opera circle cleveland - zanetto -...
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Huge Week of Great Shows - Duke Robillard, Sammy DeLeon, Michael Wolff & Victor Jones, Baldwin Wallace and more......
Nighttown Cleveland by Nighttown / Jim Wadsworth Productions
Hi Folks.
We've got a loaded week of fantastic shows for you.
Tonight, Wednesday, we have a free performance of the opera "Zanetto" which is being produced byOpera Circle Cleveland. Free will donations are gladly accepted.
Thursday, one of the hottest jazz flutist's on the world scene is here at Nighttown,Jamie Baum. She'll be joined by her NYC based quintet including Nir Felder-guitar,Andy Milne-piano, Matt Clohesy-acoustic bass, & Jeff Hirshfield-drums. Should be afantastic concert.
On Friday, get down with some hot latin jazz from the master, Sammy DeLeon. It'salways a party at Nighttown when Sammy brings his band. Featuring SammyDeLeon-timbales & vocals, Jackie Warren-piano, Nelson Orta-percussion, ScottMcKee-trumpet, Dick Ingersoll-sax, and Jose 'Cheo" Hernandez-bass.
On Saturday, legendary jazz drummer Victor Jones makes his Nighttown debut. He'll be joined by MichaelWolff on piano who has made numerous memorable apprearances at Nighttown. They'll be joined by an all-star NYC based quartet including the fast emerging Haley Niswanger on sax, & legendary bassist Harvie S.
On Sunday, R&B and blues super-star guitarist Duke Robillard will be making a longawaited return to Nighttown. Many of you know Duke who was a founding member ofRoomful of Blues. Duke has gone on to record dozens of records on his own and has touredthe country extensively for the past 30 years. Along the way he's been awarded with aGrammy and numerous awards from The Blues Foundation.
Then on Monday, get ready for the multi-talented Baldwin Wallace Musical Theaterstudent concert. These juniors and seniors are on the verge of Broadway careers. They aretrained at one of top schools in the world for musical theater, right in our back yard atBaldwin Wallace. Always a delightful evening hearing and seeing these super talentedstudents.
We also just added a New Year's Day Brunch featuring Dominick Farinacci.
What a great week!! Hope you can join us for all or some of these shows.
Jim WadsworthNighttown / Jim Wadsworth Productions
great dining | great music
12387 Cedar Road (top of Cedar Hill)Cleveland Heights, OH
216-795-0550
www.nighttowncleveland.comMap to Nighttown
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New Exciting Shows Just Added
Wednesday November 30 Opera Circle Cleveland - ZanettoSunday January 1 New Year's Day Dominick Farinacci
Shows Recently Added12/01 Jamie Baum All-Star Quintet 12/02 Sammy DeLeon Latin Jazz Sextet 12/03 Victor Jones All-Star Quartet featuring Michael Wolff 12/04 Duke Robillard 12/05 Baldwin Wallace Musical Theater Showcase 12/08 Gaetano Letizia Quartet 12/09 Muriel Anderson, Mark Sganga, Pete Cavano
Home for the Holidays Series 12/10 Ken Peplowski 12/11-12 Bill Rudman's "A Christmas Cabaret" 12/14 Liz Huff & Friends 12/17 Dan Bankhurst & Friends12/18 Helen Welch "Home for Christmas" 12/22 Curtis Taylor Quartet 12/23 Vanessa Rubin 12/26 Lou Armagno - Sinatra Selects 12/27 Rachel Brown & The Beatnik Playboys 12/28 Joe Hunter & Friends 12/29 Eddie Baccus Sr. & Friends 12/30 Moises Borges & Joshua Smith
New Year's Eve Spectacular - Three Great Artists, Four GreatShows12/31 New Year's Eve Anne Cochran / Abe LaMarca & Band 8 &10:3012/31 New Year's Eve Dominick Farinacci 7:30 & 10:00
"Late Night at Nighttown" ** Every Week **Fridays Moss Stanley on piano 10:30PM - 1:00AM No coverSaturdays Jackie Warren on piano 10:30PM - 1:00AM No cover
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Nighttown Tickets and Seating Policy
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To purchase tickets click here, Do not make anadditional table reservation - it is already included withyour purchased tickets. All seats are General Admission. All seating is based on the time that you arrive for theshow and based on how many people are in your partyand where we have tables of that size. You may besharing a table with other people.
Nighttown Student Discount PolicyStudents up to age 26 are 1/2 off the regular price. Student priced tickets are only available the night of theshow, are available only at the door, and are subject toavailability. Students must have a photo ID from agenerally-recognized high school, college or university. Full-paying ticket holders get priority on admission andseating. Certain select shows have no discount based onarrangements with the artist. On evenings when thereare two shows (i.e. shows at 7 & 9PM), the discount isonly good for the second show. Students under the age of18 must be accompanied by an adult paying full price inorder to be eligible for the discount.
Opera Circle Cleveland - Zanetto$0.00 Wednesday 11/30 7:00 pm Buy Tickets
Live Opera at Nighttown! Opera Circle Presents Zanetto by Pietro Mascagni.
A Gem of Operatic Repertoire! Free Will Donations Accepted.
This one-act explores love, hope, suspicion,disappointment, and imperfection in one ofMascagni's most compelling scores. Staged and
Mascagni's most compelling scores. Staged andcostumed with English translation projected. Duration50 minutes. Featuring:Dorota Sobieska, soprano, Silvia and stage directorMegan Thompson, mezzo-soprano, ZanettoJacek Sobieski, piano directionWanda Sobieska, violin and viola The StoryThe Renaissance. Silvia, the rich and beautifulhostess of a country hotel near Florence, encountersZanetto, a wandering minstrel and poet. Their love isdestined to remain unrealized. Free and open to the public. Free-will donations
gratefully accepted. More information at www.operacirclecleveland.org or call 216 816 1411
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Jamie Baum All-Star Quintet$20.00 Thursday 12/01 8:00 pm Buy Tickets
Dynamic NYC Flutist leads All-Star East Coast Quintet live atNighttown!
Featuring: Jamie Baum-flute, Nir Felder-guitar, Andy Milne-piano,Matt Clohesy-acoustic bass, & Jeff Hirshfield-drums.NYC flutist/composer/recording artist/clinician, Jamie Baum , has toured the US, andover 28 countries performing at major festivals and concert halls including theNorth Sea Jazz Festival, Sedutirol, Braga, Oeiras, Bermuda, Edinburgh, Friehoffer,Winter JazzFest and JVC Festivals. She has performed with artists as renown anddiverse as George Russell, Randy Brecker, Donald Brown, Mick Goodrick, TomHarrell and Kenny Barron to Dave Douglas, Fred Hersch, Uri Caine, Ralph Alessi,Leni Stern, Jane Bunnett, David Binney, V.M Bhatt, Anthony Braxton and WadadaLeo Smith.
Though focusing primarily on jazz, she has been involved in several projects,performances and tours performing classical, new music, Brazilian and Latin music.Receiving critical praise for five CD's as a leader, Sight Unheard (w/Dave Douglas,Kenny Werner), Moving Forward, Standing Still (w/Ralph Alessi, George Colligan)and her 2013 Sunnyside Records release In This Life (w/Amir ElSaffar, John Escreet)all received four stars from DownBeat and made several “Best CDs of the Year”lists. Inch By Inch , b y t h e c o o p e r a t i v e band Yard Byard: The Jaki ByardProject (w/Jerome Harris, George Schuller), out May 2014 (GM Recordings) alsoreceived four stars from DownBeat. Recordings as sidewoman include those byDave Binney, George Colligan, Ursel Schlicht, Glenn White, Frank Carlberg, PatriziaScascitelli, Taylor Haskins, Ken Hatfield, Steve Lampert, Monika Herzig, LouiseRogers, etc.
Rogers, etc.
Ms. Baum has been in the DownBeat Critics Polls annually since 1998, winning #4in the 2015 Top Flutists category and # 1 Rising Star Flutist in 2012, and was namedas part of the "Major New International Talent" 2015 list in Musica Jazz (Italy). Shewas nominated by the Jazz Journalists Association for “Flutist of the Year“ eighttimes/
Media attention for In This Life brought features on WBGO’s RADAR and NPR’s AllThings Considered, reviews in The New York Times, DownBeat, JazzTimes, All AboutJazz, etc., making the "Best CDs of 2013" on lists including The Boston Globe,ITunes, Rhapsody.com , EMusic,com and Francis Davis' NPR Music Jazz Critics Poll.Ms. Baum was also featured in a two-page article in the September 2014 JazzTimesissue.
Aside from leading both her Septet+ (since ’99) and Short Stories and co-leadingYard Byard: The Jaki Byard Project, she is involved in several other projects eitheras co-leader or side-woman, including The Richie Beirach/Jamie Baum Duo and FarCry Flutes featuring Robert Dick. Ms. Baum has been on the faculty of the jazzdepartment at Manhattan School of Music since 2007, on the adjunct faculty rosterat the New School University since 2004 and taught at Berklee College of Music(2011-2013). A clinician for Altus Flutes/ KHS America, they have sponsored herinnovative, pioneering clinic "A Fear Free Approach to Improvisation for theClassically-Trained Musician"™ at colleges, conservatories, festivals and “musicand art” schools worldwide since 1993.
