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This Week: Smooth Jazz Superstars Marion Meadows & Paul
Taylor, Rachel Brown & The Beatnik Playboys, Myron Davis and
more...
Nighttown Cleveland by Nighttown / Jim Wadsworth Productions
Hi Folks.
Fantastic week of shows here at Nighttown.
On Wednesday and Thursday, don't miss one of the greatestsmooth
jazz groups, Marion Meadows & Paul Taylor, and theirprogram
"Sax & the City". Marion and Paul are legends of the smoothjazz
scene for the last twenty years. Come hear them in the intimateand
acoustically perfect music room at Nighttown, and you'll beknocked
out! The early shows are close to selling out so don't wait toget
your tickets.
Then it'll be a party on Friday when Rachel Brown & The
BeatnikPlayboys bring their blend of hip Americana, bluegrass, and
funk. Rachel is cutting a new album at Suuma Studios right now, so
come
get a preview of some of her new songs.
On Saturday, soul singer, songwriter and producer Myron Davis
comesback to perform here at Nighttown. Myron has written songs
andcollaborated with numerous artists including Dru Hill, Meshell
Ndegeocelloand Robert Glasper.
On Sunday, the Kamal Abdul-Alim Quintet returns to Nighttown for
anexciting night of jazz, soul, and African music. He'll have an
all-star group ofNE Ohio musicians including Kamal on trumpet,
Cecil Rucker on vibes,George Pearson on piano, Bradford McGhee on
bass, & LarryHancock on drums.
Hope you can join us for several of these fantastic concerts
this week at Nighttown.
Jim WadsworthNighttown / Jim Wadsworth Productions
great dining | great music
12387 Cedar Road (top of Cedar Hill)Cleveland Heights, OH
216-795-0550
www.nighttowncleveland.comMap to Nighttown
To Purchase Concert Tickets
No need to make an additional table
reservation - it's already included with your concert
tickets!!
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New Shows Recently Added
5/14 Kamal Abdul-Alim Quintet5/24 Gus Mahoney in Concert -
Benefit6/01 John Richmond Swingtet Celebrates Benny Goodman 6/02
Pat Harris 6/03 The Numbers Band (15-60-75) 6/07 Urbanity w/Albare
& Phil Turcio 6/09 Lucas Kadish Trio 6/12 Hubb's Groove w/David
6/14 Philippe LeJeune 6/15 Joe Lovano "Hometown Sessions" 6/16 Joe
Lovano Quartet" 6/17 Nicolas Meier 6/18 Eddie Baccus Sr. & Jr.
Fathers Day Special Concert 6/21 Water Seed 6/23 Beppe Gambetta
6/24 Travis "Moonchild" Haddix 6/25 Sullivan Fortner Trio 6/25
Transportation Boulevard 6/28 Django Festival All-Stars 6/29
Songwriters Circle w/Rick Szekelyi, Gretchen Pleuss,Rebekah Jean,
& Tom Girard
Nighttown Patios are Open for Your Outdoor Dining Enjoyment
Stephen's Green
Nighttown's two famous patios, "Stephen's Green" and "The Secret
Garden" are now openfor the season. Enjoy your favorite Nighttown
dishes on our beautiful three season patios. Lunch, dinner, and
brunch on Sunday's.
"Late Night at Nighttown" ** Every Week **Fridays Moss Stanley
on piano 10:30PM - 1:00AM No coverSaturdays Jackie Warren on piano
10:30PM - 1:00AM No cover
Nighttown Newsletter
Click here to sign up for the Nighttown newsletter. Subscribers
receiveadvance notice and discounts to many of the shows.
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Nighttown Tickets and Seating Policy
To purchase tickets click here, Do not make anadditional table
reservation - it is already included withyour purchased tickets.
All seats are General Admission. All seating is based on the time
that you arrive for theshow and based on how many people are in
your partyand where we have tables of that size. You may besharing
a table with other people.
Nighttown Student Discount PolicyStudents up to age 26 are 1/2
off the regular price. Student priced tickets are only available
the night of theshow, are available only at the door, and are
subject toavailability. Students must have a photo ID from
agenerally-recognized high school, college or university.
Full-paying ticket holders get priority on admission andseating.
Certain select shows have no discount based onarrangements with the
artist. On evenings when thereare two shows (i.e. shows at 7 &
9PM), the discount isonly good for the second show. Students under
the age of18 must be accompanied by an adult paying full price
inorder to be eligible for the discount.
Cleveland Hts. HS Jazz Program$5.00 Monday 5/08 7:00 pm Off
Sale
Next Generation of North Coast Jazzers hits the stage at
Nighttown! Under themusical Direction of Brett Baker.
Visit Website
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Marion Meadows / Paul Taylor "Sax & the City"$40.00
Wednesday 5/10 7:00 pm Buy Tickets9:00 pm Buy Tickets
Thursday 5/11 7:00 pm Buy Tickets9:00 pm Buy Tickets
Contemporary Jazz Saxophone Stars and their Group light up the
Stage atNighttown!
SAX and The City is a smooth contemporary jazz concert featuring
saxophonist'sMarion Meadows, and Paul Taylor with home grown
favorites Will and LamarGaines.
From start to finish, the SAX and the City show has a sound vibe
that will satisfymusic lovers who are seeking solid urban adult
contemporary music. The awesomesmoothness of Paul Taylor, together
with the east coast funk of Marion Meadows isa must hear and see!
This Dynamic Duo is all the buzz on the contemporary jazzscene.
Critics and fans alike are raving about the eclectic yet hot sounds
of "SAXAND THE CITY" From the Capital Jazz fest to Newport and
Catalina and AZ Jazz Festand now Cleveland! SAX AND THE CITY rocks
the house.
Meadows was born in West Virginia and grew up in Stamford,
Connecticut. Hebegan playing the clarinet and studying classical
music at the age of nine. Hestarted playing tenor sax in high
school, and then migrated to soprano sax.
His passion for various types of music led him down an eclectic
musical path. Hewas intrigued by the styles of jazz musicians, like
Stanley Turrentine, Sidney Bichet,Johnny Hodges, John Coltrane,
Sonny Stitt, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Dexter Gordon,Cannonball
Adderley, Coleman Hawkins, Sonny Fortune, Joe Henderson,
GroverWashington and many others. After studying jazz at Rippowam
High School inStamford, CT with Anthony Truglia, Meadows attended
Berklee College of Music.There he majored in arranging and
composition. He later went to the SUNYPurchase School for the Arts.
During his college years he played in a number ofbands including
disco, R&B and various jazz ensmbles. I got a lot of sideman
jobs incollege, and I have always said I got my real graduate
degree playing clubs, saysMeadows, who perfected his craft studying
with Sonny Fortune, Joe Henderson,Dave Liebman and Eddie
Daniels.
Not long after I finished school, (drummer) Norman Connors
recorded one of mysongs, Invitation and then asked me to join his
band. I later produced his Passionalbum with my colleague Jacques
Burvick (Aquarium Dream) . Things just fell intoplace. Meadows
first hit the airwaves in 1991 with For Lovers Only.
The experience put him on the road to his eventual success.
Meadows hooked upwith numerous artists and musicians and became a
well known sideman in his ownright, recording or performing over
the years with Brook Benton, Eartha Kitt, PhyllisHyman, Jean Carne,
The Temptations, Michael Bolton, Angela Bofill, Will Downing ,Bob
Baldwin, Chuck Loeb, John Lee, among many others.
In 1990 Meadows submitted a solo project to Steve Backer at
Novus/RCA and wassigned to a recording contract, thus marking the
beginning of his solo career.Meadows first RCA release For Lovers
Only was a huge success and was followedby his ground breaking Keep
it Right There album. He became a staple of thecontemporary jazz
format with his subsequent recordings, which include BodyRhythm
(1994) and Forbidden Fruit (1996), Passion (1997), Another Side Of
Midnight(1999), Next To You (2000), In Deep (2002), Players Club
(2004), Dressed To Chill(2006), Secrets (2009) Whisper (2013) and
Soul Traveler his current release on the
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(2006), Secrets (2009) Whisper (2013) and Soul Traveler his
current release on theNew York based Shanachie Label.
Visit Website
Watch Video
Rachel Brown & The Beatnik Playboys $10.00 Friday 5/12 8:30
pm Buy Tickets
Vocalist, pianist, and singer/Songwriter leads All-Star NE Ohio
Group Live atNighttown!
Featuring: Rachel Brown-vocals & piano, Dave
Huddleston-guitar, Bill Watson-bass, & Roy King-drums.
Rachel Brown and the Beatnik Playboys are a delicious musical
anachronism Americana music of today that seems like it could have
come from a time whenmilk came in glass bottles and doctors still
made house calls. Powered by singer-songwriter Browns multi-octave
voice, fed by guitarist Dave Huddlestons tasty licksand harmonies,
decorated by the smooth grooves of string bassist Bill Watson
anddrummer Roy King, the band journeys through the musical
landscape of country,jazz, blues and gospel on a trip you want to
take over and over.
Rachel has opened for many top artists including Emmylou Harris,
Willie Nelson,Merle Haggard, Peter Cooper & Eric Brace, Nathan
Bell, Mary Chapin Carpenter,Bill Kirchen, Chuck Mead, Phil Lee,
Loretta Lynn, Ray Stevens, Toby Keith, BradPaisley, Vern Gosdin,
Clint Black , Alan Jackson, Aaron Tippin, Bill Monroe,
RalphStanley,Richie Furay, Donna the Buffalo, The Carpenter Ants,
Little Jimmy Dickens,Southern Pacific, Ricky Scaggs, David Jacobs
Strain and The Judds. Rachel is also amusic teacher for the Elyria
City School District.
Bill Watson has had an extensive and successful career out of
performing musicfor many years. Currently, you can also find Bill
playing with "The Numbers Band"(since 1990), "Hillbilly Idol"
(since 1990), "Alex Bevan" (since 1988) and "Clearfork"(since
1990). Some of you may remember seeing Bill perform with "The
DamnBand" (1991), "Reckless Abandon" (1987), "Mimi Hart & The
Bopkats" (1984-86),"Deadly Ernest & The Honky Tonk Heroes"
(1981-84), "Gopher Broke Swing Band"(1977-1981), "Smackinrrouge"
and "Better 'n Bacon Band" (pre 1977).
Roy King has had the pleasure of performing with living legends
like Mose Allison,Bucky Pizzerelli, Eddie Bo, Johnny Gimble and Jay
McShann to great local heroessuch as Alex Bevan, the Gopher Broke
Swing Band, pianists Mike Petrone and JoeHunter. Roy currently
teaches drums and percussion at Woodsys Music in Kent andMedina, as
well as leading his own jazz trio which plays at Nighttown in
Cleveland,Ohio. "I always wanted to be a beatnik and a playboy.",
says Roy. " Now I can beboth!"
