Groove to an eclectic mix of jazz ensembles every Thursday, 6–9 pm, Dominion Energy Jazz Café at VMFA’s Best Café. Open and Free to the public. Sponsored by Dominion Energy and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, in conjunction with the Richmond Jazz Society. Light fare and (adult/alcoholic) beverages available for sale. Artists subject to change.
SCHEDULE
Artists subject to change
DECEMBER 5
MARY HERMANN GARCIA
Swing, ballads, blues, and Bossa Novas featuring Mary Hermann García on vocals with Antonio García on trombone, vocals and percussion; John Conley on guitar and Brian Sulser on bass.
DECEMBER 12
POCKET JAZZ
Instrumental standards and “jazzified” pop with Eric Oritt on guitar, Chris Ludwig on bass, Ross Riddell on drums and Dave Triplett on trumpet and flugelhorn
DECEMBER 19
DEBRA DEAN & THE KEY WEST QUARTET
Back by popular demand! Jazz, Blues and Pop favorites with vocalist Debra Dean, award winning guitarist Patrick Lawler, and Special Guests.
DECEMBER 26
GLENNROY & COMPANY
Flutist Glennroy Bailey is a Jazz Café favorite playing Jazz, R&B and cool top forty tunes.
Past Performances
STEPHEN NORFLEET
Instrumental Jazz standards and popular music featuring Stephen Norfleet on saxophone, Ayinde Williams on keyboard, Rusty Farmer on bass and Keith Willingham on drums
JANUARY 10
KEN KELLNER & COOL PORTER
Music reminiscent of Cole Porter and the Great American Songbook with Ken Kellner on bass, Todd Woodson on drums, Anthony Dowd on keyboard and Jonathan Greenberg on trumpet
JANUARY 17
FUNKY FINGER
Feel-good and grooving Jazz featuring original works and funky covers with John Creger on bass and vocals, Jeanette Creger on keyboards and vocals, Jon Saure on guitar and vocals, John Mitchell on keyboard, B3 and vocals, and Curvey “Curv Ali” Reid on drums and percussion.
JANUARY 24
LARRI BRANCH TRIO
Popular Jazz standards with original arrangements of such notables as Ellis Marsalis, Hank Jones and the great Duke Ellington featuring Larri Branch on keyboard, Brian Cruse on bass and C. J. Wolfe on drums
JANUARY 31
CHARLES OWENS TRIO
Charlottesville resident Charles Owens is an integral part of the vibrant music scene in Richmond and the region. Charles will perform with “The Roots” at the Concert for Charlottesville for a live audience of 55,000. He has devoted his life to pursuing excellence in music and bringing peace and happiness to his fellow humans. His trio features Andrew Randazzo on bass and Devonne Harris on drums with Owens on tenor sax.
MARCH 7
CARL LESTER EL & “THE FAM”
“The Fam” features some of Richmond’s FINEST musicians who have performed throughout the US and, in beautiful concert halls and churches in Austria and Germany. They have shared the stage with such Jazz and Gospel notables as Gerald Albright, Tasha Cobbs, Daniel Weatherspoon and the late Ronnie Jordon. “The Fam” includes Alvin Spratley on bass, Lance Dickerson on keys, Phillip Foster on drums, Carl Lester El on guitar and vocalist Corey El.
MARCH 14
MIKE HAWKINS EXPERIENCE
One of Virginia’s most versatile bassists, Mike Hawkins has shared his soulful sounds as leader of his own groups, and with renowned pianist Cyrus Chestnut, in venues throughout the US and abroad. Joining Mike on contemporary Jazz and popular hits are Dr. Weldon Hill on piano, Billy Williams on drums and James “Saxsmo” Gates on alto.
MARCH 21
LES AMIS featuring PAIGE MELTON
“Les Amis featuring Paige Melton” is a group of musicians who love the freedom of expression afforded by Jazz via The Great American Songbook. Paige Melton’s vocals are the center of the group with accompaniment by Bob Blagg on guitar, Ken Kellner on bass, Randall Mailand on piano and Todd Woodson on drums.
