WMJS PRESENTS “JAZZ IN THE PARK” 2015 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

6:30 -8:30 at Ah-Nab-Awen Park, 299 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids MI 49504

This beautiful space between the Gerald R. Ford Presidential museum and the Grand River was once the site of a Native American village. The 6.5-acre park began as a bicentennial project which involved extensive public design input.

The name, “Ah-Nab-Awen,” was proposed by the Elders of the Three Fires Council and it means, “Resting Place.” The Park exhibits numerous pieces of art and interpretive markers. Ah-Nab-Awen Park hosts many large community-wide festivals including the July 4th fireworks, Celebration on the Grand, Friday night movies and Now - JAZZ IN THE PARK!

Proud sponsor of WMJS’s

“Jazz in the Park”

June 8th - West Ottawa High School Jazz Band 1 (page 4)June 15th - Planet D Nonet (page 5)

June 22nd - Steve Hilger’s Jazz Band (page 5)June 29th - Mike Lutley’s West Coast Trio (page 7)

July 6th - Truth in Jazz Orchestra (page 8) July 13th - Paul Vornhagen’s Tumbao Bravo (page 8)

July 20th - Mary Rademacher & “Old” Friends (page 9)

July 27th - Steve Sandner & Laurie Sears (page 10)August 3rd - Jimmy Leach & his “A” team (page 11)

August 10th -Michael Doyle’s Big Band Nouveau (page 12)

Spring-Summer Jazz Notes: This is the ONLY issue you will receive until August, and

contains information on the complete Summer Series, so please keep this copy for reference!

Spring-Summer Jazz Notes: This is the ONLY issue you will receive until August, and

contains information on the complete Summer Series, so please keep this copy for reference! An All -Volunteer

Organization Since 1986

Vo l . 3 0 N o . 4616-490-9506

www.wmichjazz.orgwmjs.gr@gmail.com

facebook.com/WestMIJazzSociety

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

IN THIS ISSUE2 Parking for Jazz in the Park 3 New Jazz Series 14 Jazzy News13 Recap - MNJ April15-17 May/June Jazz Schedules17 Educational Happenings18 Summer Jazz Festivals & Concerts

GRREAL ESTATE TEAM

THE

Julie

WMJS would liketo thank ourgracious sponsors for this event!

2 Jazz Notes

Jazz in the Park FREE PARKING FOR WMJS MEMBERS!

WMJS is pleased and excited to offer free parking for WMJS members in the museum lot on the north side of the Ford museum with access from Bridge Street. (Members must show a VALID And CURRENT WMJS membership card). No exceptions will be made.

Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions we have received: Please read & complyWMJS is pleased and excited that it will be able to offer free parking for WMJS members in the museum lot on the north side of the Ford museum with access from Bridge Street.(Members must show a VALID And CURRENT WMJS membership card). No exceptions will be made.

• BUSParkingwillbelocatedonScribner.

• SeconditshouldbeknownthattheFordMuseumwillbeunderconstructionduringtheSummerJazzinthe ParkZooserieswhichwilllimittheparkingspacesatthelotonthePearlStside.

• *Theparkinglotconsideredthe“frontlot”oftheFordmuseumwillbeavailableatnochargeforourMonday nighteventsexceptforJuly13thwhenthemuseumhasaspecialeventthatevening.

• *Duetoconstructiontherewillbefewerspaces.ThecircledriveisNOTtobeused,meaning,carswillnotbe allowedtodropoffpeoples/coolers,etc.(Mainlybecauseoftheconstructionthatwillbeoccurringatthat time).

• Additionally,parkingwillonly beallowedinproperlylined spaces.Anyoneparkingillegally (oncurbs,grass,etc)willbe subject to being towed at their own expense.

• ThereisNOALCOHOLallowed ontheFORDLOTandProperty. AHNABAWENParkisacity parkandthatruledoesn’tapply however,ifthereareanyissuesin theparkinglots,wewilllose accesstoallFORDparkingand those lots will be policed at their expense.(Theyhadissueswith the Swing Dancers where the police had to be called inandtheycutoffthatgroup altogether.)

• Theservicelotwithaccesson ScribneriscompletelyOFF LIMITSforanyonebutmuseum staff.

• ThelotontheNorthside(Bridge Street)willbeavailableandfree to current WMJS MEMBERS ONLY.

• Allspotsoneachlotare handicap accessible.

Spring/Summer 2015 3

New Jazz SeriesTheWestMichiganJazzSocietyinconjunctionwithPioneerConstructionPresentsanExciting New Jazz Series WMJSandPioneerConstructionarepleasedandproudtoannounceanewJazzseriestoWestMichiganthisfall.TheJazzSocietywillcontinuetoprovidethejazzandjazzeventsyouallhavecometoknowandlove.ThiswillbereferredtoastheGold Series,whichwillfeaturethetypesandkindsofmusictraditionallyplayedbyandfortheWMJSpatronsandprograms.Butnowwewilladdthreemoreexcitingopportunitiesforjazzlistening.

First,theBlue Series,whichwillconsistprimarilyofinstrumentalandmodernvocaljazz,bothjazzstandardsandcontemporaryversionsofjazzstandards,aswellasoriginalmusicconsistentwiththatgenre.Thiscouldbeatrio,quartet,quintet.Thisgenrewillgivemusiciansandaudiencesachancetoexplorepost50scontemporaryjazzbroughtforwardtocontemporaryinterpretations.TherewillbefourBlueSeriesprograms. Second the Green Series,thiswillinvolvecontemporaryinstrumentaljazzsometimesreferredtoas“SmoothJazz”.Thisserieswillbringinadifferentcrowdofmusicianstoplayupbeatandupscalecontemporaryrhythmsandmelodiesinawaythatcombinescontemporaryjazzwithjazzfusion.TherewillbefourGreenSeriesprograms. Andthird,theRed Series,designedforexperimentaljazz.TheRedSeriesisintendedtoprovidemusiciansandaudiencesavenueforexpressionofnew,original,anduntestedjazzconceptssimilartowhatMilesDavisandJohnColtranedidintheearly60s.TherewillbetwoRedSeriesprograms. AllofthesenewserieswillperformattheNewVintagePlaceat889BroadwayAve.inGrandRapidsMichigan.TheNewVintagePlace,agreatadditiontotheGrandRapidscommunity,isanexcitingvenuedesignedandbuiltbyPioneerConstruction.ItislocatedinthehistoricAmericanSeatingParkandhastheroomtomakethejazzexperiencemoreenjoyable,andlightedparking.

Staytunedfordetailsofdates,performancesandline-upsscheduledtostartonTuesdaynightsthisFall. -SteveHilger

WE NEED A FEW GOOD PEOPLE!Volunteer! Have fun with us!

•The“NEWVINTAGEJAZZSERIES”needspeopletohostselltickets,showpeopletotheirseatsContactSteveHilger,(sahilger@hilgerhammond.com)

•MARKETING&FUNDRAISING-ContactShannanDenison(shannan_denison@yahoo.com)

•SolicitpaidadsforourmonthlynewsletterandforhandoutsattheJazzintheParkconcertseriestohelppaycostsforpublishing and printing

•ObtainsponsorsforspecialeventstohelpfundeventsliketheMusicianoftheYearpartyandtheHolidayparty

•Obtainsponsorsforoursummer&fallconcertseries

HISTORIAN-ContactDonnaKahny(grjazzer@gmail.com)•Organizeafilingsystem(fireproof)forthepapercopiesofJazzNotes&ourhistory

•Createanarchiveourrecords/newsletters/pictures,webbased,thatwouldbeaccessibleforboardmembers

JAZZNOTES-ContactDonnaKahny(grjazzer@gmail.com)•Editor-togather,organizeandeditcontents,sendtoourgraphicdesignertoreadyitforprinting.Someexperienceinproducingandeditinganewsletterhelpful,butanydetailorientedpersonwithsomewritingskillcouldfilltheposition!