Dave Huddleston is a lifelong student and lover of music. He is
known locally as avocalist, guitarist, and bassist. Born in
Washington, DC, and raised in Cleveland,Dave grew up in a musical
family and was exposed to a variety of music genres --from Saturday
Metropolitan Opera radio broadcasts, to Broadway musicals playedon
the family hi-fi, to pop tunes squeezed out of a tiny transistor
radio tuned toWIXY 1260-AM. His influences are all over the map --
Bach, Artie Shaw, Elvis, theTemptations, the Beatles, Ella, 1960s
TV themes, Gaetano Veloso, Chaka Khan, U2,the Bee Gees, the Isley
Brothers, Frankie Valli, Ennio Morricone, Buck Owens. Davesees
every song and every gig as a chance for exciting explorations,
always with anelement of surprise.
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Visit Website
Watch Video
Myron Davis$20.00 Saturday 5/13 8:30 pm Buy Tickets
Dynamic North Coast Soul Singer/Songwriter and his group hit the
Stage atNighttown!
Myron Davis has written hits songs for Dru Hill, and
collaborated with Ron Isley,Robert Glasper, Meshell Ndgeocello,
Kelly Price, Conya Doss, and many others!
Cleveland native, artist and producer, Myron Davis' soul sound
has been heard onhundreds of records all of the world. His 1998
debut CD project "Destiny" has soldmore than 1 million records and
his song writing is featured on the platinum hitsingle "Tell Me" by
R&B quartet, Dru Hill. Myron has collaborated with
MeshellNdegeocello and Robert Glasper as well as Ron Isley, Kelly
Price and Conya Doss.With three solo projects of his own and
several other music projects he hasproduced, Myron continues to
influence the culture and leave a legacy of soul forgenerations to
come.
Visit Website
Watch Video
Kamal Abdul-Alim Quintet $15.00 Sunday 5/14 7:00 pm Buy
Tickets
Dynamic North Coast Trumpeter, and recording artist leads
All-Star Quintet playing Soul Jazz, and More!!
Featuring: Kamal Abdul-Alim-trumpet, Cecil Rucker-vibes,
GeorgePearson-piano, Bradford McGhee-bass, & Larry
Hancock-drums.
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Kamal Abdul-Alim is a composer and a masterful performer-who
works in the cross-pollinating idioms of Jazz, African Music and
other musics of the African diaspora.His playing has to it both a
power to astonish and a lyricism which rivets thelistener, calling
to mind the historical roots of African music. Where music was not
aseparate art but an important and integral part of society and
life itself. Kamal iscommitted to presenting to his audience, a
music which is spiritually uplifting,mentally inspiring, and
rhythmically stimulating.
Born in Cleveland Ohio he was introduced to music as an infant,
and taught to playpiano and read music by his mother. Formal
studies began at the Cleveland MusicSettlement and in the Cleveland
public school system. Where he played bass violinand tuba in the
Orchestra and Band. After returning from the service he
beganstudying the trumpet. The instrument he was fated to make his
own and studiedwith Janos Kiss, the famous Hungarian composer.
Leaving Cleveland in the mid 60s, Kamal entered the Berkley
School of Music inBoston. There he studied composition, arranging
and performed in local Rhythmand Blues bands. To further hone his
musical sensibilities, he entered the Universityof Massachusetts at
Amherst, where he studied African American Music with MaxRoach and
Archie Shepp recieving his B.A . During this period he also
organizedand directed the African American Cultural Center at
Amherst College.
Moving to NYC in the 70s Kamal became a personality on the N.Y.
Jazz Scene and amuch sought after player based on his work with
bands led by Frank Foster, ClarkTerry, Ernie Wilkins, Slide
Hampton, and the Jazzmobile Orchestra led by Frank Wess. He began
recordings with Eddie Jefferson, Philly Joe Jones, Reggie
Workman,Billy Higgins, Bill Hardman, Frank Wright, Archie Shepp and
with friends Olu Dara,Lester Bowie and Jerry Gonzales. Kamal
continued his studies earned an MA. inEducation from Long Island
University and began teaching in the NY Public schoolsystem. He
also began studies in Music Therapy at NYU and Columbia
University.After developing his own personal concept, he recorded
his first album "DANCE"with Idress Muhammed, James Spaulding, Bobby
Watson and Ron Burton. andtoured Europe with Archie Shepp and Frank
Wright.
To further broaden his musical experience, in the 80s Kamal
moved to Paris andbegan prerforming and touring with African and
Caribbean groups residing inAfrica for periods of time. it was
during this period while in Dakar Senegal, that hedeveloped the
concept for his next recording "Kani Mambo".
In the new millennium Kamal continues to present himself as the
exponent of atimeless calling performing, touring and leading
various ensembles. Whetherplaying the Blues, Jazz or linking up
with the Spirits of his African Ancestors. He is amost interesting
performer and one not to be under estimated.
Visit Website
Watch Video
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Shaun Martin$20.00 Monday 5/15 7:00 pm Buy Tickets
From Dallas, Texas!Dynamic Pianist and Keyboard player as
featured with Snarky Puppy & KirkFranklin, makes his Cleveland
debut at Nighttown leading his 6 Pc. Group!
Shaun Martin has been playing, creating, and collaborating for
most of his life, yethis contributions go much further than just
playing. When you move through theprojects that Shaun has been a
part of you can feel his style and influence; you cansense his
presence throughout the compositions. Shauns willingness and
ability tobe a subtle part of each band have allowed him be part of
the very foundation.
#1 on iTunes Jazz Chart - June 2015
Seven time Grammy Winner, including:
2007 Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album, with Kirk Franklin
(Hero) 2009 Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album, with Kirk
Franklin (Fight of My Life) 2012 Best Gospel Album, with Kirk
Franklin (Hello Fear) 2012 Best Gospel Song, with Kirk Franklin
(Hello Fear) 2014 Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance, Snarky
Puppy with LalahHathaway (Something) 2016 Grammy Award for Best
Contemporary Instrumental Album, as member ofSnarky Puppy (Sylva)
2017 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, as
member ofSnarky Puppy (Culcha Vulcha)
His debut release, Seven Summers, is the record that you would
expect when aseasoned player with roots in several genres takes the
time to let the music unfold.It spans the musical map from jazz to
soul to hip hop with a casual touch of fusion.
Visit Website
Watch Video
University School HS Band$10.00 Monday 5/15 7:30 pm Buy
Tickets
Next Generation of Jazz Musicians from US live on Nighttown's
side patio!
University School in Hunting Valley, Ohio, offers three jazz
groups that explore thefull range of jazz styles found throughout
the century-long history of jazz from itsorigins in New Orleans Era
to avant-garde and funk. The top jazz ensemble (the"1:00 Jazz
Ensemble", named after the tradition of naming groups set by
theUniversity of North Texas) has always intended to be configured
as a largeensemble; i.e. big band. The second group (the "2:00 Jazz
Ensemble") was createdin 2004 due to increasing numbers of
interested players and will form into whateverthe numbers of
successful auditionees present itself to be. Additionally, there is
athird group, the U.S. Jazz Combo, comprised of the strongest
improvisers from the1:00 Ensemble
The U.S. jazz groups have played at many area venues including
the Rock and RollHall of Fame, Nighttown, The Bop Stop, Brothers
Lounge, Tower City, Renaissance
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Hotel, The Hermit Club, Landerhaven and the Cleveland Grand Prix
parade. U.S.jazz ensembles have also performed in conjunction with
the Tri-C Jazz Festival,being favorably critiqued by such as Gary
Burton and Louis Hayes. And, back whenthere was only one ensemble,
that group won Third Place in the Down Beat(magazine) Jazz Festival
in Orlando in the mid-90s, receiving recognition in an issueof the
magazine. Additionally, they have featured the likes of former
Miles Davissaxophonist Sam Morrison as guest soloist, performed in
New Orleans famousPreservation Hall, and performed at the 2017 OMEA
Professional DevelopmentConference
Directed by David Kay, a former instructor in the world-renowned
Jazz StudiesDepartment at Indiana University, as well as a current
(30 years running) facultymember in the music program at the
Interlochen Arts Camp, and a professionalmusician besides, US jazz
groups have graduated many students active musicallyduring college
and afterward. Some have attended Interlochen and the
JameyAebersold camps in the summers; others have majored in music
at schools such asthe University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory
of Music, University of SouthernCalifornia, and the Ohio State
University.
Shaun Martin$20.00 Monday 5/15 9:00 pm Buy Tickets
From Dallas, Texas!Dynamic Pianist and Keyboard player as
featured with Snarky Puppy & KirkFranklin, makes his Cleveland
debut at Nighttown leading his 6 Pc. Group!
Shaun Martin has been playing, creating, and collaborating for
most of his life, yethis contributions go much further than just
playing. When you move through theprojects that Shaun has been a
part of you can feel his style and influence; you cansense his
presence throughout the compositions. Shauns willingness and
ability tobe a subtle part of each band have allowed him be part of
the very foundation.
#1 on iTunes Jazz Chart - June 2015
Seven time Grammy Winner, including:
2007 Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album, with Kirk Franklin
(Hero) 2009 Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album, with Kirk
Franklin (Fight of My Life) 2012 Best Gospel Album, with Kirk
Franklin (Hello Fear) 2012 Best Gospel Song, with Kirk Franklin
(Hello Fear)
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2012 Best Gospel Song, with Kirk Franklin (Hello Fear) 2014
Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance, Snarky Puppy with
LalahHathaway (Something) 2016 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary
Instrumental Album, as member ofSnarky Puppy (Sylva) 2017 Grammy
Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, as member ofSnarky
Puppy (Culcha Vulcha)
His debut release, Seven Summers, is the record that you would
expect when aseasoned player with roots in several genres takes the
time to let the music unfold.It spans the musical map from jazz to
soul to hip hop with a casual touch of fusion.
Visit Website
Watch Video
Gerald Clayton Trio$20.00 Tuesday 5/16 7:00 pm Buy Tickets
Jazz Pianist extraordinaire and Concord Recording Artist leads
his Trio live atNighttown.
Featuring: Gerald Clayton-piano, Joe Sanders-acoustic bass,
& Kendrick Scott-drums.
Gerald Clayton searches for honest expression in every note he
plays. Withharmonic curiosity and critical awareness, he develops
musical narratives thatunfold as a result of both deliberate
searching and chance uncovering. The four-time GRAMMY-nominated
pianist/composer formally began his musical journey atthe
prestigious Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, where he
received the2002 Presidential Scholar of the Arts Award. Continuing
his scholarly pursuits, heearned a Bachelor of Arts in Piano
Performance at USCs Thornton School of Musicunder the instruction
of piano icon Billy Childs, after a year of intensive study withNEA
Jazz Master Kenny Barron at The Manhattan School of Music. Clayton
wonsecond place in the 2006 Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Piano
Competition.