MARCH 28
ELANA LISA & THE HOT MESS
This fun loving group has audiences dancing and grooving to Jazz standards and Neo-Swing featuring Elana Lisa, lead vocalist with Eric Oritt on electric guitar and vocals; John Dacey on acoustic bass and vocals; Ken Bowie on drums and vocals and Allen Burris on tenor/soprano saxes and flute.
APRIL 4
“A CUP OF JAZZ” Featuring MARJORIE JONES
Vocalist Marjorie Jones is a favorite on the RVA music scene. Her debut at the VMFA Dominion Energy Jazz Café will serve up some classic Jazz favorites mixed with a little R&B and some Neo Soul accompanied by Debo Dabney on keyboard, Juan Nelson on bass and Brian Johnson on drums.
APRIL 11
LATIN JAZZ MESSENGERS
Led by the renowned trumpeter Dr. Michael Davison, the six members of the Latin Jazz Messengers continue to thrill audiences with high-energy arrangements and an eclectic blend of Cuban, Brazilian, and American Jazz. From the wall-of-sound horns to the swinging rhythm section, this group guarantees a “muy caliente” experience!
APRIL 18
PETE ANDERSON SEXTET
The Pete Anderson Sextet is a hard-hitting, New York Jazz club style band, playing the music called “Hard Bop” – a soulful blend of R&B, Blues and Gospel with Bebop. The six-piece group, specializing in the music of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, features Tim Lett on trumpet, Steve Norfleet on tenor sax, Pete Anderson on trombone, Lee Covington on piano, Rusty Farmer on bass, and Keith Willingham on drums.
APRIL 25
RICHARD D’ABREU & JAZZ IN THE SPIRIT
Jazz with a touch of Gospel. Bring your best Jazzy shout to accompany this week’s music because this group will have you tapping your feet AND waving your hands. It’s a family affair with Richard D’Abreu, Jr. on saxophone, Ayinde Williams on piano, John Walters on drums and Richard D’Abreu III on bass.
MAY 2
JAY BROWN’S “GRACE STREET SEVEN”
Vintage-style music from the “Jazz Age” in the tradition of early American dance bands from the 1920s & 1930s! Get ready to Swing with Jay Brown on vocals & tenor banjo, Stephen Moser on trumpet, Nate Clark on alto & soprano saxes, Chet Frierson on clarinet & sax, Ben Kelly on bass, Nick Davidson on drums and featured guest Ayinde Williams on piano.
MAY 9 JAZZ AROUND THE MUSEUM – In the Marble Hall
REGINALD CYNTJE GROUP
Trombonist Reginald Cyntje is one of the DC area’s most highly respected bandleaders and a Jazz Café favorite. His group blends Jazz, calypso, reggae and other African-influenced genres to create a unique cultural experience.
MAY 16
STEPHANIE NAKASIAN
Bebop, standards and swing led by Charlottesville-based vocalist Stephanie Nakasian, “The Renaissance Woman of Jazz”! Enjoy classic favorites from the Great American Songbook.
MAY 23
SCOTT WICHMANN’S “WITCHCRAFT”
Scott Wichmann transforms into “Ole Blue Eyes” whenever he hits the stage. Get ready to swing, sway and reminisce as Scott and his ensemble take you back through time with Dr. Weldon Hill on keyboards, Billy Williams on drums and Mike Hawkins on bass.