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Sammy DeLeon Latin Jazz Sextet$15.00 Friday 12/02 8:30 pm Buy Tickets
Great Lakes leading Latin Jazz Group hits the stage at Nighttown!
Featuring: Sammy DeLeon-timbales & vocals, Jackie Warren-piano, Nelson Orta-percussion, Scott McKee-trumpet, Dick Ingersoll-sax, and Jose 'Cheo"Hernandez-bass.
Sammy DeLeon a master timbales player has shared his talent far and wide. He has appearedin New York, Chicago, Miami, San Juan and points in between. He is the undisputed leader inlatin music in the Ohio area. Formerly the musical director of Impacto Nuevo, Sammy has beenleading his own group since 1996. Equally adept in latin jazz, salsa and merengue, Sammy andhis Orchestra make it hard for an audience to sit still. DeLeon has shared the stage with manystars of latin jazz.
He opened up for the late Tito Puente several times in Cleveland and New York City and was afavorite of the late master. Sammy has collaborated with many of the leading latin musiciansthroughout the world. They include Humberto Ramirez, Tony Vega, El Gran Combo, and TitoRojas. Latin music has enjoyed a great revival in Northeast Ohio thanks to the leadership ofSammy DeLeon and his dynamic Orchestra.
Jackie Warren is one of the most in demand and prolific jazz artists working in the Great Lakesregion. On any given night she can be found playing solo, leading her trio, or she may be heardas the featured soloist and arranger for Sammy DeLeon's Salsa and Latin-Jazz ensemble.
Jackie is also a professor of music at Tri-C and has several private students. Jackie gets callsconstantly from vocalists who want her to back them, and she is frequently called on to guestwith national artists. In the past few years Jackie has performed with David "Fathead" Newman,Bobby Watson, Jane Bunnett, and Gerald Wilson. Her arrangements can be heard on SammyDeLeon's new CD, and recently she recorded a session in collaboration with the legendary
producer Tommy LiPuma.
www.jackiewarren.net
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Victor Jones All-Star Quartet featuing Michael Wolff $20.00 Saturday 12/03 8:30 pm Buy Tickets
Master Drummer from the groups of Stan Getz and Woody Shawleads All-Star NYC Quartet live at Nighttown!
Featuring: Victor Jones-drums, Michael Wolff-piano, HaleyNiswanger-sax, & Harvie S-acoustic bass.Victor Jones, considered a visionary in today's music business, is a new breed ofDrummer/Bandleader bringing new and exciting ideas to the world of jazz andworld music.
No stranger to traditional or modern jazz, Victor Jones started his career as a teen-age musician playing in local bands in his birthplace of Newark, New Jersey andtouring world-wide with Lou Donaldson. In his early twenties he toured the worldwith Stan Getz. Later tours were with James Moody, Michel Petrucciani, Joe, Olivia,Stanley Clarke,, Phyllis Hyman,, Dizzy Gillespie and Chaka Khan as well as others.
Victor played on the Grammy nominated EMI Korean recording, Second Moon,which won Record of the Year in 2006. Victor also was featured on the Best LatinJazz recording in 2008 with Papo Vasquez. When asked about his greatestachievement he replied, “My greatest achievement in life was having five childrenwith my wife Ane Jones.” Since 2003 he has been a Bandleader with his own World Music Band, Cultur-Versy,these days specializing in a new age type of music, a mix of dance music, hip-hopand electro pop. This group currently has three CDs out, the latest named DanceFloor 54. Stan Getz said, “Victor is one top of the world caliber drumnmners and I don’t saythat lightly.” George Benson states,Whether playing funk, rock or jazz, Victor Jones is one catthat gets it right.”
Michael Wolff was a member of the bands of Cannonball Adderley, Sonny Rollins,Jean Luc Ponty, Airto Moreira and Flora Purim, and singer Nancy Wilson, amongmany others. As musical director of The Arsenio Hall Show, Wolff performed withartists ranging from Yo Yo MA to Grandmaster Flash, and with Wayne Shorter,Herbie Hancock, and Chick Corea as well.
Saxophonist and composer, Hailey Niswanger graduated in December of 2011with a B.A. in Jazz Performance from the prestigious Berklee College of Music inBoston. Born in 1990 in Houston, Hailey grew up in Portland, Oregon, and nowcurrently lives in Brooklyn, New York. Hailey has shared the stage with EsperanzaSpalding, DeeDee Bridgewater, George Duke, Joe Lovano, Terri Lyne Carrington,and many other jazz greats. Hailey leads her own quartet that has performed atnumerous festivals.
A legendary bassist, Harvie S, has performed and recorded with a huge number ofjazz greats including Stan Getz, Chet Baker, Dexter Gordon, Tony Bennett, Ray
jazz greats including Stan Getz, Chet Baker, Dexter Gordon, Tony Bennett, RayBaretto, Michael Brecker, Jean Pierre Rampal, Paquito D’Rivera, Gil Evans, ArtFarmer, Mark Turner, Jim Hall, Stefon Harris, Billy Hart, Lee Konitz, Yusef Lateef,Dave Leibman, Joe Lovano, Pat Metheny, Paul Motion, Chico O’Farrill, Danilo Perez,Maria Schneider, Zoot Sims, Toots Thielemans, Ray Vega, James Williams, PhilWoods, Louie Bellson and countless others.
He can be heard on twenty albums as a leader, fifteen as a co-leader, and over fourhundred albums as a sideman.
Duke Robillard $20.00 Sunday 12/04 7:00 pm Buy Tickets
Top Flight Blues from Providence, Rhode Island, with virtuosoguitarist Duke Robillard and his Band Live at Nighttown!The Blues Music Awards have named Duke Robillard "Best Blues Guitarist" fouryears out of five (2000,2001,2003,2004) making him the second most honoredguitarist for that award! He was also nominated in that category in 2005, 2007 andagain this year of 2008.
In 2007 Duke received a Grammy nomination for his "Guitar Groove-a-rama" CDand was also honored with the prestigious Rhode Island Pell Award for "excellencein the arts" along with actress Olympia Dukakis, actor Bob Colonna, and R.I.Choreographer/Festival Ballet director Mihailo "Misha" Djuric. Other awards over the last decade include three Canadian Maple Blues Awards in2001, 2002, and 2003 for "Best International Blues Artist," The Blues Foundation's"Producer of the Year" award in 2004, The French Blues Association "Album of theYear" award in 2002 (Living with the Blues) and "Guitarist of the Year" awards in1999 and 2002.
BB King himself has called Duke "One of the great players," The Houston Post calledhim "one of God's guitarists. And the New York Times says "Robillard is a soloist ofstunning force and originality.
None of that goes to Robillard’s head. He’s still on the road, still playing as many as250 dates a year. And still proving, night after night, that his true talent is bringingpeople out to hear the music, appreciate the show, and dance to the blues.
Duke had his first band in high school — he was born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island— and he was fascinated from the beginning by the ways in which jazz, swing, andthe blues were linked. In 1967, he formed Roomful of Blues, and the band was tightenough and tough enough to accompany two of its heroes, Big Joe Turner andEddie "Cleanhead" Vinson on record and in live appearances.
Always ahead of his time, Duke’s first band pre-dated the renewed interest in jumpblues by more than a decade — and almost 20 years later, in 1986, when herecorded with jazz sax master Scott Hamilton, he recorded a collection of classicbig band tunes from the ’30s and ’40s, thus skillfully pre-dating the neo-Swing crazeof the mid ’90s.
Roomful of Blues — which still continues, forty years later — gave Duke his firstexposure to a wide public, and when he left after a dozen years, he played brieflywith rockabilly king Robert Gordon, then cut two albums with the Legendary BluesBand (a sterling collection of former members of Muddy Waters’ band). He led hisown band until 1990, and then replaced Jimmy Vaughan in the FabulousThunderbirds.
He has found time to share studio gigs with Bob Dylan (the Daniel Lanois-producedTime Out of Mind sessions), Ruth Brown, the late Johnny Adams, John Hammond,Pinetop Perkins, and Ronnie Earl, among many others. He now has his own 24-trackstudio in his home, and he has become deeply involved in graphic design andphotography as well as record production.
Duke Robillard is a man in command of a full range of creative talents — unique inthe blues, and rare in the music industry as a whole. He is, in fact, a complete artistat the height of his power.
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Baldwin Wallace Musical Theater Concert$10.00 Monday 12/05 7:00 pm Buy Tickets
Next Generation of Broadway Stars takes the Stage atNighttown!Join us for an evening of golden age music theatre as Baldwin Wallace Universitystudents perform selections live at Nighttown!
From lead roles on Broadway and London's West End to prime time television, filmand more, students from Baldwin Wallace’s music theatre (BWMT) program havegarnered top acclaim for more than 20 years.