•Photographer-take(andedit)photosatourconcertsandeventsforsubmissionintothenewsletter,ourfacebookpageand on our website

•Writer-articleslikere-capsofourevents;musician‘sbiography’s;articlesaboutupcomingeventsandconcerts,recapsoforothernewsonthejazzfront

•MEMBERSHIP-ContactBarbKeller(bakeller2@comcast.net)•Tosolicitfornewmembers•Find‘perks’forourmemberstoincreasethevalueofbeingaWMJSmember(i.e.discountsatvariousrestaurants,reducedentrancefeestolocalactivities)

•JAZZINTHEPARKwillneedpeopletohelppickupanylitterleftafterconcertsandotherareasthatmaycomeup

4 Jazz Notes

WestOttawaHighSchool’sjazzprogramhasbeengarneringsignificantrecognitionoverthepastfewyears.WOHSJazzstudentshavereceivednumeroushonorsatCMU’sJazzWeekend,includingOutstandingBandinClassAAforthepasttwoyearsinarow.TheyhavealsobeenhonoredattheMichiganStateUniversity’sEssentiallyEllingtonSpartanJazzSpectacular and the Michigan School Band andOrchestraAssociationStateJazzFestival.TheyhaveperformedGuestArtistConcertswithworld-renownedjazzartists:WycliffeGordon,JonFaddis,WessAnderson,JeffHamilton,SeanJones,AntonioHart,ReggieThomas,RobinEubanksandPaulKelleraswellasMichiganStateUniversity’sJazzOrchestra1.In2014Jazz1wasthefeaturedhighschooljazzbandat the prestigious Michigan Music Conference. Jazz1willbeparticipatinginaclinicofferedbyJazzatLincolnCenterinMaywhenthehighschoolbandstudentstraveltoNewYorkCity.Jazz 1’sdedicatedstudentsmeetdailyasaclassat6:45am.

Come,givealistenandwelcomethesededicatedyoungmusicians!

June 8 will kick off the Summer Concert series

with West Ottawa High School’s Jazz I

Peaches will be generously providing some rooms and breakfasts for our out of town performers

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES SPONSOR!

photo credit Mike Hamann

Spring/Summer 2015 5

PlanetDisthebrainchildoftwoveteranDetroitmusicians,RJSpangler&JamesO’Donnell,andtheydistilledeverythingthey’velearnedfromdecadesofmusicmakingtocreatePD9.

Fordrummer/percussionistSpangler,amusicactivistwhohaschampionedmanyforgottenDetroitbluesandjazzgreats,PlanetDisanotherstepdownthesameroad,pushingintothespotlightmusicthatdeserveswiderrecognition.

Spangler’sawell-roundedmusicianwhofirstlearnedhiscraftscufflingaroundDetroitandneighboringcities,playingbarsformodestincomeandmakingmusicalriches.HespentdecadesworkingwithguitaristJohnnieBassett,saxophonist“SweetLou”Barnett,pianistJoeWeaverandBluesQueenAlbertaAdams.Healsoco-foundedDetroit’sSunMessengers,whoforatimefeaturedswingclassics.RJisnowafamiliarfigureatmusicoutletsaroundthecountryandabroad.

O’DonnellisoneofDetroit’spremierswingtrumpetmen,havingspentyearslearningthefinerpointsofgrowlingfromex-LuncefordtrumpeterRussellGreen.GreenwasaversatileandgiftedmusicianknowntoDetroitersfromhisyearswithMauriceKing’sfabledFlameShowBarband.JameshasalwaysbeenblessedwithareadywitandSatchmo-likesingingstyle,andhissolosbothopenandplunger-mutedgenerateplentyofswing.He’saperfectfitfor this music.

Theseguysaregreatentertainersaswellasgreatmusicians;ajoytolistentoandfuntowatchaswell.Don’tmissthisone!

June 15th - Planet D Nonet

photo credit Chuck Andersen GuitaristSteveHilgerhasplayedinandwrittenforavarietyofbandsingenreswhichincludeblues,jazz,rockandacousticfolkmusic.HealsofrontsaprogressiveBluesband,TheSteveHilgerBand,whichhaswonmanyaccoladesandawardsfortheirCD’sandperformances.Stevewritesandarrangesalltheoriginalmusic for both of his groups.

PianistSteveTalagahasplayedformanysmallandlargejazzensemblesincludingGRJOandhasplayedwiththeGrandRapidsSymphony.HewasnamedWMJS’s“JazzMusicianoftheYear”in2008.HeiscurrentlyanadjunctprofessorofmusicatbothHope&AquinasColleges,andisfrequentlyonthefacultyattheAquinasCollegeSummerJazzCampandBlueLakeFineArtsCamp.Heco-leadsthejazzgroup“Mind’sEye”.

ThesoundofCharlieHoats’six-stringfretlessbassiswidelyrecognizedandsoughtafter.Hismanyperformancesincludelocalandregionaljazz,blues,andpopgroups.CharliehasplayedwiththeNationalTouringCompanyofGreaseandinbothsmallandlargescaleregionalmusicals.HewasafoundingmemberoftheMichigan-basedjamband/morphtetTheFolkLizards.HeistheInstructorofJazzBassatHopeCollege,teachesprivatelessons,coachingsmallensembles,andperformswiththeHopeCollegeFacultyJazzGroup.

DrummerRandyMarshhasbeenalongstandingmentortoupcomingyoungmusiciansandinvitesthemtositinplaywithhisvariousjazztrios.Randyisknownforhisuniquedrummingskillsandhistrademarkhumor,Randyhasfoundanotheroutletforhisexperience,hisendlesscreativity,andhispositivespiritualitywiththegroupOrganissimo.RandywasnamedJazzMusicianoftheyearbyWMJSin2013.

JohnGist,asuperblocaltalent,playssoprano,altoandtenorsaxperformingjazz,funk,blues,R&BandGospel.Hisversatileplayingcanmakeyouwanttoshakeyour“groovething”whenheblowssomefunkyrhythmsoneminute,thenintheblinkofeye,cansendshiversupyourspinethatmakeyourboneswanttomeltwithsomeofthesoft,sultrynotes.JohnhasplayedinmanylocalgroupsincludingMadhouse,RobertaBradley&Gypsy,JuniorValentine&theAllStars,andOrganissimo.

Comedowntown,sitbackandenjoyhearingthesefivetalentedmusiciansplay,trulyapleasure.

June 22nd - Steve Hilger’s Jazz Bandphoto credit Steve Hilger

6 Jazz Notes

Patricia Barker, Artistic Director

GRAND RAPIDS BALLET

Patricia Barker, Artistic Director

GRAND RAPIDS BALLET BEETHOVEN

MAY 8-10 & 15-17, 2015Peter Martin Wege Theatre

The Man and His Music: a tale of drama and conflict

A WORLD PREMIERE BY MARIO RADACOVSKY

Ticketmaster.com | (616) 454-4771 | grballet.com

LIFETIME

Richard Meyers

Mary Peterson

DONORS

Diane Hammerman

Marvin & Donna Veneklasen

NEW MEMBERS

Donald & Mary Henry

Andrew & Bonita MacFarland

Joe McCargar

Renewing Members

Paul & Marty Arnold

Geoff & Susan Gillis

Jim James

Michael Janisse

Lars & Doris Larson

Donald McWatters

Rick & Sandy Paggeot

Roger & Maryanne Pietras

John VanDenBerg

Gene & Barbara Van Dongen

Becky Verker

A hearty welcome to our new members!And a HUGE thank you to our new lifetime members, donors and

all those renewing their memberships. Our jazz concerts continue because of the support we receive from you!