MAY 30
MATTHEW STEELE & THE REVOLUTION JAZZ QUARTET
“Sophisticated Fun”- Jazz mixed with Soul! Featuring vocalist Victor Nelson with Matthew Steele on bass, Dr. Weldon Will on piano and Lester Kenney on drums
JUNE 6
MARSHA MEEKINS AND COMPANY
Jazz standards and popular favorites featuring Marsha Meekins on flute and vocals with Dr. W. Weldon Hill on piano, Matthew Steele on bass, Carl Lester El on drums and Victor Nelson on vocals
JUNE 13
RANDY JOHNSTON
Internationally acclaimed guitarist Randy Johnston brings the bluesy and funky sounds of the classic guitar/organ/drums trio with Jonah Kayne-West on organ and Kelli Strawbridge on drums
JUNE 20
QUINTESSENTIAL JAZZ
Jazz and R&B with William Prentiss on flute and tenor saxophone, Chris Mosley on trumpet and flugelhorn, Sam Craddock on Bass, Hannon Lane on guitar, Eron Gray on drums, Keith Wallace on keyboard and featuring Carlita Whitehead on vocals
JUNE 27
DEBRA DEAN & THE KEY WEST QUARTET
Back by popular demand! Jazz, Blues and popular favorites with vocalist Debra Dean, award-winning guitarist Patrick Lawler, and Special Guests
JULY 4
THE JAZZ WARRIORS
Trumpeter Jon Greenberg’s Jazz Warriors play all styles of Jazz from the early 1900’s to the present with Eric Lytle on piano, Gary Shaver on alto sax and clarinet, Todd Woodson on drums and Jonathan Wheelock on acoustic bass. The band will pay special tribute to Louis Armstrong, who celebrated his birthday on July 4th.
JULY 11
FABIAN LANCE
Fabian Lance is an innovative keyboardist, teacher, producer, composer and arranger from Danville VA. He has traveled abroad, near and far sharing his Jazz flare. Performing hits from his latest CD, Reminisce, and jazz classics. Featuring Fabian Lance on keyboards, Carl Lester El on bass, Chris Beasley on guitar and Philip Foster on drums.
JULY 18
M-LAW & THE PROPHETS OF JAZZ
Mary Lawrence aka M-Law is a trumpet and flugelhorn player, vocalist, and rapper originally from Virginia. She graduated from VCU’s Jazz Studies program and is making a name for herself in Washington DC and throughout the East Coast! M-Law & the Prophets of Jazz will feature Scott Chambers on bass, Ronnie Thomas on drums, and Drew Miles on keyboards.
JULY 25
LARRI BRANCH TRIO
The Larri Branch Trio will perform a variety of Jazz standards with original arrangements, compositions by the great Duke Ellington, Hank Jones, Ellis Marsalis, C. J. Wolfe and Branch. Larri Branch on piano, Brian Cruse on bass and C. J. Wolfe on drums.
AUGUST 1
TRIPLE CROSSING
Vocalist/instrumentalist Jay Brown leads this classic Jazz combo specializing in the familiar Standards of the 1920s-1960s with tenor sax, bass, piano, and a swinging vocalist. Let’s dance!
AUGUST 8 – JAZZ AROUND THE MUSEUM – In The Atrium
LIVEMIXX
Phenomenal guitarist Chris Beasley leads this eight-piece, uniquely configured concept band, offering modern Jazz that will leave you wanting more.
AUGUST 15
JARON LAMAR DAVIS TRIO
Midwest native Jaron Lamar Davis returns to Richmond with a genre-bending trio that delivers a true 21st century improvisational sound with Davis on drums accompanied by Udobi on keyboards and Donte Speaks, Jr. on bass.
AUGUST 22
ANALOGUE REPUBLIC
The Analogue Republic merges blues, Jazz, funk, and rock to form a unique voice that pays tribute to its influences – groove-oriented Soul-Jazz! Featuring Gary Titi on guitar, Eric Franzen on keyboard and Forrest Young on drums
AUGUST 29
SWEET POTATOES MUSIC
Bandleader and guitarist Johnny Hargrove, lead singer and violinist Reyna Pannell, bassist Joey Anderson and drummer Stephon LaRue put their own spin on classic Jazz. Soulful licks and lots of “Yammin”!
SEPTEMBER 5
BARBARA MARTIN
Vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist Barbara Martin (Staunton VA) sings Jazz standards and original songs of wit and truth accompanied by Lucy Kilpatrick on piano and Mike Hawkins on bass.
SEPTEMBER 12
BLUE ORCHID JAZZ
Jazz standards and original compositions that explore the edges of Swing, Bop, Blues, Funk, and Latin featuring Kyffin Salter on bass, Jo Santos on keyboards, Patrick Zampetti on drums and percussion, and special guest, Myrick Crampton on sax and flute.