Expansion has become part of Claytons artistic identity. His
music is a celebrationof the inherent differences in musical
perspectives that promote true artisticsynergy. Inclusive
sensibilities have allowed him to perform and record with
suchdistinctive artists as Diana Krall, Roy Hargrove, Dianne
Reeves, AmbroseAkinmusire, Dayna Stephens, Kendrick Scott, John
Scofield Ben Williams, TerellStafford & Dick Oatts, Michael
Rodriguez, Terri Lyne Carrington, Avishai Cohen,Peter Bernstein and
the Clayton Brothers Quintet. Clayton also has enjoyed anextended
association since early 2013, touring and recording with
saxophonelegend Charles Lloyd.
2016 marks his second year as Musical Director of the Monterey
Jazz Festival OnTour, a project that has featured his trio along
with Ravi Coltrane, Nicholas Payton,Terence Blanchard and Raul Midn
on guitar and vocals.
Claytons discography as a leader reflects his evolution as an
artist. His debutrecording, Two Shade (ArtistShare), earned a 2010
GRAMMY nomination for BestImprovised Jazz Solo for his arrangement
of Cole Porters All of You. BattleCircle, his composition featured
on The Clayton Brothers recording The New Songand Dance
(ArtistShare), received a GRAMMY nomination for Best Jazz
InstrumentalComposition in 2011. He received 2012 and 2013 GRAMMY
nominations for BestJazz Instrumental Album for Bond: The Paris
Sessions (Concord) and Life Forum
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Jazz Instrumental Album for Bond: The Paris Sessions (Concord)
and Life Forum(Concord), his second and third album releases.
Capturing the truth in each moments conception of sound comes
naturally toClayton. The son of beloved bass player and composer
John Clayton, he enjoyed afamilial apprenticeship from an early
age. Clayton honors the legacy of his fatherand all his musical
ancestors through a commitment to artistic exploration,innovation,
and reinvention.
In the 2016-17 year, Clayton turns his imaginative curiosity
toward uncovering theessence of the Piedmont Blues experience and
expression in early twentiethcentury Durham. A Duke University
commission, Claytons evening-lengthcomposition will explore a mixed
media performance that features some of themost resonating voices
in contemporary music.
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Watch Video
Balkan Strings Trio$20.00 Tuesday 5/16 7:30 pm Buy Tickets
From Belgrade, Serbia! On Nighttown's back patio.
TRIO BALKAN STRINGS (Zoran Starcevic & sons) performs its
original guitar music,a fusion of Balkan music: Serbian, Gypsy,
Macedonian, Romanian, Moldavian,Bulgarian, Hungarian,
Mediterranean, Greek, OrientalJazz, Gypsy Swing, Classicalmusic,
asymmetrical rhythms and original guitar interpretation. The
result,combining many cultures, is BALKAN SWING - JAZZ GUITAR -
ETHNO - WORLDFUSION, virtuoso, rich and unconventional, fresh and
spontaneous, brimming withenergy!
" Trio Balkan Strings dedication to the music of the Balkans and
central Europe isinspiring. The guitar interpretations of this
music are wonderful. Really good !!! "- John McLaughlin
Authentic, attractive music with the finest taste, real
presentation of guitar music inBalkan Jazz style, unique
interpretation from three of them and the universal musiclanguage,
without frontiers. A real music trip by Balkan carpet, so if you
like Jazz,Swing, Ethno, Classical, or you simply like guitar music,
it is your perfect choice.
They invented 6 hands playing on 1 guitar and that is their
trademark. They haveperformed in many Festivals (Jazz, Classical
Guitar, World music) and concerts in:USA, Canada, Italy, Poland,
Hungary, Turkey, Russia, Moldova, Slovakia, ChechRepublic, Finland,
Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands,Luxembourg,
Spain, UK, Lithuania, Estonia, Norway, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia
andHerzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia. They did master
classes-clinics and concertsfor classical and Jazz guitar students
in Europe and in the USA.
FIRST PRIZE WINNER in the World category of the 2005 USA
SongwritingCompetition with composition Water-mill written by
Nikola Starcevic and performedby Trio Balkan Strings.
FIRST PRIZE WINNER - Trio Balkan Strings won first prize and the
Dolphin statue forbeing the best instrumental ensemble on the Music
World 2004 Italy FestivalInternacionale Fivizzano.
FIRST PRIZE WINNER - of the JoAnn Falletta International
Composition Competitionfor Guitar 2007 Buffalo, New York (Asiana IV
written by Nikola Starcevic).
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Hathaway Brown Vocal Music Program$10.00 Thursday 5/18 8:00 pm
Buy Tickets
Next Generation of Vocalist from HB hit the stage at
Nighttown!
Hathaway Brown School Vocal Arts Department offers a class
called Solo Voice. This class for high school age female vocalists
explores a singers performance withsongs in various styles of jazz,
contemporary music, music for theatre, and originalwork,
emphasizing communication with the audience, working with an
accompanistor band, song arranging and material selection. Dynamics
of vocal interpretationand style are also examined. This evening of
jazz and contemporary song is theculminating experience of the
course. Come out and see the newest talentCleveland has to
offer.
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Debbie Darling$15.00 Friday 5/19 8:30 pm Buy Tickets
Exciting North Coast Jazz Vocalist hits the stage at
Nighttown!
Featuring: Debbie Darling-vocals, Jake Briggs-piano,
ToussaintEnglish-bass, & Nick Bruschi-drums.Debbie Darling is a
singer/songwriter who has performed a wide variety ofmusical styles
from opera to jazz to blues and everything in between. She
studiedvoice with David Blair, the vocal coach for The Metropolitan
Opera. Shes providedher vocal talents for small bands, large
orchestras and commercial voice overs.She's sung with Stanley
Turrentine, The Peter Duchin Band, The Tommy DorseyBand, and more.
She returns to Nighttown to perform jazz, blues and standards
withthe Jake Briggs Trio. You wont want to miss this show. Debbie
is the consummateperformer.
Jake Briggs has a Bachelors of Music in Music theory and
Composition. He is aMusic Director at Independence Presbyterian
Church and teaches at the MusicTherapy Enrichment Center in
Westlake. Jake has played with the College ofWooster Jazz Band, The
Wooster Symphony Orchestra, and The College of Wooster
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Wooster Jazz Band, The Wooster Symphony Orchestra, and The
College of WoosterSymphonic Band. He has self-published several CDs
and many works for piano,guitar, and choir. Jake plays several
instruments but with his trio he plays piano.Along with Toussaint
English on Bass and Nick Bruschi on Drums, they make up theJake
Briggs Trio and they are delighted to be backing Debbie Darling for
thisevening of jazz and standards.
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Richie Cole All-Star Quartet featuring Greg Bandy$20.00 Saturday
5/20 8:30 pm Buy Tickets
Alto Madness with Sax Legend Richie Cole, & with special
guest MasterDrummer Greg Bandy Live on the Nighttown Stage!
Featuring: Richie Cole-alto sax, Greg Bandy-drums, Jackie
Warren-piano, &Peter Dominguez-acoustic bass.
Richie Cole started playing alto saxophone when he was 10 years
old in his hometown of Trenton, New Jersey. Influenced by Sonny
Rollins and Charlie Parker, Colestalent and dedication won him a
full scholarship from Downbeat Magazine to theBerklee School of
Music in Boston.
His professional career began in 1969 when he joined the Buddy
Rich Big Band.And after stints with the Lionel Hampton Big Band and
the Doc Severinsen BigBand, Cole formed his own quintet and toured
worldwide, doing a great deal topopularize bebop and his own Alto
Madness style in the 70s and early 80s.
Cole has performed and recorded with the great vocalese artist
Eddie Jefferson, theManhattan Transfer, Bobby Enriquez, Freddie
Hubbard, Sonny Stitt, Art Pepper, TomWaits, Boots Randolph, and
Nancy Wilson, to name just a few of his musicalcollaborations.
Notably, Cole has performed at the Village Vanguard and
CarnegieHall as well as gave a command performance for the Queen of
England.
Cole has recorded over 50 albums and CDs, including his top hit
album HollywoodMadness (1979 Muse Records) and his tribute album to
Leonard Bernstein, RichieCole Plays West Side Story (1997 Music
Masters Jazz). A prolific composer, Colealso finds time to arrange
for full big bands, symphony orchestras and frequentperformances at
jazz festivals worldwide. Moreover, he enjoys sharing his love
ofmusic with younger generations and is active recording, touring
and presentinguniversity master classes.
Cole was appointed to the Board of the National Jazz Service
Organization and theBoard for the National Endowment for the Arts
where he served as chairman forone year. He is also a charter
member of the International Association of JazzEducators. In 2005
he was awarded the State of California Congressional Certificateof
Lifetime Achievement in Jazz on behalf of the Temecula Jazz
Society. Richie Coleis recognized worldwide for the sweet sounds of
his alto saxophone and thecreativity behind his Alto Madness
Orchestra.
The Alto Madness Orchestra was developed by Cole in the early
90's and itscontinuing popularity is proof of its uniqueness. As
Richie explains, "The idea of theOrchestra is the concept and sound
of an eighteen-piece big band using only seveninstruments, four of
which are horns. Not only does this have the big bandensemble
sound, it also allows us plenty of room for improvisation as if we
were in aquartet setting."
Now based in New York City, drummer GregBandy is a perennial
favorite in the Cleveland areaand also enjoys an international
reputation. Bandy
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and also enjoys an international reputation. Bandyhas toured
with several major jazz artists includingPharoah Sanders, Joe
Henderson, Betty Carter, andOlu Dara. Additionally he has lead his
own groupsextensively. He has taken his groups far and wide,making
appearances throughout North America,Europe, and in such far away
destinations as Japan
and Ghana, Africa.
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"Angel of The Night" w/Barbara Barrett & John Morton$20.00
Sunday 5/21 7:00 pm Buy Tickets
Top Flight North Coast Vocalists Barbara Barrett & John
Morton live onNighttown Stage!
Featuring: Barbara Barrett-vocals, John Morton-vocals, Ed
Ridley-piano, AidanPlank-acoustic bass, & Elijah
Gilmore-drums.
Presented in Association with Quad City Productions.
Along with generous vocal range, Barbara Barrett's song styling
is supported byearly training in music theory, flute, piano, and
voice. Starting with piano at a youngage, she progressed to and
continued with music theory, and flute, finally findingher love of
vocals at the age of thirteen. Barbara went all the way to
receiving aBachelor's Degree in Music Education, from the
University of Cincinnati's CollegeConservatory of Music. After
graduation, her love for European classical musicafforded her
success with The Cleveland Orchestra Chorus and The BlossomFestival
Chorus, including performances at Carnegie Hall, and in Chautauqua,
NewYork.
When Karamu House presented Scott Joplin's opera "Treemonisha",
Barbara wasgiven the lead role of Monisha, and won the 2000-2001
Actor's Guild Award for BestFemale Vocalist. As a solo artist over
the last several years, she has focused mainlyon jazz standards,
but has included generous portions of blues, soul, gospel,
andR&B, which gives her renditions of the standards, fresh
creativity withoutcompromising the classic nature of the songs.
