SAFFIRE—THE UPPITY BLUES WOMEN CELEBRATE FINAL RELEASE WITH FAREWELL PERFORMANCE IN TAMPA!

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs

"A rollicking joyride of infectious blues energy...smart and sexy, soulful and sassy."
—The Chicago Sun-Times

Saffire—The Uppity Blues Women will celebrate the release of their final CD, Havin’ The Last Word, with a live performance in Tampa as part of their farewell tour. With their music, Ann Rabson, Gaye Adegbalola and Andra Faye reestablish and update the long tradition of uppity women blues singers like Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Sippie Wallace and Memphis Minnie. Mixing first-rate musicianship with equal parts of sass, soul and humor, Saffire unleashes unforgettable originals, composed with humor and poignancy, alongside definitive versions of classic blues songs. Concert information is as follows:

Friday, April 10th
Skipper's Smokehouse
901 Skipper Road
Tampa, FL
813-971-0666
http://www.skipperssmokehouse.com/
8:00 p.m.
$13 adv./ $18 day of show

Over the course of six critically acclaimed studio albums, one live album and thousands of shows, Saffire--The Uppity Blues Women have gone from virtual obscurity to become one of the most successful acoustic blues groups today. In conjunction with the final album and tour, a new documentary film on Saffire’s incredible story, Hot Flash, will be shown at select film festivals and will also be available on iTunes.

During the course of their 25-year career, words like ‘fearless,’ ‘inspiring,’ ‘witty,’ ‘joyful’ and ‘powerful’ have been used to describe Saffire's smart, sassy, and deeply emotional blues. Havin’ The Last Word will be their final declaration together as Saffire–The Uppity Blues Women; the group has decided it’s time to move on so they can pursue their own individual interests. But pianist/guitarist/ vocalist Ann Rabson, guitarist/ harmonicist/ vocalist Gaye Adegbalola and multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Andra Faye have plenty to say with Havin’ The Last Word.

Saffire–The Uppity Blues Women burst onto the national music scene in 1990 with the release of their self-titled debut album, after six years of playing locally and regionally. With their brazen, no-holds-barred acoustic blues, Saffire took the music world by storm and earned legions of fans of all ages around the globe. The group quickly went from being local favorites to internationally recognized blues stars, sharing stages with Koko Taylor, B.B. King, Ray Charles and Willie Dixon, who said of the band, "They knock me out." National media like People, Entertainment Tonight, CNN's Showbiz Today and National Public Radio’s Weekend Edition sang the band’s praises.

Their debut album, Saffire–The Uppity Blues Women, became one of Alligator's biggest selling releases ever. 1991’s Hot Flash, followed by 1992’s BroadCasting (with Andra Faye guesting on guitar, fiddle and mandolin), took Saffire to even greater heights; Andra’s mastery of all things stringed and her country-tinged vocals added a new dimension to Saffire’s music. Constant touring and increased radio play earned the group new fans everywhere they went. Features in Ms. and other magazines plus an interview on National Public Radio's Fresh Air spread the word all across the country. Their subsequent albums, 1996’s Cleaning House, 1998’s Live & Uppity and 2001’s Ain't Gonna Hush! earned the band hordes of new fans and mountains of critical acclaim. And in 2006 Alligator released their "best of" CD, Deluxe Edition.

The new CD may be called Havin’ The Last Word, but you haven’t heard the last of Ann, Gaye and Andra; these three are far from hanging up their instruments, and each will continue to perform. The success of Saffire has opened up a whole new world of possibilities. With Havin’ The Last Word, Saffire's positive message of strength, joy, love and sisterhood through music will continue to reach all corners of the music-loving world. And that's saying a lot.

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• Jazz Blues Florida
• www.JazzBluesFlorida.com

Davis and Dow's new CD Loverly is vibrant, versatile - Bob Weinberg's SunSentinel CD Rvw Repost

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs

By Bob Weinberg Special Correspondent to SunSentinel
February 25, 2009

"Like Cassandra Wilson, who just won a Grammy for her effort, the team of Davis and Dow has titled its new album for the Cockney flower-peddler's lament Wouldn't It Be Loverly, a showstopper from the musical My Fair Lady. Also like Wilson, the husband-and-wife jazz team from Fort Lauderdale injects Eliza Doolittle's reverie with plenty of bluesy swing and swagger. Credit vocalist Julie Davis' outsize charisma and infectious good humor for transforming the familiar show tune from wistful longing to statement of intent, her self-possessed delivery echoing that of the brassy Dinah Washington."

SEE FULL ENTRY AT:

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/lifestyle/sfl-aa25ppldowsbfeb25,0,3683108.story

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Arbors Records - FIRST ANNUAL ARBORS RECORDS INVITATIONAL JAZZ PARTY - Rvw & Pics by Hilton Kean Jones

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs

Speaking of Shelly Berg....here is an excellent review of the Arbors Jan. event...

"Recently, I had the opportunity to photograph backstage at the Arbors Records First Annual Arbors Records Invitational Piano Jazz Party at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort on Clearwater Beach. There’s a lot of jazz in Florida and a lot here in the Tampa Bay Area. One of the biggest supporters of jazz in the area is a niche recording label, Arbors Records."

SEE THE FULL ENTRY AT:
http://inkwatu.com/2009/02/25/arbors-records/

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Duke Ellington becomes first African-American on U.S. coin

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Jazz legend Duke Ellington is the first African-American to appear on an American coin, the U.S. Mint says in introducing the latest in its line of state-themed quarters.

The District of Columbia commemorative quarter showing Ellington playing the piano will be introduced by U.S. Mint Director Ed Moy at a news conference Tuesday at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.

Ellington won the honor by a vote of D.C. residents, beating out abolitionist Frederick Douglass and astronomer Benjamin Banneker.

Also on the coin is the phrase "justice for all." The mint rejected the first inscription choice of D.C. voters, which was "taxation without representation," in protest of the District's lack of voting representation in Congress.

Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington received 13 Grammy Awards and was a pioneer in jazz, according to his official Web site.

Ellington was born in the District and composed more than 3,000 songs, including the notable "It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing," a song that helped usher in the swing era of jazz.
Ellington performed with other famous artists, including John Coltrane, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, and he traveled around the world with his orchestras.

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South Florida JAZZ welcomes Carol Saboya w/ Antonio Adolfo Quartet

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs

March 7, 2009 - 8:00 p.m. - South Florida JAZZ welcomes, direct from Rio de Janeiro, vocal sensation Carol Saboya performing with the Antonio Adolfo Quartet with special guest artist saxophonist Gary Campbell.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – South Florida’s premier modern jazz organization is excited to feature one of Brazil’s most compelling artists, vocalist Carol Saboya. This performance is notable inasmuch as she will reunite with her father, Antonio Adolfo, a noted pianist/composer/arranger/educator now living in Miami Beach.

This concert takes place at the 500-seat Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center on the Nova Southeastern University campus, 3100 Ray Ferrero, Jr Blvd in Davie 33314

Tickets are $35 ($25 for South Florida JAZZ members and $10 for students at any level with I.D.) and may be purchased from the AutoNation Box Office by calling 954.462.0222 in Broward County; also toll-free at 877-311-SHOW, as well as online at: http://www.southfloridajazz.org/, the presenting organization’s official Web site.

Carol Saboya and the Antonio Adolfo Quartet

The beautiful girl from Rio de Janeiro with the angelic voice and impeccable intonation is the daughter of acclaimed Brazilian pianist/composer/educator Antonio Adolfo. They will make a rare U.S appearance together fresh off their recent accolades for Ao Vivo Live, voted Outstanding Brazilian CD of 2007. Carol’s voice is unforgettable so this will be Brazilian music at its best.

Pianist Antonio Adolfo is among the elite of Rio de Janeiro’s jazz scene, where his talent was nurtured with the bossa nova movement of the 1960s. Soon, he was touring with legendary Brazilian singers, including Elis Regina and Milton Nascimento. Today, Adolfo is a master of Brazilian song. A renowned teacher, he established a prominent music conservatory, Centro Musical Antonio Adolfo, several years ago in Rio, now run by his two daughters. He also is the director of the Antonio Adolfo School of Music in Hollywood, FL. Antonio and as a first-class performer and even better known as songwriter. Herb Alpert, Sergio Mendes, Stevie Wonder, Earl Klugh and Dionne Warwick have all have performed or recorded Antonio’s compositions.
Singer Carol Saboya, Adolfo’s daughter, has seven solo CDs and several critically acclaimed performances in New York, Miami, the Hollywood Jazz Festival, and New Orleans – she’s well on her way to making her own mark – as her father has done before her. Her debut CD, Dança Da Voz, won Brazil’s coveted Sharp Premio award for Best New Pop Singer. Recorded in Miami, Antonio Adolfo and Carol Saboya Ao Vivo Live is a timeless jazz recording featuring songs by Antonio Carlos Jobim, George Gershwin, Dori Caymmi and Brazil’s jazz pioneer, Pixinguinha.