Spring/Summer 2015 7

LedbyWestMichigan’sJazzMusicianoftheYear2015,MichaelLutley,thistrio’smembersarethreeofthemostactiveanddynamicmusiciansontheWestMichiganmusicscene.Theseveteranmusicianstrulyenjoyplayingoffeachother’stalentsandmakingmusicthatswings!

Mike will be showcasing a few of his original tunes freshlyrecordedonhisfirstsoloCD.ThisCDwillbeavailableforpurchaseattheconcert.IfyoumissedthearticleintheMarchissueofJazzNoteshighlightingMike’scareer,pullitupfromthejazzsociety’swebsiteandreadallaboutthisphenomenalmusician!

OriginallyfromCincinnati,MarkKahnyiswellknownforhisunique‘tripleplayingskills’.Markcanplaythekeyboardwithhisrighthandwhileusinghislefthandtoexecuteameanbassrhythmandcanmeltyouwithhissinging.ThesoundofhisvoicehasbeenlikenedtoBozScaggs,orwasthattheotherwayaround?Markwashonoredin2012asWMJS’sMusicianoftheYear.

Tim Johnson has been performing on Michigan’s westcoastforyears.HissteadygigatPortoBelloforover20yearsspeaksofhowmuchhisentertainingplayingandsingingisvalued.Alwaysmakingthemusicfun,Tim’splayingstyleandsenseofhumorreallyshowhowmuchheenjoysplaying.

Eachoftheseversatilemusiciansperformregularlythroughout the West Michigan area with a wide

varietyofgroupsencompassingeverythingfromBigBandSwing,BossaNova,BluesandPoptotraditionalNewOrleansstyleJazz.TheyappeartogetherhereastheWestCoastTrio--featuringMikeonsaxophones,clarinetandflute;MarkKahnyonvocalsandkeyboardsandTimJohnsononpercussionandvocals.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES SPONSOR!

A Unique Wine & Liquor Store

200 Union Ave NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan

(616) 459-0911www.mvwines.com

June 29th - Mike Lutley’s West Coast Trio

• Pour Over Coffee Espresso & Tea

• Nantucket Bakery Fresh Pastries

• Wifi Accessible

Located In The Heart Of Heritage Hill617 Lyon StreetGrand Rapids, MI

49503

616.635.2194www.Facebook.Com/Lyonstreetcafe

photo credits Bruce Robey & Donna Kahny

8 Jazz Notes

WeareexcitedtopresenttheTruthinJazzOrchestra,

thefirstoftwobigbandstoperformforusthissummer.

FrontedbyWestMichigan’slegendarydrummer,and

WMJSMusicianoftheYear2004,TimFroncek,this16

piece group features some of the area’s top musicians.

Theyplaychartsfromtheclassiceraofthebigbands,

up to best charts from the hottest writers.

Thebandwasorganizedinthefallof2003byDave

Collee,EdSpier,andMattLintula,whowanteda

groupabletoplaypro-levelbigbandliterature,and

havefundoingitinalargeensemble.Theirdebut

performancewasin2004inMuskegon’sbeautiful

FrauenthalCenterforthePerformingArts.

Theyperformclassicjazzbig-bandarrangementsat

theWestSideinMuskegonsince2005untilitsrecent

closing.TheycanbeheardregularlyatTheWatermark

920inMuskegon,MI.aswellasotherspecialevents,

parties,outdoorconcerts,andfundraiserevents

throughout West Michigan. Check their schedule page.

http://www.tijo.org/tijo-schedule

Playingamixtureofclassicjazzbigbandpiecesfrom

theBuddyRich,WoodyHerman,andotherbigband

libraries,plussomeVERYrecentchartsfromGordon

Goodwin,andTomKubisamongothers,youwillfind

hearingTIJOagreattime!

July 6th - Truth in Jazz Orchestra

TRUTH in JAZZ

ORCHESTRA

FormedinAugust2003byreedmanPaulVornHagenandcongueroAlbertoNacif,thisexcitingCubanjazzcombohasreleasedfourcriticallyacclaimedCdsofmostlyoriginalcompositionsthathavebeenfeaturedonallthemajorjazzpublicradiostationsthroughouttheU.S.Winnerofthe2005and2007DetroitMusicAwardsforBestJazzRecordingandBest World Music Band. This combo has performed at all the majorMichiganjazz/musicfestivalsincludingDetroit,Michigan,Lansing,Birmingham,RaisinRiver,GreatLakesFolkfest,Blissfest,Wheatland Dance and Ann Arbor to name a few.

Thetitlecutoftheir2009CdwasusedasasoundtrackfortheUSANetworkTVshow,BurnNotice.InJune2012,thebandreleasedtheir4thCd,CasaVersailles,whichwasfeaturedonthe#1syndicatedjazzradioprogram,JazzAfterHoursw/JimWilkeaswellasmanyNPRprogramsnationwide.CasaVersailleswonthe2013DetroitMusicAwardforWorldMusicCD.

AllbandmembershavewonorbeennominatedforindividualDetroitMusicAwardsaswellteachatUofMichigan,WashtenawCC,JazzCampsandmusicstudios.Theirlibraryprogram,TheRhythmsofCuba,hasbeenpresentedatover15publiclibrariesthroughoutsoutheasternMichigan.OthermusicperformancevenuesincludeChicago,Toledo,OH,Windsor,CANandOklahoma.Co-bandleader,AlbertoNacif,isthefounderandformerhostoftheWEMUradioprogram,CubanFantasy,stillbeingbroadcasttoday.OurnewestmemberistheesteemedCubanmusician,PepeEspinosa(bongo,bell,timbales,congas),formerlyoftheAfro-CubanAllStarsandCubanismo.

Thegroupconsistsof:AlbertoNacif-congas,PaulVornHagen-saxophones,flute,pi(ccolo,JavierBarrios-timbales,BrianDiBlassio-piano,PepeEspinosa-congas,bongos,bell,timbales,PatrickProuty-bass,PaulFinkbeiner-trumpet,flugelhorn

July 13th - Paul Vornhagen’s - TUMBAO BRAVOphoto credit Matthew Lintula

photo credit Jack Kinney

Spring/Summer 2015 9

MaryRademacherisalwaysalocalfavorite.Hermanytalentsnotonlyincludesinginganddancing,butalsoactingandchoreography.ShebeganhervocalistcareeratTootsieVanKelly’sindowntownGrandRapids,andhassincefrontedsuchavarietyofbandsitisdifficulttokeeptrack!Maryispartofthenationallytouringperformancegroup,theBoogieWoogieBabies,andisaguitarplaying-singing-percussionistinthepopularlocalgroup,theLazyBlueTunas.ShehasinvitedsomeofthemusicianswhowereherearlyinfluencestojoinherforJazzinthePark.AndWOW,whatalineup-drummerTimFroncek,multi-instrumentalistTomHagen,bassistPaulKeller,trumpeterDanJacobsandpianistBillHuyge.

FourmembersofthisensemblewerehailedbyWMJSasaJazzMusicianoftheYear.(M.O.Y.)Maryherselfwaselectedin2006,thefirstjazzvocalisttoreceivethishonor.

PaulKeller,in2001,wasonlythesecondchosenM.O.Y.backwhenourfounderBettyForrestheldthereinsandthishonoringsystembegan.Paul’scareerhasexploded;hehasplayedwiththebestandforthebest,includingtouringwithDianaKrallandRussellMalone.PaulisoneofthebusiestbassistsintheDetroitarea,earningthenick-name“TheHouseBassPlayerfortheStateofMichigan”.Athishome-base,theFireflyClubinAnnArbor,MI,Paulleadsthe15-piecePaulKellerOrchestra.SpecialthankstoJohnMillerforhelpinggetPaulhere!.