John Morton has been one of the most dynamic in-demand vocalists
in NortheastOhio ever since he played his first professional gig
nearly 40 years ago. His warmhusky baritone is immediately
recognizable to musicians and audiences alike. Richand round, full
of life, subtle when necessary, aggressive at the drop of a
drumstick,his voice has been polished and matured through thousands
of performances.
He began singing in his fathers gospel choir when he was just
five years old. Thesame neighborhood produced the ever popular
vocalist James Ingram, who was achildhood friend. That gospel
upbringing, that fervent style that only church singingcan inspire
has stayed with him ever since. That was his training ground.
After a long and storied apprenticeship in Ohio John left for
California. While outWest John sang with Montuno St., a widely
renowned California Salsa band. He alsoassociated with the
Yellowjackets, the Pete Escavedo Orchestra, and Tower ofPower. He
polished his voice some more strengthened it and became the man
infront of the band.
Since returning to Northeast Ohio to be with family John has
been extremely busy.His incredible talent has been highly in
demand.
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Gus Mahoney in Concert - Benefit$90.00 - $160.00 Wednesday 5/24
7:00 pm Tickets here: http://bit.ly/2qQDlrU
Benefit for Stage IV Cancer Research. In honor of MarthaMahoney.
With Shaker Heights High Jazz ComboBald Benevolence presents
co-founder Gus Mahoney in a concert in honor of his mother,Martha
Mahoney. In this intimate cabaret, he will detail the heart-felt
hilarities and surrealmoments within his eighteen years through
music and spoken word. The evening will alsoinclude the musical
stylings of the seniors in the Shaker Heights High School jazz
combo.90% of proceeds from the evening will go towards Twisted
Pink, a foundation gearedtowards providing research resources to
stage IV metastatic breast cancer.
For this formal benefit, tickets are $90 for a single ticket and
$160 for duos. The ticketincludes an evening of music, love,
appetizers and two drink tickets. Click here fortickets.
Stay tuned for information on another lower priced benefit, Bald
Benevolence Bash on June10th, Watch our website or social media
outlets!
Visit Website
Winslow Road w/Webster, Carr, Custy, & Abersold $15.00
Thursday 5/25 8:00 pm Buy Tickets
North Coast Folk, Pop, and more from Winslow Road, Shaker Hts.,
Ohio!
Featuring: Laura Webster-vocals; Jim Carr-guitar & vocals;
Nikki Custy-violin &vocals; Tom Abersold-sax
Vocalist and Professor of Music at Hathaway Brown Laura Webster
sings standards,show and pop tunes, jazz, and more
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Featuring: Laura Webster-vocals, Jim Carr-guitar & vocals,
Nikki Custy-violin, & TomAbersold-sax.
Webster, Carr, Custy & Abersold are excited to be back at
Nighttown! The groupperforms a unique mix of jazz, folk, rock and
world music. With Laura Webster andJim Carr on guitar & vocals,
Nikki Custy on vocals, fiddle and djembe, and TomAbersold on sax
and flute, the quartet balances lyric acoustic sounds with
rousingfiddle tunes and cool, rhythmic, Latin flavors. WCCA revel
in fusing their individual roots in jazz, Celtic, folk, rock, and
Latin musicinto a dynamic musical tapestry. Laura Webster,
vocalist, has performed at jazzclubs in NYC and Cleveland, and is
vocal arts director at Hathaway Brown School inShaker Hts. Jim
Carr, guitarist/vocalist, has performed at a wide range of
venuesthroughout Cleveland and Boston, and is music director at
Church of St. Dominic inShaker Hts. and guitar professor at John
Carroll University. Nikki Custy,violin/vocals/djembe, honed her
fiddle skills in the pubs of County Clare, Ireland,and is in demand
as a master fiddler with numerous Celtic bands throughout thearea.
Tom Abersold, sax/flute, developed his style and skills working
with big bands,jazz, rock, blues and acoustic groups throughout the
Cleveland area.
Jeff Lorber Fusion $40.00 Friday 5/26 8:00 pm Buy Tickets10:00
pm Buy Tickets
Legendary Fusion Master Jeff Lorber leads All-Star Group at
Nighttown!
Featuring: Jeff Lorber-piano & keys, Everette Harp-sax,
Jimmy Haslip-bass, &Gary Novak-drums.
Trailblazing pianist, composer, producer and bandleader Jeff
Lorber is aconsummate artist who continues to push himself to new
plateaus. Agroundbreaking Fender Rhodes pioneer along with the
likes of Herbie Hancock, JoeSample and Bob James, Lorber has
triumphed as one of the most innovativemusical minds in
contemporary jazz. The multi Grammy-nominated pianists newestCD is
a sterling example of his expansive musical roots, masterfully
craftedharmonic and melodic sophistication, irresistible
finger-poppin grooves andintricate rhythmic sense. I came up with
the name Prototype because we arealways trying to up our game and
come up with new exciting music that could be aprototype or
innovative harbinger for the future of our musical style, says the
LAbased pianist. Lorber, a Berklee College of Music alum who
formerly majored inChemistry at Boston College goes full throttle
on Prototype, orchestrating like analchemist in the lab concocting
a majestic elixir of jazz, soul, funk, pop, R&B andgospel.
Prototype features longtime collaborators bassist Jimmy Haslip
(founding memberof The Yellowjackets) and drummer Gary Novak. From
a production standpointJimmy adds a big picture element. He
contributes a lot with his warm bass soundand on the road he is
without a doubt one of the finest soloists out there on
hisinstrument. Lorber adds, Garys very versatile, imaginative,
super solid and gets agreat sound. He really shines playing over
the funky polyrhythmic grooves werecord.
Jeff Lorbers Fusion came to life in the 70s when the pianist
attended BerkleeCollege of Music. I was listening to Miles Davis
and Bitches Brew and the beginningof great fusion bands like
Mahavishnu Orchestra, Weather Report and Return to
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of great fusion bands like Mahavishnu Orchestra, Weather Report
and Return toForever, reflects Lorber. There were also artists like
Herbie Hancock, TheCrusaders and Grover Washington, who pioneered a
more melodic and funky typeof sound. Not to mention the fantastic
music being made in R&B and pop music likeEarth Wind and Fire
and Tower of Power. Lorber envisioned Jeff Lorber Fusion asecond
generation to these fusion bands that were more R&B and melody
oriented.A true clinician, Lorber has made it a point to study the
long line of modern jazzpianists since 1945. Herbie Hancock and
Chick Corea have been major influencesbut I had to go back and try
to figure out who they listened to and were inspired by,says
Lorber. Some of these icons that come to mind are Bill Evans,
TheloniousMonk, McCoy Tyner and Bud Powell. He adds, I also cant
forget all of the pianistswho played with Miles Davis such as Red
Garland, Wynton Kelly, Tommy Flanaganand Horace Silver.
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Moises Borges & Joshua Smith$15.00 Saturday 5/27 8:30 pm Buy
Tickets
Bossa Nova, Samba, and more from Brazilian Vocalist and
Guitarist MoisesBorges with West Coast Saxophonist & Cleveland
Native Joshua Smith. Echoesof Getz/Gilberto on Nighttown's
Stege!
Moises Borges a native of Brazil now living in Cleveland has
become a prolificperformer one the Northeast Ohio scene in recent
years. A gifted vocalist andguitarist, Borges plays in the Bossa
Nova tradition interpreting classics by Jobim,Gilberto, and many
others. This far away from his native Brazil the music of
hishomeland is very much alive when he is on stage.
Joshua Smith is a saxophonist/multi instrumentalistresiding in
the San Francisco Bay area. He has beenperforming for the past 20
years with a wide array ofnotable jazz and creative musicians,
beginning in hishometown of Cleveland, Ohio.
Joshua has performed in the straight-ahead jazz realm forthe
past 20 years. His current sidemen are the best of theSan Francisco
Bay Area, and he has played countlessconcerts and private events in
the straight-ahead arena.Growing up, Smith began gigging at a very
early age witholder jazzmen of his hometown, Cleveland, Ohio... He
was amember of "Greg Bandy's Young Lions'" and studied
undersaxophone iconoclast Ernie Krivda.
Joshua has since made his mark in the arena of avant-garde jazz
and forwardthinking jazz through performing with players like Joe
Maneri, Cuong Vu, (of The PatMetheny Group), Chris Jonas, trumpet
legend Nate Wooley, Trevor Dunn, ToddSickafoose, Myra Melford, Ben
Goldberg,Carmen Castaldi, and drummer ScottAmendola in addition to
many other notable players...
Additionally, he's performed with funk drumming legend Clyde
Stubblefield, touredas a member of The Youngblood Brass Band, and
bluegrass legend Peter Rowan...
He's been a member of The Scott Amendola Quartet for the last
five years, havingperformed with guitar luminary Nels Cline, at
John Zorn's NYC venue, The Stone.
In 2010 he acted as music director and contributing composer to
the "Leave MeAlone" opera, an avant grade jazz opera written by
Smith's good friend Harvey
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Alone" opera, an avant grade jazz opera written by Smith's good
friend HarveyPekar, at Oberlin College.
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Christian Sands Trio$20.00 Sunday 5/28 7:00 pm Buy Tickets
Rapidly rising Pianist from Christian McBride's Trio debuts
music from his brandnew Concord Records CD live at Nighttown!
Featuring: Christian Sands-piano, Yasushi Nakamura-acoustic
bass, & JeromeJennings-drums.
Steinway Artist and five-time Grammy Nominee
CHRISTIAN SANDS is an emerging jazz force. His abundant piano
techniqueperfectly matches his conception, accomplishing a much
deeper musical goal: afresh look at the entire language of jazz.
Christian says, "My music is about teachingthe way of jazz and
keeping it alive." Whether it's stride, swing, bebop,
progressive,fusion, Brazilian or Afro-Cuban, Sands develops the
past while providing unusualand stimulating vehicles for the
present... and for the future. He expresses himselfthrough an
extensive vocabulary of patterns, textures and structures, all the
whilemaintaining a strong sense of understatement, sensitivity,
taste and swing -hallmarks for as long as he has been playing.
With his debut Mack Avenue Records recording, REACH, singularly
talented pianistand five-time Grammy Award nominee Christian Sands
is stretching into excitingprogressive territory as he breaks new
ground traversing from the straight-aheadzone into fresh-sounding
music influenced by a range of styles, from Afro-Cubanrhythms to
hip-hop beats to dirty blues with an edge. Thats impressive for
ayoungster who is just 27. The collection here is about reaching
new ideas andreaching new music, he says. Im reaching from past
recordings to bring in thefuture, which is really all about finding
myself. Its a chance to express myexperience.
