The 2010 Rhythm & Ribs Jazz and Blues Festival

The 2010 Rhythm & Ribs Jazz and Blues Festival of Kansas City, presented by the American Jazz Museum, will feature multiple stages in the heart of the Jazz District within the walls and grounds of the award-winning American Jazz Museum. The artist lineup for 2010 will showcase the best of local and regional talent with a national headliner format.

Where:

Region: Downtown Area

Address: American Jazz Museum, 1616 E 18th St., Kansas City, MO 64108

Phone: 816-474-8463

Visit Event Website

When:

Date(s): Sat., Oct. 9

Dirk K Plays Flamenco Jazz at The Beat Coffeehouse and Records

German born Dirk K started his career in L.A. in 1987. He performed with musical legends like Randy Brecker, Toots Thielemans, Will Kennedy, Gary Meek, Mitch Forman, and many more. He participated on more than 30 CD’s as a guitarist, composer and producer. He is one of the most productive musician. Only in 2007 he released 4 (!) projects: Flamenco Jazz (Quartet Equinox), Shelly BMW presents Dirk K, Shelly BMW presents Dirk K - Season Greetings and Dirk K Plays Jobim. To say it in short words: Dirk is a master of the Flamenco guitar.

The Beat Coffeehouse in downtown Las Vegas is among a handful of non-chain coffee houses in Vegas. It’s got records and art in the back, food and your favorite caffeinated beverages up front. In Las Vegas, where independent coffee shops are a rarity, The Beat is a great find.

Time Wednesday, September 29 · 7:30pm – 10:30pm

Location The Beat Coffehouse and Records

520 Freemont Street

Las Vegas, NV

The Pacific Rim Jazz Festival

Apaulo Music Productions is proud to present The Pacific Rim Jazz Festival which is destined to become one of Hawaii’s finest concert events. Michael Paulo has been in the music business for over 35 years. Through his longtime relationships, Paulo has brought a diverse group of award-winning, world-class talent to the events around the world. Well-known artists such as Al Jarreau, Jeffrey Osborne, Deniece Williams, Oleta Adams, Paul Jackson Jr., Christopher Cross, Ray Parker Jr., Eric Benet , Patti Austin, James Ingram, Stephen Bishop, David Benoit, Peter White and many more have shared the stage with Paulo.

As the Producer for the Temecula Wine and Music Festival in California for the past six years Michael is no stranger to the international festival scene. Paulo spent fifteen years as the musical director and host of the Dolphin Days Music Festival in Hawaii, an event that benefits the Shriner’s Hospital for children. He has also recently been active as a musical coordinator and artist in residence for The Java Jazz Festival, one of the Largest International Music Festivals in the world.

Currently, Michael co-produces the immensely popular and successful Smooth Jazz Nights series in Hawaii. With over 18 concerts to date and more slated, Michael has been instrumental with the resurgence of Jazz and instrumental music in Hawaii. Current projects in the works include a fall jazz series at the World Famous La Quinta Resort and Spa in Palm Springs and a Jazz festival series in St Croix, Virgin Islands.

An Evening For The Station

Join us at the 11th Annual An Evening For The Station – Benefit concert for Union Station Homeless Services

at the gorgeous Pasadena Playhouse

with Bob Mintzer’s Big Band

Grammy Winning Big Band Leader Bob Mintzer

World renowned USC Thornton Jazz Orchestra and Special Guests

Saturday, October 2, 2010 • Pasadena Playhouse

Reception begins 6:30pm • Concert at 7:30pm

39 South El Molino Avenue, Pasadena

General Admission: $50

Young Professionals: $35

To order tickets, sponsor the event, or help volunteer,

visit http://bit.ly/unionstation_efts2010

or call (626) 240-4557

Can’t attend? Support the programs by underwriting an item on the wish list. Visit http://bit.ly/efts_wishlist2010

Please forward this invitation to your friends:

fellow music lovers

friends of Union Station

fans of the Pasadena Playhouse

and anyone who wants to help men, women and children rebuild their lives!

Union Station. 825 E. Orange Grove Blvd | Pasadena, CA 91104 US

Hiroshima @ Bear’s Den Showroom

The band Hiroshima blends jazz, pop, and rock with traditional Japanese folk music and instruments, such as: the koto, a zither-like, 13-stringed instrument; shakuhachi, a five-holed bamboo flute, and; the powerful taiko drum. The Los Angeles-based ensemble includes Dan Kuramoto (keyboards/woodwinds/composer/producer), June Okida Kuramoto (koto), Danny Yamamoto (drums), Kimo Cornwell (piano/keyboards), Dean Cortez (bass) and newest member Shoji Kameda (taiko drum/percussion).