SEPTEMBER 19
WWAY
The WWAY is a stylistically diverse group featuring the talents of Chris Whiteman of guitar, Jonah Kane West on keys, Dane Alderson on bass and Forrest Young on drums. Their original compositions range from the soulfully poetic, to blazing up-tempo acrobatics that set in a groove to keep you moving.
SEPTEMBER 26
NEAL BOWENS PROJECT
Contemporary smooth jazz at its finest. This high energy band is lead by saxophonist Neal Bowens with Lamont Menefield on guitar, Wilbert Anderson on bass, Alfred Walker on keyboards and Ray Grady on drums.
OCTOBER 3
AFRO ZEN ALLSTARS
RVA’s multi-generational World Jazz “little big band,” featuring John Lilley (alto & tenor), Chris Sclafani (alto & baritone), Myrick Crampton (tenor), Chris Vasi (guitar), Brian Cruse (bass), Scott Milstead (drums) and George M Lowe (Leader & guitar). Don’t even think about not dancing!
OCTOBER 10
CURV APPEAL
Vibraphonist Curvey Reid, influenced by legends like Lionel Hampton, plays straight-ahead Jazz with a funky, contemporary flair. This band is back by popular demand!
OCTOBER 17
LATIN JAZZ MESSENGERS
Led by trumpeter Dr. Michael Davison, the Latin Jazz Messengers thrill audiences with their high-energy arrangements and eclectic blend of Cuban, Brazilian, and American Jazz. Muy Caliente! Hot, Hot, Hot!
OCTOBER 24
STEVE KESSLER TRIO
Jazz Classics with Steve Kessler on piano, Robert Jospe on drums and Paul Langosch on bass
OCTOBER 31
VICTOR HASKINS’ SKEIN
Original music and grooving rhythms from Victor Haskins on trumpet and EWI; Matt Hall on bass, Tony Martucci drums
NOVEMBER 7
MODERN MUSE TRIO
Modern Muse Trio makes their Jazz Café debut with an evening full of your favorite standards and beyond with sultry, soulful, swingin’ sounds featuring Elizabeth Joy Terrell on vocals, Chris Brydge on bass and Chris Whiteman on guitar.
NOVEMBER 14
FUNKY FINGER
Jazz/Funk band playing funky covers and original works to get you moving and grooving. John Creger on bass and vocals, Jeanette Creger on keys, synths and vocals, Jon Saure on guitar and vocals, John Mitchell on keys, B3 and vocals, and Curvey “Curv Ali” Reid on drums and percussion.
NOVEMBER 21
JAZZ AROUND THE MUSEUM/In The Atrium
RAJAZZ
RaJazz is one of Hampton Roads’ most requested smooth jazz and R&B bands by festivals throughout the area! Founder Rogers Brown on keyboard, Stephanie Sanders on saxophone, Jason Cales on guitar, Tracy Spence on bass, Chris Jernigan on drums, Rick Micau on percussion and Ahisa Johnson on vocals.
NOVEMBER 29
BLUE PROTOTYPE
Come kick off your Thanksgiving Day Weekend with Blue Prototype featuring one of Richmond’s favorite guitarists, Connor Thompson. The band combines traditional jazz elements with modern heavy metal energy with Larri Branch on piano, Brian Cruse on bass and CJ Wolfe on drums. Their debut album is available at www.blueprototype.bandcamp.com
JAN 11
DANKTET
The Danktet is a stylistically diverse instrumental jazz trio, featuring the talents of Dane Alderson (bass), Brian Mesko (guitar), and Forrest Young (drums). Their original compositions range from the soulfully poetic, to blazing up-tempo acrobatics. A groove pocket full of enough change to tip the scales in any audience’s favor, The Danktet aim to astound, hitting the bulls-eye every time!
JAN 18
CHARLES OWENS GROUP
A new groove-oriented quartet with Charles Owens on sax, Andrew Randazzo on electric bass, Devonne Harris on keyboards and Kelli Strawbridge on drums featuring originals and covers from Marvin Gaye to Fleetwood Mac.
