Buffalo Live Jazz

This is love...

Ten long trips around the sun since I last saw that smile, but only joy and thankfulness that on a tiny world in the vastness, for a couple of moments in the immensity of time, we were one.

- Ann Druyan, speaking about her beloved Carl Sagan in 2006

Health,

Hope,

Dialogue,

Respect,

Tolerance,

Friendships,

and Love.

Happy Valentines Day.

dan

Ari Silverstein Brings Cabaret Stars to Buffalo

2012-02-09T07:37:00.000-08:00

Promoter, Ari Silverstein (right) and singer, Mark Murphy.

Burchfield Penney Art Center

www.BurchfieldPenney.org

As part of its Year of the Arts programming, Buffalo State will
celebrate the artistry of American Cabaret in a concert-lecture
series, “High Standards: The Legacy of the Great American Songbook,”
featuring three Cabaret greats on February 23, March 1, and March 8
at the Burchfield Penney Art Center.

“Each of these singer-pianists has received international
acclaim entertaining in intimate jazz and cabaret settings,” said Ari
Silverstein, a 2003 Buffalo State graduate and New York City real
estate broker who collaborated with the Buffalo State Student Life
Office and the Music Department to bring the series to Buffalo. “Their
main focus has been keeping the American Songbook tradition alive,”

The artists will present daytime discussion-demonstrations
moderated by Silverstein and Chuck Mancuso, Buffalo State professor of
music and author of Popular Music and the Underground: Foundation of
Jazz, Rock, Country and Blues, 1900-1950. On the same day as the
discussion, each artist will perform a theme oriented concert at 7:00
p.m.

Steve Ross, known as “the Crown Prince of Cabaret,” is the
leading male artist in the genre. A native of New Rochelle, New York,
Ross has been compared to Cole Porter and Noel Coward and has
performed shows on numerous topics including composers, lyricists, and
entertainers. He will present the discussion-demonstration, “From
Saloon to Salon: Traveling with My Piano,” from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m.
February 23 in Rockwell Hall, Room 124. He will recount his evolution
from simple piano bars to the more exclusive performance rooms in
upscale hotels such as the Stanhope and the Algonquin, home to the
world-famous Algonquin Round Table. During his 7:00 p.m. performance,
Ross will bring the music of Fred Astaire to life in “Top Hat, White
Tie and Tails” in the Burchfield Penney Auditorium.

Kathleen Landis broke the mold of female singers who acted
as stand-up vocalists, and she helped establish female pianist/singers
as serious musicians in a male-dominated field. She joins such great
female vocalists as Hazel Scott, Barbara Carroll, Diana Krall and Ann
Hampton Calloway. During her discussion/demonstration, “From New
York’s Café Pierre to Buffalo’s Burchfield Penney,” 12:15 p.m. March 1
in the Burchfield Penney Auditorium, Landis will talk about the
importance of Alec Wilder’s groundbreaking tome American Popular Song:
The Great Innovators 1900-1950, and how she made a career singing and
playing the piano. At 7:00 p.m. she will perform “While We’re Young: A
Tribute to Alec Wilder,” a collection of treasured cabaret and
classical compositions written and influenced by Alec Wilder, a
graduate of the prestigious Eastman School of Music.

Bob Dorough, age 89, a longtime jazz-cabaret cult singer
and songwriter who penned such classics as “I’m Hip,” and “Devil May
Care,” also wrote many of the songs for “Schoolhouse Rock!”, the
educational series that became a staple of Saturday morning television
in the 1970s. His discussion-demonstration, “From Bebop to Schoolhouse
Rock,” at 12:15 p.m. March 8 in the Burchfield Penney Auditorium,
examines a stellar career penning jazz classics, recording with Miles
Davis, and writing clever songs that helped a generation of children
grasp grammar, math, science, and history. He will perform a
collection of previously noted classics, in his 7:00 p.m. concert,
“From Bebop to Schoolhouse Rock!”

“Unlike most traditional singers who offer a ‘list’ of
unconnected standards, this trio has honed the difficult but rewarding
cabaret-themed shows that elevate their performances to intimate
theater-like experiences,” Mancuso said.

All lectures are free. Tickets to the evening concerts cost $5
for Burchfield Penney members, Buffalo State faculty and staff, and
$10 for the general public. Students are admitted free.

Tickets can be purchased at the Burchfield Penney or online at
http://www.BurchfieldPenney.org/. For more information, call (716)
878-6011. The Office of Student Life and a grant from the Faculty
Student Association funded the series.

Thanks for your help. We hope to make this an annual event so also if
you have any financial backers you think would be interested in this
series in the future, please let me know,

All the Best,

Ari Silverstein

Email	amjsny@hotmail.com

Facebook	http://facebook.com/ari.silverstein

Danny Hull Newsletter: Musically This Week Vol XIV, No 22

2012-02-05T14:08:00.000-08:00

Hello friends. A New York night at a Buffalo price...

Tuesday, 2/7/2012 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

Phil DiRe' & Buffalo Bop

Phil DiRe', tenor saxophone Bobby Militello, alto sax & flute Richie Marlo, trumpet & flugelhorn George Caldwell, piano Sabu Adeyola, bass your host, drum set

Phil DiRe'

George Caldwell
Photo by Mari McNeil

Buffalo Bop is back. We are honored again to feature Phil DiRe' and the ensemble only he could organize. And considering the world-class artistry on one bandstand, we are obliged to ask for a $5.00 cover, this week only. Ironically, several of our Savvy & Informed Regulars have been telling me for years to charge at the door. But I've resisted. The new management at the Iris has resisted. We want you to feel welcome, like you can stop in at your leisure, hear the music, see some friends, and not feel like somebody's got a hand in your pocket. But this is a six-piece band. And consider the pedigree: Phil DiRe' worked with Keely Smith & Sam Butera. Bobby with Brubeck, Maynard, & Bob Florence. George Caldwell was on both the Basie & Ellington bands. Sabu with Ahmad Jamal & Gary Burton. Yikes! And nobody's going home rich. We're just trying to pay these guys their due respect, which is why we're informing you-the-faithful. (We just didn't want you to feel ambushed when asked for a small contribution for the first time in thirteen years.)

We are grateful for and respectful of the support that Phil has received at all of his local appearances. And considering the standing-room-only crowds at every venue, we'd advise an early arrival. Doors open at 5:00, no reservations. Our tradition continues, now at the Iris Restaurant in the Maple-Ridge Plaza. We're at the intersection of Maple & Sweet Home Roads in Amherst. Good music, good food, good people, chilled spirits, and a great hang.

next Tuesday, 2/14/2012 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

Randy Stirtzinger, vibraphone Warren Stirtzinger, guitar John Werick, bass your host, drum set

upcoming at the Iris Restaurant...

Tuesday, 2/21 Jay Bianchi & Mike Kaupa

Tuesday, 2/28 Vince Ercolomento

Tuesday, 3/6 Russ Carere

Tuesday, 3/13 Dave Schiavone

Tuesday, 4/10 Rick Strauss

Tuesday, 5/15 Bob Sneider

Tuesday, 6/19 Barbara Jean

links...

www.bobbymilitello.com/

Find your own voice...

The jazz musician's function is to feel. Unfortunately, Bird put notes into people's mouths. This vocabulary is accepted as jazz, and everyone does it. But jazz is improvising. It is the personal, emotional impact of a great improviser. It provides the listener with an experience he can have no other way. But, as today, when the vocabulary is the same, you have lost that experience. How intense can you be with someone else's words?

- Lennie Tristano, Downbeat - December 6, 1962

Health,

Hope,

Dialogue,

Respect,

Tolerance,

and Friendships.

dan

Danny Hull Newsletter: Musically This Week Vol XIV, No 21

2012-01-30T17:09:00.001-08:00

Hello friends. Buffalo legends...