In the spring of 2005, the group released Obon, their first instrumental record and a tribute to the musicians, places and events that have inspired the band throughout the years. Obon also marked the band’s 25th anniversary and the 60th anniversary of the imprisonment of the Japanese during WWII.

Get up close and personal with your favorite performers at Bear’s Den Showroom. This intimate venue has only 443 seats and features nationally-renowned performers; past shows include Aaron Lewis, Joan Jett, Collective Soul and Sinbad. From comedy to live music, you just can’t lose with Bear’s Den Showroom.

Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, 310 Fourth St, Niagara Falls, New York 14303

Date: Sunday, September 26, 2010 – 7:00 pm

Tickets are available at Eight Clans Gift Shop, ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster locations. Or charge by phone at 716-852-5000. In Canada, call 416-870-8000.

Fattburger @ Humphreys Backstage

One of contemporary instrumental music’s most popular mainstays since the dawn of what radio termed New Adult Contemporary in the late 1980′s, the San Diego-based band’s melodic and funky, blues and Latin spiced rhythm and jazz sound has helped both create and define the genre.

Fattburger.com (the website, not the album) proudly declares that the proper response to the question “What is the essence of smooth jazz?” is the Fattburger catalog in its entirety.

While Fattburger.com (the album) keeps the band on its always evolving artistic roll and is a harbinger of the kind of music we might expect from the band in the future, the dawn of 2000 gives Evans pause to reflect upon what the whole experience has meant to the band. “I have to say, I’m most proud of the fact that we’ve stayed together and that no matter what’s come up, we’re always looking out for each other, keeping our friendship and the joy of music ahead of all other concerns. It’s been a pleasure having the opportunity to touch our fans through music, and to leave a nice little musical legacy which will hopefully outlive us.”

Humphrey’s “Backstage” (the bar area) offers Happy Hour, every day of the week including weekends, from 5 to 7 p.m., with pretty damn good live music (and with no cover), and nearly all of the food and drinks are half off the normal price. So, if you ask for a Grey Goose martini, it’s only 5 bucks because it’s normally 10.

And you get some extremely entertaining people watching thrown in for free. It’s a 50-something crowd, nearly all touristas, and the loud Tommy Bahama shirts are out in full force. Let’s face it, tourists can be hilarious. We love them because they are helping our economy and we sympathize with them, too, because we are all tourists ourselves when we step outside of our little towns. But the bottom line is that they act and dance sillier than regular folks and it’s great fun to watch.

Humphreys Backstage, 2241 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, California 92101

Date: Sunday, September 26, 2010 – 8:00 pm

Down To The Bone @ Anthology

Down to the Bone is an acid jazz group led by DJ Stuart Wade, who formed the band with Chris Morgans (who has now left) in 1996. The group is very popular in the UK, where they are “hailed as the kings of UK jazz groove.” Their music is a mix of funk and jazz.

The new US lineup consists of (from left to right) Katisse Buckingham-sax , Iajhi Hampden-drums, Chris Bautista-trumpet, Rufus Philpot –bass/bandleader, Dave Wood-guitar , Quinn Johnson ( Now replaced by Dennis Hamm on Keys). Catch them live on all US gigs.

Anthology has become one of San Diego’s premier upscale dining rooms. On stage, Anthology plays host to renowned local and international musicians in Jazz, Classic Rock, Blues, Latin and World music. From unplugged to plugged, solo to large bands, guests can be sure they will be impressed by the exciting array of local musicians and singers. Artists who have performed include: Ramsey Lewis Arturo Sandoval, Kenny Rankin, Larry Coryell, Mose Allison, Sonny Landreth, Chick Corea and Lee Ritenour.

Director of Music Operations Michael Pritchard, with more than 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry, most recently as talent buyer for Humphrey’s Backstage Club, has secured an impressive array of musical talent (see the artists list).

Friday, September 24, 2010 – 7:30 pm

Sax Sensation Jessy J Wins ASCAPLUS Award, Signs with New Management & Returns to Studio for Third Album with Grammy Hitmaker Paul Brown

When singer/composer/saxophonist Jessy J sets her sights on a career goal, she follows through with laser-like precision. Two years and two albums after her auspicious debut on Peak Records/Concord Music Group, Jessy J has been selected by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) for the prestigious ASCAPLUS writing award, announced new management and is returning to the studio with Grammy Hitmaker Paul Brown.

