STRAIGHT AHEAD

Out of Detroit’s lively jazz scene, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world, comes the ground breaking jazz group Straight Ahead. A group of strong, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers.

Widely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz, latin jazz and jazzy neo-soul. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy with a wide range of musical textures, moods and tempos.

Straight Ahead was introduced to the world as finalist in the “Sony Innovators” competition. A national competition recognizing exceptional performers in the jazz field. They received international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland. They were the first all woman jazz ensemble signed to Atlantic Records. The ensemble has shared the concert stage with a who’s who of the music world including: Kem, Jean Luc Ponty, Nancy Wilson, Roy Ayers, Tony Bennett, George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Max Roach, the Yellowjackets and Dianne Reeves.

Straight Ahead has established itself as an enduring and prolific ensemble. Recognized for its creativity, musicianship and dedication to making great music, the band was inducted into the Detroit Music Awards Hall of Fame.

These Grammy-nominated recording artists have travelled extensively in the United States, the Caribbean and Europe garnering rave reviews. Joy, Power, Love, Wisdom…..Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead!

THE BAND:

Alina Morr- Piano

Marion Hayden – Bass

Gayelynn McKinney- Drums

Kymberli Wright – Vocals

Ingrid Racine – Trumpet

 

Tickets: $40.00 Prepaid Cocktail Bar | $75.00 Prepaid Dinner & Show

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JOE FARNSWORTH

One of the most highly regarded jazz drummers on the scene today, Joe is known for his blazing speed, precision, musical, and melodic playing. After he studied at William Paterson College in New Jersey in 1994 where he began playing with saxophonist Eric Alexander and guitarist Peter Bernstein.

Upon moving to New York City, he led the weekend jazz combos at Augie’s, now Smoke Jazz & Supper Club. He has performed with Junior Cook, Cecil Payne, John Ore, Big John Patton, Harold Mabern, Eddie Henderson, John Jenkins, and his brothers John and James. His career includes recording over 100 CDs as a leader and sideman, and on world tours with Pharaoh Sanders, Horace Silver, Harold Mabern, McCoy Tyner, Cedar Walton, Diana Krall, Benny Golson, George Coleman, Johnny Griffin, Lou Donaldson, Benny Green, Barry Harris, Curtis Fuller, to name a few.

The Band: Sarah Hanahan ~ Alto Saxophone | Georgia Heers ~ Vocals | Cameron Campbell ~ Piano | Peter Washington ~ Bass | Joe Farnsworth ~ Drums

Tickets: $20 – $50 | $2.33 – $3.81 Fees

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The Jazz Voyager

Making the roughly hour and half ride up the highway to come across the Verazzano~Narrows Bridge into the Big Apple after departing the City of Brotherly Love on a high note. This Jazz Voyager is heading uptown on the West Side to Columbus Circle for an evening of live jazz at Dizzy’s Club. This venue serves up a seasonal menu of delights for the palate, libations to please, and overlooks Central Park giving patrons the expansive vista views from their 5th floor location.

In residence from Wednesday to Saturday is master musician Herlin Riley and I will be in the company of this talented drummer. Hailing from NOLA, (New Orleans, Louisiana for those who don’t know) not only is he a bandleader in his own right but also holds the position in the Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra under the direction of Wynton Marsalis. Joining him on stage are saxophonist Stacy Dillard, pianist Tyler Bullock and bassist Liany Mateo.

Dizzy’s Club is located at Fredrick P. Rose Hall, Broadway at 60th Street, New York, NY 10019. For more information visit https://beta.jazz.org/dizzys.

CALIFORNIA JAZZ FOUNDATION

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ULYSSES OWENS

Award-winning drummer and bandleader Ulysses Owens, Jr. returns to Dizzy’s Club with his powerhouse big band for a five-night engagement. Known for his electrifying performances, Owens crafts a thrilling musical journey through original compositions and vibrant arrangements of works by giants like Terence Blanchard, John Coltrane, and Mulgrew Miller. His repertoire serves as a canvas for masterful improvisation, rich orchestrations, and spirited performances that carry on the legacy of the great big band drummers who have inspired him. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the joy and passionate musicianship that defines Owens’ artistry.

The Band: Ulysses Owens Jr. ~ drums & music director | Nathaniel Williford ~ trumpet | Noah Halpern ~ trumpet | David Sneider ~ trumpet | Brandon Woody ~ trumpet (12/3-5, 12/7) | Anthony Hervey ~ trumpet (12/6) | Michael Dease ~ trombone | Pablo Muller-Santiago ~ trombone | Altin Brennan Sencalar ~ trombone | Jack Trathen ~ trombone | Erena Terakubo ~ alto saxophone | Bruce Williams ~ alto saxophone | Diego Rivera ~ tenor saxophone | Jason Hainsworth ~ tenor saxophone | Jason Marshall ~ baritone saxophone | Luther S. Allison ~ piano | Thomas Milovac ~ bass  | Charles Turner III ~ special guest vocalist (12/6-12/7) Matthew Whitaker ~ special guest organist (12/7)

Tickets: $25.00~$65.00 | Saturday @ 7:00pm ~ Sold Out

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HERLIN RILEY AND FRIENDS

A native of New Orleans, Riley started on the drums when he was three. He played trumpet through high school, but he went back to drums in college. After graduating, he spent three years as a member of a band led by Ahmad Jamal. He has worked often with Wynton Marsalis as a member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and of Marsalis’s small groups. He has also worked with George Benson, Harry Connick, Jr., and Marcus Roberts.

Cover Charge: Wednesday: 7:00pm ~ $25~65 | 9:00pm Sold Out | Friday & Saturday: Sold Out | Sunday: 5:00pm & 7:30pm $25~$60

Celebrate Thanksgiving at Dizzy’s Club with a full menu of sumptuous holiday fare and the sounds of Herlin Riley. The celebrated New Orleans drummer, brings his vibrant energy to Dizzy’s Club. Known for his melodic finesse and dynamic rhythms, he has played alongside jazz legends like Ahmad Jamal and Wynton Marsalis. Experience his masterful drumming as he continues to honor the city’s rich musical legacy and inspire the next generation of artists.

Lineup: Herlin Riley ~ drums | Stacy Dillard ~ saxophone | Tyler Bullock ~ piano | Liany Mateo ~ bass

Cover Charge: Thanksgiving ~ $250.00 | Event price includes a three-course menu, gratuity, and admission (does not include alcohol). Please Note: There are no physical tickets for this event. Your reservation will be held under your name at the Dizzy’s host stand, located on the fifth floor of Frederick P. Rose Hall.

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