Recently ranked as number two of the top ten Music Theatre programs in thecountry by College Magazine, Program Director Victoria Bussert continues to leadstudents to successful careers.
Join BW music theatre juniors on Monday, December 5 as they share music theatrestandards from the golden age including selections from Guys and Dolls, She LovesMe and Carousel.
Don’t miss the Broadway stars of tomorrow performing December 5 at Nighttown!
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Gaetano Letizia Quartet $10.00 Thursday 12/08 8:00 pm Buy Tickets
Gaetano's Christmas Party wit All-Star North Coast Quartet Liveat Nighttown!
Featuring: Gaetano Letizia-guitar, Bob Esterle-baritone & tenorsax, Wilbur Krebs-bass, & Steve Renko-drums.A veteran guitarist with several recordings under his belt including some that goback to the LP era, Gaetano Letizia, a native Clevelander has assembled a first classgroup that he will be showcasing at Nighttown. Letizia who has exceptional jazzchops, is also well versed in blues, latin, and swing music. He is most influenced bythe hard bop music he grew up with and he cites players like Pat Martino, Jim Hall,and Kenny Burrell as his main influences. Always a popular attraction in theCleveland area, Letizia's latest group is one of his best ever. Joining Gaetano Letizia at Nighttown will be an All-Star group featuring KennyLeeGrand-sax, Dan Maier-piano, Wilbur Krebs-electric bass, & Steve Renko-drums.
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Muriel Anderson, Mark Sganga, Pete Cavano$20.00 Friday 12/09 8:00 pm Buy Tickets
Fingerstyle Guitar Summit with 3 Top Flight String Masters!
Featuring: Muriel Anderson (Nashville), Mark Sganga (NYC), PeteCavano (Cleveland).
Muriel Anderson and Mark Sganga have both been namedNational Guitar Champions at the International FingerstyleGuitar Festival in Winfield, Kansas!One of the world’s foremost fingerstyle guitarists and harp-guitarists, MurielAnderson is the first woman to have won the National Fingerstyle GuitarChampionship. Her recent CD “Nightlight Daylight” has won top honors in 11national awards. She has performed/recorded with Chet Atkins, Les Paul, VictorWooten and the Nashville Chamber Orchestra. Her obvious joy of music, humor andher facility across the genres of folk, classical, jazz, bluegrass and internationalmusic is revered by guitarists worldwide.
An engaging performer, Muriel’s unique approach to the instrument virtuallytransforms the guitar into a lyrical choir, then a marching band, then a Japanesekoto, then a Bluegrass band, one minute launching into a Beatles’ tune and thenext, a Rodrigo concerto. Muriel is host of the renowned Muriel Anderson’s ALL
next, a Rodrigo concerto. Muriel is host of the renowned Muriel Anderson’s ALLSTAR GUITAR NIGHT® and founder of the MUSIC FOR LIFE ALLIANCE charity.
Mark Sganga has enthralled audiences from Stockholm to Kuala Lumpur to theThredbo Jazz Festival in Australia. His dynamic playing has been featured on toursand recordings with Indian violin virtuoso Dr. L. Subramaniam, alongside LarryCoryell and Herbie Hancock.Les & me get down
Back in NY, Mark has appeared at Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, The Stone, S.O.B.’s andThe Bitter End. He’s performed numerous times at Iridium, often as a guest of thelegendary Les Paul.
Sganga has regularly participated in The Woodchoppers Ball (Kent Stage in Kent,OH). He is a repeat featured performer and a judge at The Indiana State FingerstyleGuitar Competition.
Mark has curated a Summer Concert Series at Torne Valley Vineyards where he ledseveral all-star groups, including his trio, backing up 7 String Guitar Master, BuckyPizzarelli.
Pete Cavano - "It has been an honor and privilege to perform with artists asdiverse as the late Robert Lockwood Jr., and local legends Anne E. Dechant,Wallace Coleman, Mr. Stress, and Colin Dussault, to name just a few.
In addition to my local work, I have been an annual performer at the Chet AtkinsAppreciation Society Convention held in Nashville. This is a showcase of the bestsolo guitarists from around the world and I am humbled to be in their ranks.
Though I will continue to “sit in” with notable local bands, for the last 20 years Ihave concentrated on solo guitar. Covering everything from Bach to the Beatles, Ihave developed a broad repertoire which I can adapt to any audience."
https://marksganga.com/
http://petecavano.com/
http://murielanderson.com/
Ken Peplowski $25.00 Saturday 12/10 8:30 pm Buy Tickets
Internationally recognized Clarinet and Sax Master, & ClevelandNative now residing in NYC back on Nighttown Stage!
Featuring: Ken Peplowski-clarinet/sax, Joe Hunter-piano, PeterDominguez-acoustic bass, & Glenn Davis-drums.“When you grow up in Cleveland, Ohio, playing in a Polish polka band, you learn tothink fast on your feet”, says Ken Peplowski, who played his first pro engagementwhen he was still in elementary school. “From my first time performing in public, Iknew I wanted to play music for a living.”
After a year of college, Ken joined the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra under the directionof Buddy Morrow. “Buddy heard me with my quartet at a Cleveland jazz festivalalong with Teddy Wilson’s trio and the Dorsey band, and made an offer right thenand there for me to not only play lead alto, but to have a feature spot on the
and there for me to not only play lead alto, but to have a feature spot on theclarinet with the rhythm section.
In 1980, Ken moved to New York City, and was soon playing in all kinds of settings,from Dixieland to avant-garde jazz. “Everything’s a learning experience in jazzmusic – there’s always an element of the unpredictable.” In 1984, Benny Goodmancame out of retirement and put together a new band, hiring Ken on tenorsaxophone.
Peplowski signed with Concord Records, under the tutelage of Carl Jefferson, thefounder and president, and recorded close to 20 albums as a leader, including “TheNatural Touch” in 1992 which won Best Jazz Record of the Year.
“What’s in the future? “Who knows? I love all kinds of music, and I’d like to findmore opportunities to bridge the gaps between different musical styles – I considermyself an interpreter of material – if something interests me, I try to put my ownspin on it, without thinking or worrying about playing in any particular style.Basically, I like a challenge, I’m a sucker for a good melody, and I love playing foraudiences, big or small.”
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Bill Rudman's "A Christmas Cabaret"$31.00 - $35.00 Sunday 12/11 7:00 pm Tickets available only through TMTP’s Box Office.
Monday 12/12 7:00 pm Tickets available only through TMTP’s Box Office.
11th Anniversary of The Musical Theater Projects ChristmasCabaret. Featuring: Bill Rudman, Nancy Maier, Scott Posey, &Sandra Simon.
Tickets available only through TMTP’s Box Office.Call 216-245-8687 or visit MusicalTheaterProject.org.As our beloved Mame says, “haul out the holly!” Now in its tenth-annual production, TheMusical Theater Projects knows why audiences keep coming back to "A ChristmasCabaret" ....... it's the songs.
This show mixes well-known classics and hidden gems, touching on the history of all ofthem in a way only TMTP can. What else should audiences expect? It wouldn’t be aChristmas concert without a few sing-alongs!
Vocalist Sandra Simon says, “it’s the nostalgia that hooks me. For people of my age – the1960s boomer babies – these are the songs I grew up hearing. We all had Christmastraditions when we were young. I believe our cabaret can become a new tradition forfamilies – and for many, it already is.” Joining Simon and new to A Christmas Cabaret isvocalist Scott Posey. TMTP audiences will remember Posey from last season’s “Behindthe Musical: Fiddler on the Roof.”
And there’s something about a cabaret setting that’s perfect for the holiday season.
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Liz Huff & Friends$10.00 Wednesday 12/14 7:00 pm Buy Tickets
Share a little holiday cheer at Nighttown!
Join vocalist Liz Huff and friends for an evening of jazz - centricholiday music, including the classics and new takes on oldfavorites, such as the Jingle Bell Tango. With Marshall Griffith onpiano, Tim Keo on upright bass, and Justin Hart on drums.
Available that night: Huff’s first solo CD release, reflecting herdiverse influences, especially her love of Celtic and jazz music.Highlights include the traditional Irish song “Wexford Carol,” theItalian carol “Gesù Bambino,” and the sizzling “Jingle BellTango,” along with a jazzy take on the standard “Have Yourselfa Merry Little Christmas” and a lush, haunting “Silent Night.”Liz Huff is thrilled to be celebrating the holidays at Nighttown! When not singingChristmas tunes, she does concert work, improv, and collaborative arts projectsthroughout the Midwest and locations as far-flung as Estonia and Finland. Music andcomedy have led Liz to performing on many local stages and venues, as well asArcade Comedy Theater in Pittsburgh, Rochester Improv Fringe Festival and the DelClose Marathon at Upright Citizens Brigade in NYC. An advocate for new work intheater and music, Liz has premiered works by a number of composers, includingRyan Charles Ramer and Marshall Griffith. A graduate of the Cleveland Institute ofMusic, she studied improv at The Annoyance Theater in Chicago. This past fall shereleased her debut Christmas album, My Favorite Things: A Christmas Collection,on her label Bossy Cat Music, part of Bossy Cat Productions, LLC.