TimFroncekwashonoredasM.O.Y.in2004.TimisoneofthebusiestdrummersinwestMichigan.Hecanbeseenperformingondrumset,directingbigbands,givingclinics&lecturesonjazz,orjudgingoneofthemanyjazzfestivalsinthemid-west.Healso teaches at Blue Lake Fine Arts camp. Tim fronts

theTruthinJazzOrchestraandplayswithGrandRapidsJazzOrchestra.HehastouredinternationallywiththeWesternJazzQuartettoSouthAmerica,AsiaandEurope.Hismottois“Havedrumswilltravel!”

Dan Jacobs’ name is included on the list of “AmericanJazzTrumpeters.”Hehastraveledtheworldplayingmusicofallkinds,withbigbands,jazzcombos and public touring acts. Dan studied trumpet performanceandmusictheoryattheacclaimedNavySchoolofMusicandwasinthehonorguardatthefuneralofPresidentJohnF.Kennedyin1963inWashington,DC.HealsostudiedatBerkeleyCollegeofMusicandMichiganStateUniversity.Checkouthiswebsitedanjacobsmusic.com!

TomHagenwasawardedM.O.Y.in2007.Heisanaccomplishedperformeronamanyinstrumentsincludingpiano,clarinet,sax,accordion&guitar.Heisaretiredbandteacherandchoraledirector.HewastheleaderofthehousebandatTootsieVanKelly’sintheAmwayGrandHotelwhenMarymethim,wherehechangedherworld,andours!TomhasperformedfortheWMJSmoretimesthananyonecanremember,heiswellloved.HeandtriohaveheldastandingweeklygigatNoto’sforover10years.

BillHuygewilltradeonandoffthekeyswithTomHagenforthisperformance.BillisaGrandRapidspianistandwasfeaturedrecentlyforJazzintheSanctuaryatFountainStreetChurch;hewasalsoMary’sfirstpianist!

This will be a super fun performance that should not bemissed.Getthereearly!

July 20th - Mary Rademacher & “Old” Friends photo credit Bruce Robey photo credit Bruce Robey

10 Jazz Notes

TheSteveSandnerQuintetfeaturesLaurie Sears and Tom Lockwood on Saxes with RandyMarshandJackDrydenondrums and bass. Steveprovidesvocalsandpiano,and his repertoire showcases a blend ofstandards,blues,and originals.Stevesays,“I’vebeenplayingandsinging these tunes foryearswithmytrio,butaddingsaxarrangementsaddsawholenewdimension,especiallywithtalentedplayerslikeLaurieSearsandTomLockwood.”

AfterspendingmanyyearsinChicago,StevemovedtotheTraverseCityareawhereheperformsduringthesummer,andhespendshiswintersperforminginPhoenixandnorthernArizona.StevehasappearedinmanyChicagojazzclubsincludingAndy’s,theGreenMill,andtheIntercontinentalHotel;andhehastouredinternationallyinSingaporeandMorocco.HislatestCD,“FromPariswithLove,”wasrecordedinParisandfeaturesParisianjazzguitaristFrançoisHomps.Stevehasalsoproducedand recorded two CDs with Detroit trumpeter Marcus Belgrave.

Laurie Marino Sears holds Bachelor and Master ofMusicdegreesinSaxophoneandWoodwinds,respectively.LaurieperformswiththeGrandRapidsSymphony,TraverseSymphonyOrchestra,BroadwayGrandRapids(DeVosHall)andBroadwayWharton(WhartonCenter,EastLansing).Inadditiontoleadingherownjazzquartet,sheperformsinconcertandatfestivalswithotherjazzartiststhroughout the state of Michigan. She is a member ofBuildingBridgesWithMusic,presentingschoolconcertsandworkshops,inadditiontobeinganadjudicator for the Michigan School Band and

OrchestraAssociation.Heraccoladesaremany,takealook!http://college.interlochen.org/person/laurie-marino-searsTom Lockwood is a versatilemusicianwhoplaysbassfortheGrandRapidsJazzOrchestra,GroupoAyeamongothers.HoldingaBachelor of Arts Degree from Western Michigan Universityinjazzstudiesand a Master of Arts Degree in woodwinds and performance,weusually

hearTomonbassbutheplayssaxophone,clarinet,andfluteequallywell.Ofjazzmusic,Tomsays,“Itfeelsgood!”Buthistasteinmusicrangesfromjazztosalsatorock.InHeteachessaxophoneand/orjazzbassatHopeCollege,AquinasCollege,andGrandValleyStateUniversity.

JackDrydenattendedthePrestigiousBerkleeCollegeofMusicinBostonandreceivedamasterdegreeinmusicfromWayneStateUniversity.JackisanexcellentbassplayerwhohasperformedwiththeBostonPops,underthedirectionofJohnWilliams,theDetroitSymphonyOrchestra.Jackplayswithpassionandaflairthatmakesthebandsplayingseemeffortless.Thegroove,thebody&thesoundallbeginwiththebeat,thehookandthebottomandJack is right there.

RandyMarshwillperformwithafewgroupsthissummer for us. It has been said that listening to Randyplayandwatchinghimdoitaretwototallydifferentactivities.Besuretoreadmoreaboutwhatthat‘knucklehead’isuptoatwww.organissimo.org/randy.htm

WearesopleasedtobringSteve,LaurieandJackdownfromTraverseCitytoplayforus;andasStevehasaddedthecreamofGRtoplayalong,thispromisestobeJazzatitsfinest!

July 27th - Steve Sandner Quintet

photo credit Myrna Jacobs

Spring/Summer 2015 11

TrumpeterandsingerJimmyLeachwilltakethestagewithhisquintetonMonday,August3.Jimmywillpresentaprogramoftunesthatwillpayhomagetothegreatmusicianswhohaveinfluencedhisstyle,LouisArmstrong,ChetBaker,FrankSinatra,TheloniousMonk,MilesDavis,NatKingCole,andArethaFranklin.Jimmy’ssidemenarewhathecallshis“A”team,withwhomhealsohasregularcontactwithatHopeCollege:MikeHydeonguitar,TomLockwoodplayingbass,SteveTalagaonthekeysanddrummerMikeVanLente.JimmylivesinHollandandteachesatHopeCollege.Alsoaclassicalmusician with a DMA in classical trumpet from BostonUniversity,JimmywillbegivingasolotrumpetrecitalattheHarvard-EpworthChurchCambridge,MAinJune.JimmyalsoplayswiththeAardvarkJazzOrchestrainBoston.Gotohiswebsitetobedazzled:www.jimmyleach.com

MichaelHydeisaninstructorofjazzguitaratHopeCollege.Mikebringstohisteachingabroad background of performing and educational experience.HereceivedaBachelorofMusicEducationfromAquinasCollegeandaPerformanceCertificatefromtheGuitarInstituteofTechnologyinHollywood,California.InadditiontoteachingprivatejazzlessonsandcoachingensemblesatHope,MikehastaughtatGrandRapidsJuniorCollegeandathisalmamater,AquinasCollege.HeplayswithmanygroupshereinGR.

TomLockwoodteachessaxophoneand/orjazzbassatHopeCollege,AquinasCollege,andGrandValleyStateUniversity.TomgrewupinCadillac,Michiganinafamilywholovedmusic.Hewasdrawnintomusicthroughlisteningtorecords,

andbeinginvolvedwithhismother’sanduncle’spianostylings.OntwooccasionsTomhashadtheopportunitytoplayattheMontreauxJazzFestivalinSwitzerland.Healsohasworkedoncruiseships,playingmusicfromporttoport.

