ALBA PUJALS
Since coming together in 2019, this talented quintet has been crafting original music that bridges the roots of jazz with fresh, contemporary ideas. Led by Alba Pujals on trombone and vocals, the group includes Jarien Jamanila on alto saxophone, Esteban Castro on piano, Jayla Chee on bass, and Sarah Gooch on drums. Their performance highlights a shared love for jazz tradition while exploring new sounds and heartfelt compositions, making for an evening of honest and inspired music.
Performers:
Alba Pujals, trombone, voice and compositions
Jarien Jamanila, alto saxophone
Esteban Castro, piano
Jayla Chee, bass
Sarah Gooch, drums
Tickets: $20.00 ~ $50.00
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DIVA JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Led by renowned drummer and composer Sherrie Maricle, the DIVA Jazz Orchestra is a powerhouse 15-piece ensemble celebrated for blending classic big band traditions with fresh, original flair. Joined by Grammy-nominated vocalist Clint Holmes, they’ll take you on a vibrant musical journey through jazz standards, Broadway hits, movie masterpieces, and more, showcasing their unique renditions and dynamic energy. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of music over three swinging nights.
The Players: Sherrie Maricle, music director/drums | Kellin Hanas, trumpet | Summer Camargo, trumpet | Jami Dauber, trumpet | Barbara Laronga, trumpet | Leslie Havens, bass trombone | Sara Jacovino, trombone | Jen Krupa, trombone | Stephanie Tateiwa, alto saxophone | Erena Terakubo, alto saxophone | Jade Elliott, tenor saxophone | Laura Dreyer, tenor saxophone | Leigh Pilzer/Lauren Sevian, baritone saxophone | Tomoko Ohno, piano | Noriko Ueda, bass
Tickets: $20.00 ~ 60.00
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AKIKO TSURUGA
Akiko Tsuruga is a jazz composer, Hammond B-3 organist and pianist from Osaka, Japan. She was born in Osaka. Her parents bought her a small organ when she was three and she started learning to play standards.
After landing in the mecca for jazz, New York City, it didn’t take long for Akiko to make her mark – It was during these early years that she had the great pleasure of sitting in, playing gigs, and eventually recording with jazz greats such as Frank Wess, Jimmy Cobb, Grady Tate and other top NY musicians. Her reputation ultimately drew attention of Lou Donaldson as he chose her in 2006 as his quartet’s organist.
But it was the meeting of organ legend Dr. Lonnie Smith that proved to have the greatest impact on Akiko’s musical development and career. He became an important mentor to Akiko, and she considers him her greatest influence. She flourished and continued to be a constant draw on the NY jazz scene.
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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Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Clarence Lacquese Penn born on March 2, 1968 in Detroit, Michigan and started playing the drums at around eigh years old. In 1986, while still at high school, he attended the Interlochen Arts Academy. He started studying at the University of Miami in Florida that same year, but transferred to Virginia Commonwealth University.
At Virginia Commonwealth he studied with Ellis Marsalis, and played in the pianist’s trio from 1987 to 1991, including for a tour of Japan in 1990. Penn graduated in classical percussion in 1991 and was part of vocalist Betty Carter’s trio from until 1993.
Penn later went on to work with David Sanchez, Jimmy Smith, Slide Hampton, Jimmy Scott, Greg Hatza, Stanley Clarke, Tim Warfield, Bob Berg, Diana Krall, Cyrus Chestnut, and Stephen Scott.
He recorded his debut album, Penn’s Landing, for Criss Cross Jazz in 1997 with some of the tracks he composed. His sophomore album as leader, Play-Penn, was recorded four years later, followed by a third the following year. He took a nine year hiatus from recording then recorded three more albums.
Drummer Clarence Penn, who also plays organ and rhodes, continues to perform and record.
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SPANISH HARLEM ORCHESTRA
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