REACH becomes one more milestone in Sands auspicious career that
stretchesback to his New Haven, Connecticut upbringing. Having
started playing piano atfour years old, composing his first piece
of music at age five, starting music classesat eight, and becoming
a professional at ten, Sands was well-prepared to attendsuch
prestigious schools as the Neighborhood Music School and the
EducationalCenter for the Arts in New Haven (he later received
bachelors and mastersdegrees from the Manhattan School of
Music).
But a key moment came when he attended the Jazz in July summer
workshop at theUniversity of Massachusetts, Amherst when he was in
high school. That was wherehe met and began his mentorship with Dr.
Billy Taylor. I was 13 or 14 and I studiedwith Dr. Taylor, Sands
says. After the first week, he asked me to stay a second. Iwent on
to take private lessons with him and master classes. He became my
musicgrandfather; I went to his house in the Bronx and wed talk
about different musicsuch as his piano heroes like Art Tatum and
then bands I was listening to, includingThe Roots, A Tribe Called
Quest, John Legend and he was hip to all this.
The recording is co-produced by both Grammy-Award winning
producer Al Pryorand famed bassist Christian McBride, who has
collaborated with Sands in hisGrammy Award-winning trio, as well as
some of his other groups, since 2009.Upon first meeting Christian,
I could feel a cool connection, Sands recalls. From
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Upon first meeting Christian, I could feel a cool connection,
Sands recalls. Fromwhen I first sat in with his Inside Straight
band, I realized that we think about musicin the same way. When I
got signed to Mack Avenue, I asked if Christian couldproduce me, as
someone who knows my playing and what I want to accomplish inmy
music.
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John Richmond Swingtet Celebrates Benny Goodman$10.00 Thursday
6/01 7:00 pm Buy Tickets
Rare Vintage Films of Jazz Legend Benny Goodman.
CelebratingBenny Goodman's birthday!!
And, Live Music Made Famous by Benny Goodman with the
JohnRichmond Swingtet live at Nighttown!
Featuring: John Richmond-clarinet & film curator, George
Foley-piano, & Bill Fuller-drums.This is a tribute to the
continuing legacy of the King of Swing, clarinetist BennyGoodman,
whose birthday anniversary was just two days ago, on May 30th.
Goodman, who was born in Chicago in 1909, would have celebrated his
108thbirthday. Clarinetist John Richmond first heard Benny Goodman
live back in 1956,when Benny was a mere 46 years old. Richmond
remembers that edition of theGoodman band as great, featuring such
jazz legends as pianist Hank Jones andsaxophonist Budd Johnson.
Tonights tribute includes rare 16 mm film footage of various
Benny Goodmangroups from 1936 through 1959, shown on Nighttowns big
(well, fairly big) moviescreen, plus live performances of the
Goodman repertoire by clarinetistRichmonds three piece Swingtet,
featuring George Foley on piano and Bill Fuller ondrums.
This program is the first American presentation of Hommage a
Benny Goodmanpresented by John Richmond in France in 1999. The same
films will be shown,along with, in the interest of fairness, some
fabulous film footage by Goodmansrival, clarinetist Artie Shaw.
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Pat Harris$15.00 Friday 6/02 8:30 pm Buy Tickets
North Coast Vocalist extraordinaire sings jazz, gospel, opera,
and more live atNighttown! With All-Star Lineup!
Featuring: Cliff Barnes-piano, Walter Barnes-bass, Zaire
Darden-drums, LeeSavory-trumpet, Andrenee Fant-Prie-background
vocals, Kevin Henderson-background vocals, & very special guest
Lafayette Carthon-piano.
Clevelander Pat Harris is a vocalist with impressive
credentials. After studying atthe American College of Switzerland
in Lucerne, where she minored in music, shejoined the European
musical revue Superlove, with whom she toured and
recordedextensively. Superlove had several European hits and toured
in 18 differentcountries. Superlove recorded for the RCA and
Phonogram labels. Since returning to her hometown of Cleveland, Pat
Harris has put a new emphasison singing jazz. Harris takes great
inspiration from her vocal heroine Ella Fitzgerald and is has
alsobeen influenced by current jazz stars Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kurt
Elling, and KevynLettau. Since returning to the States, Pat has
played several high profile gigs. They includean appearance at the
White House to sing for President Bill Clinton, andperformances
with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, The Cleveland ChamberOrchestra,
singing at the games of the Indians, Browns, and Cavaliers, at the
Tri-CJazz Fest, and as a back up singer for pop vocalist Barry
Manilow. She was alsochosen to sing for Oprah Winfrey when she made
an appearance in Cleveland. Don't miss the dynamic vocals of Pat
Harris and her group live at Nighttown
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The Numbers Band (15-60-75)$10.00 Saturday 6/03 8:30 pm Buy
Tickets
From Kent, Ohio! Celebrating their 47th Year! Northeast Ohio
Jazz, Blues, &Rock Legends hit the Stage at Nighttown!
Featuring: Bob Kidney-guitar & vocals, Jack
Kidney-harmonica, sax, keys, &vocals, Terry Hynde-sax, Bill
Watson-bass, & Clint Alguire-drums.
15 60 75 The Numbers Band has been praised by almost every
national musicpublication and several international publications
since the beginning of their 30years of live performances and
recordings. Many fans are under the impressionthat the band remains
obscure by choice. In fact, they have never been offered acontract
from any recording company in the industry, ever.
The music "cannot be categorized", "it is undefinable", "too
original". The music
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The music "cannot be categorized", "it is undefinable", "too
original". The musicindustry is not about music anymore. It is
about selling products the public canrelate to. After all, it is a
business. Even "alternative" music has become a label. Thefounder
of the band, Robert Kidney, explains, "The music industry, the
media, andthe tellsusourvision (TV) are defining for the American
public what is good music byonly playing and supporting what is
profitable. We are taught to disregardeverything that is not
familiar. We (The Numbers Band) give the people our best.Our effort
goes into being creative, unique and original. We define our own
sound.There are no rules because we don't play the game. We are not
in it for the game,we're in it for the music."
So, the band continues to create and evolve outside of the "Rock
& Roll"establishment. The majority of the recordings were
financed by friends who lovedthe music enough to put up their own
money. Hundreds of photographs taken ofthe band in different stages
of it's existence by different amazing people tell a storyof
intense performances, long nights, and the passing of time. Band
members havecome and gone, and returned again. Robert sees music as
much more than anemotional release or a performance. It is a job, a
job for which he demands respectand payment for services.
The title of the band has always aroused curiosity from fans.
The fans called themThe Numbers because it was easier than trying
to get the figures right. Numbershad not been used in a name
before, and the political climate in 1970 was quiteOrwell-ian.
Robert choose a sequence of numbers mentioned in a book written
byPaul Oliver called The Blues Fell This Morning. In the chapter
"The Jinx Is On Me",Oliver describes the Numbers Racket popular in
Harlem in the 1950s and howdreams were analyzed as number sequences
and used for placing bets. The band'smusic theory specialist, Terry
Hynde, also discovered that 15 divided 15 is 1, 60divided by 15 is
4, and 75 divided by 15 is 5. In a musician's world, "1, 4, 5,"
isreferred to as the "universal progression".
The band resides in northeast Ohio. They have several recordings
under their beltand more music than they can afford to release.
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Urbanity w/Albare & Phil Turcio$20.00 Wednesday 6/07 7:00 pm
Buy Tickets
From Melbourne, Australia! All-Star International Contemporary
Jazz Group liveat Nighttown!
Featuring: Albare-guitar, Phil Turcio-keyboards, Gerry
Pantazis-bass, & PeterMollica-drums.
From beginning to end, listeners will hear the pair's innate
instincts, the perfectpartnership, the gorgeous groove of two
friends making music. "We love jazzbeyond the traditional sense,"
says Albare. "I think that Jazz of the 21st Century is
allencompassing. There are no limits."
The collaboration between Guitarist Albare and Phil Turcio
started 27 years agowhen Albert Dadon aka Albare was looking for a
new pianist for his band. At thetime Phil had just turned 18. Since
their first encounter, Phil's and Albare's pathskeep on
intersecting.
Phil explains that he and Albare hear music in the same way,
"Everything I throw atAlbare comes back as if I would have played
it myself." Albare likes to describe Philas his musical soul
mate.
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Lucas Kadish Trio$20.00 Friday 6/09 8:30 pm Buy Tickets
Rapidly Rising young guitarist from Hudson, Ohio & NYC
leadsEast Coast based Trio live at Nighttown!
Featuring: Lucas Kadish-guitar, Devon Gillingham-acoustic
bass,& Kweku Sumbry-drums.21-year-young jazz guitarist, Lucas
Kadish, was born and raised in Northeast Ohio.There he spent his
formative years discovering a deep love for many types ofmusic. In
his late teens he began studying and playing with Theron Brown,
DanWilson, Bobby Selvaggio, and many other staples of the
scene.
By graduation he had already been named a National YoungArts
finalist and asemi-finalist in the United States Presidential
Scholars of the Arts for jazz guitar. Hewas admitted to The New
School for Jazz on the Presidents Scholarship and movedto NYC. In
his first year of college, Lucas was selected for the
prestigiousinternational Betty Carters Jazz Ahead Residency for
composition.
Since, Lucas continues to grow as a working musician and
composer. He hasshared the stage and played with jazz luminaries
such as Les McCann, JavonJackson, Jeff Tain Watts, J.D. Allen,
Dominick Faranacci, Bobby Selvaggio, andmany others. He has
performed internationally with Nick Dunstons Dinner Party atthe
Bern Jazz Festival and Devon Gillinghams Trio at the Winnipeg Jazz
Festival.Lucas has also performed around the country at Jazz at
Lincoln Centers AppelRoom (NYC), the Kennedy Centers Millennium
Stage (DC), The New World Center(Miami), E.J. Thomas Hall (Akron),
Lyric Theatre (Lexington), The Kent Stage, BluJazz+ (Akron), Chris
Jazz Caf (Philly), Andy's Jazz Club (Chicago), Cliff
Bells(Detroit), WhyNot Jazz Room (NYC), Shapeshifter Lab, NightTown
(Cleveland), TheGreenwich (Cincinnati), Merrimans' Playhouse (South
Bend), The Bop Stop, Silvana,Club Bonafide, and many, many
more.
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Hubb's Groove w/David Garfield $20.00 Monday 6/12 7:00 pm Buy
Tickets
Piano & Keyboard artist extraordinaire David Garfield from
George Benson'sgroup teams up with Hubb's Groove for exciting night
of Contemporary Jazz atNighttown!
Featuring: David Garfield-piano & keys, Robert
Hubbard-drums, Tony Watson-sax, Walter Barnes-bass, & Special
Guest Vocalist TBA
Hubb's Groove is a mIx of Soul, Jazz, R&B and a splash of
Gospel.
It's a smooth but yet high energy band that believes whats
played from the heart, reachesthe heart.
The band was founded In 1996 by Robert Hubbard in Cleveland Ohio
under the name"Moments Notice". In 2006 Robert changed the name to
"Hubb'S Groove". The band hasshared the stage with Kirk Whalum,
Jonathan Butler, Earth Wind & Fire, Wayman Tisdaleand Pieces of
a Dream.
