The Jazz Voyager
The friendly skies are seeing me once more flying cross country to our nation’s capital to capture the essence of what I believe will be an unforgettable experience at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater. I will continue to mask up whenever I’m on a plane or in enclosed spaces because these variants are not yet inert. Autumn in Washington, DC is a special time of year and to witness the collaboration of Javon Jackson and Nikki Giovanni will be transcendent.
Jackson presents The Gospel According To Nikki Giovanni with appearances by Nnenna Freelon and a rare appearance by Giovanni herself. This is a one evening event, so if you’ve never seen these three performers, I suggest you get your tickets because you are in for a treat.
Hitting DC is always like coming home even though the landscape has changed quite a bit. I have to get my bearings each time years pass between visits but fortunately it doesn’t take long. The Kennedy Center is located at 2700 F Street, NW 20566. For more information visit notoriousjazz.com/event or kennedy-center.org. The Kennedy Center number is 202-467-4600.
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The Jazz Voyager
This week I’m still masking and social distancing whenever I’m on a plane or in enclosed spaces because this pandemic is not over. I’m following the sun and heading westward to Palm Springs, California for the Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival. The festival is being held at the Palm Springs Convention Center located at 271 N Avenida Caballeros 92262.
Over the course of three days the festival are presenting Nnenna Freelon, Cyrille Aimee, Lea Delaria, Ledisi, and the Divas Of The Desert featuring Hope Diamond, Gennine Francis, Melba Miller, Cynthia Thomas, Chris Bennett, Rose Mallett, Keisha D, Yve Evans, Patrice Morris.
This is my first time visiting this venue and seeing all but one vocalist for the first time. I am so looking forward to this voyage. This trip I’m going to be hanging around for the weekend to have the full music experience. As always, for more information visit notoriousjazz.com/event or palmspringscc.com. The convention center number is 760-325-6611.
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The Jazz Voyager
I’m off to Alpharetta, Georgia to see one of my favorite bassists at The Velvet Note located at 4075 Old Milton Parkway. I enjoy this venue for its coziness and superb sound system. No matter where you sit you are perfectly positioned to hear clearly. There’s no columns to obstruct the view and they even have a sofa if you want to feel like you’re in your living room.
This week it’s the Curtis Lundy Trio with pianist Cyrus Chestnut and drummer Victor Jones. These three in-demand musicians will bring the heat as they do individually when leading their trios or quartets. This promises to be a heavyweight treat. Two nights, two sets each evening at 7:30 and 9:30 pm
As always, coming in a day early to the ATL will give me time to hang out and break bread with friends and relatives. For more information, the number is 855-583-5838 or thevelvetnote.com.
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The Jazz Voyager
Taking to the friendly skies to once again masked and safely flying into Lambert International to catch some jazz in The Lou. Looking forward to catching up with a friend, meet new ones and enjoying an incredible evening of music at Jazz St. Louis. Three amazing musicians, Tia Fuller, Mimi Jones and Matt Wilson top off their residency of workshops, clinics, masterclasses and jam sessions with students to give the public a taste of their talent. Two nights, two sets each evening at 7:30 and 9:30 pm
Of course while I’m in this city I’ll take in the Gateway Arch, sit by the mighty Mississippi River, visit the Griot Museum, walk through the Botanical Gardens, and spend an afternoon at the George B. Vashon Museum that was built in 1879 on the city’s historic Millionaire’s Row. This museum hosts 250 years of 10,000 artifacts and treasures chronicling Black history in St. Louis.
There is no mention of a cover or reservations required. I guess I’ll be dropping in a little before showtime. The address for Jazz St. Louis is 3536 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63103. For more information, the number is 314-571-6000 or jazzstl.org.
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The Jazz Voyager
The Jazz Voyager is flying into Baltimore, Maryland on Thursday for crab cakes and jazz. First stop is breaking bread with friends and enjoying the company and camaraderie. The following night I will be in the audience at the Keystone Korner Baltimore to hear the Bill Charlap Trio. It’s been a few years since I’ve heard the trio with Bill on piano, Peter Washington on bass and Kenny Washington on drums.
But there’s so much more to the city so during the day this Jazz Voyager will be moving about the city investigating the Top Of The World Observation Deck, the Lexington Market, National Aquarium and the American Visionary Art Museum.
The trio will be in residence for two nights ~ October 21 & 22, two sets each evening at 7:30 and 10:00 pm, with a Sunday, October 23rd late afternoon show at 5:00pm. Tickets range $35.00 ~ $45.00 plus fee.
The Keystone Korner Baltimore address is 1350 Lancaster Street, 21231. For more information, the number is 410-946-6726 or keystonekornerbaltimore.com.
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