Tuesday, 1/31/2012 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

The Kipler Brothers

Mickey Kipler, tenor saxophone Jimmy Kipler, guitar Paul Zap, bass your host, drum set

The Kipler Brothers may be the only jazz artists that we have ever presented who are also Rock Royalty. They were known as The Rebels in 1959 when they were asked by WKBW radio personality Tommy Shannon to record his theme song. Wild Weekend was an east coast hit, and prompted Dick Clark to invite the band to appear as The Buffalo Rebels on American Bandstand. On May 5, 1960, Mickey & Jimmy Kipler made history. Maybe we'llevenplay Wild Weekend just for fun, but the music you'll hear this Tuesday will reveal the jazz roots that gave rise to these accomplished musicians, now a bit removed from their spirited teenage years. The Kipler Brothers are beloved in Buffalo, and we are both proud and privileged to present them to their hometown audience. Our tradition continues. The Iris Restaurant in the Maple-Ridge Plaza, at the intersection of Maple & Sweet Home Roads in Amherst. Good music, good food, good people, chilled spirits, and a great hang.

next Tuesday, 2/7/2012 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

Phil DiRe' & Buffalo Bop

Phil DiRe', tenor saxophone Bobby Militello, alto sax & flute Richie Marlo, trumpet & flugelhorn George Caldwell, piano Sabu Adeyola, bass your host, drum set

upcoming at the Iris Restaurant...

Tuesday, 2/21 Jay Bianchi & Mike Kaupa

Tuesday, 2/28 Vince Ercolomento

Tuesday, 3/13 Dave Schiavone

Tuesday, 4/10 Rick Strauss

Tuesday, 5/15 Bob Sneider

Tuesday, 6/19 Barbara Jean

links...

Nostalgia ain't what it used to be...

People have this obsession. They want you to be like you were in 1969...because otherwise their youth goes with you. It's very selfish, but it's understandable.

- Mick Jagger

In 2012 and beyond...

Health,

Hope,

Dialogue,

Respect,

Tolerance,

and Friendships.

dan

Danny Hull Newsletter: Musically This Week Vol XIV, No 20

2012-01-22T19:42:00.001-08:00

Dr. Dick Judelsohn

Greetings everyone. It seems fitting. We're featuring one of Dick Judelsohn's favorite local artists this week. Dr. Jazz would have approved. He loved Laurie. He invited her on his program once for an extended interview. And no illness could stop him from introducing her to a Sunday audience at the Art Gallery two summers ago. We have lost yet another irreplaceable friend, and too soon. Dr. Dick Judelsohn's contributions to the jazz community and the musical art form he revered were equaled only by his contribution to pediatrics. Thank you Dick, for 35 years of inspired jazz broadcasting and for all that you shared on Bebop and Beyond. Thank you for your 13 years of support for our Tuesday night effort. Thank you for the summer parties in your courtyard. Thank you for your dignity, your warmth, your cheer, and your genuine and humble persona. You will be missed. But you cannot be replaced. Rest in Peace.

Tuesday, 1/24/2012 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

Laurie Bordonaro

Laurie Bordonaro, vocals Michael T. Jones, piano Sabu Adeyola, bass your host, drum set

And if there is anyone who can pay tribute to our friend Dick with an inspired performance, it is Laurie. For like Dick Judelsohn, Laurie too is genuine. She'll offer her relentless energy and her musical esprit, and Dick will be digging it from his place in eternity. And another bonus is the long awaited return of Michael T. Jones. Our friend Mike has been taking some coursework that was meeting on Tuesday nights last semester, so we haven't had the pleasure since last August. But Laurie's trio is now reunited, and we offer it all to the memory of our friend. Our tradition continues, now at the Iris Restaurant in the Maple-Ridge Plaza, at the intersection of Maple & Sweet Home Roads in Amherst. Good music, good food, good people, chilled spirits, and a great hang.

Wednesday, 1/25/2012 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:00

Buffalo Brass rehearsal

You're invited. The Buffalo Brass is rehearsing biweekly at the Iris Restaurant. Come in and witness how Phil works the band through his arrangements. It's an inside "hear" on how a modern big band unites and serves the music...

upcoming at the Iris Restaurant...

Tuesday, 1/31 The Kipler Brothers

Tuesday, 2/7 Phil DiRe'

Tuesday, 2/21 Jay Bianchi

Tuesday, 2/28 Vince Ercolomento

Tuesday, 3/13 Dave Schiavone

Tuesday, 4/10 Rick Strauss

Tuesday, 6/19 Barbara Jean

links...

Rest in Peace Dick. You are missed...

There is no cure for birth and death save to enjoy the interval.

- George Santayana (1863-1952)

In 2012 and beyond...

Health,

Hope,

Dialogue,

Respect,

Tolerance,

and Friendships.

dan

Musically This Week Vol XIV, No 19

2012-01-16T07:10:00.000-08:00

Hello friends. OK, so it's a bit brisk. But it won't be this Tuesday. We've got connections...

Tuesday, 1/17/2012 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

Miles Tucker, tenor saxophone Wayne Tucker, trumpet Tom Larsen, guitar Walter Stinson, bass your host, drum set

We've got a little more of the Eastman pedigree this week, and a lot of the Purchase variety. If you've been into the club on any regular basis, you likely know saxophonist Miles Tucker. He's been featured a time or two over these last few years, and he'll often come by to sit-in when he's not on the gig. Miles is for real. He brings a passion, an intensity, and a modern conception to the music that is at once futuristic and steeped in the blues. In good company, Miles the Eastman graduate will be outnumbered by our three Purchase representatives this week. Guitarist Tom Larsen & bassist Walter Stinson were both colleagues of Wayne Tucker's while Wayne earned his degree at Purchase, and their musical collaborations have continued beyond their college years. This is truly going to be an inspiring night of spontaneous playing and stimulating musical conversation. Try to make it if you can. Miles is around, but Wayne and his friends are coming in from New York just to do this gig and hang with Miles. We really can't promise when they'll be back. Our tradition continues, now at the Iris Restaurant in the Maple-Ridge Plaza, at the intersection of Maple & Sweet Home Roads in Amherst. Good music, good food, good people, chilled spirits, and a great hang.

upcoming at the Iris Restaurant...

Tuesday, 1/17 Miles & Wayne Tucker

Tuesday, 1/24 Laurie Bordonaro

Tuesday, 1/31 The Kipler Brothers

Tuesday, 2/7 Phil DiRe

Tuesday, 2/21 Jay Bianchi

Tuesday, 2/28 Vince Ercolomento

Tuesday, 3/13 Dave Schiavone

Tuesday, 4/10 Rick Strauss

Tuesday, 6/19 Barbara Jean

links...

www.tuckerandlarsenjazz.com

Advice for the ages...

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.

- Plato

In 2012 and beyond...

Health,

Hope,

Dialogue,

Respect,

Tolerance,

and Friendships.

dan

Danny Hull Newsletter: Musically This Week Vol XIV, No 17

2012-01-02T16:05:00.000-08:00

Hello friends. Thanks for being there last week. Yikes! The place was packed! Here's the thing about the new owners: A) They hung with us. They could have come in, cleaned house (which they did), and moved on with their agenda. Instead, they patiently adopted a wait and see posture, and accepted the value of our contribution to their business model. We not only survived, we now have an opportunity for growth. B) They are committed to improving the physical plant, both for the comfort of our audience, and for the pure listening experience. From the beginning at this location I've received complaints that unless you sit at a table close to the bandstand, you can't hear the band. So with some input from Phil DiRe, whose intellect and artistry command respect, Vinnie Lesh agreed to tie my sound system into the house. Now you can sit wherever you'd like and hear the music, not for volume, but for presence. And that's what I'm talking about with these guys. If you make a suggestion, your opinion is taken seriously. Our next goal is to simply take over where the Tralf left off. More on who we're bringing in as we get closer...

And this week...

Tuesday, 1/3/2012 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

Colin Gordon, alto saxophone Chris Ziemba, piano Danny Ziemann, bass your host, drum set

Again, the Eastman School... This week's featured artist comes to us courtesy of this week's rhythm section. Eastman graduate Chris Ziemba & Eastman student Danny Ziemann actually did my job for me this week. They unselfishly got together at a local brew pub in order to brainstorm. Imagine the sacrifice. After much contemplation, (and likely a serious tab), Chris & Danny narrowed their artistic choices down to Eastman graduate student Colin Gordon. So we again enjoy the distinct privilege of presenting yet another talent new to our Savvy & Informed audience. I haven't met Colin, so the onus is on me to hang with these guys. But sometimes the other kids will let you play if you bring the ball. So please join us. Hear a young saxophonist new to your ears. Hear as well the direction the music is taking, for it is the responsibility of youth to challenge the status quo, and to direct the music in ways fresh and creative. With every 20-something that has come to our stage from the Eastman School, the commitment to time, feel, lyric, and harmonic cohesion are there. We hear the history of the music insofar as the standards and jazz canon are concerned. But we hear too how the music sounds to them today, and what it may sound like tomorrow. Join us, and hear the future. Still, the Iris Restaurant, in the Maple-Ridge Plaza. Maple & Sweet Home Roads. Good music, good food, good people, chilled spirits, and a great hang.

upcoming at the Iris Restaurant...