Marshall Griffith, piano, is active as a jazz and classical pianist. Marshall has beena soloist with the Canton Symphony, Ohio Chamber Orchestra, Cleveland Pops,Suburban Symphony, CIM Orchestra, CIM Woodwind Ensemble, Cleveland YouthWind Symphony and the Case Jazz Band. Dr. Griffith was appointed to the CIMfaculty in 1975 where he teaches all levels of Music Theory courses and courses onImprovisation. In 2014 he was selected as the Distinguished Alumni of theCleveland Institute of Music in thecategory: Composer Virtuoso. His compositionsare numerous and range from avant garde to various jazz styles. Marshall is anABOUT THE ARTISTS Artist in Residence for the Cleveland Clinic and a performerfor Arts Connect, a program of the Cleveland International Piano Competition. Inaddition he is the pianist for The Shoreby Club and Beechmont Country Club.
Justin Hart is a local drummer who is happy to work with Liz yet again! In additionto performing on "My Favorite Things," he can also be seen in the pits of manymusicals in the area. Thanks to Liz and all involved.
Tim Keo was born and raised in Northeast Ohio, Tim has been a performingmusician for over thirty years. Most of his professional work has been in localtheater pit orchestras and occasional studio sessions (including a few tracks on LizHuff’s My Favorite Things). Tim is also a member of two local bands - The Belairs (a1950’s Doo-Wop cover band) and The Diamond Dogs:The Sound and Vision of
1950’s Doo-Wop cover band) and The Diamond Dogs:The Sound and Vision ofDavid Bowie.
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Dan Bankhurst & Friends$20.00 Saturday 12/17 8:30 pm Buy Tickets
Rapidly Rising Fingerstyle Guitar Master back home fromNashville for Special Holliday Show at Nighttown!
Featruing: Dan Bankhurst-acoustic and electric guitars, KevinJohnson-acoustic bass, & Dan Fernandez-drums. Dan was eleven years old when he took his father’s old ES-335 out of the closet andstarted to play for the first time. Inspired by his older brother, an accomplishedelectric guitarist in his own right, and by his father, Dan quickly became enamoredwith the guitar and has since dedicated himself to becoming the best player he canbe.
Dan's earliest influences were mostly rooted in blues, so he initially set out as anelectric guitarist playing in the styles of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert King, and JimiHendrix. As a teenager Dan began to branch out into jazz, and acknowledgeGeorge Benson, Joe Pass, and Django Reinhardt as major influences to this day.
It was about two years ago that Dan heard Chet Atkins play for the first time and hewas immediately hooked! Dan immersed himself in learning as much as hepossibly could about Chet’s amazing technique, phrasing, and beautifularrangements, which then led him to discover the great Tommy Emmanuel. One ofthe highlights of Dan's career has been playing with Tommy, and he's also had thepleasure of sitting in with renowned jazz guitarists Frank Vignola and VinnieRaniolo. Other influences of Dan's are John Knowles, an exceptional guitarist thatreceived the honorary Certified Guitar Player (CGP) award from Chet, and themodern master Pete Huttlinger.
Dan has also gone back to study some of the original masters of the style such asthe incomparable Merle Travis and Jerry Reed. He continues to be inspired by theirplaying and he's working on creating his own exciting style blending traditionalfingerstyle guitar with a more contemporary approach.
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Helen Welch "Home for Christmas"$20.00 Sunday 12/18 7:00 pm Buy Tickets
Exciting North Coast Vocalist debuts her brand new CD "Homefor Christmas" Live at Nighttown!
Featuring: Helen Welch-vocals, Joe Leaman-piano, Bryan Thomas-acoustic bass, & Anthony Taddeo-drums.Join song-stylist and entertainer Helen Welch with her trio of musicians to celebratethe release of Helen’s much awaited debut Christmas album “Home for Christmas”.
The album contains an eclectic mix of beautifully arranged holiday songs to get youinto the Christmas spirit. From Helen’s beautiful new original song and the titletrack of the album; “Home for Christmas” to Lennon/McCartney”s “In My Life” withthe Christmas song woven through it.
Also included is a cool jazz waltz arrangement of “Merry Christmas Darling” as wellas the gorgeous Stevie Wonder song “If It’s Magic”. You are going to want to makethis album part of your collection to listen to each and every holiday time!
Joining Helen will be her fabulous trio; Joe Leaman on piano, Bryan Thomas onbass, Anthony Taddeo on drums.
The evening will be a wonderful way to start your holiday season and you’ll be ablepurchase the CD for you, your friends and your family and get it signed by Helenand the band. Get your tickets early!
Helen Welch is a critically-acclaimed vocalist whose live stage performancesexplore a diverse range of musical compositions, starting with the 1930s upthrough present-day. Whether she’s singing Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee and SarahVaughan, or Elton John, Sting and Randy Newman, Helen’s sophisticated vocals andhumor leave audiences breezily enchanted. The “Helen Welch experience” isperhaps best described by a fan who wrote on her Amazon page, “If you have achance to see Helen perform, do it! You are in for a special treat.”
A native of England, Helen is well-known throughout the United Kingdom for hermusical theatre roles and 1-woman shows. Upon moving to the U.S. in 2003, shebegan appearing in venues throughout the Northeast. Her unique talents forchoosing songs that stand the test of time and making them her own, and herability to intimately engage her audience, quickly earned her a large and devotedfollowing.
Helen is equally at home performing in intimate spaces for small groups as inoutdoor amphitheatres in front of thousands. She appears in the region’s mostcelebrated entertainment establishments including Severance Hall, Cleveland'sPlayhouse Square Center, Akron Civic Theatre, Blossom Music Center, theChautauqua Institute and many more. She frequently guest-stars or headlines withworld-class musical organizations such as The Cleveland Orchestra, The ColumbusSymphony Orchestra, The Cleveland Pops Orchestra and The Akron Symphony toname just a few.
Review of "Home for Christmas" at Broadway World
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Curtis Taylor Quartet$20.00 Thursday 12/22 8:00 pm Buy Tickets
Exciting Trumpeter and Quartet back on Stage at Nighttown forHoliday Show!
Featuring: Curtis Taylor-Trumpet; Chris Coles - Sax; TheronBrown - Piano; Dean Hulett - Bass; Rob Hubbard - DrumsGrammy Award winning trumpeter Curtis Taylor’s lyrical and melodicimprovisational style displays a level of maturity far beyond his counterparts. Hisunique blend of soulfulness, harmonic sensibilities and rhythm melt together for anunforgettable sound that directly connects with the soul of the listener.
Taylor grew up in Bedford, Ohio, where his interest in music was piqued. At 10 yearsold, he took up the trumpet and got involved with the school’s band program.Shawn Nichols, the school’s band director, took notice and encouraged him to getinvolved in the jazz ensemble. In addition, Nichols also took Taylor to severalconcerts around the city where he got his first real taste of jazz. One night afterseeing a great concert featuring trumpeters Jon Faddis and Steve Enos, Taylor wasso inspired that he decided then and there that he wanted a career in music.
Soon after that experience the accolades began piling up for the budding youngmusician - no doubt it’s because the talented trumpeter has studied and performedwith some of the most renowned jazz musicians and educators. In 2007, Taylorcompleted his B.A. in Jazz Studies at Michigan State University, where he studiedwith Derrick Gardner, Wess Anderson and Rodney Whitaker. Two years later hewent on to attain his Master’s at Rutgers University where he studied with the lateWilliam “Prof” Fielder. Fielder was a legendary educator who taught many jazznotables such as Wynton Marsalis, Terence Blanchard, Sean Jones and TerrellStafford.
Taylor has shared the stage with jazz luminaries Winard Harper, Rodney Whitaker,Antonio Hart and great gospel luminaries Karen Clark-Sheard, Kierra Sheard andthe Singletons. More extensively Taylor’s stint with jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnutincluded a notable concert performance at Kennedy Center recorded for NPR’sJazzset, an appearance at the Spoleto Jazz Festival, and a week long engagement atDizzy’s Club in NYC. In addition, Taylor had the great opportunity to tourinternationally with virtuosic saxophonist James Carter’s Quintet, performing in:Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Canada, and Austria.
In more recent years, Taylor has had the wonderful opportunity to perform andrecord with rising Jazz star Gregory Porter. Taylor’s trumpet can be heard onGregory Porter’s debut album Water and on his junior release (Blue Note records)Liquid Spirit. Both albums were nominated for Grammys. Liquid Spirit won theGrammy in the Best Jazz Vocal Album category for 2013.
Today, Taylor continues to perform nationally as band-leader and sideman. Hisperforming group is a quartet that features his original music and somearrangements of standard Jazz, R&B and Neo-soul repertoire.