After a whirlwind year of touring and being awarded the ASCAPLUS, Jessy J has signed with Stewart Coxhead at International Music Management of Leeds, England, as her personal manager. Additionally, booking duties will now be handled by Paul Goldman of Monterey International Agency in Chicago, Illinois (Lee Ritenour, Jesse Cook, and Fourplay).

“Clearly my career is evolving and I need to seize the wonderful opportunities out there on the world stage,” says Jessy. “With the growth of social networking, online music stations, and e-commerce, the world is literally at our doorstep and Stewart has the expertise to take my career to the next levels.”

Coxhead’s career spans four decades in the UK encompassing record company ownership, artist management, record marketing/distribution and promotion. He has also written, produced and presented for radio, television, print and internet music publications. He currently manages three-time Grammy nominated supergroup Acoustic Alchemy.

While her tunes have often been categorized as “smooth jazz with a Latin flavor,” Jessy notes her growing popularity and fan base in the worldwide adult contemporary market. It’s with this knowledge that Jessy has returned to the studio with mentor and labelmate, Paul Brown, once again handling production duties for her third album. The Grammy-winning producer will again produce, co-write, and perform on the album. “Paul brings the best out of me; our collaborations are always productive and amazing,” said Jessy. The yet untitled album is expected to debut in the second quarter of 2011.

Source: Cheryl Hughey Promotions

Cjazz Launches Annual Concert Fundraiser Aboard the Legendary USS Midway Aircraft Carrier

Cjazz and the Oasis Contemporary Jazz Awards have added a spectacular concert event to the March, 2011 Oasis Awards line-up. Michele Abrams, founder of Seattle-based Cjazz, is launching the company‟s inaugural „In Concert for Cancer‟ fundraiser featuring Gregg Karukas, Jeff Kashiwa, Richard Smith, Steve Cole and special guest artists, all performing Friday, March 11, 2011 on the flight deck of San Diego‟s historic aircraft carrier, the USS Midway.

“I am very excited to get this meaningful event off the ground”, says Abrams. “Losing both parents and friends to cancer has deeply affected me. Like many people touched by this terrible disease, I want to do my part to give back. Music has the power to heal and inspire, and to me, nothing could be more satisfying than sharing the joy of world class music performances to raise money for vital cancer research.” Cjazz‟s beneficiary is the world-renowned Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. http://www.fhcrc.org

Cjazz was founded in 1993 to promote the artists of Contemporary Jazz on the Internet and in live, intimate theatre settings. Over the past few years, Cjazz has turned its focus in a philanthropic direction, producing fund-raising events on the west coast and in Hawaii. http://www.cjazz.com

“We thought we had planned the ultimate Oasis Contemporary Jazz Awards weekend and then Michele added her „In Concert for Cancer’ event at an impossible to match locale, the flight deck of the USS Midway”, says founder Bill Paddock. “We at the Oasis Awards are proud to be working with Michele and Cjazz. Whether fans get the VIP Ticket that includes all Oasis shows or just go to In Concert for Cancer, it‟s a win for Contemporary Jazz, for the fans and for the Hutchinson Center.”

Mike V. Vasquez, program director and morning show host for San Diego‟s 98.1 KIFM says, “KIFM is very proud to be a part of this special and unique concert fundraiser event. Electrifying smooth jazz aboard the legendary USS Midway, on the San Diego Bay, will make this a once in a lifetime experience unforgettable.”

In addition to featuring some of the biggest names in the jazz genre, the show itself will be spectacular. Staging and seating will be on the flight deck aboard the USS Midway aircraft carrier, docked in San Diego‟s bay. The big-as-life backdrop will be the San Diego skyline, with extra lighting from the downtown high-rise scene and the stars overhead.

Jeff Kashiwa is one of the most sought after saxophone players in the world. Between leading his own group, touring with Kim Waters and Steve Cole as Sax Pak, and his frequent appearances with the Rippingtons, Jeff plays over 100 shows a year.

Keyboardist/composer Gregg Karukas began his career as a fusion artist in the Washington, DC area. His recordings run the gamut from eclectic jazz to seductive Brazilian colorings to hypnotic smooth grooves. Since releasing his first album in 1987, Gregg has enjoyed a successful recording, producing and touring career.

Saxophonist Steve Cole is a celebrated player in contemporary jazz, having sold hundreds of thousands of albums worldwide and recorded four number one R&R Smooth Jazz hits. He recently signed a multiple album deal with Mack Avenue/Artistry Music. The first project for the label is entitled Moonlight and it is a collection of classic pop songs and standards set amidst an orchestral backdrop.