On this date, Carol will be accompanied by Antonio’s regular quartet that also features a special guest artist, saxophonist Gary Campbell, Associate Professor of Jazz Performance/Saxophone at Florida International University in Miami. A Fulbright Scholar and recipient of numerous NEA grants, Mr Campbell is a noted educator as well as a renowned jazz improviser.

Funding for this organization is provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council.


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Leroy Jenkins, Free Jazz Composer & Violinist Honored

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs

If all goes well, "The Scientific Method" will be presenting a hour of Leroy Jenkin's music on Thursday, February 26, to mark the passing of Mr. Jenkin's on February 24, 2007.

The New York Times obituary by Ben Ratliff:


Leroy Jenkins, 74, Violinist Who Pushed Limits of Jazz, Dies

The violinist and composer Leroy Jenkins, one of the pre-eminent musicians of 1970s free jazz, who worked on and around the lines between jazz and classical music, died on Fridday in Manhattan. He was 74 and lived in Brooklyn.

The cause was complications of lung cancer, said his wife, Linda Harris.

Mr. Jenkins grew up on the South Side of Chicago. He started playing violin around age 7 and performed in recitals at St. Luke Church, one of the city’s biggest Baptist churches, accompanied by a young pianist named Ruth Jones, later known as the singer Dinah Washington. Mr. Jenkins subsequently joined the orchestra and choir at Ebenezer Baptist Church, directed by Dr. O. W. Frederick, who tutored him in the music of black composers like William Grant Still and Will Marion Cook.

At DuSable High School, Mr. Jenkins played alto saxophone under the band director Walter Dyett, a legendary figure in jazz education. He then attended Florida A & M University on a bassoon scholarship, though ultimately he played saxophone and clarinet in the concert band and studied the violin again.

After college, Mr. Jenkins spent four years as a violin teacher in Mobile, Ala. On returning to Chicago in 1964, he joined the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (A.A.C.M.) a cooperative for jazz musicians determined to follow through on the structural advances of Ornette Coleman, Cecil Taylor and others who were widening the jazz tradition. In time, he became one of the most visible members of the organization, which persists today.

SEE FULL ENTRY AT:
http://scientificmethodradio.blogspot.com/2009/02/leroy-jenkins-jazz-violinist-tribute.html


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105 Year Old Music Store Closes in Thomasville (in GA just north of FL border)

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs

Cocroft Music Store (circa 1904), 105 South Broad Street Thomasville, Ga 31799 (cocroftmusic.com) is (sadly) going out of business and will be having a huge going out of business sale beginning Saturday, February 21, at 9am and Sunday, February 22, at noon and February 23 - March 1, at 10am. You can own a piece of Thomasville'..s history. They have over 10,000 sq. feet of stuff to sale: Music - new and vintage, player piano rolls, cds and records, instruments, pianos - new and vintage, phonographs, parts and pieces, instrument supplies, tools and accessories, antiques, office furniture, equipment and supplies...and much more - too numerous to list. Terms: cash, approved local checks, cashier checks and money orders.

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Seth Walker Releases LEAP OF FAITH and Announces Florida Tour

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs

SETH WALKER
Leap Of Faith

"The first time I heard Seth Walker at a small club in Nashville I was impressed like I haven't been impressed in 30 years, with performance, presence, and great songs." - Delbert McClinton

Music audiences around the world were first introduced to Seth Walker with the release of his eponymous long-player on Hyena Records in 2007. It would hit the top twenty of the Americana and Living Blues charts, while receiving praise from publications like No Depression, Blues Revue and Maverick UK Magazine. Creative Loafing wrote, "Seth Walker is a splendid mix of roots styles: blues, soul and Americana, featuring deep-fried guitar licks, churchy organ and crisp horns, mostly delivered over spot-on shuffles." Westword declared, "Seth Walker serves Southern roots guit-pickin' and blues songcraft with ease and grace. Echoing a variety of artists, from Jimmy Reed to Ray Charles, he slips expertly from loose-jointed shuffles to organ-inflected feel-good fare and a whole lot more. An old soul with new fingers, Walker cooks from start to finish." The Austin-based artist hit the road extensively throughout ‘08, performing at world-renowned festivals like Flat Rock in North Carolina, Springfest in Florida, Rawa Blues Festival in Poland and Moulin Blues in Holland. He headlined shows across the U.S., often playing to sold-out rooms, while joining the likes of Johnny Winter, Marcia Ball and Robert Cray for opening appearances.

It would seem to those previously unfamiliar with Seth Walker that he emerged practically overnight as one of the fastest rising stars in blues and roots’ music. Yet, the 35-year old songwriter, singer and guitarist has been plying his craft in Austin, Texas for upwards of a decade. Growing up on a commune in rural North Carolina, the son of classically trained musicians, Seth played cello before discovering the guitar in his late teens. His introduction to the blues came via his Uncle Landon Walker who was both a musician and disc jockey. Before long Seth was looking to artists like T-Bone Walker, Snooks Eaglin and B.B. King as a wellspring of endless inspiration. During a brief stint in Jacksonville, Florida trying to figure out his life’s calling, Seth made a definitive decision “to sing for his supper,” reasoning there was no better place on earth to cut his teeth in such a trade than “the greatest music city on earth” Austin.

"I’m pushing 14 years now having resided in the Austin city limits,” says Walker. “Through it's multi-cultural, competitive, and free spirited vibe, I have grown a much deeper understanding of my music and myself. Not to mention, Austin has definitely kept the grease in my musical recipes."

Skip forward to 2009 when Seth Walker returns with his sixth and unquestionably finest record to date, Leap Of Faith. There couldn’t, in fact, be a more apropos title. Intent on stepping up his game and exploring new musical territory, Seth took his hard earned Austin cred to Nashville; challenging himself to keep the grit of his Texas home, but spit-shine his songs just enough to reach wider audiences. He hooked up with Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter Gary Nicholson, a veteran at achieving exactly Seth’s goals with artists like Chris Knight, Jimmy Thackery and Delbert McClinton. The resulting 12-track collection hits the nail squarely on the head, presenting the stunning range for which Seth has built his reputation, but refining it to a diamond shimmer.

“Previously, I had always recorded albums my way, on my turf. This was different from the get go due to the fact that we recorded in Nashville with a new team of musicians, a new engineer and a new feeling,” explains Seth. “I was out of my comfort zone, and it made me reach for something unknown to me.”

From the opening barnburner “Can’t Come With You,” Seth Walker is off to the races. A swaggering downtown groove is juxtaposed against the sophistication of uptown horns. “Rewind” calls to mind many a Brill Building classic. It would have been hit single in days when the requisite for topping the charts was a great song. “I Got A Song” is unlike anything Seth has recorded in his career--a pure ballad with a soaring string section and staccato guitar wrapped around an exquisite vocal: “How I love and lost and I paid the cost, always knowing it was all my fault, ‘cause I knew all along, it was gonna go wrong, but at least I got a song.”

Although Seth had a hand in writing nine of the 12 songs on Leap Of Faith, he proves himself equally as capable interpreting the material of other songwriters. A snarling rendition of the Percy Mayfield chestnut “Memory Pain” highlights how deep his rhythm and blues’ roots run. Conversely, his take on Nick Lowe’s “Lately I’ve Let Things Slide,” illustrates the wide realm of musical influences from which he draws. One of his finest moments yet captured on “wax,” Seth, wistful and confessionary, sings like a man who knows the feeling all too well: “There’s a cut upon my brow, must have banged myself somehow, but I don’t remember now, and the front door’s open wide, lately I’ve let things slide.”

“Lay Down (River of Faith)” continues to build on the record’s underlying theme of faith. A gorgeous gospel lullaby, the vocal is entwined around a sanctified slide guitar capable of offering conviction to even the most skeptical. A trio of back to back scorchers found on the record’s second half: “I Don’t Dance,” “Something Fast” and “In The Dark,” are surefire roof-raisers in Seth’s live performances, but here they also serve to contrast the beauty of the closing number “Falling Out Of Love.” More than empathy for regret, the remorse in both lyric and performance is nothing short of Seth mining the saddest corners of his own first hand experiences.