Tuesday, 1/17 Miles & Wayne Tucker

Tuesday, 1/24 Laurie Bordonaro

Tuesday, 1/31 The Kipler Brothers

Tuesday, 2/7 Phil DiRe

Tuesday, 2/21 Jay Bianchi

Tuesday, 2/28 Vince Ercolomento

Tuesday, 4/10 Rick Strauss

links...

www.chrisziemba.com

File your flight plan...

The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.

- Michael Altshuler

In 2012 and beyond...

Health,

Hope,

Dialogue,

Respect,

Tolerance,

and Friendships.

Happy New Year.

dan

Danny Hull Newsletter: Musically This Week Vol XIV, No 16

2011-12-25T11:00:00.001-08:00

Hello friends. Merry Christmas. It is indeed Christmas morning, and I have some quiet time before celebrating this day's meaning and intentions with those I am blessed to love and cherish. So while wishing that the age old intent of the season resonates with you and the people you love, allow me to extend an invitation to our annual holiday gathering...

Tuesday, 12/27/2011 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

Rick Strauss, guitar Chris Ziemba, piano Danny Ziemann, bass your host, drum set

Rick Strauss is not only a musician of individual taste and talent, he's a dedicated teacher - so much so that I've been unable to persuade him to do our gig on a school night. Thus this week's special event. And among Rick's many musical gifts is his creative streak. He loves to be challenged. Set up a groove, or play a chord or two, and Rick takes the journey. Play something, let's see where it goes... This is how art is created, and we have three very special artists on the stand this week. Bowing to his musical curiosity, Rick wondered who was out there that he's never made music with. Maybe a pianist to work off of... And this is a situation I seldom find myself in. My modus operandi is to invite the person I'd like to feature, and surround said artist with musicians of his or her choosing. I'm a sideman on my own gig. But this time... What pianist would I recommend that would inspire Rick's innate musicality and invention? Who hasn't he worked with that he should know about? Were only all such problems so easily solved... In fact, this couldn't have worked out better. It's Christmas. Chris Ziemba should be home. So after 13 years of steady Tuesdays, we again offer another amalgam of musical talent heretofore unexplored. And you are invited to hear in present time the musical art that results. Please join us. Still the Iris Restaurant, in the Maple-Ridge Plaza. Maple & Sweet Home Roads. Good music, good food, good people, chilled spirits, and a great hang.

upcoming at the Iris Restaurant...

Tuesday, 1/17 Miles & Wayne Tucker

Tuesday, 2/7 Phil DiRe

links...

www.rickstrauss.com/

www.chrisziemba.com

Let the feeling linger, and may it stay with you...

One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day. Don't clean it up too quickly.

- Andy Rooney

Health,

Hope,

Dialogue,

Respect,

Tolerance,

and Peace on Earth.

Merry Christmas

dan

Danny Hull Newsletter: Musically This Week Vol XIV, No 13

2011-12-05T19:53:00.000-08:00

Hello friends. Monday night, 9:40. I only hope you see this before Wednesday morning. Sometimes life gets in the way... But this is a big week for our continuing and expanding jazz experiment. Tomorrow we feature one of the hottest septets anywhere. Wednesday we invite you to an open big band rehearsal, and on Friday we feature one of the leading B3 players on the planet. Here are the details…

Tuesday, 12/6/2011 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

Three Brothers & a Distant Cousin

Phil Sims - trombone & arrangements Andy Weinzler, Russ D'Alba, Kelly Bucheger - tenor saxophones George Caldwell - piano Paul Zapalowski - bass your host - drum set

This band is ridiculous, as are the individual practitioners. Any sax section that features Andy Weinzler as the leader is in rarified company. Andy is among the most intense, electrifying and creative tenor players you will hear anywhere, anytime. In fact, Phil’s directions to the section are, “Everybody come to Andy”. So those other two guys can’t be just "anybody". Russ D’Alba's musical curriculum vitae is almost as impressive as his business resume. Russ is known to most Buffalo listeners as an alto player, but when I heard him on tenor for the first time, I was sold. Marry a huge tenor sound with those alto chops, and you’ve got a formidable musician. And in a town renown for saxophonists, Phil could have called any of a number of world-class experts to complete the section. He called Kelly Bucheger. And what a compliment to Kelly... How do you move to a city with our saxophone lineage, and establish yourself as an equal? Competence, creativity, and a considerable lineage of your own… We may even play one of Kelly's arrangements, in addition to the canon of charts that Phil has penned for this band. As to the origins of the band, let’s just say that Phil likes to challenge himself. Or maybe he’s a frustrated saxophonist. Why else would he lift a bunch of Hank Mobley soli, and harmonize them for 3 tenors & trombone? What sane trombonist would do that? (Which begs the question as to whether there is such an animal…) If you know anything about the sackbut, you know that prodigious flourishes of technique are not among the common tbone skill set. But to a guy that likes a challenge, why not write a bunch of impossible arrangements, and put yourself in the middle of a flesh-eating saxophone section? Add George Caldwell & Paul Zap to feed the chords and advance the beat, and you have a band that's come to play. Please join us. Send the energy back to the bandstand, and help us keep our tradition alive. Still the Iris Restaurant, in the Maple-Ridge Plaza, Maple & Sweet Home Roads in Amherst. An easy commute, a well lit parking lot, and on this special night, a New York night at a Buffalo price. We hope to see you.

Wednesday, 12/7/2011 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 9:30

Buffalo Brass Big Band

Sometimes procrastination pays. I didn't even have to think. Phil sent the following to his mailing list, and I like his writing better than mine anyway... That's right, the 17 piece juggernaut big band is alive and well. I'll not list 17 names here, but if you know our pedigree, you can all but fill in the names yourself. Here's the scene: this is an open rehearsal. We are in the club to rehearse. It's not a gig. No cash exchanges hands save for from us and yourselves to the waitresses at food and beverage time. Now it's not like we're going to play the same four bars over and over until it's perfect, nor are we taking requests. But here's your chance to see behind the scenes of one of the greatest big bands around, if I do say so myself. We'll be going after it. And there will be full blown charts from front to back to listen to along the way. The doors are open, it's a new scene and we plan on joining you at the Iris once each month to work out new material and perhaps even surprise ourselves. Please join us.

Friday, 12/9 at the Iris Restaurant 8:00 - 10:30

Bobby Jones, Hammond B3 Bobby Militello, saxophone & flute yours truly, drum set

You know, if the gods musical were to ask me how I would finish off the perfect week, this is it. This Friday, I get to accompany one of the greatest Hammond B3 players of all time. Take me Lord, I'm done here. If you've heard Bobby Jones play his native instrument, you know I speak the truth. There are a few B3 players who have earned an international reputation, and deservedly so. But do any of them play pedals like Bobby Jones? Back in the day, Bobby was playing organ six nights a week all over town. You could go, have a taste, check him out, and go home knowing he'd be playing somewhere else next week. Those days are done. And no one gets to witness the genius of our friend and prodigy unless some fool rents the organ and books the space. This is indeed, a very special one night performance. If you want to witness history, you will be there. And as a bonus, the other guy on the bill has made a name for himself as well. Two world class musicians performing before their home town audience... Merry Christmas Buffalo.

next Tuesday, 12/13 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

Phil DiRe & Bobby Militello, saxophones Richie Marlo, trumpet Matt Michaud, guitar George Caldwell, piano Sabu Adeyola, bass your host, drum set

upcoming at the Iris Restaurant...

Tuesday, 12/27 Rick Strauss

Tuesday, 1/17 Miles & Wayne Tucker

links...