Hubb's Groove has performed with Angela Bofill, Marcus Johnson,
Alex Bugnon, MikePhillips and Sean Jones to name a few.
When the group is not on tour together, they are working with
other artists such asBabyface, Toni Braxton, Gerald Albright and
Pieces of a Dream.
David Garfields mission statement is I make music. And make
music he does, as a world-renownedkeyboard artist, producer, and
composer. Be it jazz, rock,funk, or world beat he is the creative
force behind theproduction of many internationally
acclaimedrecordings.
David started his career with jazz greats such as WillieBobo,
Freddie Hubbard, and Tom Scott in the 70s. Afterbeing on the L.A.
scene for several years, he moved intothe vast studio world and
earned a reputation for finecraftsmanship and versatility.
His first international release on Creatchy Records,Tribute to
Jeff, featured 78 musicians and artistsincluding Don Henley, Eddie
Van Halen, MichaelMcDonald, and Richard Marx, a virtual whos who in
themusic industry.
Garfield continues to have ongoing music relationships with
George Benson (he isfrequently Bensons Musical Director), and Boz
Scaggs.
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Philippe LeJeune$15.00 Wednesday 6/14 7:00 pm Buy Tickets
From Toulouse, France! Boogie Woogie and Jazz from Dynamic
French Pianist& Trio.
Featuring: Philippe LeJeune-piano & vocals, George
Lee-acoustic bass, & Glenn
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Featuring: Philippe LeJeune-piano & vocals, George
Lee-acoustic bass, & GlennDavis-drums.
French pianist Philippe LeJeune is a perfect example of the
mixture of jazz andblues which was especially an important strain
in the jazz tradition. The youngpianist attended a 1968 concert in
Reims, France, by master boogie-woogie andblues pianist Memphis
Slim, and immediately put an end to his classical efforts andbegan
teaching himself the blues, scouring local record shops for LP's by
boogiewoogie greats. In 1980 he was invited by Memphis Slim - who
had been a parisiancitizen since 1962 - to cut an album titled
Dialog In Boogie as a piano duet. A frenchman who loves and plays
classic American jazz is not entirely unusual, butwhat sets
Philippe apart from his contemporaries is his soulfoul feel for the
music.His repertoire ranges from classic barrelhouse boogie woogie
piano to DukeEllington and Horace Silver tunes as well those of
Milt Jackson and GeorgeGershwin. Philippe LeJeune has released six
CD's in the United States and also makesnumerous appearances in
various American jazz and blues clubs and festivals :Detroit Jazz
Festival, Toledo Art Tatum Jazz Heritage Festival, Monterey Bay
BluesFest, Cincinnati Blues Festival. His performance at the 2005
Motor City Blues &Boogie Woogie Festival (Detroit) was recorded
live to be edited into P.B.S. televisionspecials and DVD. Living in
Toulouse, France, LeJeune has performed for manyyears throughout
Europe in the Jazz festivals and clubs circuit (France,
Spain,Switzerland, Belgium, Czech Republic ) and in Africa
(Tunisia, Sngal).
Philippe LeJeune has found a role not only as an interpreter of
contemporarynumbers, but as traditionalist bringing back to today's
audiences important musicfrom a variety of older sources and
melting it all together into a highly personalstyle and repertoire.
The frenchman's natural instinct for blues, jazz and boogie isfood
for the soul.
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Joe Lovano "Hometown Sessions"$30.00 Thursday 6/15 8:00 pm Buy
Tickets
"Hometown Sessions" w/Eddie Baccus Sr.-organ, Bob
Ferrazza-guitar, & AnthonyLovano-drums.
From his Grammy-nominated symphonic work to his role as Gary
Burton Chair ofJazz Performance at Berklee College of Music, Joe
Lovano fearlessly challenges andpushes his conceptual and thematic
ventures in a quest for new modes of artisticexpression and new
ways to define the jazz idiom. In 2014 Lovano won awards
forMulti-reeds Player and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year from the
Jazz JournalistsAssociation and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year from
Down Beat Magazine. He hasreleased 23 celebrated albums on the Blue
Note label; with the last three focusingon his quintet, Us
Five.
Lovano was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1952, and began playing
alto saxophone asa child. A prophetic infant photo of Lovano shows
him cradled in his mothers armsalong with a saxophone. His father,
tenor saxophonist Tony Big T Lovano,schooled Lovano not only in the
basics, but in dynamics and interpretation, andregularly exposed
him to live performances of international jazz artists such asSonny
Stitt, James Moody, Dizzy Gillespie, Gene Ammons, and Rahsaan
Roland Kirk.
Upon graduation from high school he attended the famed Berklee
College of Musicin Boston. Lovanos early professional gigs were as
a sideman with organists Lonnie
-
in Boston. Lovanos early professional gigs were as a sideman
with organists LonnieSmith, Brother Jack McDuff, and a three-year
tour with the Woody HermanThundering Herd from 1976 to 1979.
After leaving Hermans band, Lovano settled in New York City
where he eventuallyjoined the Mel Lewis Orchestra for its regular
Monday night concert at the VillageVanguard; playing from 1980 to
1992 and recording six albums with the Orchestra.
Lovano joined the Paul Motian band in 1981 and has since worked
and collaboratedwith John Scofield, Herbie Hancock, Elvin Jones,
Charlie Haden, Carla Bley, BobbyHutcherson, Billy Higgins, Dave
Holland, Ed Blackwell, Michel Petrucciani, LeeKonitz, Abbey
Lincoln, Tom Harrell, McCoy Tyner, Ornette Coleman, Jim Hall,
BobBrookmeyer and many more.In recent years, Lovano has spent a
good deal of time collaborating with two otherpremier tenor
saxophonists of his generation - Dave Liebman and the late
MichaelBrecker in the collective Saxophone Summit. In 2008, Joe
assumed the tenorsaxophone chair of the touring and studio
ensemble, the SFJazz Collective. Also inthe Collective were
trumpeter Dave Douglas, trombonist Robin Eubanks, and fellowBlue
Note Recording Artist vibraphonist Stefon Harris. They joined
Miguel Zenon,Renee Rosnes, Matt Penman and Eric Harland in this
popular ensemble of some oftodays most exciting jazz players.
Lovanos 2008 release and Grammy nominated Symphonica placed him
in front ofthe world-renowned WDR Big Band and WDR Rundfunke
Orchestra performingsome of the saxophonists most acclaimed and
cherished compositions as arrangedand conducted by Michael
Abene.
As Ben Ratliff opined in The New York Times, Its fair to say
that [Lovanos] one ofthe greatest musicians in jazz history.
Visit Website
Watch Video
Joe Lovano Quartet$30.00 Friday 6/16 8:30 pm Buy Tickets
Joe Lovano Quartet w/Anthony Fuoco-piano, Aidan Plank-acoustic
bass, &Carmen Castaldi-drums.
From his Grammy-nominated symphonic work to his role as Gary
Burton Chair ofJazz Performance at Berklee College of Music, Joe
Lovano fearlessly challenges andpushes his conceptual and thematic
ventures in a quest for new modes of artisticexpression and new
ways to define the jazz idiom. In 2014 Lovano won awards
forMulti-reeds Player and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year from the
Jazz JournalistsAssociation and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year from
Down Beat Magazine. He hasreleased 23 celebrated albums on the Blue
Note label; with the last three focusingon his quintet, Us
Five.
Lovano was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1952, and began playing
alto saxophone asa child. A prophetic infant photo of Lovano shows
him cradled in his mothers armsalong with a saxophone. His father,
tenor saxophonist Tony Big T Lovano,schooled Lovano not only in the
basics, but in dynamics and interpretation, andregularly exposed
him to live performances of international jazz artists such asSonny
Stitt, James Moody, Dizzy Gillespie, Gene Ammons, and Rahsaan
Roland Kirk.
Upon graduation from high school he attended the famed Berklee
College of Musicin Boston. Lovanos early professional gigs were as
a sideman with organists Lonnie
-
Smith, Brother Jack McDuff, and a three-year tour with the Woody
HermanThundering Herd from 1976 to 1979.
After leaving Hermans band, Lovano settled in New York City
where he eventuallyjoined the Mel Lewis Orchestra for its regular
Monday night concert at the VillageVanguard; playing from 1980 to
1992 and recording six albums with the Orchestra.
Lovano joined the Paul Motian band in 1981 and has since worked
and collaboratedwith John Scofield, Herbie Hancock, Elvin Jones,
Charlie Haden, Carla Bley, BobbyHutcherson, Billy Higgins, Dave
Holland, Ed Blackwell, Michel Petrucciani, LeeKonitz, Abbey
Lincoln, Tom Harrell, McCoy Tyner, Ornette Coleman, Jim Hall,
BobBrookmeyer and many more.
In recent years, Lovano has spent a good deal of time
collaborating with two otherpremier tenor saxophonists of his
generation - Dave Liebman and the late MichaelBrecker in the
collective Saxophone Summit. In 2008, Joe assumed the
tenorsaxophone chair of the touring and studio ensemble, the SFJazz
Collective. Also inthe Collective were trumpeter Dave Douglas,
trombonist Robin Eubanks, and fellowBlue Note Recording Artist
vibraphonist Stefon Harris. They joined Miguel Zenon,Renee Rosnes,
Matt Penman and Eric Harland in this popular ensemble of some
oftodays most exciting jazz players.
Lovanos 2008 release and Grammy nominated Symphonica placed him
in front ofthe world-renowned WDR Big Band and WDR Rundfunke
Orchestra performingsome of the saxophonists most acclaimed and
cherished compositions as arrangedand conducted by Michael
Abene.
As Ben Ratliff opined in The New York Times, Its fair to say
that [Lovanos] one ofthe greatest musicians in jazz history.
Visit Website
Watch Video
Nicolas Meier$20.00 Saturday 6/17 8:30 pm Buy Tickets
From Switzerland and the UK! Virtuoso Guitarist from Jeff Beck's
group leadsAll-Star Group for Cleveland debut at Nighttown!
In just a few short years, UK-based guitarist Nicolas Meier has
carved a reputationout as one of the UKs most original and uniquely
talented guitarists. Drawing froma love of Turkish, Eastern &
Middle Eastern music, Flamenco, Tango and more -- allmixed with
jazz -- Meier is one of the rising stars in a vibrant British jazz
scene, buthis versatility and musical fluency extends well beyond
that ... so much so, that hisconsiderable talents drew the
attention of rock guitar legend, Jeff Beck, who hassince made
Nicolas a mainstay in The Jeff Beck Group, carrying him on two
worldtours during the course of the last several years.
Meier originally hails from Switzerland; born in 1973 to parents
who are greatlovers of the arts, with wide-ranging musical tastes
extending to the Classical, Jazz,Latin, Flamenco, Rock and (even)
Pop genres. A true gypsy spirit with a disciplinedmaestro's touch,
Nicolas has embraced a number of different cultures and
studiedtheir music forms, nuances and idiosyncrasies.