"This album was made during a time in my life when I was caught up in some shadows,” Walker concludes. “The idea of a leap of faith actually does reflect where I was at personally and making this record was the light for me.”

Mar 20 2009 10:00P Bradfordville Blues Club Tallahassee, Florida Mar 21 2009 10:00P
The Back Room Boca Raton, Florida Mar 22 2009 1:00P
Tampa Bay Blues Festival St. Petersburg, Florida Mar 27 2009 2:00P
Suwannee Springfest Live Oak, Florida Mar 28 2009 2:00P
Suwannee Springfest Live Oak, Florida



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Dr. Lonnie Smith - CD Release This Week

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs

Tue 17-Feb-2009
Dr. Lonnie Smith - Rise Up! (Palmetto )

http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?PID=7824708&style=music&frm=lk_jkelman

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BLUZAPALOOZA IS GOING TO EGYPT

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs

BLUZAPALOOZA IS GOING TO EGYPT
with the
BLUZAPALOOZA MEMPHIS ALL-STARS BLUES TOUR

STARRING BILLY GIBSON - EDEN BRENT - DELTA HIGHWAY


BLUZAPALOOZA, the celebrity Blues concert tours created by Blues producers Steve Simon and John Hahn to entertain our troops, is taking the Blues to Egypt on March 24th for an historic command performance at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo and an already sold-out concert at the Cairo Opera House.


Headlining the tour will be “The Prince of Beale Street” Mr. Billy Gibson, the incredible Memphis based Blues band Delta Highway and four time Blues Music Award nominee, Ms. Eden Brent.
“First we took the Blues to Iraq and now we are going to present the Blues just steps from the Pyramids…….how cool is that?”, stated BLUZAPALOOZA’s creator and producer Steve Simon.

This BLUZAPALOOZA tour is presented by Armed Forces Entertainment and has been made possible with the help of The Blues Foundation, Blind Raccoon, Blues Revue, Blues Wax, Alligator Records, NorthernBlues Music, Yellow Dog Records, Delta Groove Records, Blind Pig Records, Hohner Harmonicas, Telarc Records, Sony Corporation, Ruf Records and Bill Wax, the Proprietor of B.B. King’s Bluesville on XM Satellite Radio.

For further information contact Steve Simon at

340-643-6475

or at

stevesimonlive@yahoo.com

www.myspace.com/bluzapalooza

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BONNIE RAITT POMPANO SHOW POSTPONED!

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs

BONNIE RAITT POMPANO SHOW POSTPONED!


Due to a dire family health emergency, Bonnie Raitt has unfortunately had to reschedule her tour date in South Florida at Pompano Beach Amphitheatre. The tour date will be rescheduled for Friday, October 23rd. Tickets already purchased for the postponed Saturday March 14th date will be honored at the new show. Bonnie is very sorry and regrets any inconvenience to her fans.

For more information and ticket sales go to http://bonnieraitt.com/
or http://www.livenation.com/.



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Nouveaux Honkies' CD Receives Great Review in BluesWax Ezine

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs

This week's edition of BluesWax Ezine has a great review of TNH's CD "Where Do I Go" (Bluzpik/Whirled Around Records - 2008). If you are not familiar with this great weekly blues-news-info-monster, you have TWO reasons to follow the link! Charlie
Genre Busters, (02/18/09)

"The Nouveaux Honkies feature the guitar of Tim O'Donnell and the violin of Rebecca Dawkins. Add the superb rhythm section of Ben Laing (bass) and Phil Ori (drums) and what you have is the genre-busting Nouveaux Honkies from Port Salerno, Florida."

FULL REVIEW AT:
http://www.visnat.com/entertainment/music/blueswax/mp3/bio.cfm?&artistnumber=2612

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Looking for a jazz-job in Florida? Assistant Professor in Jazz History - UF

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs

Assistant Professor in Jazz History
University of Florida - Florida
Teach large lecture courses in jazz history to nonmajors; direct jazz band program; teach improvisation, and other related courses. Maintain creative/scholarly and service contributions appropriate for a faculty member at a major university; and serve on university committees as assigned. Minimum Requirements: Master's degree required. Preferred Qualifications: Doctorate preferred. Equivalent professional experience considered. Previous teaching experience in higher education preferred, and demonstrated success in creative/scholarly activity desirable. Experience in teaching the history of jazz and other similar topics to both majors and nonmajors, as well as in directing jazz bands; ability to teach and perform jazz improvisation.

See more at:
http://www.simplyhired.com/job-id/t2ykp5qdqy/assistant-professor-jobs/


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For Nels And Alex Cline, An Avant-Jazz Fraternity

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs

A good article from our friends at NPR:

Weekend Edition Sunday, February 15, 2009

You may not have heard of Nels Cline. But if you're a fan of the band Wilco, you've probably heard his guitar.Nels Cline joined the massively popular band in 2004 and appears on its latest recording Sky Blue Sky. But for his new album, Coward, Cline is a one-man band: He's overdubbed himself on guitars and several other instruments.

SEE FULL ARTICLE:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100725192

Arbors Records Second Annual Invitational International Piano Party Announced

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs

Arbors Records Second Annual Invitational International Piano Party has been announced for January 15th, 16th and 17th, 2010.

It will be held at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort, Clearwater Beach, FL and will feature nine great pianists from around the World: Dick Hyman. Bernd Lhotzky, Louis Mazetier, Rossano Sportiello, Jeff Barnhart, Chris Hopkins, Norm Kubrin, Ehud Asherie and Tom McDermott. Also BED (Dan Barrett, Eddie Erickson and Becky Kilgore). The Last three pianists will perform in the Mainstay Tavern in the Resort.

In Addition there will be Colin Dawson, Oliver Mews, Warren Vache, Duke Heitger, John Allred, Bucky Pizzarelli, Nicki Parrott, Jerry Bruno, Ed Metz, Jr., Antii Sarpila and Bob Wilber. Also Don Wolff will do a film presentation.

The all event price is $250.00 per person. (No individual event tickets will be sold) Seating is limited to 200 people at 20 tables of ten. A 10% discount will be given for 10 reserving together. Seating will be arranged in order of reservations.

The Sheraton Sand Key Resort is located at 1160 Gulf Boulevard, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767. Telephone: 1-727-595-1611, FAX; 1-727-563-6004: TOLL FREE: 1-800-456-7263. A limited number of hotel rooms are available at the special rate of $199.00 per night, single or double occupancy, plus tax. Please make your hotel reservations directly with the hotel and mention Arbors Records Invitational.

Arbors Records is located at 2189 Cleveland Street, Suite 225, Clearwater, FL 33765. Phone: 1-727-466-0432; FAX: 1-272-466-0432; TOLL FREE: 1-800-299-1930. Visa, Mastercard, American Express and personal checks accepted.

Jazz Club of Sarasota's 29th Annual Jazz Festival on March 1th to 7th, 2009.

Sun. March 1 Jazz In The Park Phillippi Estate Park Admission $10.00
12 - 5 PM Several bands 5500 Tamiami Tr. At the gate

Mon. March 2 Lecture Burns Ct. Cinema Admission $10.00
10 AM Loren Schoenberg 506 Burns Lane At the door
2PM Carol Weisman & Trio Holley Hall Admission $30.00
709 N. Tamiami Trail Members $25.00
8 PM Carol Weisman & Trio Holley Hall Admission $30.00
Same place Members $25.00

Tues. March 3 Lecture Burns Ct. Cinema Admission $30.00
10 AM Loren Schoenberg 506 Burns Lane Members $25.00
8 PM Bill Allred Jazz Band Holley Hall Admission $30.00
Guest: John Allred 709 N. Tamiami Trail Members $25.00

Wed. March 4 Canamger Dixieland Holley Hall Admission $15.00
3 PM Jazz Band 709 N. Tamiami Trail Members $10.00
6:30 PM Jazz Caravan by Trolley Van Wezel Parking Lot Admission 15.00 advance
6 - 7 Local night spots 777 N. Tamiami Trail Members $20.00 Eve. of

Thurs. 5 Concert Van Wezel Tickets: $50, $45, $40
Dick Hyman & Friends 777 N. Tamiami Trail $35 + S/C
With Harry Allen www.vanwezel.org or 1-941-953-3368

Fri, 6 Concert Holley Hall Tickets: $35
2 PM James Moody 709 N. Tamiai Trail Members: $30

Fri. 6 Concert Holley Hall Tickets: $35
8 PM James Moody 709 N. Tamiami Trail Members: $30

Sat. 7 Concert Holley Hall Tickets: $35
2 PM Ellington Alumni 709 N. Tamiami Trail Members: $30
Barrie Lee Hall Orchestra with John Lamb and Buster Cooper

Sat. 7 Concert Holley Hall Tickets: $35
8 PM Same as 2 PM 709 N. Tamiami Trais Members: $30

http://www.jazzclubsarasota.com/

Spyra Gyra Among National Acts to Perform At SunFest 2009 in West Palm Beach

SunFest, Florida's largest music, art and waterfront festival, will be held April 29-May 3, along one of the most scenic sections of Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach. National headline entertainment scheduled to perform include 311, James Taylor, David Cook, Classic Albums Live, UB40, G Love & Special Sauce, Spyro Gyra and Jack's Mannequin. Additional entertainment announcements will be made as they are confirmed.