The genius of my hero...

For small creatures such as we, the vastness is bearable only through love.

- Carl Sagan

Health,

Hope,

Dialogue,

Respect,

Tolerance,

and Peace.

dan

Danny Hull Newsletter: Musically This Week Vol XIV, No 12

2011-11-27T17:55:00.000-08:00

Hello friends. More exceptional talent, this week from the Syracuse area...

Tuesday, 11/29 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

Tom Bronzetti, guitar Andrew Carroll, piano Wayne Moose, bass your host, drum set

Tom Bronzetti has made my job easy this week. If you'll view this clip: www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOby6Yvk7Yc, I need say no more... And while you're at the You Tube site you can choose from a few other video clips featuring Tom: interviews, gigs, and studio clips from his maiden release as a leader, Make Someone Happy. What with so few venues featuring jazz music, there is some concern for the vitality of our art form. But meet and hear a musician like Tom Bronzetti, and you'll go away with the confidence that the Great American Songbook is in capable and loving hands. We invite you to share in this rare Buffalo appearance by Tom and pianist Andrew Carroll. Still keeping the music alive at the Iris Restaurant, you'll find us in the Maple-Ridge Plaza at the intersection of Maple & Sweet Home Roads. Please join us.

Friday, 12/2/2011 at Wegman's Amherst St 6:00 - 8:00

Jimmy Kipler, guitar Paul Zapalowski, bass your correspondent, drum set

And speaking of world class guitarists, Jimmy Kipler will be leading a trio date at the Wegman's Amherst Street store this Friday. Honored to get the call...

next Tuesday, 12/6/2011 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

Three Brothers & a Distant Cousin

Phil Sims - trombone & arrangements Andy Weinzler, Russ D'Alba, Kelly Bucheger - tenor saxophones George Caldwell - piano Paul Zapalowski - bass your host - drum set

upcoming at the Iris Restaurant...

Friday, 12/9 Hammond B3 artist Bobby Jones with saxophonist Bobby Militello

Tuesday, 12/13 Phil DiRe

Tuesday, 1/17 Miles & Wayne Tucker

links...

www.myspace.com/tombronzetti

www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOby6Yvk7Yc

You have to workout...

The brain is like a muscle. When it is in use we feel very good. Understanding is joyous.

- Carl Sagan

Health,

Hope,

Dialogue,

Respect,

Tolerance,

and Peace.

dan

YouTube - Videos from this email

Danny Hull Newsletter: Musically This Week Vol XIV, No 8

2011-10-31T18:07:00.000-07:00

Hullo friends. Another new voice...

Tuesday, 11/1 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

Karl Stabnau, bari sax George Caldwell, piano Danny Ziemann bass your host, drum set

Sometimes it mystifies even me. Thirteen years on, and we're still meeting new talent. Karl Stabnau is yet another product of the rich jazz education offered at the renown Eastman School. And bassist Danny Ziemann the same... I haven't met Karl, so the lion's share of this week's conversation will be of the musical variety - long of the jazz tradition. I do know that if you want to catch him, you should do so now. Karl has won the bari chair in one of our esteemed United States Military jazz ensembles, so his local performances are short lived. Please stop in. Help us keep our tradition alive. Hear talent new to you & me, and offer Karl your support as he prepares to accept a new challenge in service to our country. As always, you'll find us in the comfortable environs of the Iris Restaurant. Still in the Maple-Ridge Plaza at the intersection of Maple & Sweet Home Roads - good music, good food, good people, chilled spirits, and a great hang.

Friday, 11/4 at Wegman's Amherst Street 6:00 - 8:00

Dave Scott, guitar Buddy Fadale, bass yours truly, drum set

Back to the Wegman's circuit this Friday, this time city-side.

Saturday, 11/5 at the Iris Restaurant 8:00 p.m.

Mike Jones, piano Danny Vitale, bass your correspondent, drum set

This is huge, and we do hope you can join us. Lackawanna native Mike Jones has earned a national reputation as one of the hardest swinging pianists on the scene. He's on sabbatical from his gig with Penn & Teller at the Rio in Las Vegas, and he's chosen our venue to celebrate a homecoming. Tickets are still available, but don't delay. There's a local buzz about this performance, and Mike's family alone could sell the club out. Pre-sale tickets offer a 20% discount. Go to www.ticketweb.com, click on venues, and type Mike Jones in the artist search box. Iris Restaurant will come up. Or to save a service charge, order your tickets by calling the club directly at 831-3271. Our thanks to the perspicacious Bruce Eaton for making this very special one performance happen.

Tuesdays at the Iris Restaurant...

Tuesday, 11/15 Clay Jenkins & John Hasselback, Jr

Tuesday, 11/22 Chris Ziemba & Doug Stone

Tuesday, 11/29 Tom Bronzetti

Tuesday, 12/13 Phil DiRe

links...

www.karlstabnaujazz.com/

www.davescottmusic.com/

www.budfadale.com/

www.jonesjazz.com/

Musically, politically, socially, spiritually...

We shall not cease from exploration.
And the end of our exploring
Shall be to return to where we started
And know the place for the first time.
- T.S. Eliot

Health,

Hope,

Dialogue,

Respect,

Tolerance,

and Peace.

dan

Danny Hull Newsletter: Musically This Week Vol XIV, No 3

2011-09-25T13:36:00.001-07:00

Hullo friends. Some good things happening...

Tuesday, 9/27 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

Matt Michaud, guitar Jeff McLeod, organ your host, drum set

This week we offer the classic organ trio sound, and welcome yet another talent new to our continuing jazz experiment. I've never had the pleasure, but Jeff McLeod comes highly recommended by Matt Michaud. And that's good enough for me. Matt's still a young guy, but I recall some infectious playing in his younger days while sitting-in at our curiously lit location. The talent and conception were obvious, but ears bigger than mine heard it first. When Matt started showing up on gigs with Chu Nero, I knew then that we had a guitarist to be reckoned with. Chu was always ahead of the curve... So we humbly keep Chu's legacy alive, and present one of his inspired sidemen leading a trio date at the new Iris Restaurant. Maple & Sweet Home Roads in the Maple-Ridge Plaza - good music, good food, good people, chilled spirits, and a great hang.

next Tuesday, 10/4 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

Phil DiRe, tenor saxophone Matt Michaud, guitar George Caldwell, piano Sabu Adeyola, bass your host, drum set

I know it's a week away, but I'm telling you now, make your plans & get there early. We proudly re-introduce a Buffalo living legend to his audience. Saxophonist Phil DiRe returns.

And check this out...

Upcoming at the Iris Restaurant...

Friday, 10/21 guitarist Gene Bertoncini & vocalist Cindy Miller with bassist Wayne Moose & yours truly

Saturday, 11/5 pianist Mike Jones of Penn & Teller fame with bassist Danny Vitale and your correspondent

You read right. Both Gene Bertoncini with Cindy Miller, and Lackawanna native Mike Jones (now with Penn & Teller at the Rio in Las Vegas) are confirmed for separate one-night-only appearances at the new Iris Restaurant. Pre-sale tickets will be available both at the club & on-line at www.ticketweb.com. We'll let you know when the on-line tix are available.

Tuesdays at the Iris Restaurant...

Tuesday, 10/11 Jeff Hackworth

Tuesday, 10/25 Mike Kaupa

Tuesday, 11/1 Karl Stabnau

Tuesday, 11/15 Clay Jenkins

links...

www.myspace.com/mcleodjeff

genebertoncini.com/

www.cindymiller.biz

jonesjazz.com/

Gene Bertoncini, Mike Jones...

Not knowing when the dawn will come, I open every door.