Richard Smith is the consummate jazz musician and educator. “I spent the 90‟s running the Studio/Jazz Guitar program at USC, touring the world 100 days a year, playing sessions and making records on my own. I loved it all and couldn‟t say „no‟ to any of it”, says Smith.

Cjazz‟s „In Concert For Cancer’ spectacular is part of the 2011 Oasis Contemporary Awards Weekend and the Oasis VIP Ticket, on sale now at http://www.OasisContemporaryJazzAwards.com. The VIP Ticket includes the “Night of Tribute” show at San Diego‟s Balboa Theatre on Thursday, March 10, the 2011 Oasis Awards show from the San Diego Civic Theatre on Saturday, March 12, as well as the Cjazz show aboard the legendary USS Midway Aircraft Carrier and more.

Tickets to In Concert for Cancer are ON SALE NOW at http://www.Cjazz.com

A Jazz First – From the Flight Deck of the USS Midway

March 11, 2011 San Diego

Chieli Minucci and Special EFX Celebrate Their 25th Anniversary

Special EFX, one of the most prominent jazz- fusion groups of our era, celebrates their 25th year of touring and recording with a new CD and special anniversary performances in their hometown of New York City, and in Boston. Chieli Minucci and Special EFX will bring their eclectic and exciting sound to SOB’s on Weds., Sept. 29. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. Admission is $20 in advance. On Thurs., Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. the band will perform at Scullers in Boston. Admission is $25, dinner and show is $63.

Leading up to the live concerts at SOB’s and Scullers, Minucci invites fans to submit their favorite Special EFX memory for a chance to win a copy of the band’s new double CD, “Without You”. Fans may submit their stories at www.chielimusic.com.

Anyone attending the shows is encouraged to submit song requests in advance. Do you want the band to include “Sambuca Nights” from the first Special EFX CD or “Seduction” from the Body Language CD in their set list? Just visit http://www.chielimusic.com to make your request.

Performing with Special EFX at SOB’s will be Chieli Minucci (electric & acoustic guitars), Lionel Cordew (drums), Jerry Brooks (bass), Jay Rowe (keyboards) and Philip Hamilton (percussion, vocals).

Founded in 1984 by percussionist George Jinda and guitarist Chieli Minucci, Special EFX became well known for blending layers of sound, harmonic textures and Latin rhythms. During the course of the band’s phenomenal rise to the top of the jazz charts, they released 25 CDs, including Minucci’s 8 solo releases and a live concert DVD. Jinda passed away in 2002 but Minucci has kept his memory alive with the release of “Without You”, a brilliant new double CD collection of tracks which features the original Special EFX lineup of favorites – drummer Lionel Cordew, bassist Jerry brooks, keyboardist Jay Rowe, and vocalist/percussionist Philip Hamilton – plus many brilliant guest artists, including keyboardist Jeff Lorber, violinist Karen Briggs, keyboardist Lao Tizer, vocalist Will Brock, bassist Dave Anderson, and violinist Alan Grubner.

“I am thankful to our fans who have allowed me to earn a living doing what I love – making music,” says Minucci. “The new CD showcases some truly incredible musicians on tracks that may become the “new” classics for Special EFX.”

“Without You” highlights Special EFX’s extraordinary career and is essential listening for their legions of fans. Songs like “Love’s Lost in Translation” blends Philip Hamilton’s mellifluous voice with romance and angst in an exotic, world music setting. Long-time fans may recognize parts of “The Night Is Ours”, which is a completely re-written version of Special EFX’s 1980’s signature song “Sambuca Nights”. Fans will also be entranced with “Hushabye”, which was originally released as the instrumental “Sweet Surrender” but has been transformed with the addition of the soulful vocals of Will Brock. And for George Jinda fans, the tune “Man with a Drum” captures his original percussion sounds.

Special EFX’s captivating jazz fusion textures and progressive new age twists take listeners on an uplifting musical ride they’ll never forget. “Without You” showcases the band’s special gift for combining harmony, feeling, and flawless technique with remarkable passion.

Visit http://www.chielimusic.com for more information.

To purchase tickets for the Sept. 29 Special EFX show at SOB’s, visit http://www.sobs.com. SOB’s, also known as Sounds of Brazil, is a live music venue in the lower Manhattan neighborhood of SoHo, 200 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014, Tel: 212.243.4940.

To purchase tickets for the Sept. 30 Special EFX show at Scullers, visit http://www.scullersjazz.com. Scullers Jazz Club is located at the Doubletree Guest Suites-Boston,
400 Soldiers Field Road
Boston, MA 02134, Tel: 617-562-4111.