"James Taylor is one of the most sought after performers and we are proud to present him at SunFest along with some of the top national talent we have confirmed," said Paul Jamieson, Executive Director of SunFest. "We know the economy is weighing heavily on people and we are planning for a great festival. I think pretty soon people will be looking for a little fun, and it will be right here in their backyard."

This year's advertising campaign showcases SunFest as a great getaway, and a local one for South Florida residents. Copy from the 5 days of freedom advertising campaign includes:
360 days a year: Sleep. Eat. Work. Repeat...
5 days of freedom at SunFest: Chow. Sip. Dance. Party. Rock. Laugh. Repeat...
Enjoy the best getaway of the year... in your own back yard.

Opening Night with 311 and New Music Night

Continuing the success of last year's inaugural New Music Night, Wednesday's opening night will feature the established and popular band 311 along with New Music talent on multiple stages. In February the public will be asked to vote on acts organizers should make offers to appear at SunFest. The list will include national and regional up and coming music acts.

"New Music Night was a great new addition to the SunFest line-up," said Jamieson. "We know that headline entertainment is an important part of the value too, so bringing a popular act like 311 that has not been in the area for awhile and showcasing the hot new musical acts makes Opening Night with New Music an unbelievable value and experience for anyone who loves music."

SunFest Early Bird Discount and Multi-Day Ticket Value

SunFest multi-day tickets are a considerable value with the Early Bird discount, offering even more savings. The average cost of a multi-day pass for other South Florida music festivals such as Langerado, and Ultra Music Festival is $136.20. The cost of a single show at a local venue hovers around $56. The SunFest Early Bird discount deal for a 5-day pass featuring more than 50 concerts is $60.

"We know people are looking for affordable ways to enjoy themselves," said Jamieson. "At $60 for 5 days of concerts, there isn't a better deal to be had in the music scene. The best deals are the ones people can get early and for multiple days. If you buy a 5-day Early Bird pass, you're paying $12 per day."

2-day pass with Early Bird Discount: $45* - only $22.50 per day, save $8.50 per day off 1-day regular festival ticket
2-day pass (regular price): $49
5-day pass Early Bird Discount: $60* -only $12 per day, save $19 off 1-day regular festival ticket
5-day pass (regular price): $65
*Early Bird discount ends April 26.

National Entertainers
311 will perform on Wednesday evening, April 29. 311 incorporates a variety of musical styles including Alternative rock, Hip Hop, Ska, Reggae and Funk. The band's hits include "Do You Right," "Down," "All Mixed Up," "Come Original," and "Amber." Many 311 songs have been played in movie soundtracks such as: Surf's Up, Remember the Daze, Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay, and Forgetting Sarah Marshall.

James Taylor will make his SunFest debut on Thursday evening, April 30. James Taylor is a Grammy Award winning songwriter and guitarist. His music incorporates a mixture of folk rock, soft rock, and country rock. Some of Taylor's hits include "Fire and Rain," "Carolina On My Mind," and successful cover versions of "You've Got a Friend," "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)," "Handy Man," and "Up on the Roof."

Classic Albums Live will perform on Saturday afternoon, May 2. Classic Albums Live is a Canadian classic rock group that performs music from Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Doors, Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones and more. Featured albums at SunFest will be Jimi Hendrix's "Are You Experienced", The Who's "Who's Next", and The Beatles' "Abbey Road."
David Cook will perform on Saturday evening, May 2.

David Cook is an Alternative rock singer and songwriter from Houston, Texas. Known for winning the seventh season of American Idol, Cook released his first post-Idol album last November. Some of Cook's hits include "Dream Big," "Declaration," "Permanent," "Come Back to Me," "The Time of My Life," and "Light On."

UB40 will perform on Saturday evening, May 2. UB40 is a British reggae band from England. UB40 has been recognized as one of the most successful reggae acts of all time in terms of record sales (over 70 million), chart positions and touring schedule. UB40 is best known for their No. 1 hits "Red Red Wine," "Can't Help Falling in Love," and "I Got You Babe."

G Love & Special Sauce will perform on Sunday afternoon, May 3. G Love & Special Sauce is an alternative hip-hop band. Known for their unique, "sloppy" and "laid back" sound, some of their hits include "Cold Beverage," "Stepping Stone," "Rodeo Clowns," and "Astronaut."

Spyro Gyra will perform on Sunday afternoon, May 3. Spyro Gyra is an American jazz band from Buffalo, New York. Their musical structure is a mixture of jazz with R&B, funk, and pop music. With over 10 million copies sold over their career, Spyro Gyra is among the most prolific bands within their music genre.

Jack's Mannequin will perform on Sunday evening, May 3. Jack's Mannequin is an alternative rock band from Orange County, California. Recently, the band released their second album entitled The Glass Passenger, which received great reviews from music magazines (Spin, Alternative Press, Rolling Stone, etc.) and a huge acceptance from fans. Some of their hits include "The Mixed Tape," "Dark Blue," "The Lights and Buzz," and "The Resolution."
More entertainment announcements will be made as they are confirmed. Reserved seats for national headline performances will go on sale to the public on March 26. The purchase of reserved seats is available now to Club SunFest members.

2009 Ticket Information
Tickets for SunFest 2009 are on sale now online at www.sunfest.com, at the SunFest store located at 525 Clematis Street in downtown West Palm Beach, and by calling 1-800-SUNFEST.

Buffalo Plane Crash: Two Jazz Musicians On Board

Two victims of Flight 3407 were members of Jazz musician Chuck Mangione's band. a local jazz expert says their deaths are a significant loss to the music world.

Two members of Chuck Mangione's band were en route to play a gig with Mangione in Buffalo when they perished in last night's crash of Continental Flight 3407. Saxaphonost Gerry Niewood and guitarist Coleman Mallett were from Rochester. Leo Rayhill, a local Jazz DJ, says, "They formed great jazz in Upstate New York. They were a nucleus."

SEE FULL ARTICLE AT:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29190728/

DAMON FOWLER'S SUGAR SHACK ON THE BILLBOARD CHART!

The Blind Pig debut from Damon Fowler, Sugar Shack, makes its first appearance on the Billboard Blues Chart this week at #12.

Audiences and critics alike are responding to the young guitar phenom's exciting, soulful blend of Southern rock and swamp blues. In an early review, Billboard called the CD a "notable project" and Fowler a "formidable slide guitar player ... his playing throughout the album is deft... and his original material is solid," while The Virginian-Pilot said "Sugar Shack effectively introduces a major talent" and praised Fowler's "formidable guitar chops and slide work, versatile tenor voice, and expert command of rustic American music styles."

Grand Opening Announcement of New Club In West Palm Beach

Feb 12, 2009 - West Palm Beach

Media director for The South Florida SCENE announces the grand opening of a new club in town. Weekly guests will include local and national rock, jazz, blues and even comedy acts.

Friday the 13th will kick off The Continental Club's opening night with 4 great bands. Saturday the 14th, The SCENE ( www.thesouthfloridascene.com) is hosting their Valentines Day Concert featuring the Led Zeppelin tribute band, ZEPPLICA!

After the 9pm show will be a "Friends of The SCENE All Star Open Jam" with some of the top musicians in South Florida.

Cover price includes a FREE RAFFLE TICKET to win The SCENE's ELECTRIC SCOOTER! Check out the club website @ www.thecontinentalclub.net for upcoming events.

