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.



CALIFORNIA JAZZ FOUNDATION

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SACHAL VASANDANI

Sachal Vasandani is recognized for his singular voice, with a tone and unique phrasing that mark him as one of the most compelling artists on the scene today. Thoroughly rooted in jazz, Sachal has the swagger to front the most swinging big bands and the vulnerability to present definitive takes of classic ballads. His deeply creative approach to improvisation across lyrics, melodic changes and time signatures is always soulful, and he has come to be regarded as one of the eminent vocal improvisers of his generation.

His latest album, Best Life Now, produced by renowned drummer Nate Smith, was released in early 2025, following the success of his 2022 project Still Life with pianist Romain Collin. With a career spanning critically acclaimed albums such as Shadow Train and Slow Motion Miracles, he has worked with a stellar lineup of musicians including Milton Nascimento, Wynton Marsalis, Bobby McFerrin, and Jon Hendricks.

Cover: $30.00 ~ $35.00 + fee | Streaming: $15.00 +fee

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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.

CALIFORNIA JAZZ FOUNDATION

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NICOLE HENRY

Since her debut, Nicole Henry has established herself among the jazz world’s most acclaimed performers, possessing a potent combination of dynamic vocal abilities, impeccable phrasing, and powerful emotional resonance.

Her passionate, soulful voice and heartfelt charisma have earned her a Soul Train Award for “Best Traditional Jazz Performance,” and four Top-10 jazz albums on U.S. Billboard, Jazz Week, HMV Japan & UK Sweet Rhythms charts. Heralded by The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Japan Times, El Pais, Jazz Times, Essence and more, Ms. Henry tells real stories through peerless interpretations of repertoire from the American Songbook, classic and contemporary jazz, popular standards, blues and originals.

Showtimes:
Friday & Saturday:  7:00pm & 9:30pm
Sunday:  6:00pm & 8:30pm

Tickets: $40.00 +fee

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THAD WILSON

Thad Wilson’s music always reflects a personal style that blends progressive elements such as blues, funk, Gospel and a touch of hip-hop. Thad’s eclectic ideas as a modern composer are brought to life through his various projects: Thad Wilson Jazz Orchestra, his 16-piece big band; Inner Urge, a collaborative project; Kindred Soul, his electric group; and Kako Se, an acoustic duo.

The Thad Wilson Jazz Orchestra became the only big band in the DC area to land a permanent residence at the esteemed One Step Down. Most recently, the band was housed at HR-57 Center for the Preservation of Jazz and Blues, recently named one of the world’s top 100 jazz venues by Downbeat magazine. Both as a leader and performer on the jazz scene, Thad has become an acclaimed fixture.

Thad has performed alongside world-renowned artists such as George Benson, James Moody, Eddie Henderson, Steve Turre, Cecil Bridgewater, McCoy Tyner, Vanessa Ruben, and Roy Hargrove. He also performed with Senegalese artist, Djimo Kouyate, at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Millenium Stage.

His worldwide appearances include Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia; Le Caveau de la Huchette in Paris, France; Antigua Music Festival; Atlanta Jazz Festival; New Orleans Jazz Festival; and Spoleto Music Festival in Charleston, South Carolina. Thad was also invited to perform his original suite “Reflections on Romare” at the National Gallery of Art’s 2003 Romare Bearden exhibition opening festivities.

The Band: Lil John Roberts ~ Drums | Louis Heriveax ~ Piano | Craig Shaw ~ Bass

Tickets: $59.00

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