- Emily Dickinson

Health,

Hope,

Dialogue,

Respect,

Tolerance,

and Peace.

dan

Danny Hull Newsletter: Musically This Week Vol XIV, No 1

2011-09-11T18:24:00.001-07:00

Yikes! Volume XIV, Number 1. Our fourteenth campaign begins this Tuesday. Two venues, two management teams, and we're still standing... Our thanks are fourfold: First, to Mike Milkie - genuine, heartfelt, and sincere. In business for over 50 years, Mike is the embodiment of what we all know, and too often forget: It's all about relationships. How good you do what you do is an indispensable factor in the equation of success. But how you treat your equals - and that would be all of us - lies at the bedrock of your achievements. He took a chance on a stranger and an idea back in the fall of 1998, and he stayed steady and loyal throughout. Next, our thanks to the musicians. This gig has never paid a lot of money. And yet we have cats driving from Erie, Cleveland, Rochester, Ripley, Fredonia, St. Catherines, Hamilton & Toronto to contribute their artistry and establish our gig as the voice of the music in our home town. Thirdly, our thanks to Pat & Phil Georger of Hamburg Music Center. Today, the electric piano is ubiquitous at virtually every venue - that is every venue but ours. Thanks to the vision and the generosity of Hamburg Music Center, we are a true jazz club. And speaking of genuine? You will not find more sincere nor honest businesspeople than the Georger's and Hamburg Music Center. And finally, our thanks to you, dear listener. No matter the level of artistry, passion, or creativity, our musical efforts would charm only the silence were it not for your support and encouragement. Thank you for being an equal partner.

Tuesday, 9/13 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

Tim Clarke, trumpet George Kane, guitar Wayne Moose, bass your host drum set

What with the level of musicianship in Buffalo, the possibilities seem infinite. All of the guys on the band this week have done our gig before - just never in this combination. And if you want an endorsement as to the aforementioned native musicianship, just ask Tim Clarke. Tim came east from Eugene, Oregon to take a position at Fisher-Price as a senior-level music producer. He there maintains a busy schedule composing and arranging for toys, multimedia products, web productions, commercials and other media. Tim flat out told me how privileged he is to be among us, where he is as enamored of the people as he is of the world-class musicians our precedents spawned. So on this first Tuesday of our new campaign we offer Tim in the company of guitarist George Kane, who is known as much for his taste as he is for his swing. Bassist Wayne Moose rounds out the rhythm section, too preferring taste and a careful monitoring of the dynamic spectrum. Will you join us? Please help us to grow again, now in year 14 at the Iris Restaurant in the Maple Entertainment Complex. As always, good music, good food, good people, chilled spirits, and a great hang...

Wednesday, 9/14 at Wegman's Dick Rd 6:00 - 8:00

Dave Scott, guitar Buddy Fadale, bass your correspondent, drum set

The wise people at Wegman's Dick Rd have expanded their music policy to include Wednesdays. If you're a mid-week shopper, maybe you'll want to rest your feet at the Cafe for a set.

next Tuesday, 9/20 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

Bruce Johnstone & the Carousel Strings

upcoming at the Iris Restaurant...

Tuesday, 9/27 Matt Michaud

Tuesday, 10/4 Phil DiRe

Tuesday, 10/11 Jeff Hackworth

Tuesday, 10/25 Mike Kaupa

Tuesday, 11/1 Karl Stabnau

Tuesday, 11/15 Clay Jenkins

links...

www.davescottmusic.com/

www.budfadale.com/

Heart, courage, sacrifice...

Are you guys ready? Let's roll.

- Todd Beamer, Flight 93

Health,

Hope,

Dialogue,

Respect,

Tolerance,

and Peace.

dan

Danny Hull Newsletter: Musically This Week Vol XIII, No 50

2011-08-28T14:02:00.001-07:00

Hullo friends. How blessed are we? While a Category 3 hurricane threatens the East coast, we bask in the sun and warmth of the Niagara Frontier. I even got a sunburn on my balding pate while cruising Center Street at the 10th Annual Lewiston Jazz Festival. How do they ever pull that off? Ronnie Corsaro, Carol Calato (Regal Tip sticks & brushes), Sandy Hays, County Legislator Richard Soluri, and all of the board members who so unselfishly pour their collective energies into making this music and friendship festival a reality are owed a serious debt of thanks. While our "leaders" in Washington sabotage the very stability that our fiscal policy balances on with their irresponsible debt-ceiling gamesmanship, the Niagara County policy makers come together in the interest of the common good. To paraphrase the late Tip O'Neill, all politics is indeed local. And lucky are we that this local is where we reside...

Tonight - Sunday, 8/28 at the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Ron Corsaro & the Upstate Express

As the jazz festival concluded last night, the Sunday performances at the NACC conclude today, fittingly with the man who organized and booked all of the performing artists for Lewiston. After appearing every Thursday this (and every) summer at the gazebo in Lewiston, Ronnie's Upstate Express plays its final concert of the season on the steps of the former Niagara Falls High School. One last time for 2011, we're going out swinging.

Tuesday, 8/30 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

Mike Kelly, guitar Danny Vitale, bass your host, drum set

I'm especially grateful to the above mentioned presenters of the Lewiston Jazz Fest for reasons both musical and personal. Their skill at organizing the whole event allowed me to bring my friend Mike Kelly home. His performance last night, along with that of Pete Malinverni and the incomparable Danny Vitale, was truly inspiring. Mike was a world-class guitarist when he moved from Rochester to New York in the 80's, and from New York to Atlanta in the 90's. For those of you who heard it last night from the Frontier House porch, you know this to be true: He's simply brilliant. And he hasn't lost a step. After all these years I am still knocked out by his musical vocabulary, his feel, his swing, his knowledge of tunes, his artistic temperament, and his fundamental musicality. To this day, he sounds like he was born with a guitar in his lap. And thanks to our continuing embarrassment of riches, we get to reprise the moments musical again this Tuesday. Pete will have headed back to New York, but Mike's lifelong friend Danny Vitale will return, and this time you can hear all of the nuance that is sometimes lost in an outdoor performance. Please join us as we extend the Jazz Festival one more evening, in the intimate environs of the Iris Restaurant. We're still at Maple & Sweet Home Roads in the Maple-Ridge Plaza. Good music, good food, good people, chilled spirits, and a great hang...

next Tuesday, 9/6 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

George Caldwell, piano Miles Tucker, saxophone Sabu Adeyola, bass your host, drum set

upcoming at the Iris Restaurant...

Tuesday, 9/13 Tim Clarke & George Kane

Tuesday, 9/20 Bruce Johnstone & the Carousel Strings

Tuesday, 9/27 Matt Michaud

Tuesday, 10/4 Phil DiRe

Tuesday, 10/11 Jeff Hackworth

Tuesday, 10/18 Mike Kaupa

Tuesday, 11/1 Karl Stabnau

Tuesday, 11/15 Clay Jenkins

links...

Have a good one...

A day is Eternity's seed, and we are its Gardeners.

- Erika Harris

Health,

Hope,

Dialogue,

Respect,

Tolerance,

and Peace.

dan

Danny Hull Newsletter: Musically This Week Vol XIII, No 49

2011-08-22T15:36:00.000-07:00

Hullo friends. If the summer has to end, there's no better way to usher it out than with the Historic Lewiston Jazz Festival...

Tuesday, 8/23 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

Friday, 8/26 on the Main Stage, Lewiston Jazz Festival 5:30 - 7:30

Pete Malinverni, piano Jody Sandhaus, vocals Dick Griffo & Dave Schiavone, saxophones Tim Clarke, trumpet John Hasselback, trombone Cameron Kayne, bass dh, drum set

In fact, it's the Lewiston Jazz Fest that brings Pete & Jody to town this week. After a year hiatus, our reunion resumes. These next two Tuesdays hold special meaning for your correspondent, mostly because of the friendships involved. And as is so often the case, the music is central to it all. This Tuesday Pete & Jody make their first appearance at our new venue. So as you heard Pete at the Art Gallery with Eliot Zigmund and Lee Hudson on the Steinway (that Pete personally chose for the Albright-Knox), this week you'll hear him on our 6 foot Yamaha. Back at our curiously lit location, Mike Milkie would often ask me if we could turn that funky little bar into a jazz club. And I would always give him the same answer: "No, Mike. Not without a real piano". Thanks to Pat & Phil Georger at Hamburg Music Center, we are now for real. Our performance at the Jazz Fest is going to feature Pete's septet arrangements for Jody, which we'll preview at the club on Tuesday night. So please join us as we offer Pete, Jody, & the Upstate Express horn section in the intimate environs of the newly named Iris Restaurant. Indoors, you'll hear all of the artistry and nuance of an acoustic performance. And Friday evening we'll do it again on the Main Stage at the Jazz Fest, taking in the outdoor energy, directing it into the music, and out to you. We hope to see you at both venues.