Big City Rhythm & Blues Showcase a huge success at Ground Zero, Memphis, TN, Sat. Feb. 7th, 2009

**Re: Big City Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, Memphis Smoke, Royal Oak, MI, Thurs. Feb.12, 2009.

The juke joint was packed and the Blues was nonstop at Memphis’ Ground Zero—a reprieve from the rollicking rambunctious Beale St. only a block away on Saturday, Feb. 7th, 2009 for Big City Rhythm & Blues Magazine’s first Memphis Showcase. Thanks to the Big City Rhythm & Blues Orchestra featuring maestro Dave Fields with Billy Gibson, David Hughes, Andy Huenerberg, Dave Moore plus special guest Deak Harp kept the Big City Rhythm & Blues Magazine Showcase on track all evening with many other musicians and their bands plus surprised guests jumping on stage where the music never stopped including Chris James, Patrick Rynn, Julia Magness, Trampled Under Foot with Washboard Jo & Mark Montgomery, Dexter Allen, Keith Ruff & Diedra, Luther “Badman” Keith & Jeff Maylin, Toronzo Cannon & Russ Green with Shemekia Copeland, Ready Teddy & Charles Otis, Joey Gilmore and Preston Shannon plus emcee extraordinaire: Scrapiron.


Kicking off the late night jam was the Red Hot Blues Sisters. Other musicians who stopped by but there was not enough time for them to perform included Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin, Zac Harmon, Scott Holt and Robin Roberts. What an exciting incredible all star evening and standing room only when Ground Zero owner and Academy award winning actor Morgan Freeman stopped by to see his club overflowing onto the sidewalk and the busiest it has been since its opening night. Freeman was all smiles and enjoyed two sets in the VIP section. Looks like Big City Rhythm & Blues Magazine has another new home on the road—Ground Zero! Big thanks to Morgan Freeman, Bill Luckett, Howard Stovall & Roger Stolle.

From: Big City Rhythm & Blues Magazine
www.bigcitybluesmag.com; blues@bigcitybluesmag.com

JP SOARS & THE RED HOTS win Blues Foundation’s 25th International Blues Challenge

With the mission to find the best unsigned blues band, this annual competition is held worldwide on a regional level by The Blues Foundation's 150 Affiliated Organizations around the world. Semi-finalists, the winners of these regional competitions, head to Memphis for the national finals held on historic Beale Street, and the opportunity to compete for over $20,000 in cash and prizes. In 2009, over 150 bands and solo/duo acts participated, drawing an audience of many thousands to Beale Street in downtown Memphis.

JP SOARS, of Boca Raton, lead his band through the regional competition sponsored by The South Florida Blues Society back in November and two nights of semifinals on this past Thursday and Friday. They placed in the top ten competitors that vied for the title of BEST UNSIGNED BLUES ACT IN THE WORLD on Saturday afternoon. The band members are Chris Peet on drums and Gary Rimmington on bass.

JP SOARS also individually won the Albert King Award which establishes him as the best guitar player in the competition this year.

The champion set was comprised of 1) CALL MY BABY, 2) GYPSY WOMAN and 3) WHERE DID YOU SLEEP LAST NIGHT? JP played his Ephiphone "Joe Pass" Emperor for the first two songs and brought out his Diddly Bow for the last number. Chris Peet was on a house kit and Gary Rimmington was wielding his Fender Jazz Bass.

JP SOARS & THE RED HOTS play extensively in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade area and regularly around the state. They can be heard this month at Boston’s on the Beach and City Limits, both in Delray Beach, The Orange Door in Lake Park, and frequently at The Back Room Blues Bar in Boca Raton where they have held court as the house band for the past three years on Thursday nights. The Back Room Blues Bar also offers the unique opportunity, IF you have the chops, to sit in with JP & The Red Hots on their open mic blues jam on Wednesday nights.

Details of their schedule, samples of the music and video clips can be found at: MySpace.com/JPSoars.

Booking arrangements can be made by calling: (561) 667-5481.

Hurray for Hollywood! Hollywood Florida's Music Calendar for the YEAR!

2009 MUSIC Events in Hollywood, Florida


Mardi Gras Fiesta Tropicale & Fat Tuesday on Hollywood Beach - Fri.-Tues., Feb. 20-24
(5-11 p.m. Fri., 11 a.m.-midnight Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon., 11 a.m.-midnight Tues.)
"South Florida's Mardi Gras" kicks off in Downtown Hollywood at Funtastic Fridays for Kids, featuring a second-line parade, outdoor movie, magic shows, clowns and crafts at Anniversary Park, 1945 Hollywood Blvd. The celebration then moves to Hollywood Beach for authentic Louisiana cuisine and live music on two stages, second-line parades, body-art competitions and children's activities. Headline acts include Cowboy Mouth, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and the Inner City All-Stars. Free admission. Call 954-926-3377 or visit www.mardigrasfiesta.com.

Brazil on the Beach - Fri.-Sun., March 20-22 (10 a.m. to 11 p.m.)
Highlights of this celebration of Brazilian music and sports include the Second Annual Pro Footvolley Tour Hollywood Beach Open, featuring many of the demanding sport's greatest competitors, and a samba-rock concert by international pop star and Grammy-winner Daniela Mercury, whose March 21st performance will serve as the U.S. premiere of music from her latest album. Free admission. Call Manuel Pila at the Hollywood Beach CRA, 954-924-2980, or visit www.everythinghollywood.org.

Global Groove - Sat., April 18 (4 to 10 p.m.)
This annual cultural event showcases international music, dancing, art displays and cooking demonstrations at the ArtsPark at Young Circle, Hollywood Boulevard at U.S. 1 in Downtown Hollywood. Free admission. Call 954-921-3404.

Global Groove on the Beach - Sun., April 19 (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
The Global Groove festivities continue on Hollywood Beach with an early morning bike ride and breakfast at the Hollywood Marina, family-oriented "green" activities at Charnow Park (4-7 p.m.), and live music at the outdoor Hollywood Beach Theater at Johnson Street (6-10 p.m.). Free admission. Call the Hollywood Beach CRA at 954-924-2980.

Expo Alfresco - Wed., April 29 (5:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
The area's largest food-tasting and networking extravaganza showcases more than 100 businesses, with samplings from Hollywood's favorite restaurants, continuous live entertainment and activities for all ages at the ArtsPark at Young Circle, Hollywood Boulevard at U.S. 1 in Downtown Hollywood. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the gate; free for children under age 10. Call the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce at 954-923-4000.

Red, White & Bluegrass - Fri.-Sun., May 8-10 (6-10 p.m. Fri., 5-10 p.m. Sat., 5-9 p.m. Sun.)
The 7th annual festival will feature the lively strains of mandolins, banjoes and fiddles by traditional and contemporary bluegrass artists on two stages along the auto-free Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. Free admission. Call the Hollywood Beach CRA at 954-924-2980 or visit www.southfloridabluegrass.com.

Hollywood's Fourth of July Celebration - Sat., July 4 (5 to 10 p.m.)
A variety of family entertainment on the beach and along the auto-free Broadwalk will include live patriotic and popular music, marching bands and strolling musicians, children's entertainment, Uncle Sam and an offshore fireworks display at 9 p.m. Free admission. Call 954-921-3404.

Hollywood Beach Latin Festival - Sun., September 20 (noon to 8 p.m.)
Celebrating its 16th anniversary, this popular event showcases Latin culture with both traditional and folkloric music by internationally renowned performers and top local musicians on two stages, dancing, food vendors, arts and crafts, and children's activities along the auto-free Broadwalk. Free admission. Call 954-961-6386 or visit www.hollywoodlatinfestival.com.

Hollywood Beach Clambake - Fri.-Sun., September 25-27
(5-11 p.m. Fri., noon-11 p.m. Sat., noon-9 p.m. Sun.)
That tasty, time-honored New England tradition takes on a tropical twist along the auto-free oceanfront Broadwalk at this 8th annual festival, featuring a bounty of fresh seafood and two stages of live music by national acts and popular local performers. Free admission. Call 954-926-3377 or visit www.hollywoodbeachclambake.com.

ArtsPark at Young Circle
Programs include Blue Moon Thursday concerts (7 p.m. Thursdays); Plaza Performances (7 p.m. Fridays); Imagination Hour, featuring storytelling and interactive children's activities presented by the Arts Academy of Hollywood (3 p.m. Saturdays); Palm Court Jazz concerts (4 p.m. Sundays); and resident artist demonstrations and exhibits in the Visual Arts Pavilion. Call 954-921-3500 or visit www.artsparkatyoungcircle.org.