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Vanessa Rubin$30.00 Friday 12/23 8:30 pm Buy Tickets
World Class Vocalist Live at Nighttown with her Group!Endowed with the kind of liquid phrasing and sheer wisdom that comes from depthof experience on the jazz performance campaign trail, Vanessa Rubin is an ever-evolving classic singer in the making. The development of a true jazz singer is along-range prospect, laden with learning experiences that forge the voice into atrue instrument, rich with passion, deeply invested in living through life’s joys andperils; such is the journey of Vanessa Rubin, jazz singer extraordinaire. Capable ofemploying the gamut of emotions, the mature Ms. Rubin can range from whisper toshout in the blink of an eye; from honey-laden ballads purring like a kitten, to uptempo swinging and scatting like a fluent saxophone, she delivers the goods.
One of the surest tests of a jazz singer is her acceptance by skilled players; therelationship between instrumentalist and vocalist is so often fraught with distrust. Vanessa Rubin has never experienced such travails. From the time she joined theNew York jazz community in the early 80s, under the guidance of suchgrandmasters as Barry Harris and Frank Foster, Rubin’s acceptance has beenuniversal. Instrumentalists have always been impressed by her way around a song,her willingness to flow with their muse, and her innate ability to swing that music.
The list of great musicians who have graced her recordings and bandstands is quiteimpressive: Monty Alexander, Cecil Bridgewater, Kenny Burrell, Frank Foster, BillyHiggins, Etta Jones, Lewis Nash, Houston Person, Patience Higgins, Don Braden,Toots Thielemans, Steve Turre, Cedar Walton, Grover Washington, Jr., and JamesWilliams are just a few of the masters who’ve lent their skills to support Ms. Rubin’sartistry. More recently she has completed auspicious global tours with HerbieHancock, the Woody Herman Orchestra, and the Jazz Crusaders.
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Lou Armagno & Sinatra Selects $10.00 Monday 12/26 7:00 pm Buy Tickets
Join Cleveland's own Sinatra Selects as they celebrate theholiday week with some favorite songs your sure to know andsome you may not have heard before. All in the style and soundof SINATRA!
Featuring: Lou Armagno-Vocals; Mike Elkins-Piano; Marc Paige-Sax & Flute; Jim Mass-Bass; and Rick Exton on Drums.Lou Armagno Lou has been performing in and around Cleveland since he movedback in June 2013. What sets Lou apart from other Rat Packer’s is his uncannysimilarity in sound and delivery to 'Ole Blue Eyes? Prior to coming back home Louperformed in Honolulu with various bands and venues. His 2015 CD release, NEVERBEFORE, a 100th anniversary tribute to The Chairman of the Board, is a fantasticinterpretation of songs Frank never recorded, and truly a treat!
Marc Paige Marc has been playing clarinet and saxophone for over 55 years. Hehas performed with many rock, blues and jazz groups, along with most ofCleveland's big bands. Additionally, he is a member of the Solon PhilharmonicOrchestra, and a board member with Cleveland Jazz Orchestra.
Mike Elkins Mike Elkins is a pianist, music director, and arranger. He is a veteranof several area big bands and currently the pianist for the Dan Zola Orchestra. Hehas worked in regional musical theater productions as a pit orchestra member andmusic director at Beck Center, Huntington Playhouse, Clague Playhouse and theformer Berea Summer Theater at Baldwin Wallace University. Mike is one half ofthe singing duo, Mike and Mary, in which he plays keyboards, sings, and arranges. Mike is employed as a software engineer and lives in Berea with his wife, Linda.
Jim Mass Jim is a Cleveland native with a diverse musical background spanningmore than 40 years. Being equally comfortable on both Acoustic and Electric bass,he has played in most every musical genre, including Jazz, Pop, Rock, Big Band,Classical, Country, Bluegrass, Shows and Plays, Christian and Ethnic. His musicalfoundation makes him a quick study, and a first call on many sub lists in the area.Groups (to name a few) he has played with include the NEO Jazz Orchestra, Skyline,Swing City Big Band, The Juice Band, Jazz Connection, Johnny Baron Quintet, theTom Fries Orchestra, Summit Jazz, Cleveland Philharmonic, Hermit Club andChagrin Studio Orchestras, Rob Michaels, and Josephine Venuti.
Ricky Exton Drummer, recording artist, composer, arranger, and producer, Rickyhas been active in the music community for over 2 decades. At an early age,Ricky's talents emerged as one of the Cleveland Tri C All Stars. He continued hiscareer in music at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass., where he earned aBaccalaureate in Professional Music. His performance venues include jazz festivals,concerts, television appearances, and private and corporate events. He hasperformed with Lou Rawls, Wynton Marsalis, Rufus Reid, Cyrus Chestnut, JoanneBrackeen, Kim Nazarian, Linda Presgrave, and international guitar virtuoso NeilZaza. In addition, Ricky is an active session musician recording in studios from theeast coast to the west coast.
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Rachel Brown & The Beatnik Playboys$10.00 Tuesday 12/27 7:00 pm Buy Tickets
Vocalist, pianist, and singer/Songwriter leads All-Star NE Ohio Group Live atNighttown!
Featuring: Rachel Brown-vocals & piano, Dave Huddleston-guitar, Bill Watson-bass, & Roy King-drums.
Rachel has opened for many top artists including Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson,Merle Haggard, Peter Cooper & Eric Brace, Nathan Bell, Mary Chapin Carpenter,Bill Kirchen, Chuck Mead, Phil Lee, Loretta Lynn, Ray Stevens, Toby Keith, BradPaisley, Vern Gosdin, Clint Black , Alan Jackson, Aaron Tippin, Bill Monroe, RalphStanley,Richie Furay, Donna the Buffalo, The Carpenter Ants, Little Jimmy Dickens,Southern Pacific, Ricky Scaggs, David Jacobs Strain and The Judds. Rachel is also amusic teacher for the Elyria City School District.
Bill Watson has had an extensive and successful career out of performing musicfor many years. Currently, you can also find Bill playing with "The Numbers Band"(since 1990), "Hillbilly Idol" (since 1990), "Alex Bevan" (since 1988) and "Clearfork"
(since 1990), "Hillbilly Idol" (since 1990), "Alex Bevan" (since 1988) and "Clearfork"(since 1990). Some of you may remember seeing Bill perform with "The DamnBand" (1991), "Reckless Abandon" (1987), "Mimi Hart & The Bopkats" (1984-86),"Deadly Ernest & The Honky Tonk Heroes" (1981-84), "Gopher Broke Swing Band"(1977-1981), "Smackinrrouge" and "Better 'n Bacon Band" (pre 1977).
Roy King has had the pleasure of performing with living legends like Mose Allison,Bucky Pizzerelli, Eddie Bo, Johnny Gimble and Jay McShann to great local heroessuch as Alex Bevan, the Gopher Broke Swing Band, pianists Mike Petrone and JoeHunter. Roy currently teaches drums and percussion at Woodsys Music in Kent andMedina, as well as leading his own jazz trio which plays at Nighttown in Cleveland,Ohio. "I always wanted to be a beatnik and a playboy.", says Roy. " Now I can beboth!"
Dave Huddleston is a lifelong student and lover of music. He is known locally as avocalist, guitarist, and bassist. Born in Washington, DC, and raised in Cleveland,Dave grew up in a musical family and was exposed to a variety of music genres --from Saturday Metropolitan Opera radio broadcasts, to Broadway musicals playedon the family hi-fi, to pop tunes squeezed out of a tiny transistor radio tuned toWIXY 1260-AM. His influences are all over the map -- Bach, Artie Shaw, Elvis, theTemptations, the Beatles, Ella, 1960s TV themes, Gaetano Veloso, Chaka Khan, U2,the Bee Gees, the Isley Brothers, Frankie Valli, Ennio Morricone, Buck Owens. Davesees every song and every gig as a chance for exciting explorations, always with anelement of surprise.
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Joe Hunter & Friends $15.00 Wednesday 12/28 7:00 pm Buy Tickets
North Coast pianist extraordinaire Joe Hunter takes center stagewith Several Special Guests TBA.Nighttown favorite Joe Hunter has released two popular CD's in recent years. Hunter is the pianist of choice in the Northeast Ohio area. He can be heardfrequently in the Fat Tuesday Big Band, Swing City, and backing big name artists. He has backed many, including the legendary Tito Puente, and saxophonist DavidSanborn, At Nighttown Hunter has backed some several top guns includingclarenetist Ken Peplowski, and saxophonists David "Fathead" Newman, and ScottHamilton. Joe Hunter is also on the faculty at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C),one of the top jazz programs in the country.
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Eddie Baccus Sr. & Friends$20.00 Thursday 12/29 8:00 pm Buy Tickets
Legendary Master of the Hammond B-3 Organ Live on theNighttown Stage with All-Star Lineup!