During the course of his six-string baptism and global sojourns,
Nicolas has beenthe recipient of numerous awards. A truly dedicated
student of the instrument, hehas pursued advanced studies at
Switzerland's prestigious Conservatoire deFribourg, and
subsequently earned a scholarship to Boston's illustrious
BerkleeCollege of Music. His burning passion for both rock and jazz
persists to this day.
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Visit Website
Watch Video
Eddie Baccus Sr. & Jr. $20.00 Sunday 6/18 7:00 pm Buy
Tickets
Father's Day Celebration with the legendary Baccus Family
leading All-StarGroup live at Nighttown!
Featuring: Eddie Baccus Sr.-Hammond B-3 Organ, Eddie Baccus
Jr.-Sax, CecilRucker-Vibes, Billy Artis-Guitar, Perry William
III-Drums, & Special Guest VocalistMike Cady.
One of the senior statesman of the Cleveland Jazz Scene,
organist Eddie BaccusSr. has set the standard locally since the
early 1960's. Like the late great JimmySmith, Baccus is a virtuoso
on the Hammond B-3, equally adept at soul jazz andbebop. In many
ways Eddie Baccus Sr. has been to the jazz scene what the
lateRobert Jr. Lockwood was to the local blues scene; he has been a
leader, mentor,and the soul of the community for many years.
Early on his talent was evident as he was linked with another
jazz legend,saxophonist Roland Kirk. Baccus and Kirk were
schoolmates at the Ohio School ofthe Blind and their sessions
together in the old Euclid and 105th area are the stuffof local
legends. Kirk would go on to national acclaim before his untimely
death inthe late 70's. Baccus stayed close to home and it has been
our good fortune.
Eddie Baccus Sr. has been the bedrock of the Cleveland jazz
scene and hisinfluence on fans and musicians alike has been
invaluable. After 15 years of recording and touring with famed
urban jazz ensemble Pieces of aDream, saxophonist Eddie Baccus, Jr.
stepped out on a lush, soulful and funkyJourney To Love, his
independent debut demo to promote him for upcoming shows.Though it
has been extraordinarily well received, Baccus is excited about a
remixedand remastered version of the collection, which also
features three new songs. TheCleveland born and raised, Virginia
based artist will be releasing the revampedversion as part of a
package with his soon to be released follow-up album whosetitle
perfectly reflects Baccus life and career as he reflects on the
last 20 years andlooks forward to the future: Living The Dream.
Baccus is currently putting the finishing touches on the new
album, which willfeature jazz greats like keyboardist Russell
Ferrante of the Yellowjackets, fellowsaxmen Eric Marienthal and
Elan Trotman, blues guitarist Robben Ford and aspecial guest
appearance by Baccus father, organist Eddie Baccus, Sr
Like his hero Grover, Baccus switches artfully between soprano,
alto and tenor, andon Living the Dream is also playing baritone sax
and EWI. Since leaving Pieces of aDream, he has been recording and
performing live with his band Straight to thePoint, a powerful
group of musicians who live in the Beltway region (Maryland
andNorthern Virginia) .
Joining Eddie Sr. and Eddie Jr. for their appearance at
Nighttown will be an All-StarCleveland lineup. They are Cecil
Rucker on the Vibes. Eddie Sr. has frequentlyappeared with Cecil's
group Good Vibes. Billy Artis is on guitar. Many willremember Billy
from his days backing the late great Bill Doggett at the Theatrical
indowntown Cleveland. Perry Williams III is on drums. Perry is a
veteran on the souljazz circuit and has worked with Eddie Sr. and
Cecil extensively. And on vocals isRon Davis.
Visit Website
Watch Video
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Water Seed$20.00 Wednesday 6/21 7:00 pm Buy Tickets
Exciting 8-piece band from New Orleans with vocals & horns
playFunk, Second Line, & then some. Live at Nighttown!Future
Funk Stars - New Orleans own Water Seed has been creating a buzz
all overthe band's hometown of NOLA with one of the most dynamic
funk shows on thecircuit.
George Porter has critiqued the band by saying Water Seed gives
me hope.
A band built on the jazz and funk tradition that single handedly
shaped popularmusic, Water Seed has become one of the prevalent
future funk fusion bandsdaring to keep audiences on the dance floor
while romancing the ears of the mostadvanced jazz purist.
They have been called a fresh mixture of the Hot 8 Brass Band
meets The Meters.
Known for their high-energy marathon performances, Water Seed
has commandedsome of the most impressive stages across the country.
Their latest 2 projects havedebut in the top 40 on the iTunes jazz
charts and their relentless touring schedulecontinues to gain
momentum keeping the bands diverse fan base wanting morewith every
stop. Powered by a seamless rhythm section. Enforced by an agile
hornsection. Topped with a demanding vocal performance and front
line, Water Seedwill funk any audience right out of their
seats.
Visit Website
Watch Video
Beppe Gambetta$20.00 Friday 6/23 8:30 pm Buy Tickets
From Italy! Master of Fingerstyle Guitar Beppe Gambetta returns
to Nighttown!
With Special Guest opening act: Pete Cavano.Beppe Gambetta from
Genoa, Italy is the leading flat picking guitarist of
Europe.Through his superb recordings, frequent tours of Europe and
America, and originalresearch into early Italian traditional and
popular music, Gambetta has establishedhimself as a major world
artist of the steel string guitar.....powerful, flashy,
musical,unforgettable. In addition to his brilliant solo
performances and recordings,Gambetta has collaborated with many
great folk artists worldwide. They includeDavid Grisman, Carlos
Aonzo, Gene Parsons (from the Byrds), Glenn Moore (from
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David Grisman, Carlos Aonzo, Gene Parsons (from the Byrds),
Glenn Moore (fromOregon), Danny Weiss, Norman Blake, Mike Marshall,
and many others. Gambetta has played to a packed houses at Night
Town on four occasions prior tothis. He last appeard at Nighttown
in 2006. Currently Beppe Gambetta is touring insupport of his
latest CD "Slade Stomp". In addition to being a great guitarist,
BeppeGambetta has a quick wit and an evening spent with him is full
of good humor andmusic. Don't miss the great Italian flat picker
Beppe Gambetta live at Nighttown.
Visit Website
Watch Video
Travis "Moonchild" Haddix$15.00 Saturday 6/24 8:30 pm Buy
Tickets
World Class Bluesmen orbits in to Nighttown with his Swingingand
Soulful 8 Piece Band with Full Horn Section!Travis Haddix began
playing the piano at the age of seven in his home town ofWalnut,
Mississippi, located thirty miles south of Memphis, Tennessee. The
turningpoint in his musical learning experience came when he was
eight, when thelegendary B.B. King came to Memphis and began
playing daily at the studios ofWDIA. Travis was awed by King;s
guitar virtuosity and he hung around the radiostation every day to
learn all he could. Soon, Travis' piano playing fell by thewayside
and was replaced by the guitar, which he plays on stage and in the
studio.
Years later, the Haddix family moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin
where Travis, now abudding star, continued to refine his craft by
singing and playing throughout theNorth. The original "Moonchild",
he earned the nickname from his beamingpresence on stage and his
always broad smile and energetic, sexy performances, In1959, Travis
moved to Cleveland, Ohio where he joined the D.L. Rocco Band
andachieved regional notoriety that led to a prominent spot with
the Little JohnnieTaylor group. Travis also contributed material to
five albums by Artie "Bluesboy"White. His material is also covered
by Artie blues boy White, Dickie Williams,Jimmy Dawkins, Michael
Burks, Charles Wilson, the late Son Seals, and Lee
ShotWilliams.
Haddix has received rave reviews in Living Blues Magazine, Blues
Revue, RealBlues, Big City, Jefferson and Audience Magazine, and he
has toured Europe since1992. His style evokes the sounds of the
great Stax-Volt days, when the likes of Sam& Dave ruled the
urban blues roost. His fifth release on Ichiban Records is A Big
OleGoodun', featuring the Travis Haddix band (together since 1988).
He proves, onceagain, that he is a fixture in the modern blues
industry with songs like. "Make MeSay Please" , "From Bad to
Worse", and the made-for-jukebox single, "(She CalledMe)
Knucklehead".
Travis received 4 awards in 1999. Best Male Blues Artist, Best
New Blues Artist, BestBlues Entertainer and Contemporary Blues
Artist Of The Year. In 1989 he foundedHaddix publishing Company and
Wann-Sonn Records, and recorded ten CDs underhis own label. in 2007
travis won the Gay Rose Production Keeping the Blues
AliveAward.
Next time you have a chance, check out the movie April's Fool
which featuresTravis' hit song, Everything Is Everything.
In 2007, Travis' single, "Dick for Dinner" from "Mean Ole
Yesterday" was nominatedBest Blues Song by the Blues Critic Awards
2007 Readers Poll-Comtemporary Blues.
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Best Blues Song by the Blues Critic Awards 2007 Readers
Poll-Comtemporary Blues.Travis was in great company; the prize was
awarded to Omar Kent Dykes & JimmieVaughan.
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Watch Video
Sullivan Fortner Trio $20.00 Sunday 6/25 12:00 pm Buy
Tickets
From New Orleans, & NYC. Jazz Brunch & Jazz Fest Finale
withrapidly rising pianist & Trio live at Nighttown!Sullivan
Fortner is the 2015 Cole Porter Fellow in Jazz of the American
PianistAssociation
Sullivan Joseph Fortner Jr. is a native New Orleanian who has
already made asignificant foray into the jazz world that belies his
young age. While touring withStefon Harris & Blackout,
Christian Scott Quintet, and the Roy Hargrove Quintet,Sullivan
completed his Masters degree in Jazz Performance at Manhattan
School ofMusic under the tutorage of Jason Moran, and Phil
Markowitz. He holds a Bachelorsdegree in Jazz Performance from
Oberlin Conservatory of Music. Sullivan beganplaying music by ear
at the age of seven. Two years later, he was playing forchurch
choirs throughout New Orleans. By the time he was 11 years old,
Sullivanhad won a Cox Cable Amazing Kids Award.
At the age of 13, Sullivan furthered his formal education in
piano by attending theNew Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA)
and earned scholarships to severalprestigious summer jazz programs,
including the Vail Jazz Institute and theSkidmore Jazz Studies
Summer Program. A standout on the stage and in theclassroom,
Sullivan was Valedictorian of his high school class while
simultaneouslygraduating from NOCCA.
Sullivan has studied and performed with many great musicians,
including TheMarsalis Family, Donald Harrison, Nicholas Payton,
Billy Hart, Gary Bartz, MarcusBelgrave, The Jordan Family, Irvin
Mayfield, Peter Martin, Dave Liebman, and a hostof others.
