-class national and international talent, they support and strengthen existing small and medium arts organizations, and support the next generation of young artists with an array of mentorship opportunities, including strategic planning, development, production, rehearsal and performance space.

This week, presented for our pleasure is drummer and composer Ari Hoenig. After his university matriculation he soon found himself playing for legendary Philadelphia organist Shirley Scott and working regularly in New York City. He has gone on to record several albums as a leader and sideman and is an educator in his own right.

The Sanctuary is located at 410 Andalusia Avenue, 33134. For more information contact the venue at https://www.sanctuaryofthearts.org.

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The Jazz Voyager

From Nashville to Bern the Jazz Voyager is crossing the pond once more to sit in the audience at Marians Jazzroom. The venue’s 126 seats offers a guarantee of a musical experience in authentic ambience within the harmonious interior reminiscent of a New York jazz club.

Catching Grammy winner Bill Charlap on the third evening of his five-day engagement will be a treat, especially witnessing for the first time the talents of saxophonist Nicole Glover. She’s a member of Ursa Major led by bassist Christian McBride and leads her own quartet. This isn’t the first time these two have paired up for this

The jazzroom is located at Engestrasse 54, 3012 Bern, Switzerland. For more information contact the venue at https://www.mariansjazzroom.ch.

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The Jazz Voyager

This week I’m taking a trip to a city most people think of as country but there has always been a strong current of jazz running through Nashville, Tennessee. It’s time for some history and education at the National Museum of African American Music.

The museum is the only one dedicated to preserving and celebrating the many music genres created, influenced, and inspired by African Americans. The museum’s expertly-curated collections share the story of the American soundtrack by integrating history and interactive technology to bring the musical heroes of the past into the present.

This is another new experience for this jazz voyager that is always welcomed. It houses the Roots Theater and six galleries ~ Rivers of Rhythms Pathways: The Evolution of African American Music Traditions; Wade In The Water: The History, Influence, and Survival of Religious Music; Crossroads: How Blues Changed the Music World; A Love Supreme: The Survival of African Indigenous Musical Traditions in Congo Square; One Nation Under A Groove: The Birth of Rhythm and Blues; and The Message: The Revolutionary Power of  Hip Hop.

Located at Fifth & Broadway, 510 Broadway, Nashville, Tennessee 37203. For more information contact the venue at https://www.nmaam.org.

Tickets: $26.95 | Adults: 18~64

• • Online tickets are non-refundable but are valid for one year after your purchase date.
  • A $5.00 technology fee will be added to every ticket.
  • Discounts are available in person for seniors, military, first responders, educators, students, and children between 5 and 17. Children under 5 are free.

Free Admission: First Wednesday of Every Month

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The Jazz Voyager

Flying to the Midwest once more to the Gateway To The West for a little bit of jazz at a spot known to many as Jazz St. Louis. Gaining international fame this small intimate atmospheric venue hosts some of the finest musicians and vocalsits since its humble beginnings in 1995.

A new experience for this jazz voyager is always welcomed and the Grammy-nominated saxophonist and composer Melissa Aldana is just that. She’ll be bringing her visionary sound to the club, including music from her latest Blue Note Records release, Echoes Of The Inner Prophet. I’m told I will be hearing a blending of deep introspection with dynamic collaboration, exploring themes of personal growth, storytelling, and sonic innovation. Influenced by jazz legends like Wayne Shorter and Sonny Rollins, I am looking forward to this evening as she honors the rich tradition of modern jazz. 

Located at 3536 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, Misssouri 63103. For more information contact the venue at jazzstl.org.

The Band: Melissa Aldana – saxophone | Sam Yahel – piano | Joe Martin – bass | JK Kim – drums

Tickets: $40.00 ~ $50.00

Show times: 7:30pm & 9:30pm | 3.27 @ 11:00am

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The Jazz Voyager

Heading back up to the Big Apple, this time motoring up the highway on 95 North. I’ll get in early and will be catching the sights and sounds of the city until it’s time to make my way to Columbus Circle. There it will be my fortune to be in the house that Wynton Marsalis helped build, as an audience member in Dizzy’s Club. Overlooking the New York skyline, the lights of the night will only enhance the performance.

This week this jazz voyager will be taking a very talented organist, pianist and composer, Akiko Tsuruga. Landing in New York City from Osaka, Japan she quickly immersed herself into the jazz scene. Sitting in and playing gigs, she eventually recorded with Frank Wess, Jimmy Cobb, Grady Tate and other top NY musicians. In 2006 she joined Lou Donaldson’s quartet.

Performance Lineup:

Akiko Tsuruga, organ Joe Magnarelli, trumpet Myron Walden, tenor & baritone, saxophone, flute Byron Landham, drums Charlie Sigler, guitar

Tickets: $20.00 ~$50.00

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