JAN 25
JASON JENKINS ENSEMBLE
Jason Jenkins is one of the premier bassist and group leaders on the Virginia jazz scene today.
This ensemble will thrill the audience with fresh takes on Jazz classics and world music.
FEB 1
BUTCHER BROWN
Butcher Brown takes careful note of the history and legacy of jazz and throws caution to the wind with wanton abandon. Garage-punk-jazz-funk on the low end of the dial gives way to delicate and elegant compositions as the band shows off without trying. Featuring: DJ Harrison on keys, Andrew Randazzo on bass, Morgan Burrs on guitar, Corey Fonville on drums, and Marcus Tenney on saxophone and trumpet.
FEB 8
DESIREE ROOTS & FRIENDS
JAZZ AROUND THE MUSEUM (MARBLE HALL) *
Desiree’s voice has been heard from Maine to Miami, Baltimore to Brazil, and Virginia to the Virgin Islands. This triple-threat performer’s first love of jazz keeps her busy. Celebrating her CD, Don’t Ever Stop Dreaming, she brings a mixture of straight-ahead jazz and contemporary classics with her all-star ensemble featuring Weldon Hill on keyboard, Mike Hawkins on bass, Billy Williams on drums, Carl Lester El on Guitar and other special guests.
*Refreshments in Marble Hall are available by cash only. An ATM is located in Best Café.
FEB 15
ATIBA TAYLOR GROUP
Recently returning from touring Brazil, Atiba and his group, Blue Nesta, are quickly becoming blues faves around town. Featuring: Morgan Burrs on guitar; Nefer Ra on Bass; New Jersey native, Roy Rolph on drums; and Atiba on sax and vocals
FEB 22
FUNKYFINGER
FunkyFinger is a feel-good and grooving jazz band that also plays original works and funky covers that get the crowd moving and music lovers tapping their toes. Featuring: John Creger on bass and vocals; Jeanette Creger on keys, synths, and vocals; Jon Saure on guitar and vocals; John Mitchell on keys, B3, and vocals; and Curvey “Curv Ali” Reid on drums and percussion
MAR 1
ANDREW ALLI and THE MAINLINE
This Richmond-based Blues Band was founded by drummer Chaz Hibbler in May 2011. The band’s unique sound is reminiscent of traditional Mississippi and Chicago style blues and strikes a chord in everyone! The band is composed of front man Andrew Alli (blues harp), Chaz Hibbler (drums), Ken Kellner (bass) and Mark Szafranski (keyboard).
MAR 8
MIKE HAWKINS
One of Virginia’s premier bassists, Mike Hawkins has traveled the US and abroad accompanying nationally renowned artists. Enjoy contemporary Jazz and popular hits with Hawkins (bass), Calvin Brown (piano), Billy Williams (drums) and James “Saxsmo” Gates (sax).
MAR 15
JARON LAMAR DAVIS QUARTET
California native Jaron Davis is one of the more versatile up-and-coming multi-instrumentalists in the industry. Davis brings a throwback “serve the music” mentality to his performances. Whether straight-ahead, funk, neo-soul, country, musicals, or studio sessions, Jaron offers a unique blend of ideas and authenticity reminiscent of the players of yesteryear.
MAR 22
RANDY JOHNSTON
Internationally acclaimed guitarist Randy Johnston plays Soul-Jazz at its finest. He combines a swinging Jazz style with down-home Blues and funky backbeats to create a sound that will have you tapping your feet and smiling. Accompanying Johnston will be Jonah Kane-West (organ) and Kelli Strawbridge (drums).
MAR 29
ELANA LISA & THE HOT MESS
Jazz standards and Neo-Swing featuring lead vocalist Elana Lisa with Eric Oritt (electric guitar and vocals), John Dacey (bass and vocals), Ken Bowie (drums and vocals) and Allen Burris (tenor and soprano sax, flute). A swing band with a twist!
APR 5
MARSHA MEEKINS ENSEMBLE
Jazz standards and popular favorites featuring Marsha Meekins on flute with Weldon Hill on keyboard; Matthew Steele on bass; Ronnie Cokes on drums and vocalist Marjorie Jones.