Saturday, 8/27 on the Rising Star Stage, Lewiston Jazz Festival 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

The Mike Kaupa Quartet

Mike Kaupa, trumpet Lisa Hasselback, piano Buddy Fadale, bass your correspondent, drum set

Serendipity. Ronnie Corsaro is not only a substantial pianist, arranger, and bandleader in his own right, he is also the contractor for the Lewiston Jazz Festival. (How he manages that considerable task is a mystery to me. Impressive, to say the least...) Ronnie came into the club one Tuesday past & heard the quartet that Mike Kaupa had assembled for a featured performance. The musical magic that Mike, Lisa & Buddy created was all Ronnie needed to hear. The Festival beckoned and Mike was booked. And this Saturday afternoon, the magic is recreated. The Rising Star Stage is opposite the Main Stage at the other end of Center Street.

Saturday, 8/27 at the Frontier House, Lewiston Jazz Festival 7:45 - 9:45

Mike Kelly, guitar Pete Malinverni, piano Danny Vitale, bass your host, drum set

My man comes home... Again, the music brings us together and refreshens the friendships. Mike Kelly is not only a guitar legend in his hometown of Rochester, and he is not only the first-call guitarist in all of Atlanta, he is my friend of 28 years. And thanks to Ronnie Corsaro and all of the good people who organize and support the Lewiston Jazz Festival, we are bringing Mike home for a short but very special stay. Try to be there by downbeat. A mere 15 minutes after we start, we have the unenviable task of competing with Kurt Elling's appearance on the Main Stage. The scheduling didn't work out for us on this one, but if you dig straight ahead and swinging, you may decide to divide your loyalties.

Sunday, 8/29 at the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Ron Corsaro & Friends

The Niagara Arts & Cultural Center is the former Niagara Falls High School. Weather permitting, we're outside on the steps. If rain threatens, we'll be in the auditorium. After witnessing Ronnie's organizational chops at the Jazz Fest, come and hear both his arranging and pianistic chops at the NACC.

next Tuesday, 8/30 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

Mike Kelly, guitar Danny Vitale, bass your host, drum set

upcoming at the Iris Restaurant...

Tuesday, 9/6 George Caldwell

Tuesday, 9/13 Tim Clarke & George Kane

Tuesday, 9/20 Bruce Johnstone

Tuesday, 9/27 Matt Michaud

Tuesday, 10/4 Phil DiRe

links...

www.petemalinverni.com

www.jodysandhaus.com/

www.mikekaupa.com/

First we make our habits, then our habits make us...

That which we think about, we do. That which we do, we become.

- Bernie Schallehn

Health,

Hope,

Dialogue,

Respect,

Tolerance,

and Peace.

dan

Danny Hull Newsletter: Musically This Week Vol XIII, No 48

2011-08-15T09:29:00.001-07:00

Hullo friends. Laurie...

Tuesday, 8/16 at the Iris Restaurant

Laurie Bordonaro, vocals Casey Filiaci, piano Sabu Adeyola, bass your host, drum set

Are you fortunate enough to know someone who is so fundamentally good within, that her capacity for confidence and joy is fully realized? Laurie. Do you know anyone who is so grateful for her family, her friends, and her health that her gratitude is sung in every lyric? Laurie. Who do you know, artist or otherwise, who emotes with such sincerity that the tears in her eyes become the tears in yours? Laurie. OK, so I love my friend. But I'm not alone. And if you know her, you do too. You've heard her at the club before. You've witnessed her energy and her esprit at the summer Art Gallery concerts. Maybe you've taken the drive to Mayberry for the Russell Park concerts. Her genuine, outgoing embrace for the music in her life and the people she loves knows no barrier between stage and audience. She is a rare gift. And we're sharing that gift this Tuesday. Please join us, and know no bounds yourself. We are now the Iris Restaurant, Maple & Sweet Home Roads in the Maple-Ridge Plaza. Good music, good food, good people, chilled spirits, and this week? A joyful hang.

next Tuesday, 8/23 at the Iris Restaurant

Pete Malinverni, piano Jody Sandhaus, vocals Cameron Kayne, bass your host, drum set

upcoming at the Iris Restaurant...

Tuesday, 8/30 Mike Kelly

Tuesday, 9/13 Tim Clarke & George Kane

Tuesday, 9/20 Bruce Johnstone

Tuesday, 9/27 Matt Michaud

Tuesday, 10/4 Phil DiRe

links...

www.myspace.com/lauriebordonaro

www.caseyfiliaci.com

Comfort in your own skin...

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.

- Mahatma Gandhi

Health,

Hope,

Dialogue,

Respect,

Tolerance,

and Peace.

dan

Danny Hull Newsletter: Musically This Week Vol XIII, No 47

2011-08-07T10:46:00.001-07:00

Hullo friends. The Don returns...

Tuesday, 8/9 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

Don Menza, tenor saxophone Bob Sneider, guitar Cameron Kayne, bass your host, drum set

As it should be. It just didn't feel right last summer without the legend making his annual visit home. But the planets have realigned, and the great one is back in the comfortable environs of his native territory. In a town notable for saxophonists, the standard bearer has come home. As has been tradition since 2002, Don has agreed to grace our Tuesday bandstand and at once artistically challenge his fellow musicians. We are honored to present him to his hometown audience, this time at our new digs. Bob Sneider and the young and ubiquitous Cameron Kayne are his chosen sidemen for our date. Better company I could not musically ask for. To complete the evening, we invite our savvy and informed listeners to do their part. Join us as we welcome home a bona fide Buffalo legend, and live in the moment from one quarter note to the next... Now the Iris Restaurant, at Maple & Sweet Home Roads in the Maple-Ridge Plaza. Good music, good food, good people, chilled spirits, and this week? No question. A great hang.

next Tuesday, 8/16 at the Iris Restaurant

Laurie Bordonaro, vocals Casey Filiaci, piano Sabu Adeyola, bass your host, drum set

upcoming at the Iris Restaurant...

Tuesday, 8/23 Pete Malinverni & Jody Sandhaus

Tuesday, 8/30 Mike Kelly

Tuesday, 9/13 Tim Clarke & George Kane

Tuesday, 9/20 Bruce Johnstone

Tuesday, 9/27 Matt Michaud

Tuesday, 10/4 Phil DiRe

links...

www.myspace.com/bobsneidermusic

Welcome home Don...

Home is an invention on which no one has yet improved.

- Ann Douglas

Health,

Hope,

Dialogue,

Respect,

Tolerance,

and Peace.

dan

Danny Hull Newsletter: Musically This Week Vol XIII, No 47

2011-08-01T08:14:00.001-07:00

Hullo friends. If you missed Barbara Jean last Sunday on Shakespeare Hill, here's another chance...

8/2 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

Barbara Jean, vocals Michael T. Jones, piano Cameron Kayne, bass your host, drum set

And if you didn't miss her, you'll want to hear the indoor version too. Barbara Jean brings her clever tunes and easy delivery to the Iris Restaurant, this week under the musical direction of Michael T. Jones. And how lucky can one singer get? Last week, Bobby Jones. This week Mike Jones. (We'd love to complete the trilogy and get George Jones to compliment our stage too. Maybe if the entire Bobby McGee's/Iris Restaurant community could descend upon Oliver's Restaurant some Saturday night and simply refuse to leave until George agrees to a Tuesday appearance...) And speaking of brilliant piano players, Doug Bates is another guy we'd commit a crime to feature. But I digress. This Tuesday we're featuring both a vocalist and a pianist, concurrently. Please join us in air conditioned comfort as we keep the music in the air. We are now the Iris Restaurant, still at Maple & Sweet Home Roads in the Maple-Ridge Plaza. Good music, good food, good people, chilled spirits, beer variety, and a great hang.

next Tuesday, 8/9 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

Don Menza, tenor saxophone Bob Sneider, guitar Cameron Kayne, bass your host, drum set

upcoming at the Iris Restaurant...