MikeVanLentehasbeenplayingforover40yearsandisthedrummerforthepopularCooper,Hayes&VanLentegroup,andhasplayedwiththeHollandJazzOrchestraandtheHopefacultymembers.MikeisanativeofHolland,MIandagraduateofHopeCollegewherehereceivedaminorinmusicandperformedwiththeOrchestraandSymphonetteaswellastheJazzEnsembleandJazzChamberEnsemble.In1970,Mikeattendedthesummerprogram at the Berklee College of Music in Boston foranintensivestudyofjazzandpopularmusicasapplied to the drum set.

Pianist,composerandarrangerSteveTalagahasbeenperformingprofessionallyformorethan30years.HewaschosenastheWestMichiganJazzSociety’s2008JazzMusicianoftheYear,andhasreleasedsevencompactdiscsunderhisownname.TalagareceivedaBachelorofMusicDegreeinJazzStudies,MagnaCumLaude,andaMasterofMusicDegree in Composition from Western Michigan University.HereceivedaBachelorofArtsinBroadcast and Cinematic Arts from Central Michigan University.AmongthemanycompositioncommissionshehasreceivedareseveralfromMAJIC(MusicalArtsforJusticeintheCommunity),GrandValleyStateUniversity,GrandRapidsPoetLaureateLindaNemecFoster,andtheWestMichiganLakeshoreJazzConnection.

August 3rd - Jimmy Leach & his “A” team!

photo credit Chris Wilson

12 Jazz Notes

BigBandNouveauwillbeourclosingperformanceforourinauguralyearforJazzinthePark.B.B.N.isa16piecegroupwhosemusicisacontinuationofhardbop/modernmainstreamjazz,coveringthemusicofMilesDavis,JohnColtrane,OliverNelson,andHerbieHancock(tonameafew).

TheyhavebeenbuildingalibrarycoveringavarietyofverymodernjazzstylesincludingsomeLatinandoriginalcompositionsandarrangementswrittenbysomeofthemusiciansintheband.Thebandperformedlastyearandwerereceivedwithsuchenthusiasmwewereaskedtohavethemback!

“BigBandNouveau”involvesthetalentsofBobHartig,CatlindLandrum,IsaacV.NorrisTomElferdinkandbandleader,MichaelS.Doyle,andonsaxophones.CoveringthetromboneswillbeMarkWells,TroyAnderson,JasonLesterandSeanVanHaren.Ontrumpetwe’llhearTonySpraggins,DanJacobs,MattMatuszek,ArnaldoAcevedoMattElzingaandLazaroVega.TherhythmsectionconsistsofDutcherSnedakeronpiano,TomD.Cuttsonguitar,IanThompsononbassanddrummerScottVeenstra.

August 10th - Michael Doyle’s Big Band Nouveauphoto credit Bruce Robey

For more information or tickets call 231-733-9672

FridayMay 22, 2015

8–11pmWaterMark 920 Banquet Facility

920 Washington Avenue, Muskegon

Tickets $20 in advance or $25 at the door

Entertainment by

Mark Kahny Trio

featuring Mary Rademacher

Enjoy an evening of socializing with your friends while raising money to benefit the Emergency Medical/Dental Fund at Mission for Area People!

Cash bar

Cash & Carry Community Market Sale

between patients’ emergency

medical and dental needs

Classic photo booth by

Nik Tong– MiPhotoBooth

Appetizers by

Harris Hospitality

Emcee

Andy O’Riley98.9 FMReal Gold Radio

Mission for

Area People

presents

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

Apple Denture CenterJohn Allen FundWomen’s Division Chamber

Silver SponsorsHackley Community CareHazekamp MeatsMuskegon Surgical AssociatesPrince of Peace ChurchQuality Tool & StampingWest Shore Oral & Maxillofacial

Surgery

Bronze SponsorsBrian Cilla DDSJoseph Ferguson DDSWest Coast Pediatric DentalPrivate Cable SystemsLaDon GustafsonThrivent Financial

Friend SponsorsBenson PharmacyLakeshore Dental HygienistsConcepts…Graphic Design

w w w . m i s s i o n f o r a r e a p e o p l e . o r g

flyer 2015 bleed.indd 1 4/29/15 2:57 PM

Presents a fund-raising concert featuring

Celebrating Elgin at Eighty With Jazz and Love!

ALL SOULS Community Church of West Michigan

TICKETS ADULTS - $10

CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER – $5

MAXIMUM PER FAMILY - $30

PREFERRED SEATING SPONSOR - $150 Tables of 8 and includes 2 bottles of wine and cheese platter.

Reserve Tickets by calling 616-334-9939 - Pay at the Door

Lite snacks and refreshments and wine also

available by the glass

Sunday, May 17, 2015 7:30pm ~ 9:30pm

2727 Michigan Street, NE, Grand Rapids

ELGIN VINES* & FRIENDS EDYE EVANS HYDE* & MICHAEL HYDE

TOM* & CHERIE HAGEN MARY RADEMACHER REED*

KATHY LAMAR MARK KAHNY*

ROBIN CONNELL & PAUL BREWER FRED DEGENNARO

MIKE LUTLEY* BILL HUYGE

* West Michigan Jazz Society Musician of the Year Plus other surprise guests

Spring/Summer 2015 13

MNJ at the B.O.B, April 20, 2015

Thechoiceof“Route66”wasperfectfortheopeningnumber.Itwashardswingingalltheway,withdeftsaxworkfromJohnGist,harddrivingpercussionfromMarkWeymouth,andthealwayspolishedMarkKahnyonkeyssettingupthevocalworkforstylisticTonyReynolds.

“Summertime”wasajoywithTonystretchinghisvocalabilitieswithasensitivitythatshowcased all his range. “TheDaysofWineandRoses”startedwithJohnsoloing,agreatdisplayof the period from which this tune was drawn. MarkK.followedwith

alefthandbasssolo.Youcouldhavesworntherewasanuprightbassonstage.Tonykilledtheever-popularstandard“Misty”,withlongsustainsattheendshowcasinghiscontrolofhisvocalinstrument.

NextMarkK.spiceditupwithhisrenditionofthehard-drivingrocktune“Undone”.MarkWeymouthreallydrovethepockethardtothedelightoftheaudience,arefreshingjazzyinterpretationofagreatAmericantune.

TonypaidduetributetothetripleplaythatisMarkKahny.Hesaid“It’sonlyonechannel,butit’sdarngood.”(AreferencetoMark’ssolidlefthandbass,righthandpiano,andvocalwork.)MarkWeymouthwasfeaturedwithaverynicedrumsoloon“Satin

Doll”.Tonywas spot on with his vocalwork,andreallycaptured the essence of the tune “Ain’tNoSunshine”,interpreting this great tune with his ownstyle.

Settwostartedwiththetune“Moondance”.JohnGistsoaredwithhissolo,onceagainshowcasinghisgraspofjazzfusion.Tonysuggestedeveryonehadthetune“WhataWonderfulWorld”intheirDNAsomewhere.Iftheycouldn’treflectonthatreferencebeforetonight,theysurecouldmovingforward.John’ssaxsolowaswellreceivedwithafantasticaudiencereaction,andTonyclosedthesongwithaLouisArmstrongfeeltothedelight of the audience.

Thenextselection,“AutumnLeaves”openedwithjustpianoandTonysinginginFrench,anicetouch.“HittheRoad,Jack”,againfeaturedJohnashehitnewheightswithhishardhitting,heavilyweightedinSouthernGospelsoul,solo.Tony’sastuteabilitytointerpretatunewithhisownjazzyfeelwasveryapparentwiththehard-hittingballad,“YouDon’tKnowMe”.

Arobusttriooftunestoclosethenightincluded“JumpJive”,“I’veGotYouUnderMySkin”,and“Don’tGetAroundMuchAnymore”.TonyandCompanyweretreatedtoarousingstandingovationforthisveryenjoyableconcert.