Featuring: Eddie Baccus Sr.-Hammond B-3 Organ, Mike Cady-Vocals, Cecil Rucker-Vibes, Billy Artis-Guitar, Perry Williams III-Drums,More Special Guests TBA.One of the senior statesman of the Cleveland Jazz Scene, organist Eddie Baccus Sr.has set the standard locally since the early 1960's. Like the late great Jimmy Smith,Baccus is a virtuoso on the Hammond B-3, equally adept at soul jazz and bebop. Inmany ways Eddie Baccus Sr. has been to the jazz scene what the late Robert Jr.Lockwood was to the local blues scene; he has been a leader, mentor, and the soulof the community for many years.
Early on his talent was evident as he was linked with another jazz legend,saxophonist Roland Kirk. Baccus and Kirk were schoolmates at the Ohio School ofthe Blind and their sessions together in the old Euclid and 105th area are the stuffof local legends. Kirk would go on to national acclaim before his untimely death inthe late 70's. Baccus stayed close to home and it has been our good fortune.
Eddie Baccus Sr. has been a mentor to countless Cleveland jazz musicians, notablyJoe Lovano, Ernie Krivda, and more recently his son, Eddie Baccus Jr.. His work hasonly been documented infrequently. He recorded an LP with Kirk back in 1962"Feel Real" on Smash records. His other recording is a session done with Lovano inthe mid 1980's entitled "Hometown Sessions". Although he has not gone on togreater glory playing the national circuit, Eddie Baccus Sr. has been the bedrockof the Cleveland jazz scene and his influence on fans and musicians alike has beeninvaluable. Joining Eddie Baccus Sr. for his appearance at Nighttown will be an All-StarCleveland lineup. They are Cecil Rucker on the Vibes. Eddie Sr. has frequentlyappeared with Cecil's group Good Vibes. Billy Artis is on guitar. Many willremember Billy from his days backing the late great Bill Doggett at the Theatrical indowntown Cleveland. Perry Williams III is on drums. Perry is a veteran on the souljazz circuit and has worked with Eddie Sr. and Cecil extensively. And on vocals isRon Davis. Don't miss Hammond B-3 wizard Eddie Baccus Sr. & Friends live atNighttown.
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Moises Borges & Joshua Smith$15.00 Friday 12/30 8:30 pm Buy Tickets
Bossa Nova, Samba, and more from Brazilian Vocalist andGuitarist Moises Borges with West Coast Saxophonist &Cleveland Native Joshua Smith.
Echoes of Getz/Gilberto on Nighttown's Back Patio Stage!.Seating Limited get Tickets Quickly!Moises Borges a native of Brazil now living in Cleveland has become a prolificperformer one the Northeast Ohio scene in recent years. A gifted vocalist andguitarist, Borges plays in the Bossa Nova tradition interpreting classics by Jobim,Gilberto, and many others. This far away from his native Brazil the music of hishomeland is very much alive when he is on stage.
Joshua Smith is a saxophonist/multi instrumentalistresiding in the San Francisco Bay area. He has beenperforming for the past 20 years with a wide array ofnotable jazz and creative musicians, beginning in hishometown of Cleveland, Ohio.
Joshua has performed in the straight-ahead jazz realm forthe past 20 years. His current sidemen are the best of theSan Francisco Bay Area, and he has played countlessconcerts and private events in the straight-ahead arena.Growing up, Smith began gigging at a very early age witholder jazzmen of his hometown, Cleveland, Ohio... He was amember of "Greg Bandy's Young Lions'" and studied undersaxophone iconoclast Ernie Krivda.
Joshua has since made his mark in the arena of avant-garde jazz and forwardthinking jazz through performing with players like Joe Maneri, Cuong Vu, (of The PatMetheny Group), Chris Jonas, trumpet legend Nate Wooley, Trevor Dunn, ToddSickafoose, Myra Melford, Ben Goldberg,Carmen Castaldi, and drummer ScottAmendola in addition to many other notable players...
Additionally, he's performed with funk drumming legend Clyde Stubblefield, touredas a member of The Youngblood Brass Band, and bluegrass legend Peter Rowan...
He's been a member of The Scott Amendola Quartet for the last five years, havingperformed with guitar luminary Nels Cline, at John Zorn's NYC venue, The Stone.
In 2010 he acted as music director and contributing composer to the "Leave MeAlone" opera, an avant grade jazz opera written by Smith's good friend HarveyPekar, at Oberlin College.
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Dominick Farinacci $40.00 Saturday 12/31 7:30 pm Buy Tickets
Trumpet Star & Group Plays Music from his new CD "ShortStories" live on Nighttown's Back Patio Stage in exciting NewYear's Celebration!
Seating Limited get Tickets Quickly!Dominick Farinacci recently released his Mack Avenue Records debut, "ShortStories" -- a compelling suite of music with a repertoire that spans genres andgenerations united by the trumpeter/composer's soulful conception. Bringingtogether songs from Tom Waits, Horace Silver, Dianne Reeves and the Gipsy Kingsas well as original compositions, Farinacci has managed to create his own musicaluniverse, aided by musicians of the highest caliber. All of the songs have anarrative that any listener can relate to.
Farinacci had already achieved enough stature by his mid-teens that WyntonMarsalis offered to help him set his sights on coming to New York, and by 2001,Farinacci was one of only four trumpeters in the world to be selected as theinaugural students in The Juilliard School's first jazz curriculum. During his schoolyears and afterwards, Farinacci immediately distinguished himself as asoloist/bandleader/composer with a vision.
Soon thereafter, Farinacci was named the first Global Ambassador for Jazz atLincoln Center and traveled to Qatar where his world expanded beyond his wildestdreams. Throughout the two years that Farinacci spent there, he broadened hisactivities to include dozens of different projects, where the goal was, through hismusic and outreach activities, to unite communities and overcome barriers ofevery sort.
Life itself has many different sorts of mentorship built into it. A life in the arts can'texist without these kinds of relationships, and Short Stories is the fruit of the comingtogether of two kindred spirits, Farinacci and LiPuma, from the same home town(Cleveland, Ohio), separated by just under half a century in age. What unites themis a clear, moern aesthetic vision that combines the highest musical standards witha desire to be agents of change.
LiPuma's credits as a producer are far too numerous to list here; suffice it to say hehas played an essential role in the sound of the last 50 years, with 35 albumscertified gold or platinum, four GRAMMY® Award wins and 33 nominations. If youhave heard Sir Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand, Miles Davis, George Benson,Natalie Cole, Dave Mason, Diana Krall and Dr. John--you have heard Mr. LiPuma'swork.
Amazingly, Farinacci found time during his Middle East years to also play anintegral role in the conception and build out of Cuyahoga Community College'sTommy LiPuma Center for Creative Arts.
There are so many superlatives thrown around these days that they seem to havelost their effect; but as this unique and deeply grounded album sinks into yourconsciousness, you will undoubtedly come to the conclusion that DominickFarinacci is not only one of the truly outstanding musicians of his generation, butalso that what is behind the music is nothing short of miraculous. In Farinacci's ownwords: "While Short Stories is the title of this particular recording, it has come torepresent a culmination of things I'm most passionate about - performance,education, music & wellness and community-based cultural collaborations -unfolding in the music and touring around the world."
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Anne Cochran / Abe LaMarca & Band$30.00 Saturday 12/31 8:00 pm Buy Tickets
Vocalists Anne Cochran & Abe LaMarca join forces with 7 pc.Band For Exciting New Year's Eve Shows on Nighttown's MainStage!Anne Cochran
Anne has established herself in the music industry through numerous solo albums (Anne Cochran, Thinking of You, Lucky Girl, Cover Girl, This Is The Season, Close ToMe, Two of Hearts, Christmas Wish) and accompanying pianist Jim Brickman onseveral recordings, TV Specials, co-host to his syndicated radio show and as hislead touring vocalist on tour. Brickman and Cochran had a top 5 AdultContemporary hit single “After All These Years”. She has performed for Stars On Iceat Madison Square Garden and Gund Arena, NBC’s A Golden Moment, and hasperformed with numerous symphonies and pop orchestras of Pittsburgh, Atlanta,Minneapolis, Phoenix, Louisville, Kansas City, Colorado, Cincinnati, Nashville andColumbus.
Throughout her career, Cochran has shared many memorable duets with renownedartists such as Donny Osmond, Michael Bolton, Wayne Brady, Collin Raye, DaveKoz, Richie McDonald, Mark Masri, Ben Utecht and her favorite soulful singer, AbeLaMarca. Anne and Abe have enjoyed radio success with their popular duets, “Riseand Shine” and “Who’s Gonna Baby You”, off her newest cd, “Deeper”, produced byLaMarca. Cochran is thrilled to be re-uniting with Abe, on the Nighttown stage.
Abe LaMarca
Northern soul music has been the driving and motivating musical force behind thispowerful vocalist since he was a teenager growing up in Cleveland Ohio in the late60’s. He has recently returned back home after living and performing in Las Vegas.
Abe LaMarca is also a proud member of the highly respected stable of singers andmusicians often referred to as the “Crown Jewel” of Las Vegas, Santa Fe and TheFat City Horns.