Tuesday, 8/16 Laurie Bordonaro

Tuesday, 8/23 Pete Malinverni & Jody Sandhaus

Tuesday, 8/30 Mike Kelly

Tuesday, 9/13 Tim Clarke & George Kane

Tuesday, 9/20 Bruce Johnstone

Tuesday, 9/27 Matt Michaud

Tuesday, 10/4 Phil DiRe

links...

www.myspace.com/michaeltjonespiano

www.barbarajeanjazz.com/

With the help of an inspired singer...

In summer, the song sings itself.

- William Carlos Williams

Health,

Hope,

Dialogue,

Respect,

Tolerance,

and Peace.

dan

Danny Hull Newsletter: Musically This Week Vol XIII, No 45

2011-07-24T09:38:00.001-07:00

Hullo friends. Sunday morning. I actually set the alarm for 8:00 in the hopes of getting this done before the concert today with Barbara Jean at Shakespeare Hill. But now it's 10:30 and not a single word of consequence is written. Say hullo to the world's slowest starter. Were it not for a Tuesday deadline, nothing would get done.

Today, 7/24 at Shakespeare Hill 2:00 - 4:00

Barbara Jean, vocals Bobby Jones, piano Cameron Kayne, bass yours truly, drum set

Barbara Jean brings her silky, smooth vocal stylings and her clever tunes to Shakespeare Hill. If you've heard her at the former Bobby McGee's or at the Ellicottville Jazz Festival, you are already charmed. Perfect intonation and Sinatra-like phrasing would be enough to set her apart, but what is truly exceptional about Barbara Jean is that she writes her own tunes: lyrics, melody, and chord changes. I've told this story before, but it's worth repeating: Before I ever heard her sing, Barbara Jean gave me her recently released CD, Sweet. And the truth is, I was really more interested in hearing how Mike Jones & Cameron Kayne sounded on the recording. I stuck the disc in the car CD changer, and along with this genuine, uncluttered voice and swinging piano, were these standards I didn't recognize. Now I thought I was relatively versed in the Great American Songbook, but I didn't know any of these tunes. Curiosity being what it is, I turned to the liner notes to discover that Barbara Jean had written 15 of the 17 tunes on the record! She has already had one of her tunes licensed by a daytime television program, and she is now preparing to go into the studio to record her sophomore effort. So bring your cooler and your fold-up chair, and join us for Week 3 of this summer's Buffalo News Sunday Jazz Series, this year at Shakespeare Hill.

Tuesday, 7/26 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

Three Brothers & a Distant Cousin

Phil Sims - trombone & arrangements Andy Weinzler, Russ D'Alba & Kelly Bucheger - tenor saxes Michael T. Jones - piano Cameron Kayne - bass your host - drum set

Considering my intimacy with procrastination, it's a wonder that this gig gets booked at all. But booked it is, and thanks to a work ethic I admire in Phil Sims, an amazing night it will be. This band actually emerged when Phil presented himself with a rather daunting challenge, and wrote some killer arrangements to answer said challenge. To wit, can a trombone player - who has to move a long, unwieldy metal tube to inexact positions - physically keep up with three monster tenor saxophonists whose technical responsibility is to wiggle their fingers really fast? Personal challenge identified, arrangements written, and the Three Brothers were born... When you consider the concept and Phil's choice for sidemen, you'll not want to miss this very special singular performance of a most unique musical ensemble. Still at the same location, now under new ownership and a new name... Please join us at the Iris Restaurant, Maple & Sweet Home Roads in the Maple-Ridge Plaza. Good music, good food, good people, chilled spirits, air conditioning, and always a great hang.

Thursday, 7/28 at Russell Park in Akron noon - 1:00

Laurie Bordonaro, vocals Ben Mozee, saxophone Michael T. Jones, piano Sabu Adeyola, bass yours truly, drum set

Here's what you do: Throw your portable lawn chair in the car and take the leisurely drive to Russell park in Mayberry. Grab your lunch at Guy's Subs, cross the street to the Park, and take in Laurie's concert. Simply, a perfect day... Laurie's love for everything she commits to is evident in the care she invests in each meal served at Guy's, and the unmitigated joy with which she sings her song. A student of both the Berklee and LA schools of music and life, she remains one of us. Genuine and loving, she swings as hard as any singer on the national stage. And all you have to do is drive to Akron.

next Sunday, 7/31 at Shakespeare Hill 2:00 - 4:00

Don Rice, tenor saxophone Bobby Jones, piano Jim Colemon, bass your correspondent, drum set

Sunday Jazz at the Albright-Knox, this summer on Shakespeare Hill, is reputed to be the longest running free jazz concert series in the country. And Don Rice returns for the 21st consecutive year. That's got to be some sort of record in and of itself. Will you join us for our annual reunion?

next Tuesday, 8/2 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

Barbara Jean, vocals Michael T. Jones, piano Cameron Kayne, bass your host, drum set

upcoming at the Iris Restaurant...

Tuesday, 8/9 Don Menza

Tuesday, 8/16 Laurie Bordonaro

Tuesday, 8/23 Pete Malinverni & Jody Sandhaus

Tuesday, 8/30 Mike Kelly

Tuesday, 9/13 Tim Clarke & George Kane

Tuesday, 9/20 Matt Michaud

links...

www.myspace.com/kellybucheger

www.barbarajeanjazz.com/

www.andyweinzler.com

www.myspace.com/michaeltjonespiano

www.myspace.com/lauriebordonaro

www.guyssubs.com/

www.myspace.com/sabuadeyola

www.donriceonline.com/

Danny Hull Newsletter: Musically This Week Vol XIII, No 44

2011-07-18T14:22:00.001-07:00

Hullo friends. Monday morning. Sitting here listening to Michael Royal's Transition, and I should know better. Can't do it - that is write while listening. I'm hearing Mike's deep sense of swing, his inventive soli, his harmonic adventures, his lines, his groove, and his joy of playing. Kind of reminds me of the critic's challenge... How does one describe music with mere words?

Tuesday, 7/19 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

Michael Royal, piano Phil Sims, trombone Jim Colemon, bass your host, drum set

So rather than reduce the music to an inadequate description, can we coax you into deciding for yourself? After owning Buffalo some 20 years ago, Michael moved to Sarasota. And though we have our share of world-class piano players still among us, one doesn't replace an artist as individual as Michael Royal. Which brings me to the gift of this gig, if I may digress... Simply, I am so very grateful for this venue. Since September of 1998 our Tuesday jazz experiment has provided for reunions of this nature. Michael Royal this week, Don Menza on 8/9, Pete & Jody on 8/23... And my man Mike Kelly just confirmed for both the Lewiston Jazz Festival and for Tuesday, 8/30. We couldn't have done it without Mike Milkie. We couldn't have done it without our loyal audience. And we wouldn't be alive today were it not for the vision of the new ownership at the Maple Entertainment Complex. Thanks to everyone for your continued contribution. We'll stay with it for as long as the fates allow. It goes without saying that if you want to reacquaint yourself with Michael Royal's artistry, this will be your only Buffalo opportunity this year. Mike did appear to a packed house at our curiously lit location back in the summer of '09, and this week we feature him in the company of his life-long Buffalo friends Phil Sims & Jim Colemon. But this time we feature him on Hamburg Music's 6 foot Yamaha. Don't miss this singular performance, now at the new Iris Restaurant - good music, good food, good people, chilled spirits, air conditioning, and still a great hang.