Broadwalk Friday Fest - every 2nd & 4th Friday (7 to 10 p.m.)
Experience this free oceanside cultural arts performance series at the outdoor Hollywood Beach Theater, then savor waterfront dining at its best along the auto-free Broadwalk or scenic Intracoastal Waterway. Call the Hollywood Beach CRA at 954-924-2980 or visit www.everythinghollywood.org.



For more information on all Hollywood has to offer, call the Hollywood Office of Tourism (HOT) at 1-877-672-2468 or take a virtual tour at www.VisitHollywoodFL.org.


Hollywood, Florida: All-America City and
Revitalized Beach Destination for Sun-sational Experiences


CONTACT: Judy Erickson
Hollywood, Florida Office of Tourism
954.921.3478
jerickson@hollywoodfl.org

Jazz Impressions with Stu Grant to premiere Saturday, February 28th at 6p.m. on WXEL

Jazz Impressions with Stu Grant to premiere Saturday, February 28th at 6p.m. on WXEL 90.7FM and streamed live on the Web at http://www.wxel.org/

Jazz remains America's true musical art form. Being true to form, WXEL- 90.7FM, Palm Beach is pleased to add to its sophisticated and diverse program schedule Jazz Impressions with veteran jazz radio personality Stu Grant. The show premieres Saturday, February 28 at 6p.m. on WXEL 90.7FM and will also be streamed live on the internet at http://www.wxel.org/. Stu's love, passion and knowledge of jazz can't be denied as his name has remained synonymous with South Florida’s thriving jazz scene for more than 35-plus years; be it on-air or hosting live jazz events . In recent years, Stu was the host of Sunday Jazz Brunch, a show that aired on radio station Love 94 until their music format change in recent months.

“There's a musical void of sophisticated and hip jazz programming on the radio locally. I look forward to bringing it back to all those that love the jazz genre along with the many colors and textures it has to offer. We'll rarely stray from the Great American Songbook but when we do, then it’s the beautiful melodies that will keep your musical taste buds satisfied.” said Stu. “I was weaned on jazz, after having discovered the music of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Carmen McCrae, and Lady Day Billie Holiday in my early teens. Those memories remain near and dear to my heart. Now I throw in some Diana Krall, Michael Buble, Jane Monheit, and Harry Connick Jr with a fabulous array of jazz instrumentalists, and an occasional Bossa Nova along with some infectious Afro-Cuban grooves and you've got Jazz Impressions.”

Adds Stu, “During the 60s my father, Alan Grant, was a jazz aficionado, on-air personality, a record producer and a jazz promoter. He was very much a part of the New York City jazz scene and on weekends I would tag along with him and enjoy the music. It left an indelible mark on me. I'm very proud to follow in his footsteps and help keep jazz alive here on South Florida radio. I'm also very pleased to join the winning team at WXEL-90.7FM.”

Join Stu Grant for the premiere of Jazz Impressions on WXEL 90.7FM on Saturday, February 28th from 6p.m. until 9p.m. and please spread the word that jazz is alive and well in South Florida.

Jazz Impressions airs every Saturday from 6p.m. to 9p.m. beginning February 28, 2009 on WXEL 90.7FM.Listen online at http://www.wxel.org/.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMEDIA NEWS
Monday, February 9, 2009
For Immediate Release:
Contact Lee A. Rowand Director of Television Programming & Creative Services
561.364.4403

THE CREAM OF SPANISH JAZZ ARRIVES IN MIAMI

Isaac Turienzo Trio presents "Jazz de Raíz", a unique delight for jazz lovers

What: + Beyond CCE presents Isaac Turienzo Trío (Isaac Turienzo, piano; Miguel Angel Chastang double bass and Tino Di Geraldo, drums)
When: Thursday, February 26 @ 8 pm
Where: Teatro Artime 900 SW 1st Street Miami, Florida 33130
Price: Free for CCE members.
General admission $20. Seniors and students $15 On sale at http://www.fundarte.us/ <http://www.fundarte.us/> or by calling 1-800-595-4849 Info: Tel: 305-448-9677 – Fax: 305-448-9676

On Thursday February 26, the Cultural Center of Spain brings a unique opportunity to enjoy the best of Spanish jazz with the concert of Isaac Turienzo trío, a true treat for jazz lovers, part of the Beyond CCE program.

Turienzo has been highlighted by the Spanish SGAE as one of the most important Spanish jazz musicians of the Nineties and has been present in practically all of the best jazz festivals, theaters and jazz houses in the World, including the Athens International Jazz Festival, The International Jazz Festival of San Sebastian, The Pushkin Museum Auditorium in Moscow, the European Community Auditorium Palace, Centro Cultural de la Villa de Madrid, the International Jazz Festival of Getxo, Teatro Campoamor in Oviedo and Jovellanos in Gijón, to name a few. During his remarkable career as a jazz musician, he has shared the stage with big names such as Andrezj Oleznizjack, Rebecca Parrish, Jorge Pardo, Miguel Ángel Chastang, Carlos Barreto, Carlos Carli, Chris Kase, Laurent Filipe, Tino di Geraldo, Guillermo Mc Guill, Ove Larsson, Bob Sands and Matthew Simon.

The Miami concert will feature his trio (Isaac at the piano, Miguel Angel Chastang, base and Tino di Geraldo on drums) with the "Jazz the Raíz" (Rooted Jazz) project, a tribute to the deepest music, the one we always carry deep down inside of our hearts, the music of a mother that brings a new perspective of our popular music with true sensibility. All three artists propose a journey through time with and endless horizon, where the ballad and the lullaby turn into a "Havanera". Using universal languages such as jazz or the most updated flamenco, traditional songs are supplemented with originally and elaborated rhythms. Popular songs from Asturias or simply Iberian classics converted into ballads, waltzes and fados turn into a tribute to peace and understanding in the World and a meeting point for good music fans.

Activities at the Cultural Center of Spain are sponsored by the Spanish Agency of International Cooperation to the Development (AECID), Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.

Schedule is subject to changes. All activities have limited seating. For more info visit our webpage www.ccemiami.org

Blossom Dearie Dies at Home

Blossom Dearie, Vocalist Whose Wispy Voice Caressed Show Music and Standards, Has Died
By Kenneth Jones08 Feb 2009

Blossom Dearie, the American singer whose little-girl voice and jazzy piano arrangements offered a unique approach to show tunes and the Great American Songbook, died Feb. 7 at her home in Greenwich Village, according to colleagues.

Cabarethotlineonline.blogspot.com cited Donald Schaffer, her representative, who said that Ms. Dearie, the singer-songwriter-pianist, died after a long illness. She was 82.

SEE FULL ARTICLE AT:
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/126076.html

ADDITIONAL BIOGRAPHICAL INFO AT:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blossom_Dearie

JP SOARS & THE RED HOTS win Blues Foundation’s 25th International Blues Challenge

With the mission to find the best unsigned blues band, this annual competition is held worldwide on a regional level by The Blues Foundation's 150 Affiliated Organizations around the world. Semi-finalists, the winners of these regional competitions, head to Memphis for the national finals held on historic Beale Street, and the opportunity to compete for over $20,000 in cash and prizes. In 2009, over bands and solo/duo acts participated, drawing an audience of many thousands to Beale Street in downtown Memphis.

JP SOARS, of Boca Raton, lead his band through the regional competition sponsored by The South Florida Blues Society back in November and two nights of semifinals on this past Thursday and Friday. They placed in the top ten competitors that vied for the title of BEST UNSIGNED BLUES ACT IN THE WORLD on Saturday afternoon. The band members are Chris Peet on drums and Gary Rimmington on bass.

JP SOARS also individually won the Albert King Award which establishes him as the best guitar player in the competition this year.

The champion set was comprised of 1) CALL MY BABY, 2) GYPSY WOMAN and 3) WHERE DID YOU SLEEP LAST NIGHT? JP played his Ephiphone "Joe Pass" Emperor for the first two songs and brought out his Diddly Bow for the last number. Chris Peet was on a house kit and Gary Rimmington was wielding his Fender Jazz Bass.

JP SOARS & THE RED HOTS play extensively in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade area and regularly around the state. They can be heard this month at Boston’s on the Beach and City Limits, both in Delray Beach, The Orange Door in Lake Park, and frequently at The Back Room Blues Bar in Boca Raton.

Details of their schedule, samples of the music and video clips can be found at: MySpace.com/JPSoars.

Booking arrangements can be made by calling: (561) 667-5481.