Abe grew up on a steady diet of sophisticated soul and jazz music well beyond hisyears. He was influenced by Dinah Washington, Jackie Wilson, Dave Brubeck andLittle Richard to name a few. The height of his young career as a local singer wasto land a huge gig with one of Cleveland's most memorable horn bands, Rastus. Itwas at this time he was schooled by these older and hipper cats, most of all, tenorsax player, Vic Walkuski. "Whenever you started to feel cool and cocky about howgood you were, Vic would pull out some obscure soul record with these amazingsingers to knock you back down to earth. Most notable was an album by "The BlindBoys of Alabama". I decided then and there that if I was gonna be respected I wouldhave to strive to that level".
After leaving the band he spent time in LA singing demos and working forsongwriters Gerry Goffin and Michael Masser. In the 80's Scottie Bros/CBS Recordsreleased "LaMarca", a solo endeavor that found this soul lover singing some catchypop songs, a few of which made it to the big screen, most notably, "Hold on BlueEyes" from the movie "The Wraith" starring Charlie Sheen. He devoted the 90's toraising his kids in Cleveland and singing radio jingles and T.V. commercials. In2005, Abe decided to make the move to Las Vegas where he worked at just aboutevery hotel on and off The Strip with various bands and show projects.
Abe's current cd, “Stand and Deliver” is receiving much praise at Smooth JazzRadio.
http://www.abelamarca.com
http://www.annecochran.com/
Watch Video
Dominick Farinacci $40.00 Saturday 12/31 10:00 pm Buy Tickets
Trumpet Star & Group Plays Music from his new CD "ShortStories" live on Nighttown's Back Patio Stage in exciting NewYear's Celebration!
Seating Limited get Tickets Quickly!Dominick Farinacci recently released his Mack Avenue Records debut, "ShortStories" -- a compelling suite of music with a repertoire that spans genres andgenerations united by the trumpeter/composer's soulful conception. Bringingtogether songs from Tom Waits, Horace Silver, Dianne Reeves and the Gipsy Kingsas well as original compositions, Farinacci has managed to create his own musicaluniverse, aided by musicians of the highest caliber. All of the songs have anarrative that any listener can relate to.
Farinacci had already achieved enough stature by his mid-teens that WyntonMarsalis offered to help him set his sights on coming to New York, and by 2001,Farinacci was one of only four trumpeters in the world to be selected as theinaugural students in The Juilliard School's first jazz curriculum. During his schoolyears and afterwards, Farinacci immediately distinguished himself as asoloist/bandleader/composer with a vision.
Soon thereafter, Farinacci was named the first Global Ambassador for Jazz atLincoln Center and traveled to Qatar where his world expanded beyond his wildestdreams. Throughout the two years that Farinacci spent there, he broadened hisactivities to include dozens of different projects, where the goal was, through hismusic and outreach activities, to unite communities and overcome barriers ofevery sort.
Life itself has many different sorts of mentorship built into it. A life in the arts can'texist without these kinds of relationships, and Short Stories is the fruit of the comingtogether of two kindred spirits, Farinacci and LiPuma, from the same home town(Cleveland, Ohio), separated by just under half a century in age. What unites themis a clear, moern aesthetic vision that combines the highest musical standards witha desire to be agents of change.
LiPuma's credits as a producer are far too numerous to list here; suffice it to say hehas played an essential role in the sound of the last 50 years, with 35 albumscertified gold or platinum, four GRAMMY® Award wins and 33 nominations. If youhave heard Sir Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand, Miles Davis, George Benson,Natalie Cole, Dave Mason, Diana Krall and Dr. John--you have heard Mr. LiPuma'swork.
Amazingly, Farinacci found time during his Middle East years to also play anintegral role in the conception and build out of Cuyahoga Community College'sTommy LiPuma Center for Creative Arts.
There are so many superlatives thrown around these days that they seem to havelost their effect; but as this unique and deeply grounded album sinks into yourconsciousness, you will undoubtedly come to the conclusion that DominickFarinacci is not only one of the truly outstanding musicians of his generation, butalso that what is behind the music is nothing short of miraculous. In Farinacci's ownwords: "While Short Stories is the title of this particular recording, it has come to
words: "While Short Stories is the title of this particular recording, it has come torepresent a culmination of things I'm most passionate about - performance,education, music & wellness and community-based cultural collaborations -unfolding in the music and touring around the world."
Visit Website
Watch Video
Anne Cochran / Abe LaMarca & Band$30.00 Saturday 12/31 10:30 pm Buy Tickets
Vocalists Anne Cochran & Abe LaMarca join forces with 7 pc.Band For Exciting New Year's Eve Shows on Nighttown's MainStage!Anne Cochran
Anne has established herself in the music industry through numerous solo albums (Anne Cochran, Thinking of You, Lucky Girl, Cover Girl, This Is The Season, Close ToMe, Two of Hearts, Christmas Wish) and accompanying pianist Jim Brickman onseveral recordings, TV Specials, co-host to his syndicated radio show and as hislead touring vocalist on tour. Brickman and Cochran had a top 5 AdultContemporary hit single “After All These Years”. She has performed for Stars On Iceat Madison Square Garden and Gund Arena, NBC’s A Golden Moment, and hasperformed with numerous symphonies and pop orchestras of Pittsburgh, Atlanta,Minneapolis, Phoenix, Louisville, Kansas City, Colorado, Cincinnati, Nashville andColumbus.
Throughout her career, Cochran has shared many memorable duets with renownedartists such as Donny Osmond, Michael Bolton, Wayne Brady, Collin Raye, DaveKoz, Richie McDonald, Mark Masri, Ben Utecht and her favorite soulful singer, AbeLaMarca. Anne and Abe have enjoyed radio success with their popular duets, “Riseand Shine” and “Who’s Gonna Baby You”, off her newest cd, “Deeper”, produced byLaMarca. Cochran is thrilled to be re-uniting with Abe, on the Nighttown stage.
Abe LaMarca
Northern soul music has been the driving and motivating musical force behind thispowerful vocalist since he was a teenager growing up in Cleveland Ohio in the late60’s. He has recently returned back home after living and performing in Las Vegas.
Abe LaMarca is also a proud member of the highly respected stable of singers andmusicians often referred to as the “Crown Jewel” of Las Vegas, Santa Fe and TheFat City Horns.
Abe grew up on a steady diet of sophisticated soul and jazz music well beyond hisyears. He was influenced by Dinah Washington, Jackie Wilson, Dave Brubeck andLittle Richard to name a few. The height of his young career as a local singer wasto land a huge gig with one of Cleveland's most memorable horn bands, Rastus. Itwas at this time he was schooled by these older and hipper cats, most of all, tenorsax player, Vic Walkuski. "Whenever you started to feel cool and cocky about howgood you were, Vic would pull out some obscure soul record with these amazingsingers to knock you back down to earth. Most notable was an album by "The BlindBoys of Alabama". I decided then and there that if I was gonna be respected I wouldhave to strive to that level".
After leaving the band he spent time in LA singing demos and working forsongwriters Gerry Goffin and Michael Masser. In the 80's Scottie Bros/CBS Recordsreleased "LaMarca", a solo endeavor that found this soul lover singing some catchypop songs, a few of which made it to the big screen, most notably, "Hold on BlueEyes" from the movie "The Wraith" starring Charlie Sheen. He devoted the 90's to
Eyes" from the movie "The Wraith" starring Charlie Sheen. He devoted the 90's toraising his kids in Cleveland and singing radio jingles and T.V. commercials. In2005, Abe decided to make the move to Las Vegas where he worked at just aboutevery hotel on and off The Strip with various bands and show projects.
Abe's current cd, “Stand and Deliver” is receiving much praise at Smooth JazzRadio.
http://www.abelamarca.com
http://www.annecochran.com/
Watch Video
New Year's Day Jazz Brunch with Dominick Farinacci$20.00 Sunday 1/01 12:00 pm Buy Tickets
Join us for a fabulous New Year's Eve Brunch with world renowntrumpet star Dominick Farinacci. Kick off the New Year!Dominick Farinacci recently released his Mack Avenue Records debut, "ShortStories" -- a compelling suite of music with a repertoire that spans genres andgenerations united by the trumpeter/composer's soulful conception. Bringingtogether songs from Tom Waits, Horace Silver, Dianne Reeves and the Gipsy Kingsas well as original compositions, Farinacci has managed to create his own musicaluniverse, aided by musicians of the highest caliber. All of the songs have anarrative that any listener can relate to.
Farinacci had already achieved enough stature by his mid-teens that WyntonMarsalis offered to help him set his sights on coming to New York, and by 2001,Farinacci was one of only four trumpeters in the world to be selected as theinaugural students in The Juilliard School's first jazz curriculum. During his schoolyears and afterwards, Farinacci immediately distinguished himself as asoloist/bandleader/composer with a vision.
Soon thereafter, Farinacci was named the first Global Ambassador for Jazz atLincoln Center and traveled to Qatar where his world expanded beyond his wildestdreams. Throughout the two years that Farinacci spent there, he broadened hisactivities to include dozens of different projects, where the goal was, through hismusic and outreach activities, to unite communities and overcome barriers ofevery sort.