-BobThompson

14 Jazz Notes

BRUCEROBEYvolunteershistimeandphotographytalentstoWMJS,capturingremarkable images of our featured musicians onstage.ButonApril14th,Brucehimselftookcenterstage.ThisisthefifthyearBrucehasperformedwith“his”groupof“aceandawesome”musicians;SteveAnzivino,drums;CharlieHoats,bass;MarkKahny,pianoandMikeLutley,saxes.Hepresentedajazzconcertcalled“SongsMyParentsLoved”andhesang“OntheStreetWhereYouLive,“LullabyofBirdland”,and“Witchcraft”amongothers.

BruceisamemberofParkChurch,amemberoftheChancelChoir,thebellchoir,windensemble,andtheParkMeisters.Brucebeganpianoatage7,playedtrumpetthenFrenchhorninOttawaHillsHighschoolorchestra.HewasamemberofKWiLSsingingandplayingCelticmusicfor15years.First(Park)CongregationalUnitedChurchofChristindowntownGrandRapidshasbeenproviding“MusicatMid-Day”freeconcertsforseveralyears,andcomplementitwithanunbeatable$5.00saladandsoupbuffet. Check www.parkchurchgr.org for the list of remaining concerts this season.

WhileperformingatAuroraPondretirementHome,MarkKahnywassurprisedwhenasweetladycameupto

introduceherselftohim,“Hello,I’mLeilaPurnell,“shesaid.LeilaisthewidowofCURTPURNELLwhowas

WMJS’sveryfirstmusicianoftheyear,electedin2000!

MarkhasplayedatAurorasinceandhasplayedafewofCurt’sfavoritetunesforher.Oneinparticularwas“Ithoughtabout

you.”

Oops,We’resorry-Lastmonth’srecapon“MyThinPlace”bywrittenbyMarkKahny,andweomittedgivinghim the credit for that insightful review.ThanksMark!

While performing at AuroraKahny was surprised when

introduce herself to him, “Hello,said.Leila is the widow

WMJS’s very first2000!

Mark has playedplayed a fewOne in particularyou.”

Oops,on “MyMarkhim the credit for that insightful review.

Jazzy News!

Spring/Summer 2015 15

THURSDAY, MAY 7 Third Coast Ensemble at the Book Nook, Montague, 7:30- 9:30 pmRandy Marsh with Jeff Haas Trio at Cambria Suites, Traverse City, 7-9:30 pmTony Reynolds & Wally Michaels at Sandy Point Beach House, Port Sheldon, 7-10 pmMark Kahny at Mangiamo! 7-10 pm

FRIDAY, MAY 8 John Shea at JW Marriott, 6-10 pmRobin Connell & Paul Brewer at Mangiamo! 7-10 pm

SATURDAY, MAY 9 John Shea at Noto’s, 7-10 pmMark Kahny at Mangiamo! 7-10 pmRandy Marsh & Organissimo at River Stop Café, Newaygo, 7-10 pm

SUNDAY, MAY 10Randissimo Jazz Jam w/ Organissimo at SpeakEZ, 7:30- 9:30 pmRobin Connell & Benny Brewer at Sandhill Crane Vineyard, 10:30am -1:00pmCheckers Morton @ 1st Pres Church, Allegan, 5- 7 pmCelebration of Greg Sergio’s life at the Green Mill, in Chicago, food & cash bar, 3 -5 pm

MONDAY, MAY 11 John Shea at the Republic, 8-11 pmJazz Jam at What Not Inn, Fennville, 6-10 pm

TUESDAY, MAY 12Jazz Jam at The Grand, 22 Washington St., Grand Haven, 7:30 pm- 10:30 pm

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13 Tom Hagen Trio featuring Rick Reuther at Noto’s, 6:30 - 9:30 pmCheckers Morton at Howmet Playhouse, Montague, 7:30 pm

THURSDAY, MAY 14 Karen Cameron Trio at the Book Nook, Montague, 7:30 – 9:30 pmRandy Marsh with Jeff Haas Trio at Cambria Suites, Traverse City, 7-9:30 pmTony Reynolds & Wally Michaels at Sandy Point Beach House, Port Sheldon, 7-10 pm

FRIDAY, MAY 15 John Shea at JW Marriott, 6-10 pmMark Kahny at Marro’s Italian restaurant, 147 Waters St., Saugatuck, 6-10pm

SATURDAY, MAY 16 John Shea at Noto’s, 7-10 pm

May Jazz Around TownSteve Hilger at JW Marriott, with Randy Marsh, Mark Kahny & Charlie Hoats, 7-10 pmCharlie Albright, piano at the Block, Muskegon, call 231-726-3231 for ticketsGayle Kolb at What Not Inn, Fennville, 7-11 pm

SUNDAY, MAY 17 Randissimo Jazz Jam w/ Terry Lower & Jack Dryden at SpeakEZ, 7:30- 9:30 pmCelebrating Elgin Vines at 80, Elgin & Friends, All Souls Comm. Church, 7:30- 9:30 pm, Call for tickets – 616-334-9939, pay at the door.

MONDAY, MAY 18 John Shea at the Republic, 8-11 pmJazz Jam at What Not Inn, Fennville, 6-10 pm

TUESDAY, MAY 19 Jazz Jam at The Grand, 22 Washington St., Grand Haven, 7:30 pm - 10:30 pmTruth in Jazz Orchestra at Watermark 920, Muskegon, 7:30-9:30 pmRobin Connell at St Cecilia Music Center Youth Jazz Concert, 7pm

WEDESDAY, MAY 20 Tom Hagen Trio featuring Rick Reuther at Noto’s, 6:30 – 9:30 pm

THURSDAY, MAY 21Checkers Morton at the Book Nook, Montague, 7:30 – 9:30 pmMark Kahny at Marro’s Italian restaurant, 147 Waters St., Saugatuck, 6-10pmRandy Marsh with Jeff Haas Trio at Cambria Suites, Traverse City, 7-9:30 pmSteve Hilger at One Trick Pony w/ Steve Talaga, Tom Lockwood, & Eddie Eicher, 8-11 pmTony Reynolds & Wally Michaels at Sandy Point Beach House, Port Sheldon, 7-10 pm

FRIDAY, MAY 22 John Shea at JW Marriott, 6-10 pmMusic for Meds, Mark Kahny trio, fundraiser for Mission for Area People, Watermark 920, Muskegon, 8-11 pm, call for tickets, 231-733-9672

SATURDAY, MAY 23 John Shea at Noto’s, 7-10 pm

Memorial Weekend Celebration (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!) Terry Lower Quartet, featuring Edye Evans Hyde at the GR Ballet Center, 341 Ellsworth. For Lifetime members only, the cost is $15, includes a champagne reception with appetizers 5:30- 6:30 pm & reserved seating. Members $20, general public $25, includes an afterglow party with beer, wine & appetizers, concert at 7- 8:30 pm. Open seating at 6:30. Tickets on the web at www.wmichjazz.org

SUNDAY, MAY 24Mark Kahny at Marro’s Italian rest., 147 Waters St., Saugatuck, 7-11pmRandissimo and Jazz Jam at SpeakEZ, 7:30 – 9:30 pm

16 Jazz Notes

TUESDAY, MAY 26Jazz Jam at The Grand, 22 Washington St., Grand Haven, 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27Tom Hagen Trio featuring Rick Reuther at Noto’s, 6:30 - 9:30 pm

THURSDAY, MAY 28Brad Fritcher + Trois at the Book Nook, in Montague, 7:30- 9:30 pmRandy Marsh with Jeff Haas Trio at Cambria Suites, Traverse City, 7-9:30 pmTony Reynolds & Wally Michaels at Sandy Point Beach House, Port Sheldon, 7-10 pm