PHOTO CREDIT: JAMES NOBLE, THE ORANGE DOOR

IBC Final Report from Leo & Jim of Bluzpik Rekerdz

25th IBC Results
Band
1st place - South Florida Blues Society--JP Soars & the Red Hots

2nd PlaceCascade Blues Association--Ty Curtis

Band3rd PlaceOttawa Blues Society--MonkeyJunk

Best Guitarist Award -- JP Soars

Solo/Duo

1st placeBlues Society of Tulsa--Little Joe McLerrran
2nd PlaceCrossroads Blues Society of Mississippi--Alphonso & Richard

Sunday Memphis Schedule:

Gus's Chicken-2:00

Darrell Raines & George Caldwell-Hueys Midtown-4:00-7:00

The Nouveaux Honkies-Hueys Downtown-8:30-Midnight

Welcome the bands home at The Ashley in Stuart!

Darrell-2/12

Honkies-2/19

JP SOARS & THE RED HOTS WIN 25th INTERNATIONAL BLUES CHALLANGE!

IBC Band results
1st place
South Florida Blues Society--JP Soars & The Red Hots

The number ONE unsigned blues band in the WORLD!

2nd Place
Ottawa Blues Society--MonkeyJunk

3rd Place
Cascade Blues Association--Ty Curtis Band....

Albert King Guitar Award
JP Soars!!!

From our on-the-scene reporters, Jim & Leo:

Reporting live from the Orpheum Theater on Beale Street NEWS FLASH J.P. SOARS AND THE RED HOTS FROM THE SOUTH FLORIDA BLUES SOCIETY WIN IT ALL!!! 1ST PLACE IN THE BAND CATEGORY AND THE ALBERT KING AWARD FOR THE BEST GUITARIST!!! CONGRATULATIONS TO J.P. SOARS, CHRIS PEET AND GARY RIMMINGTON Tonight still to come:Solo/Duo FinalsThe Nouveaux Honkies at Alfreds on Beale more later. Bluzpik

http://www.blues.org/index.php4

http://www.myspace.com/JPSoars

JP SOARS & THE RED HOTS "PRE-WIN" CALENDAR:

Feb 11 2009 9:00P - the back room blues bar boca raton, Florida
Feb 12 2009 9:00P - the backroom blues bar boca raton, Florida
Feb 13 2009 9:00P - boston’s on the beach delray beach, Florida
Feb 14 2009 9:30P - the backroom blues bar boca raton, Florida
Feb 15 2009 1:00P - the downtowner fort lauderdale, Florida
Feb 18 2009 9:00P - the backroom blues bar boca raton, Florida
Feb 19 2009 9:30P - the backroom blues bar boca raton, Florida
Feb 20 2009 11:00P - The poor house fort lauderdale, Florida
Feb 21 2009 10:30P - elwoods delray beach, Florida
Feb 23 2009 7:30P - Bizaare Ave Cafe lake worth, Florida
Feb 24 2009 8:30P - boston’s on the beach delray beach, Florida
Feb 25 2009 9:00P - the back room blues bar boca raton, Florida
Feb 26 2009 9:00P - the back room blues bar boca raton, Florida
Feb 27 2009 9:00P - the bradfordville blues club Tallahassee, Florida
Mar 6 2009 9:00P - bougainvillea’s old florida tavern miami, Florida
Mar 13 2009 11:00P - The Poor house fort lauderdale, Florida
Mar 14 2009 9:30P - the orange door lake park, Florida
Mar 20 2009 9:30P - City Limits delray beach, Florida
Mar 27 2009 9:30P - the back room blues bar boca raton, Florida
Mar 28 2009 7:00P - City Place West palm beach, Florida
Apr 3 2009 6:00P - Sea Walk Plaza main stage @ 6:00 West stage @ 7:30 Jacksonville beach, Florida Apr 24 2009 8:00P - The hollywood band shell . hollywood, Florida

IBC FINALISTS

We have placed the IBC Finalists that have MySpace sites in our MySpace TOP FRIENDS section so you can sample their music and see who is who!

Leo from Bluzpik's IBC UPDATE - FINALISTS ANNOUNCED!

Sorry for the delay.
After we finished packing up the Honkies gig around 3 a.m., the 18 hour day got the best of us.

Congratulations to J.P. Soars and The Red Hots from Ft Lauderdale representing the South Florida Blues Society!


Here are the finalists from the 25th International Blues Challenge. (reprinted from blues.org) The Band division finals begin at 2:00pm at The Orpheum Theater. Doors open at 1:00pm.
Sacramento Blues Society--The Aces

Polish Blues Association--Boogie Boys

Ottawa Blues Society--MonkeyJunk

Cascade Blues Association--Ty Curtis Band

South Florida Blues Society--JP Soars & the Red Hots

Boston Blues Society--Delta Generators

Diamond State Blues Society--The Roger Girke Band

Santa Barbara Blues Society--Pryor Baird & the Deacons

Capital Area Blues Society--6 Hands Down

Phoenix Blues Society--The Mikel Lander & Meridith Moore Band



The Solo/Duo Finals begin at 8:30 pm (doors one hour earlier) at the Orpheum. The final six are:

Blues Society of Tulsa--Little Joe McLerrran

Crossroads Blues Society of Mississippi--Alphonso & Richard

Triangle Blues Society--Jon Shain & FJ Venre

Blues Society of Western Pennsylvania--Bubs McKeg

Blues, Jazz and Folk Music Society--Austin "Walkin' Cane"

Mississippi Delta Blues Society of Indianola--L.C. Ulmer & Chase Holifield


Darrell & George, Stoney, Josh Miller, & The Torps all turned in great sets Friday night but at the IBC, sometimes great is not enough. When your act doesn't make the finals it's a little depressing at first but also a reminder that the quality of all these bands and solo/duo performers at this level is tremendous. All of these acts that made it to Memphis are already winners before they get here as they have all either won a regional competition already or were deemed worthy enough by their local blues affiliate to represent them. One band from L.A. had to beat TWENTY other acts to make it this far!
And some of the main reasons for making this trip are to establish contacts, visit with old friends, make new ones and have fun listening to some of the greatest blues bands in the world! (not to mention the FOOD in Memphis...more on that later).

Best wishes to J.P. Soars and the Red Hots (Gary Rimmington & Chris Peet) in the finals. We will all be cheering them on as the only Florida representative still standing!
Also good luck goes out to Alphonso & Richard from Mississippi who won the bar that Darrell & George were in to make the duo/solo finals. They are two very talented musicians that were humble with their victory and extremely complimentary in their praise of Darrell & George's skills (and a little surprised that they beat them!). There was a lot of talent in that room, including Roger Wilson, a true pro and old school folk legend from the west coast of Florida.

Other Friday highlights included:
*walking outside in short sleeves! it was a beautiful sunny afternoon in the 60's!

*A pleasant surprise as Darrell Raines was named "Blues Artist on the Rise" by the Blues Festival E-Guide for this week (a huge honor!). The BF E-Guide is a great international Blues and Festival source that is sent out to 17,000 Blues fans weekly. Congrats to Darrell and the band!
http://www.bluesfestivalguide.com/

*The Nouveaux Honkies arrived in town after a Thursday night performance in Tuscaloosa, AL. They immediately got busy with a 2 hour recording session at world famous Sun Studios! The spirit of Elvis was in the air as TNH made Honkie History. A growing legion of fans can look forward to a few fresh new Honkie tunes coming soon to a bandstand near you (and digital outlets).

*TNH took the stage from 9:30-1:30 at the Flying Saucer Draught Emporium. The house was packed as very special guests Rich DelGrosso, Fiona Boyes (all the way from Australia!) and Josh Miller joined the band to jam throughout the night. Many Blues industry VIP's were in the audience taking notice.

Coming up today is the band finals, the solo/duo finals and The Honkies at Alfreds on Beale @ 9:30. And the return to the place where Bluzpik first met The Honkies, Rebecca's fantasy dream sequence for the last year and a George vs Tim battle for chicken eating supremacy at the best chicken place in the world recently feature on the Food Network:
GUS'S FRIED CHICKEN!

as Tim would say:
Peace & chicken grease!
more tomorrow from Memphis including the announcement of the champions!

Leo & Jim
Bluzpik Rekerdz

IBC Finalist (and February Hot House Florida Featured Artist) Chris Peet Checks In...