APR 12
LATIN JAZZ MESSENGERS
Led by renowned trumpeter Dr. Michael Davison, the Latin Jazz Messengers continue to thrill audiences with their high-energy arrangements and eclectic blend of Cuban, Brazilian, and American jazz. From the wall-of-sound horn section to the swinging rhythm section, the group guarantees a muy caliente experience!
APR 19
EASTERN BOUNDARY QUARTET
The Eastern Boundary Quartet is a collaborative quartet featuring Hungarian master musicians, Balazs Bagyi on drums and saxophonist Mihaly Borbely, with the long-standing bass/piano partnership of New York City favorites Joe Fonda and Michael Jefry Stevens. The group uses Hungarian folk rhythms and melodies in combination with Jazz harmonies and rhythms to form an original “hybrid” improvised music.
The band was formed with the imagination of connecting two worlds of the jazz scene today. This unique collaboration is a mixture of avant-garde jazz and ethno music from Hungary, like a cultural bridge between the USA and Eastern Europe. The group is touring the US in support of its fourth CD.
APR 26
THE LAWRENCE OLDS BAND
Lawrence Olds is known for his smooth vocals as he carries his audiences on a musical journey. This seasoned band features Lawrence Olds on vocals, Chris Whiteman on guitar, Charlie Kilpatrick on keyboard, Carter Blough on bass and Todd Woodson on drums.
MAY 3
BLUE PROTOTYPE
Featuring one of Richmond’s favorite guitarists, Connor Thompson, Blue Prototype is a group that seeks to combine traditional jazz elements with modern heavy metal energy. The band also features Larri Branch on piano, Brian Cruse on bass and Joe Lubman on drums.
MAY 10
Jazz Around the Museum, Marble Hall
Big New York & the Smooth Jazz All-Starz Justice League
Representing the D.C. area, these national recording musicians have a mission “to share the love of Smooth Jazz and keep instrumental music ALIVE!” Featuring Christian de Mesones on bass, Elliot Levine on keyboards, Eddie Baccus Jr. on sax, Tim Steele on drums, and Mike Gable on guitar.
MAY 17
SHARON RAE NORTH
Enjoy the sounds of recording artist Sharon Rae North who sings straight-ahead, contemporary, and smooth Jazz as well as standards. Her Latest CD “Sincerely Yours” is moving up on the charts.
MAY 24
JAY BROWN’S GRACE STREET SEVEN
Jay Brown’s Grace Street Seven is a vintage style Jazz Septet that performs songs in the tradition of early 20thcentury dance bands from the 1920s and 30s. These classy gents specialize in playing Victrola record transcriptions of classics. The band features trumpet, clarinet, saxophone, tenor banjo, piano, upright bass and percussion/drums.
MAY 31
M-LAW & THE PROPHETS OF JAZZ
M-Law & the Prophets of Jazz perform an eclectic combination of jazz-influenced music such as R&B, funk, neo-soul, and hip-hop. Straight out of Northern Virginia, Mary Lawrence (M-Law) leads this innovative group with her trumpet and flugelhorn. She is accompanied by Scott Chambers on bass, Larri Branch on keyboards, and Ronnie Thomas on drums.
JUNE 7
STEPHANIE NAKASIAN
Charlottesville-based vocalist Stephanie Nakasian aka “The Renaissance Woman of Jazz” sings Bebop, standards and swing
JUNE 14
SCOTT BURTON
Scott Burton on guitar, Cameron Ralston on bass and Scott Clark on drums bring a fresh perspective on jazz and ambient tunes written by Barney Kessel, Ornette Coleman, Hiroshi Yoshimura and the Jazz masters.
JUNE 21
KIA BENNETT
DC-based Kia Bennett sings Soul, Jazz and sophisticated funk that’s new and classy. Accompanied by Talton Manning on sax, Sam Brown on bass, John Walters on drums and Gerard Johnson on keyboard.