FRIDAY, MAY 29 John Shea at JW Marriott, 6-10 pmMark Kahny at the Melting Pot, Celebration Village, GR, 5-8 pm

SATURDAY, MAY 30 Mark Kahny at Marro’s Italian restaurant, 147 Waters St., Saugatuck, 6-10pmJohn Shea at Noto’s, 7-10 pmRobin Connell & Paul Brewer at Mangiamo! 7-10pm

SUNDAY, MAY 31Randissimo & Bob Van Stee “Birthday Jazz Jam” at SpeakEZ, 7:30 – 9:30 pm

June Jazz Around Town

MONDAY, JUNE 1John Shea at the Republic, 8-11 pmJazz Jam at What Not Inn, Fennville, 6-10 pm

TUESDAY, JUNE 2Jazz Jam at The Grand, 22 Washington St., Grand Haven, 7:30 pm -10:30 pmWally Michaels & Tony Reynolds at Salt & Pepper, Holland, 6- 9:30 pm

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3Tom Hagen Trio featuring Rick Reuther at Noto’s, 6:30 - 9:30 pm

THURSDAY, JUNE 4Third Coast Ensemble at Book Nook & Java Shop, Montague, 7-9 pmRandy Marsh with Jeff Haas Trio at Cambria Suites, Traverse City, 7-9:30 pmTony Reynolds & Wally Michaels at Sandy Point Beach House, Port Sheldon, 7-10 pm

FRIDAY, JUNE 5Mark Kahny at Mangiamo! 7-10 pmJohn Shea at JW Marriott, 6-10 pm

SATURDAY, JUNE 6John Shea at Noto’s, 7-10 pmRobin Connell Duo at Mangiamo! 7-10 pmMary Rademacher Reed at What Not Inn, Fennville, 7-11 pm

SUNDAY, JUNE 7GRJO at Founder’s Brewery, 5:30 - 7:30 pmRandy Marsh Jazz Jam at SpeakEZ, 7:30 - 9:30 pm

MONDAY, JUNE 8JAZZ IN THE PARK, West Ottawa HS Jazz Band at AH-NAB-AWEN PARK, (between Pearl & Bridge on Scribner), 6:30 – 8:30 pmJohn Shea at the Republic, 8-11 pmJazz Jam at What Not Inn, Fennville, 6-10 pm

TUESDAY, JUNE 9Jazz Jam at The Grand, 22 Washington St., Grand Haven, 7:30 pm- 10:30 pmWally Michaels & Tony Reynolds at Salt & Pepper, Holland, 6 – 9:30 pm

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10Tom Hagen Trio featuring Rick Reuther at Noto’s, 6:30 – 9:30 pm

THURSDAY, JUNE 11Karen Cameron & Mark Kahny at the Book Nook in Montague, 7-9 pmRandy Marsh with Jeff Haas Trio at Cambria Suites, Traverse City, 7-9:30 pmTony Reynolds & Wally Michaels at Sandy Point Beach House, Port Sheldon, 7-10 pm

FRIDAY, JUNE 12Mark Kahny at Marro’s Italian Restaurant, downtown Saugatuck, 7-11pmJohn Shea at JW Marriott, 6-10 pm

SATURDAY, JUNE 13John Shea at Noto’s, 7-10 pm

SUNDAY, JUNE 14Randy Marsh Jazz Jam at SpeakEZ, 7:30 – 9:30 pmMark Kahny & Bob Thompson at What Not Inn, Fennville, 6-10 pm

MONDAY, JUNE 15JAZZ IN THE PARK, Planet D Nonet, at AH-NAB-AWEN PARK 6:30 – 8:30 pmJazz Jam at What Not Inn, Fennville, 6-10 pm

TUESDAY, JUNE 16Truth in Jazz Orchestra at Watermark 920, Muskegon, 7:30- 9:30 pmJazz Jam at The Grand, 22 Washington St., Grand Haven, 7:30 pm- 10:30 pmWally Michaels & Tony Reynolds at Salt & Pepper, Holland, 6 - 9:30 pm

Spring/Summer 2015 17

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17Tom Hagen Trio featuring Rick Reuther at Noto’s, 6:30 - 9:30 pm

THURSDAY, JUNE 18Checkers Morton at the Book Nook in Montague, 7-9 pmRandy Marsh with Jeff Haas Trio at Cambria Suites, Traverse City, 7-9:30 pmTony Reynolds & Wally Michaels at Sandy Point Beach House, Port Sheldon, 7-10 pm

FRIDAY, JUNE 19Mark Kahny, Marro’s Italian Restaurant, downtown Saugatuck, 7-11pm John Shea at JW Marriott, 6-10 pm

SATURDAY, JUNE 20John Shea at Noto’s, 7-10 pmRobin Connell Trio at JW Marriott, 7-10pmMark Kahny at Mangiamo! 7-10 pm

SUNDAY, JUNE 21Randy Marsh Jazz Jam at SpeakEZ, 7:30-– 9:30 pmJohn Shea at Holland Brewing, in Holland, 6-9- pm

MONDAY, JUNE 22JAZZ IN THE PARK, Steve Hilger Jazz Quintet, 6:30 – 8:30 pmJohn Shea at the Republic, 8-11 pmJazz Jam at What Not Inn, Fennville, 6-10 pm

TUESDAY, JUNE 23Sylvia Taylor & Mark Kahny at Bar Divani, downtown GR, 7-10 pmJazz Jam at The Grand, 22 Washington St., Grand Haven, 7:30 pm – 10:30 pmWally Michaels & Tony Reynolds at Salt & Pepper, Holland, 6 – 9:30 pm

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24West Coast Trio (Mike Lutley, Mark Kahny, Tim Johnson) at H.O.M.E., the BOB, 7-10 Tom Hagen Trio featuring Rick Reuther at Noto’s, 6:30 – 9:30 pmPlanet ‘D’ Nonet at Gull Landing, Pentwater, 7-11pm

THURSDAY, JUNE 25Brad Fritcher + Trois at the Book Nook & Java Shop, Montague, 7-9 pmRandy Marsh with Jeff Haas Trio at Cambria Suites, Traverse City, 7-9:30 pmTony Reynolds & Wally Michaels at Sandy Point Beach House, Port Sheldon, 7-10 pm

FRIDAY, JUNE 26Mark Kahny at the Melting Pot, Celebration Village, 5-8pmJohn Shea at JW Marriott, 6-10 pm

SATURDAY, JUNE 27Mark Kahny, Marro’s Italian restaurant, downtown Saugatuck, 7-11 pmJohn Shea at Noto’s, 7-10 pmGayle Kolb at What Not Inn, Fennville, 7-11 pm

SUNDAY, JUNE 28Mark Kahny, Marro’s Italian restaurant, downtown Saugatuck, 7-11 pmRandy Marsh Jazz Jam at SpeakEZ, 7:30 – 9:30 pmJohn Shea at Holland Brewing, in Holland, 6-9- pmPlanet ‘D’ Nonet at Gull Landing, Pentwater, 7-11pm

MONDAY, JUNE 29JAZZ IN THE PARK, Mike Lutley’s West Coast Trio, 6:30 – 8:30pmJohn Shea at the Republic, 8-11 pmJazz Jam at What Not Inn, Fennville, 6-10 pm

TUESDAY, JUNE 30Jazz Jam at The Grand, 22 Washington St., Grand Haven, 7:30 pm – 10:30 pmWally Michael & Tony Reynolds at Salt & Pepper, Holland, 6 – 9:30 pmLibby York & John Proulx at GVSU Theatre downtown GR, 6:30-9:30

AS ALWAYS BE SURE TO CHECK WITH THE VENUES OR THE MUSICIANS WEBSITES FOR UPDATES AND CHANGES!