From: Cjpeet@aol.com [mailto:Cjpeet@aol.com]
Sent: Saturday, February 07, 2009 10:39 AM
To: Charlie@hothouseflorida.com
Subject: Re: IBC NEWS - JP SOARS & THE RED HOTS MAKE FINALS


Hey Charlie,

Thanks for keeping everybody on your mailing list informed. We have indeed made it to the finals and are extremely excited. We can't thank everybody enough for the support they have given us. Our phones have not stopped ringing with well wishes and tireless support. It really means a lot to us. We are going to get ready to check out the venue and get our schedule for today. I will let you know as soon as I can what happens. We're going to give em Hell..............talk to you soon.


Chris Peet

IBC mini update - JP SOARS & THE RED HOTS MAKE FINALS!

Leo from Bluzpik just reported in that JP SOARS & THE RED HOTS have made the final rounds of the Blues Foundation's International Blues Challenge. Details to follow as more news is received.

Michael Pickett Announces Florida Schedule of National Tour

Multiple award-winning EMI recording artist and 2x JUNO nominee.
One of Canada's primo solo acoustic roots, blues, americana singer/songwriters.
International touring artist.
MICHAEL PICKETT

UNPLUGGED / NO BORDERS TOUR

www.michaelpickett.com
www.myspace.com/michaelpickettsolo
www.youtube.com/michaelpickettsolo
www.sonicbids.com/michaelpickett

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FEBRUARY
11 Baine’s Books & Coffee / Appomattox, VA
13, 14 Lowcountry Blues Bash / Charleston, SC
15 House concert / Columbia, SC
19 Olivia’s Coffee House / Eustis, FL
21 House Concert / Melbourne, FL
22 Backyard Concert Series / Cocoa Beach, FL
27 Luna Star Café / N.Miami, FL

MARCH
1 Alligator Alley / Oakland Park, FL
7 Buckingham Blues Bar / Ft. Meyers, FL
8 Bert’s Bar & Grill / Matlacha, FL
9 Ice Blue Concert Series / Islamorada, FL
14 Café Unique / Cocoa Village, FL
15 The Frog and The Hummingbird Co. and Butterfield Roadhouse / Sopchoppy, FL
20 House Concert / Chattanooga, TN
21 Charles & Myrtle’s Coffeehouse / Chattanooga, TN
22 House Concert / Boone, NC
25 Lowes Speedway Clubhouse / Concord, NC / TBC


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A seasoned professional musician for 40 years, Michael is also a veteran of participating in and/or leading harmonica/acoustic guitar/ songwriting workshops and has been giving instruction (harmonica/acoustic guitar) for more than 25 years.

Visit his websites to view videos, listen to songs, read his bio and reviews... and much more!
-------------------------
"Compelling, brilliant, and unique! An eclectic and captivating 'Roots' storyteller /songwriter a la Delta Blues, Country, Americana, delivered with muscular guitar riffs, virtuoso award winning harmonica, and a voice dripping with sly insights. Forget the awards. Forget the standing ovations. Michael Pickett is a must see!!!" B.Pulford
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"One of the finest harmonica players of all time." Lee Oskar
"I had a vision that he was gonna be one of the best. In my book he is." Hubert Sumlin
"An amazing artist who breathes new life into the Blues with energy and charisma." Downeast (USA)
"His [songs] transcend the urban Blues idiom." Billboard
"He's got it folks! A real student of the Blues." Sing Out! (USA)
"One of Canada's top acoustic Blues artists." Blues Revue (USA)
"Gives good chase to John Hammond on guitar and leaves him behind on harp!" Blues Matters! (UK)
"Occupying center stage is Pickett whose talents on harmonica and resophonic guitar shine throughout." Performing Songwriter (USA)
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Has played with and/or shared the stage with James Cotton . Jeff Healey . Bo Diddley . Koko Taylor . Downchild Blues Band . John Hammond . Matt "Guitar" Murphy . Doug Kershaw . Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith . Snooky Pryor . Sunnyland Slim . Lazy Lester . Tom Rush . Josh White Jr . Rory Block . Matt Minglewood . T.Graham Brown . Kentucky Headhunters . Hubert Sumlin . Taj Mahal . Muddy Waters . Son Seals . Big Bill Morganfield . Robert Cray . Buddy Guy . Jon Cleary . Tea Party . Anthony Gomes . Lee Oskar. Gary Nicholson . The Players . Fortunate Sons . Colin Linden . Brian Stoltz . George Porter Jr . Watermelon Slim, and more.

13th Annual Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival Concert

The

13th Annual Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival Concert
will be at the North Miami Beach "Julius Littman" Theater

17011 NE 19th Street on Saturday February 7, 2009.

The tickets are $25.00 General Admission. Tickets for senior citizens and students with I.D. are $15.00. Tickets can be purchased at the Book Store of Florida Memorial University, 15800 NW 42nd Ave. You can also purchase the tickets on the day of the concert at the performance venue, North Miami Beach "Julius Littman" Performing Arts Theater. The Workshop and Master classes are at Florida Memorial University on Friday Feb. 6, 2009. For Info. 305-623-8219 or 305-626-3150.

LENORE RAPHAEL'S "CLASS ACT" ALREADY on top #20 on www.radioio.com

LENORE RAPHAEL - "CLASS ACT" - Recorded live at Steinway Hall, September 12, 2008 ALREADY on top #20 on http://www.radioio.com/
w/Hilliard Greene, bass and Rudy Lawless, drums

If you were at the Steinway session you know the trio. If you were not there you can hear it now.

You can preview a little at http://www.lenoreraphael.com/ click on "Purchase Music" to listen to some.
RECENT REVIEWS

"In her newest release, 'Class Act' Lenore Raphael brings energy, spirit, and grace with her interpretation of six well-regarded standards and two original songs. The name of the album encapsulates the essence of Lenore's persona and performance, However, my greatest pleasure came through hearing Raphael's compositional touch with the whimsical 'One for the Byrd' and the introspectively conceived 'For Chet'. Fabulous as expected. Two thumbs up, Lenore!"… Intelligent listening, Elegance, and delight"...Dr. Mike Matheney, jazz host, http://www.radioio.com/

"Swing, you want swing?, Lenore Raphael's new CD "Class Act" - live at Steinway Hall with bassist Hilliard Greene providing thefoundation, and drummer Rudy Lawless tap-dancing on the skinsdemonstrate things ARE what they use to be, what they still are, andthen some". ..Peter Poses, jazz host KRFC Ft. Collins, CO.

Please contact Swingin' Fox Music, Inc for further information e mail swinginfox@swinginfox.com Tel. 1-866-796-4369

To HEAR SOME OF IT GO TO Artist Website http://www.lenoreraphael.com/ All CDs available on Artist website http://www.lenoreraphael.com/ (with your credit card through PayPal) or by check

CDs also at Swingin Fox website, http://www.swinginfox.com/, http://www.cdbaby.com/, http://www.amazon.com/ and Barnes and Noble, 66th & Broadway, NYC.

IBC Update - Late Thursday (Early Friday)

Hi folks!

This will be a short one as it's late and we have a big three days in front of us.

Stoney and the House Rockers kicked off Thursday evening with a nice set at the Hard Rock Cafe. It was a rough start with some sound problems (not the band's fault), but Stoney brought it around and ended nicely with originals from their latest CD and his signature version of J. Geils "Whammer Jammer".

Darrell Raines & George Caldwell turned in a stellar set and had the crowd cheering with the loudest applause of the night at the Kings Palace. They are definately one of the top three acts at that venue.

We finished off our evening at Double Deuce with a great set from J.P. Soars and the Red Hots. J.P. had the crowd fired up with his first couple songs then turned it up another notch by breaking out his custom "cigar-box" guitar. Chris Peet and Gary Rimmington, one of the best and busiest rhythm sections in Florida performed tremendously.

My apologies to the Smokin' Torps and Josh Miller for not making their sets. If we have schedule conflicts again tomorrow I'll try to get some info on their efforts/status.

Friday evening will bring round 2 of the semi-finals and the announcement of who will continue on to the finals on Saturday! And tomorrow night will also be the start of The Nouveaux Honkies three night run on Beale.

Goodnight from Beale Street, it's starting to warm up about ten degrees a day which is just fine with us.

Leo & Jim
Bluzpik Rekerdz
bluzpik.com

(HOT HOUSE FLORIDA WILL BE PROVIDING REPOSTINGS OF THESE UPDATES AS WE RECEIVE THEM FROM MEMPHIS. THEY WILL ALSO BE POSTED ON http://www.myspace.com/hothouseflorida/. IF YOU WANT THE UPDATES EMAIL OR TEXTED TO YOU, LET US KNOW. Charlie)