Visit Website
Watch Video
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Transportation Boulevard$10.00 Sunday 6/25 7:00 pm Buy
Tickets
Dynamic North Coast Jazz Trio live at Nighttown!
Featuring: Jeremey Poparad-guitar, Alan Gleghorn-bass, &
BobWalker-drums.
Django Festival All-Stars$30.00 Wednesday 6/28 7:00 pm Buy
Tickets
Direct from France! All-Star French Group brings Gypsy Jazz in
to the 21stCentury Live at Nighttown! As featured at Birdland,
Newport Jazz Festival, andSF Jazz Center!
Featuring: Samson Shmitt-lead guitar, Ludovic Beier-accordion
& accordina,Pierre Blanchard-violin, Doudou Cuillerier-rhythm
guitar & vocals, & AntonioLicusati-bass.
The Django Festival Allstars bring the music of the great Gypsy
jazz guitarist DjangoReinhardt fully into the 21st Century. Their
unique, high-energy performances paytribute to Reinhardt, who is
considered one of the greatest guitar players of all timeand the
first European jazz musician to make major contributions to
thedevelopment of the jazz guitar genre. Reinhardt's driving,
swinging style becameknown as "hot jazz" and it continues to grow
in popularity.
The Allstars honor the traditions of this "French Gypsy Jazz",
adding their owncreative interpretations, arrangements, and
original compositions with stunningvirtuosity. They have performed
at the Newport Jazz Festival, Birdland, the SFJazzCenter, and the
Kennedy Center. The Wall Street Journal wrote, "Djangofest is
thebest jazz show in town! Imagine a stage filled with six
contemporary Reinhardtdescendants, and you'll get a sense that the
collective talent pool on the bandstandis larger than the Arc de
Triomphe!"
Led for many years by legendary guitarist Dorado Schmitt, the
Allstars currentlyfeature Dorado's son, Samson Schmitt, lead
guitar; Ludovic Beier, accordion andaccordina; Pierre Blanchard,
violin; Doudou Cuillerier, rhythm guitar and vocals;Antonio
Licusati, bass.
Visit Website
Watch Video
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Songwriters in the Round$10.00 Thursday 6/29 8:00 pm Buy
Tickets
Gretchen Pleuss, Rebecca Jean, Amanda Walsh and Tom Girard
North Coast Songwriters Summit Meeting at Nighttown!
Gretchen Pleuss"As with some of her proudly stated musical
heroes, which include Nick Drake, JoniMitchell, Paul Simon, and Ani
Difranco, Pleuss keeps the music above the standard, three-chord,
coffee-house troubadour sound with some cool chord progressions (a
la Mitchell)and grooves underneath layered vocal harmonies. Her
most recent release, From Birth toBreath to Bone, was self-produced
and is available on vinyl or compact disc.
Rebekah JeanRebekah Jean is an original songwriter, born in Lake
County, Ohio, 1985. She cut herprofessional musician teeth playing
in a couple of touring bands during and after college,finally
releasing her first solo album of original songs in January 2012.
During 2012 and2013 Rebekah Jean joined forces with the
nationally-touring David Mayfield Parade as theirfull-time harmony
singer and multi-instrumentalist. In addition to plotting her
secondalbum of original songs, her current pet project is
co-fronting Classic Country outfit"Duchess."
Amanda WalshAmanda Walsh has been playing piano and violin since
she was seven years old. Hertraining began with Anita Pontremoli,
Head of Collaborative Piano at The ClevelandInstitute of Music.
Amanda also studied violin with Helen Richards at The Cleveland
MusicSchool Settlement. In 1998, she graduated from She recently
released an album entitled"Magic is Real" and debuted it at
Nighttown and various venues in Northeast Ohio.
Tom GirardSinger songwriter
Planning a reception, wedding, business meeting, graduation,
birthday or B'nai Mitzvah?
. . . . . . . . .think Nighttown!
-
We give you the best package in town at a price that won't break
thebank. And everything is included at no extra charge. Our
experienceis as accommodating as our atmosphere. Private function
spacesfrom 20 - 150. Valet parking available.
To book your party, call Brendan Ring directly at
216-952-9133
Visit our Private Event Page
Nighttown uses Yamaha Pianos
exclusivelyFor more information about the Yamaha C-7,
The New Avant Grand Piano or any of the Yamaha pianos, Please
contact Mattlin-Hyde at (440) 449-6180
Nighttown drums providedby
www.fortunedrums.com
Nighttown/JWP graphicdesigner
Kathy Kelly 216-941-5439
Gerry Paluck RPTRegistered PianoTuner/Technician(216)
346-9308
www.gerrythetuner.com
Recommended Places to StayIntercontinental Suites
216-707-4300
The Place on Larchmere 216- 721-8968University Circle Bed &
Breakfast 216-721-8968
Looking for great music on the radio
and the web?
Check out the Nighttown / Jim Wadsworth Productions
Radio Guide. Updated 10/10/15 Radio List (in pdf)
Thanks to Bruce Amsel for compiling and keeping the list up to
date!!!
12387 Cedar Road (top of Cedar Hill)
Cleveland Heights, OH 216-795-0550
No need to make an additional table reservation -it's already
included with your concert tickets!!
www.nighttowncleveland.comMap to Nighttown
-
Producers of All the Great Music atNighttown
Call us for Music for your Private Event216-721-5624
[email protected]
www.jwpjazz.com
To Purchase Concert Tickets
No need to make an additional table
reservation - it's already included with your concert
tickets!!
"Late Night at Nighttown"Fridays Moss Stanley on piano 10:30PM -
1:00AM No cover
Saturdays Jackie Warren on piano 10:30PM - 1:00AM No cover
Wed. & Thurs., May 10 & 11 Marion Meadows/Paul Taylor
"Sax & the City" 7 & 9 PM (twoshows) $40.Contemporary Jazz
Saxophone Stars and their Group light up the Stage at
Nighttown!
Friday, May 12 Rachel Brown & The Beatnik Playboys 8:30 PM
$10.Vocalist, pianist, & singer/songwriter & Band live at
Nighttown!Featuring: Rachel Brown-piano & vocals, Dave
Huddleston-guitar, Bill Watson-bass, & Roy King-drums.
Saturday, May 13 Myron Davis 8:30 PM $20.Dynamic North Coast
Soul Singer/Songwriter and his group hit the Stage at Nighttown!
Myron Davis has written hits songs for Dru Hill, and collaborated
with Ron Isley, Robert Glasper, MeshellNdgeocello, Kelly Price,
Conya Doss, and many others!
Sunday, May 14 Kamal Abdul-Alim Quintet 7 PM $15.Dynamic North
Coast Trumpeter, and recording artist leads All-Star Quintet
playing Soul Jazz, and More!!Featuring: Kamal Abdul-Alim-trumpet,
Cecil Rucker-vibes, George Pearson-piano, BradfordMcGhee-bass,
& Larry Hancock-drums.
Monday, May 15 Shaun Martin 7 & 9 PM $20.From Dallas,
Texas!Dynamic Pianist and Keyboard player as featured with Snarky
Puppy & Kirk Franklin, makes hisCleveland debut at Nighttown
leading his 6 Pc. Group!
Monday, May 15 University School HS Band 7:30 PM $10.Next
Generation of Jazz Musicians from US live on Nighttown's side
patio!
Tuesday, May 16 Gerald Clayton Trio 7 PM $20.Jazz Pianist
extraordinaire and Concord Recording Artist leads his Trio live at
Nighttown.Featuring: Gerald Clayton-piano, Joe Sanders-acoustic
bass, & Kendrick Scott-drums.
Tuesday, May 16 Balkan Strings Trio 7:30 PM $20.From Belgrade,
Serbia! On Nighttown's back patio. TRIO BALKAN STRINGS (Zoran
Starcevic & sons) performs its original guitar music, a fusion
of Balkanmusic: Serbian, Gypsy, Macedonian, Romanian, Moldavian,
Bulgarian, Hungarian, Mediterranean, Greek,OrientalJazz, Gypsy
Swing, Classical music, asymmetrical rhythms and original guitar
interpretation.
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OrientalJazz, Gypsy Swing, Classical music, asymmetrical rhythms
and original guitar interpretation.The result, combining many
cultures, is BALKAN SWING - JAZZ GUITAR - ETHNO - WORLD
FUSION,virtuoso, rich and unconventional, fresh and spontaneous,
brimming with energy!" Trio Balkan Strings dedication to the music
of the Balkans and central Europe is inspiring. The
guitarinterpretations of this music are wonderful. Really good !!!
"- John McLaughlin
Thursday, May 18 Hathaway Brown Vocal Music Program 8 PM
$10.Next Generation of Vocalist from HB hit the stage at
Nighttown!
Friday, May 19 Debbie Darling 8:30 PM $15.Exciting North Coast
Jazz Vocalist hits the stage at Nighttown!Featuring: Debbie
Darling-vocals, Jake Briggs-piano, Toussaint English-bass, &
Nick Bruschi-drums.
Saturday, May 20 Richie Cole All-Star Quartet featuring Greg
Bandy 8:30 PM $20.Alto Madness with Sax Legend Richie Cole, &
with special guest Master Drummer Greg Bandy Live on theNighttown
Stage!Featuring: Richie Cole-alto sax, Greg Bandy-drums, Jackie
Warren-piano, & Peter Dominguez-acousticbass.
Sunday, May 21 "Angel of The Night" w/Barbara Barrett & John
Morton 7 PM $20.Top Flight North Coast Vocalists Barbara Barrett
& John Morton live on Nighttown Stage!Featuring: Barbara
Barrett-vocals, John Morton-vocals, Ed Ridley-piano, Aidan
Plank-acoustic bass, &TBA-drums.Presented in Association with
Quad City Productions.
Wednesday May 24 Gus Mahoney in Concert - Benefit 7 PM Tickets
$90 single, $160 duosBenefit for Stage IV Cancer Research. In honor
of Martha Mahoney. With Shaker Heights High JazzComboTickets here:
http://bit.ly/2qQDlrU
Thursday, May 25 Winslow Road w/Webster, Carr, Custy, &
Abersold 8 PM $15.North Coast Folk, Pop, and more from Winslow
Road, Shaker Hts., Ohio!Featuring:Laura Webster-vocalsJim
Carr-guitar & vocalsNikki Custy-violin & vocalsTom
Abersold-sax
Friday, May 26 Jeff Lorber Fusion 8 & 10 PM $40.Legendary
Fusion Master Jeff Lorber leads All-Star Group at
Nighttown!Featuring: Jeff Lorber-piano & keys, Jimmy
Haslip-bass, & Gary Novak-drums.
Saturday, May 27 Moises Borges & Joshua Smith 8:30 PM
$15.Bossa Nova, Samba, and more from Brazilian Vocalist and
Guitarist Moises Borges with West CoastSaxophonist & Cleveland
Native Joshua Smith.Echoes of Getz/Gilberto on Nighttown's
Stege!
Sunday, May 28 Christian Sand