JUNE 28
QUINTESSENTIAL JAZZ
Enjoy the sounds of Jazz and R&B with William Prentiss on flute and tenor sax, Chris Mosley on trumpet and flugelhorn, Sam Craddock on bass, Hannon Lane on guitar, Eron Gray on drums, Keith Wallace on keyboard, and featuring Carlita Whitehead on vocals
JULY 5
RICHARD D’ABREU
Bringing a mix of traditional Jazz and Gospel, Dominion Energy Jazz Café welcomes Richard D’Abreu, Jr. on saxophone, Jerell Crockett on piano, John Walters on drums and Richard D’Abreu, III on bass.
JULY 12
CLAUDIA CARAWAN
An evening of swing, blues and Jazz standards with Claudia Carawan, an award-winning songwriter whose voice has been described as “Positively Soulful”. Bruce Sullivan on keyboard, Carter Blough on bass and Donald Faye on woodwinds and Forrest Young on drums!!
JULY 19
KELLY SHEPPARD & NoMAD STORIES
These Boston MA favorites are back by popular demand at Dominion Energy Jazz Cafe with music that is unique, original, and creative reflecting jazz, tribal, blues, funk, psychedelic, and Latin music. Band leader/saxophonist Kelly Shepherd, has shared the stage or studied with many jazz luminaries such as Gary Bartz and Junior Cook.
JULY 26
MARY HERMANN GARCIA QUARTET
Vocalist Mary Hermann García performs with trombonist/percussionist Antonio García, guitarist John Conley, and bassist Brian Sulser in sets of music from the Brazilian and Great American Songbooks.
AUGUST 2
DEBRA DEAN & THE KEY WEST QUARTET
Back by popular demand! Jazz, Blues and Pop favorites with vocalist Debra Dean, award winning guitarist Patrick Lawler, and Special Guests.
AUGUST 9
THE SAXSMO SEXTET
The passionate search for perfection describes James ‘Saxsmo’ Gates and his career as a top-notch jazz musician. Enjoy an evening of hardcore Jazz with Gates on saxes, Dr. Weldon Hill on keyboards, Mike Hawkins on bass, Corey Fonville on drums and Victor Haskins on trumpet.
AUGUST 16
TRIPLE CROSSING
Vocalist/instrumentalist Jay Brown leads this classic Jazz combo specializing in the familiar Standards of the 1920s-1960s, with tenor sax, bass, piano, and a swinging vocalist. Let’s dance!
AUGUST 23
BLUE ORCHID
Jazz standards and fresh original compositions with Randall Mailand on keyboard, Kyffin Salter on bass, Patrick Zampetti on drums and percussion, and Special Guest, Myrick Crampton on sax and flute.
AUGUST 30
FABIAN LANCE PROJECT
Fabian Lance is an innovative keyboardist, teacher, producer, composer and arranger from Danville VA. Performing jazz classics and hits from his latest CD, Reminisce, with Carl Lester El on guitar, Alvin Spratley on bass and Brandon Taylor on drums
SEPTEMBER 6
HOTEL X
HOTEL X brings original Afro-delic Jazz to life. Get ready to dance with Tim Harding on alto sax, Chris Vasi on guitar, Charles Nill on guitar, Charles Hunter on keyboard, Carter Blough on bass, Hunter Duke on drums, James McDonald and Mike Reitz on percussion.
SEPTEMBER 13
BLUE PROTOTYPE
Connor Thompson’s Blue Prototype combines traditional jazz elements with modern energy with Thompson on guitar, Larri Branch on piano, Brian Cruse on bass and drummer Joe Lubman. Their debut album is available at www.blueprototype.bandcamp.com
SEPTEMBER 20
MATTHEW STEELE QUARTET
“Sophisticated Fun” from Motown favorites to Jazz and R&B with Matthew Steele on bass, Dr. Weldon Hill on piano, Tye Onley on drums and vocalist, Victor Nelson
SEPTEMBER 27
THE JACK WINN-TET
This fun family ensemble will have you tapping your feet to vintage Jazz and modern classics. Jack Winn on vocals and sax; Lee Covington on keyboards; Ross Riddell on drums; Rusty Farmer on bass; and featuring John Winn on sax and vocals.
