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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The Jazz Voyager
Leaving the cold of the East Coast for the meaner temperatures of the Midwest as the Jazz Voyager heads to Ann Arbor, Michigan to check out a new venue I am not familiar with. It’s called the Blue Llama and is located at 314 S Main Street, 48104. It’s going to be a rush to the airport from the ship but fortunately I travel light with one carry~on bag. I have my Uber waiting for me at the port and hopefully I will make the plane on time.
My good friend, vocalist and guitarist Allan Harris will be in residence for two nights in this stylish lounge that offers inventive cuisine, charcuterie (meats) and great jazz. Two sets each night and if you haven’t ever seen him perform, here’s your opportunity to revel in his magic and understand the genius of the man.
So bundle up and come out for dinner and a show while supporting your local watering and dining spot and keeping the community vibrant. Enjoy the celebration of music!
The club’s number is 734-372-3200. If you want to get more information visit notoriousjazz.com/event/allan-harris-band-2.
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The Jazz Voyager
The Jazz Voyager is not one who cruises to look at the ocean rather than being in it. I like to experience the adventure on terra firma so I can fully explore the destination and the waters snorkeling and diving. But it is a new year and one must try new things, so Blue Note At Sea is where you’ll find this voyager.
Seven days from January 13~20th upon the Celebrity Millennium Cruise Line there will be jam packed roster of 80 musicians and vocalists, performing as much music as you can stand. Folks like Marcus Miller, Cécile McLorin Salvant, The Baylor Project, Christian McBride, Chris Botti, Robert Glasper, Cyrille Aimée, José James, Derrick Hodge, Gerald Clayton, Emmet Cohen, Julian Lage, Warren Wolf and many, many more.
So tune up your jazz ears, protect yourself as variants are still appearing on the horizon and you will be in crowded spaces. Kindness to yourself will be kindness to others. Enjoy the celebration of music!
Celebrity Millennium Cruise Line’s number is 888-751-7804. If you want to get more information visit bluenoteatsea.com.
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JEFF LIBMAN
Jeff Libman Quintet
Jeff Libman-guitar, Michael Kocour-piano, Ben Hedquist-bass, Dom Moio-drums, with Clark Gibson-alto saxophone
Chicago-born jazz guitarist Jeff Libman is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at Arizona State University. As a jazz guitarist, Libman performs frequently in the Phoenix metropolitan area, sharing the stage with some of Arizona’s finest jazz musicians, including Michael Kocour, Brice Winston, Dom Moio, and Eric Rasmussen. His most recent album, Strange Beauty, released on the Cellar Live label, received extensive radio airplay and reached #26 on the JazzWeek chart.
- Table Seats – : $35
- Tier 2 Table Seats – : $32
- High Top Seats – : $32
- East Row Seats – : $27
- West Row Seats – : $27
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DENNIS ROWLAND & HOPE MORGAN
FIRE! Hope Morgan meets Dennis Rowland
What do you get when you pair legendary male vocalist Dennis Rowland from the Count Basie Orchestra with a female vocalist for whom the City of Austin declared Hope Morgan Day and its Jazz Players and Critics Poll named Best Female Jazz Vocalist? The answer is an afternoon of sensational vocal jazz, filled with energy, scatting, smiles, personality and musicality.
- Tier 1 Table Seats – $39
- Tier 2 Table Seats – $37
- High Top Seats ~ Tier 2 Seats – $37
- East Row Seats ~ Tier 3 Seats – $32
- West Row Seats ~ Tier 3 Seats – $32
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