The Jazz Voyager
Back in the Midwest to Gateway City this Jazz Voyager goes for another jazz escapade in a new venue, the Harold & Dorothy Steward Center For Jazz. Sitting next to Jazz St. Louis, the 220 seat auditorium is coupled with education programs, six soundproof practice rooms, a resource room featuring computers loaded with music, composition software, and the brand new Nancy’s Jazz Lounge.
On the marquee tonight is vocalist Diana West, stepping into the spotlight with her highly anticipated breakout performance at Jazz St. Louis. The St. Louis native is a dynamic young vocalist in her early 20s, bringing fresh, soulful energy to the stage that is rooted in the tradition but is unafraid to take bold steps forward. I am anticipating seeing this artist who is new to me.
The performance is sold out for this in-demand artist, so if you haven’t gotten your ticket you’ll have to catch her the next time.
Harold & Dorothy Steward Center For Jazz is located at 3536 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63103 For more information contact the venue at https://my.jazzstl.org.
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The Jazz Voyager
The Jazz Voyager is leaving the Midwest for Bull City in the Mid~Atlantic state of North Carolina. The city is Durham and the Bull Durham tobacco brand is synonymous to the city. However, not to be distracted, this voyager is going to the social hub for music in the heart of downtown, Missy Lane’s Assembly Room, for an evening of jazz.
Bassist Butler Knowles is leading the jazz jam sets into the night and I am always curious to discover what new and established talent will turn out to perform. This is always one of my favorite expeditions as I always catch a different groove in each city I visit.
The vibe is cocktail lounge with plush couches, candlelit tables, chandeliers and baby grands coupled with late night bites for fingering. The $20.00 reservation deposit is applied towards the minimum, with no refund for any unspent portion.
Missy Lane’s Assembly Room is located at 310 E. Main Street 27701 For more information contact the venue at https://www.missylanes.com.
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The Jazz Voyager
The Jazz Voyager is leaving the Big Apple enroute to that Midwest state with the city that boasts the 630 foot Gateway Arch. Yes, people it’s St. Louis, Missouri. I love this city, even though that arch celebrates Lewis and Clark, history left out.
No longer hidden from the story, the arch now celebrates York, Clark’s enslaved servant, whose skills as a hunter, his ability to navigate and negotiate with Native American tribes, and his physical strength in tasks like hauling boats and building shelters, were all vital to their success.
Inside the city limits is a well known venue located in the Arts District named for its city, Jazz St. Louis. Two rooms feature a 220 seat and a more intimate 75 seats. It all started as Jazz at the Bistro in 1995 before becoming its current version.
On tap is a drummer I’ve yet to experience. Fortunately I have a ticket to this sold out date. Kaleb Kirby is bringing a quartet to play tribute to guitarist John Scofield. The ensemble will reimagine Scofield’s work showcasing the expressive range and rhythmic ingenuity that define the guitarist’s voice.
The Band:
Kaleb Kirby | drums
Greg Dallas | guitar
Chris Thomas | bass
Austin Cebulski | tenor saxophone
Jazz St. Louis is located at 3536 Washington Avenue, 63103. For more information contact the venue at jazzstl.org.
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The Jazz Voyager
From NOLA to the Big Apple, the Jazz Voyager is cruising at 30,000 for another jaunt into Manhattan’s theater district. Gotta love New York’s public transportation as taking the bus from LaGuardia into Harlem, getting off at 125th and Lenox and catching the #3 Express downtown to 42nd Street is a breeze. Walking a couple of blocks north up Broadway to Birdland will put me there in time for the 7:00pm show.
Tonight I have the opportunity to hear a pianist who I’ve only seen when he first hit the jazz scene and then about a decade ago. He’s a Steinway Artist and his name is Christian Sands and he has matured with time. I find it so gratifying to hear musicians who age in their playing but maintain the fire in their expressiveness.
The Band:
Christian Sands – bandleader, pianist
Ryan Sands – Drummer
Gilad Hekelsman – Guitar
Scott Colley – Bass
Cover: $40.61 ~ $50.91 | Including Fees
Birdland is located at 315 W 44th Street, #5402, New York City, NY 10036. For more information contact the venue at birdlandjazz.com.
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The Jazz Voyager
Back in the States this Jazz Voyager has landed at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Getting in early gives me time to visit friends in Slidell and get beignets in the French Quarter. Then I’ll be on my way to the 7th Ward’s three-block entertainment district of Frenchmen Street in the Faubourg Marigny. The final destination is the intimate 86 seat jazz venue called Snug Harbor.
This Thursday I will have the pleasure of experiencing longtime New Orleans jazz vocalist, visual artist and educator Betty Shirley who has come full circle in her life and is now reaping the benefits of her hard-earned endeavors. The Big Easy Award winner has released several acclaimed albums including Unveiled, Close Your Eyes, and With The Red Organ Trio, solidifying her legacy as a vital force in the city’s jazz scene.
The Band:
Betty Shirley – vocals
Will Thompson – piano
Quinn Sternberg – bass
Simon Lott – drums
Snug Harbor is located at 626 Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70116. For more information contact the venue at https://snugjazz.com.
Showtimes ~ 7:30pm & 9:30pm
Cover: $41.30
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