OCTOBER 4
CURV APPEAL
Vibraphonist Curvey Reid, influenced by legends like Lionel Hampton, plays straight ahead Jazz with a funky, contemporary flair. This band is back by popular demand!
OCTOBER 11
THE JAZZ WARRIORS
Trumpeter Jon Greenberg’s Jazz Warriors play all styles of Jazz from the early 1900’s to the present with Eric Lytle on piano, Todd Woodson on drums and Jonathan Wheelock on acoustic bass. The band will pay special tribute to Thelonious Monk, whose birthday is on October 10th.
OCTOBER 18
KLAXTON BROWN
Who says a Jazz band can’t party, get down, and get funky? Meet Klaxton Brown. Led by saxophonist Robert “Bo” Bohannon, this band combines the old with the new, and will rock you steady all night long. Prepare to get Klaxtonized!
OCTOBER 25
LATIN JAZZ MESSENGERS
The Latin Jazz Messengers blend Cuban, Brazilian and American Jazz. Led by renowned trumpeter Dr. Michael Davison, The Latin Jazz Messengers play high-energy arrangements of Latin Jazz classics and popular tunes guaranteeing the audience a “muy caliente” (very hot) musical experience – Bring your dancing shoes!
NOVEMBER 1
AFRO-ZEN ALL STARS
RVA’s multi-generational, World Jazz “little big band” with John Lilley on alto & tenor, Chris Sclafani on alto & baritone, Myrick Crampton on tenor, Chris Vasi on guitar, Brian Cruse on bass, Scott Milstead on drums and bandleader George M Lowe on guitar. Don’t even think about not dancing!
NOVEMBER 8
JUSTIN SMITH
Classic and modern Jazz mixed with Bossa Nova and contemporary styles featuring Justin Smith on guitar; Brian Cruse on bass; Brendan Schnabel on tenor saxophone and C.J. Wolfe on drums
NOVEMBER 15
ANALOGUE REPUBLIC
Groove-oriented Soul-Jazz with elements of Blues, funk and rock reminiscent of Grant Green, John Scofield and Galactic featuring Gary Titi on guitar, Eric Franzen on keyboard and Forrest Young on drums
NOVEMBER 23 (FRIDAY)
“Jazz Around The Museum” (in the Atrium)
FORTE JAZZ BAND
Forte Jazz Band from Hampton Roads plays contemporary Jazz that’s both smooth and traditional with Brian Pinner on saxophones, Pete Jaymes Ford on keyboard, Darryl Rawlings on drums, Daniel Quackenbush on bass, Jeffrey Bradby on lead guitar, Felix Valderrama on percussion and vocalist Shevonne Newby.
NOVEMBER 29
M-LAW & THE PROPHETS OF JAZZ
Mary “M-Law” Lawrence is a trumpet and flugelhorn player, vocalist, and rapper! The VCU Jazz Studies Program graduate has made a name for herself in the DC area and up and down the East Coast with Scott Chambers on bass, Ronnie Thomas on drums, and Drew Miles on keyboard.
DECEMBER 6
JAZZ WARRIORS
Trumpeter Jon Greenberg’s Jazz Warriors play all styles of Jazz from the early 1900’s to the present with Eric Lytle on piano, Todd Woodson on drums and Jonathan Wheelock on acoustic bass.
DECEMBER 13
BARBARA MARTIN
Vocalist, songwriter and guitarist Barbara Martin sings original songs of wit and truth as well as jazz standards accompanied by Lee Covington on piano and Bob Bowen on bass.
DECEMBER 20
NEAL BOWENS
Saxophonist Neal Bowens plays contemporary and smooth Jazz with Thurman Hargrove on keys, Ray Grady on drums/percussions and special guests.
DECEMBER 27
BLUE ORCHID
Jazz standards and original compositions that explore the edges of Swing, Bop, Blues, Funk and Bossa featuring Kyffin Salter on bass, Patrick Zampetti on drums and percussion, and special guest, Myrick Crampton on sax and flute.