JULY & AUGUST’S MUSIC SCHEDULES WILL BE POSTED ON THE WMJS’S WEBSITE, www.wmichjazz.org

AND ON THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE

Educational happenings

OnMarch12theMichiganSchoolBandandOrchestraDistrict10JazzFestivalwashostedbytwoschools:CaledoniaHSandComstockParkHS.Thejudgesrecognizedtwostudents(onefromeachsite)becauseoftheiroutstandingperformancestoreceivea1/2tuitionscholarshiptotheAquinasSummerJazzCamp.ThescholarshipsaresponsoredbyWMJSthroughtheeducationcommittee.Thetwostudentsare:ColinMcCahillfromEastGrandRapidsHSandBennyBrewerfromForestHillsNorthernHS.Congratulationstotheseeageryoungmusicians!

OnMarch28thpastMusician’softheYearElginVines(2006)andMarkKahny(2012)performedatHopkinsHighSchool’sSpringFling,anannualfundraisingevent.Thiswasthesecondyearinarowthattheyhavedonethisbenefitfortheschool.Elgin&Markdemonstratedsomeofthemanydifferentstylesofjazzanddidalittleeducatingaboutjazzanditshistory.TheyendedthenightwithaQ&Awheretheywereaskedabouttheirmostmemorableperformances.Elginsaidhiswasin1964whenhewasplayingontheEdSullivanshowthesamenightastheBeatles’Americandebut!

Thisyear’sMusicianoftheYear,MikeLutley,playedintheMaxColleyJr.PerformingArtsCenter.ofNorthviewHighSchoolonApril25th.Mikeworkedwiththesestudentsthrough the week which culminated in this concert. The CrossroadsJazzBand,theHighSchoolJazzComboandtheawardwinningHighschoolJazzBandwereallincludedinthispublicperformance.Itwasfantastic!

18 Jazz Notes

Summer Jazz Festivals & Concerts!

MondayMay11thTheFourArtsClubisexcitedtopresenttheprevieweventforthe28thAnnualElkhartJazzFestivalfeaturingSaxophobia!http://www.thelerner.com/now-playing/2015/may/2nd-annual-elkhart-jazz-festival-preview-party-with-saxophobia.html

ElkhartJazzFestivalJune19-21http://www.elkhartjazzfestival.com/Startedin1998theElkhartJazzFestivalbringstogethermusiciansthatplayallgenresofJazz.Thisyear’sheadlinersareDaveSanbornandBigBadVoodooDaddy.ThefestivalwrapsupwiththeAll-starjazzjamonSunday.

EastLansingJazzFestival–June18–June20http://www.eljazzfest.com/BlueLakeFineArtsCampsJazzConcertshttp://www.bluelake.org/events/summer_events_calendar.php

June30-AMusicaleveningwithLibbyYorkandJohnProulx,6;30-9:30GrandValleyCampus.Ticketsandinformationatwww.gvsu.edu/giving/clasmusicaleve

Wednesday,July8—7:30p.mFREEBlueLakeJazzFacultyBlodgettRecitalHall

Max“TheSax”ColleyandHisYoungLions–BenefitConcertfortheNorthviewBands-July17,7:30PM@TheMaxColleyJr.PerformingArtsCenter

Wednesday,July22—7:30p.m-FREEInternationalJazzEnsemble,DavidJensen,conductorStewart Music Shell

Wednesday,July22—7:30p.m-FREEInternationalJazzOrchestraJamesSawyer,conductorBartlettShellInterlochenSummerPrograms–(HarryConnickJr.,July31;DianaKrall,Aug.1)http://tickets.interlochen.org/summer-arts-festival

GrandJazzFest!-Nowinit’s4thyear!August15&16http://grandjazzfest.org/“What’sbetterthanoneheadliner?Threeheadliners!”GRandJazzFestFounderAudreySundstromsaid.“Thistriobringsnonstopsoul-shaking,house-rockingguitar,keyboardandsaxophonetotheRosaParksCirclestage.We’rereallyexcitedaboutPaulBrown,NateHarasim,DeonYatesandourentirelineupforthefourthannualGRandJazzFest.”• Headliner:PaulBrown&NateHarasim(“TheProducers”) withspecialguestDeonYates• Sundaynightheadliner:SteveColeMusic• GrandRapidsJazzOrchestrawithEdyeEvansHyde• WaltGutowski&TheBridgeStreetBand• MikeFrostProject2.0• GrupoAyé• BrianSimpsonandJackiemJoyner• BigBandNouveau• BryanLubeck• MichaelManson

DetroitJazzFestival–Sept.4–7http://www.detroitjazzfest.com/

SAVE THIS ISSUE

OF JAZZ NOTES!

NEXT ISSUE TO COME IN AUGUST!

Spring/Summer 2015 19

Number of tickets ______ x ❑ $15 Lifetime _____ x ❑ $20 Members _____ x ❑ $25 Gen. Public = $_________

Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________

Contact Info: ____________________________________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip: __________________________________________________________________________________

Phone: (W) _________________________ (C) ___________________________ (H) __________________________

Email: ______________________________________________________

Please mail this completed form with check to: West Michigan Jazz Society, P.O. Box 150307, Grand Rapids, MI 49515

If you have questions, please call WMJS (616-490-8506) or email us. (wmjsgr@gmail.com)

“Memorial Weekend Celebration!”

Last Chance for tickets!May 23, 2015 7:00 pm

Music by the Terry Lower Quartet featuring Edye Evans Hyde

This stellar event will be held at Wege Theater in the G.R. Ballet Center, 341 Ellsworth SE.

Tickets by reservation only! Limited Seating NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

Special! for Lifetime members only, includes a pre-concert champagne reception w/appetizers at 5:30 & reserved seating for the concert at 6:30 and an afterglow party, all for only $15.00

For our members, concert, afterglow party with beer, wine & appetizers for $20.00

General Public-join us for the concert and the afterglow party. Come see what WMJS has to offer! All for $25.00

The concert is 7:00-8:30 p.m. Ticket price includes an afterglow party from 8:30-9:30 with beer, wine and extensive appetizers for ALL attendees.

Details at www.wmichjazz.org and in April JazzNotes

Spring/Summer 2015Jazz Notes is the newsletter for members of the West Michigan Jazz Society.

If you would like your jazz event included in our media publications please send your schedules to jlbasham@i2k.com by the 15th of the month.

West Michigan Jazz Society Board MembersBoard meetings are held the last Wednesday of each month.

Pete Proli - President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 616-866-0147Donna Kahny - Vice President . . . . . . . . 616-745-5962

WMJS main number . . . 616-490-9506 Email . . . wmjs.gr@gmail.com

This Spring/Summer edition of Jazz Notes was produced by:

Donna Kahny Editor

LK Creative Design, Graphic Design and Production

Jan Basham, Shane Piers, Event Calendar Support

Contributing Writers: Bob Thompson, Donna Kahny, Steve Hilger

Contributing Photographers: Bruce Robey, Steve Hilger, Donna Kahny, Mike Hamann, Chuck Anderson, Jack Kinney, Matthew Lintula,Chris Wilson

Printed by Storr Printing

Website Design and Maintenance by Van Wyk Technology Consulting LLC.

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P.O Box 150307Grand Rapids, MI 49515

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GO GREEN ... it makes cents!

Detach and mail with check made payable to West Michigan Jazz Society P.O. Box 150307, Grand Rapids, MI 49515

Shannan Denison . . . 308-6611 Steve Hilger . . . . . . . 458-3601 Peter Johnson . . . . . 498-1482 Jim Reed. . . . . . . . . . 942-0239Barb Keller . . . . . . . . 949-7633 Eddie Tadlock. . . . . . 430-8487Kathi Meulenberg - Secretary

Student $10

Single $25

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Donor $75

Patron $125

Lifetime Member single $250

couple $400

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