Life itself has many different sorts of mentorship built into it. A life in the arts can'texist without these kinds of relationships, and Short Stories is the fruit of the comingtogether of two kindred spirits, Farinacci and LiPuma, from the same home town(Cleveland, Ohio), separated by just under half a century in age. What unites themis a clear, moern aesthetic vision that combines the highest musical standards witha desire to be agents of change.
LiPuma's credits as a producer are far too numerous to list here; suffice it to say hehas played an essential role in the sound of the last 50 years, with 35 albumscertified gold or platinum, four GRAMMY® Award wins and 33 nominations. If you
certified gold or platinum, four GRAMMY® Award wins and 33 nominations. If youhave heard Sir Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand, Miles Davis, George Benson,Natalie Cole, Dave Mason, Diana Krall and Dr. John--you have heard Mr. LiPuma'swork.
Amazingly, Farinacci found time during his Middle East years to also play anintegral role in the conception and build out of Cuyahoga Community College'sTommy LiPuma Center for Creative Arts.
There are so many superlatives thrown around these days that they seem to havelost their effect; but as this unique and deeply grounded album sinks into yourconsciousness, you will undoubtedly come to the conclusion that DominickFarinacci is not only one of the truly outstanding musicians of his generation, butalso that what is behind the music is nothing short of miraculous. In Farinacci's ownwords: "While Short Stories is the title of this particular recording, it has come torepresent a culmination of things I'm most passionate about - performance,education, music & wellness and community-based cultural collaborations -unfolding in the music and touring around the world."
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"Late Night at Nighttown"Fridays Moss Stanley on piano 10:30PM - 1:00AM No cover
Saturdays Jackie Warren on piano 10:30PM - 1:00AM No cover
Wednesday November 30 Opera Circle Cleveland - Zanetto 7:00PMLive Opera at Nighttown! Opera Circle Presents Zanetto by Pietro Mascagni.A Gem of Operatic Repertoire! Free Will Donations Accepted.
Thursday, December 1 Jamie Baum All-Star Quintet 8 PM $20. Dynamic NYC Flutist leads All-Star East Coast Quintet live at Nighttown!Featuring: Jamie Baum-flute, Nir Felder-guitar, Andy Milne-piano, Matt Clohesy-acoustic bass, & Jeff Hirshfield-drums.
Friday, December 2 Sammy DeLeon Latin Jazz Sextet 8:30 PM $15.Great Lakes leading Latin Jazz Group hits the stage at Nighttown!Featuring: Sammy DeLeon-timbales & vocals, Jackie Warren-piano, Nelson Orta-percussion, Scott McKee-trumpet, Dick Ingersoll-sax, & Jose 'Cheo" Hernandez-bass.
Saturday, December 3 Victor Jones All-Star Quartet featuing Michael Wolff 8:30 PM $20.Master Drummer from the groups of Stan Getz and Woody Shaw leads All-Star NYC Quartet live at Nighttown!Featuring: Victor Jones-drums, Michael Wolff-piano, Haley Niswanger-sax, & Harvey S-acoustic bass.
Sunday, December 4 Duke Robillard 7 PM $20.Top Flight Blues from Providence, Rhode Island, with virtuoso guitarist Duke Robillard and his Band Live atNighttown!
Monday, December 5 Baldwin Wallace Musical Theater Showcase 7 PM $10.Next Generation of Broadway Stars takes the Stage at Nighttown!
Thursday, December 8 Gaetano Letizia Quartet 8 PM $10.Gaetano's Christmas Party wit All-Star North Coast Quartet Live at Nighttown!Featuring: Gaetano Letizia-guitar, Bob Esterle-baritone & tenor sax, Wilbur Krebs-bass, & Steve Renko-drums.
Friday, December 9 Muriel Anderson, Mark Sganga, Pete Cavano 8 PM $20.Fingerstyle Guitar Summit with 3 Top Flight String Masters! Featuring: Muriel Anderson (Nashville), Mark Sganga (NYC), Pete Cavano (Cleveland)Muriel Anderson and Mark Sganga have both been name National Guitar Champions at the International Fingerstyle Guitar Festival in Winfield, Kansas!
Home For The Holidays Series
Nighttown's got the shows for you during the holidays. Bring your family and friendsout for a great show and dinner with great international and regional artists that are"Home for the Holidays" to make your holidays festive and joyful. All through theholidays!
Saturday, December 10 Ken Peplowski 8:30 PM $25.Internationally recognized Clarinet and Sax Master, & Cleveland Native now residing in NYC back onNighttown Stage!Featuring: Ken Peplowski-clarinet/sax, Joe Hunter-piano, Peter Dominguez-acoustic bass, & Glenn Davis-drums.
Sunday & Monday, Dec. 11-12 Bill Rudman's "A Christmas Cabaret" 7 PM Both Nights $31.-$35.11th Anniversary of The Musical Theater Projects Christmas Cabaret. Featuring: Bill Rudman, Nancy Maier,Scott Posey, & Sandra Simon.Tickets available only through TMTP’s Box Office.Call 216-245-8687 or visit MusicalTheaterProject.org.
Wednesday, Dec. 14 Liz Huff & Friends 7 PM $10.Terrific North Coast Vocalist sings selections from her Christmas CD "My Favorite Things" Live at Nighttown!Featuring: Liz Huff-vocals, Marshall Griffith-piano, Tim Keo-acoustic bass, Justin Hart-drums, and SeveralSpecial Guests TBA.
Saturday, Dec. 17 Dan Bankhurst & Friends 8:30 PM $20.Rapidly Rising Fingerstyle Guitar Master back home from Nashville for Special Holliday Show at Nighttown! Featruing: Dan Bankhurst-guitar, Kevin Johnson-acoustic bass, & Dan Fernandez-drums.
Sunday, December 18 Helen Welch "Home for Christmas" 7 PM $20.Exciting North Coast Vocalist debuts her brand new CD "Home for Christmas" Live at Nighttown!Featuring: Helen Welch-vocals, Joe Leaman-piano, Bryan Thomas-acoustic bass, & Anthony Taddeo-drums.
Thursday, Dec. 22 Curtis Taylor Quartet 8 PM $20.Exciting Trumpeter and Quartet back on Stage at Nighttown for Holiday Show!
Friday, Dec. 23 Vanessa Rubin 8:30 $30.World Class Vocalist Live at Nighttown with her Group!
Monday, Dec. 26 Lou Armagno Sinatra Selects 7 PM $10.Vocalist Lou Armagno & his group Sinatra Selects plays the music of "Old Blue Eyes" for Holiday Show atNighttown!Featuring: Lou Armagno-vocals, Marc Paige-sax, Mike Elkins-piano, Jim Mass-bass, & Ricky Exton-drums.
Tuesday, Dec. 27 Rachel Brown & The Beatnik Playboys 7 PM $10.Vocalist, pianist, & singer/songwriter & Band live at Nighttown!Featuring: Rachel Brown-piano & vocals, Dave Huddleston-guitar, Bill Watson-bass, & Roy King-drums.
Wednesday, Dec. 28 Joe Hunter & Friends 7 PM $15.North Coast pianist extraordinaire Joe Hunter takes center stage with Several Special Guests TBA.
Thursday, Dec. 29 Eddie Baccus Sr. & Friends 8 PM $20.Legendary Master of the Hammond B-3 Organ Live on the Nighttown Stage with All-Star Lineup!Featuring: Eddie Baccus Sr.-Hammond B-3 Organ, Mike Cady-Vocals, Cecil Rucker-Vibes, Billy Artis-Guitar,Perry Williams III-Drums, and more Special Guests TBA.
Friday, Dec. 30 Moises Borges & Joshua Smith 8:30 PM $15.Bossa Nova, Samba, and more from Brazilian Vocalist and Guitarist Moises Borges with West CoastSaxophonist & Cleveland Native Joshua Smith.Echoes of Getz/Gilberto on Nighttown's Back Patio Stage!. Seating Limited get Tickets Quickly!
New Year's Celebrations at Nighttown
Three Great Artists, Five Great Shows!
Nobody celebrates New Year's like Nighttown. It'll be fun all night! Join us fordinner, drinks, and a great show from international level artists. This is whatmemories are made of !!
Saturday, December 31 New Year's Eve Anne Cochran / Abe LaMarca & Band 8 & 10:30 PM $30.Vocalists Anne Cochran & Abe LeMarca join forces with 7 pc. Band For Exciting New Year's Eve Shows onNighttown's Main Stage!
Saturday, December 31 New Year's Eve Dominick Farinacci 7:30 & 10 PM $40.Trumpet Star & Group Plays Music from his new CD "Short Stories" live on Nighttown's Back Patio Stage inexciting New Year's Celebration!Seating Limited get Tickets Quickly!
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Sunday January 1 New Year's Day Dominick Farinacci 12:00 Noon $20Join us for a fabulous New Year's Eve Brunch with world renown trumpet star Dominick Farinacci. Kick offthe New Year!
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