Sunday, 7/24 at Shakespeare Hill 2:00 - 4:00

Barbara Jean, vocals Bobby Jones, piano Cameron Kayne, bass yours truly, drum set

Barbara Jean brings her silky, smooth vocal stylings and her clever tunes to Shakespeare Hill next Sunday. If you've heard her at the former Bobby McGee's or at the Ellicottville Jazz Festival, you are already charmed. Perfect intonation and Sinatra-like phrasing would be enough to set her apart, but what is truly exceptional about Barbara Jean is that she writes her own tunes: lyrics, melody, and chord changes. And they're good! Why the exclamation point? Because most musicians groan when the singer on the gig says, "Can we play this tune I wrote?" I've told this story before, but it's worth repeating: Before I ever heard her sing, Barbara Jean gave me her recently released CD, Sweet. And the truth is, I was really more interested in hearing how Mike Jones & Cameron Kayne sounded on the recording. I stuck the disc in the car CD changer, and along with this genuine, uncluttered voice and swinging piano, were these standards I didn't recognize. Now I thought I was relatively versed in the Great American Songbook, but I didn't know any of these tunes. Curiosity being what it is, I turned to the liner notes to discover that Barbara Jean had written them 15 of the 17 tunes on the record! She has already had one of her tunes licensed by a daytime television program, and she is now preparing to go into the studio to record her sophomore effort. So bring your cooler and your fold-up chair, and join us for Week 3 of this summer's Buffalo News Sunday Jazz Series, this year at Shakespeare Hill.

next Tuesday, 7/26 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

Three Brothers & a Distant Cousin

Phil Sims - trombone & arrangements Andy Weinzler, Russ D'Alba & Kelly Bucheger - tenor saxes Michael T. Jones - piano Cameron Kayne - bass your host - drum set

upcoming at the Iris Restaurant...

Tuesday, 8/2 Barbara Jean

Tuesday, 8/9 Don Menza

Tuesday, 8/16 Laurie Bordonaro

Tuesday, 8/23 Pete Malinverni & Jody Sandhaus

Tuesday, 8/30 Mike Kelly

Tuesday, 9/13 Tim Clarke & George Kane

Tuesday, 9/20 Matt Michaud

links...

http://michaelroyal.com

www.barbarajeanjazz.com/

Find your voice and make your contribution...

Creativity and artistic endeavors have a mission that goes far beyond just making music for the sake of music.

- Herbie Hancock

Health,

Hope,

Dialogue,

Respect,

Tolerance,

and Peace.

dan

Danny Hull Newsletter: Musically This Week Vol XIII, No 43

2011-07-12T14:30:00.001-07:00

Hullo friends. Sunday night, home after an exhilarating afternoon concert with Joe Gransden on Shakespeare Hill - fully in the sun... As you likely know, this summer's Buffalo News sponsored concerts have been moved to the stage used by Shakespeare in the Park while the Art Gallery steps are being repaired. And it's a great venue, except that there is no cover or canopy. I'm thinking about renting my forehead to a lighthouse somewhere... But Joey owned the crowd, playing to an audience that included friends from his high school days, and he's been invited back to co-appear with Don Rice on 7/31. We'll let you know...

And while we were able to celebrate life, music, and friends on a perfect July afternoon, we did so under the weight of another loss to our jazz community. It is with an abiding respect that we say goodbye and thank you to the legendary Dick Fadale. An era has ended. Of all the renown musicians who have given fame to our home town, it is the name Fadale that is known best as Buffalo's First Family of Jazz. And Dick was the patriarch. No musician was more complete. No one swung harder. Dick Fadale defined an era in Buffalo. He was the bandleader on Channel 7 in the 60's before the station made the dubious decision to go with Johnny & Jimmy. One of Dick's early quartets featured guitarist Ray Chamberlain, bassist Wally Schuman & drummer Mel Lewis. Dick's vocal arrangements gave rise to The Sedates in the 60's & Snow Angel in the 70's. Instrumentally, "Fadale" featured Bobby Militello & Paul Viapiano, along with sons Rick & Paul. There will never be another like him. Before Dick moved to Florida and while he was still working here at home, it was my honor to have been his first call sub if both his son Paul or his nephew Charlie were busy. I cherish memories and lessons. The good news is I have some recordings on mini disc that I'll both treasure and share with the family. So godspeed, Dick. Thank you for the swing, the humor. and the singular distinction of having shared your music. You are missed.

Tuesday, 7/12 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

Ron Corsaro & the Upstate Express

Ron Corsaro, piano & arrangements Dick Griffo & Kenny Kuriscak, saxophones John Hasselback, trombone Tim Clarke, trumpet Wayne Moose, bass your host, drum set

Our July hit with Ronnie & the Upstate Express is a tradition we started at our curiously lit location in 2004 as a way to play Ronnie's charts and preview his Thursday series at the Lewiston gazebo. So honor the tradition we do. Stop in if you can. The crowds have been great the last month of Tuesdays. Needless to say we'd like to keep filling the room as we grow under our new ownership. As always, our theme remains, only now in the Iris Restaurant at the Maple Entertainment Complex - good music, good food, good people, chilled spirits, and a great hang.

next Tuesday, 7/19 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

Michael Royal, piano Phil Sims, trombone Jim Colemon, bass your host, drum set

upcoming at the Iris Restaurant...

Tuesday, 7/26 3 Brothers & a Distant Cousin

Tuesday, 8/2 Barbara Jean

Tuesday, 8/9 Don Menza

Tuesday, 8/16 Laurie Bordonaro

Tuesday, 8/23 Pete Malinverni & Jody Sandhaus

links...

Dick Fadale 1928-2011
He who has gone, so we but cherish his memory, abides with us, more potent, nay, more present than the living man.

- Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Health,

Hope,

Dialogue,

Respect,

Tolerance,

and Peace.

dan

Danny Hull Newsletter: Musically This Week Vol XIII, No 41

2011-06-27T15:06:00.000-07:00

Hullo friends. If you didn't make it last week, maybe it's just as well. We were at the fire Marshall limit anyway. Like the old days at our venerable curiously lit location, listeners were shoulder to shoulder and wall to wall. The WNY Project Big Band made its debut appearance, and plans are to build on the energy and the vibe, and provide both a vehicle for big band exploration and a venue for big band performance.

Tuesday, 6/28 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

Bill Todd, saxophone Michael T. Jones, piano Cameron Kayne, bass your host, drum set

And by a happy coincidence, last week's section saxophonist is this week's featured guest - a debut of sorts because this is Bill's first feature as a leader on our continuing jazz experiment. We were able to find a date in between his cruise ship contracts, and we're expecting a big hometown crowd for this likable and hard working young musician. In fact we've got two twenty-somethings on the gig this week, something which satisfies me greatly: I love it when Mike Jones is among the more senior guys on the gig. So note the later start time, and stop in if you can. We are now the new Iris Restaurant in the Maple Entertainment Complex – good music, good food, good people, chilled spirits, and a great hang.

upcoming at the Iris Restaurant...

Tuesday, 7/5 Tony Scozzaro

Tuesday, 7/12 Ron Corsaro & the Upstate Express

Tuesday, 7/19 Michael Royal

Tuesday, 7/26 3 Brothers & a Distant Cousin

Tuesday, 8/2 Barbara Jean

Tuesday, 8/9 Don Menza

Tuesday, 8/16 Laurie Bordonaro

Tuesday, 8/23 Pete Malinverni & Jody Sandhaus

links...

http://www.myspace.com/wbt6

www.myspace.com/michaeltjonespiano

Just stay in shape...

Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.

- Mark Twain

Health,

Hope,

Dialogue,

and Peace.

dan

"It bugs me when people try to analyze jazz as an intellectual theorem. It's not. It's feeling."

- Bill Evans

Danny Hull Newsletter: Musically This Week Vol XIII, No 40

2011-06-20T12:54:00.001-07:00

Hullo friends. We’re two weeks in and all is well. In fact, just last week I received two unsolicited comments from trusted sources in support of our new management. Fair and entrepreneurial were two of the descriptives used regarding the new owner of the Maple Entertainment Complex and the Iris Restaurant. Also unsolicited from some enthusiastic regulars were positive observations regarding the food and the wine selections. And as an occasional beer taster, I can attest to the draft variety offered in the Library. So we persevere, and we do so this week with a maiden offering…

Tuesday, 6/21 at the Iris Restaurant 7:00 - 10:00

The WNY Project Big Band playing the compositions & arrangements of Dave Kayne

saxes: Kenny Kuriscak, Bill Todd, Andy Weinzler, John Troy, Mike Troy

trombones: John Hasselback, Matt Atfield, Lon Gormley, Alan Jaenecke

trumpets: Jim Bohm, Tim Clarke, Paul Wos, Joe Martino

rhythm: Dave Kayne, Cameron Kayne, your host

The idea behind the WNY Project Big Band is to bring together both the graying and future practitioners of our art form, and to play the world-class arrangements of Dave Kayne. I know, I use the term world-class a lot, my limited vocabulary being what it is. But when I heard a demo version of some of the charts we will be playing this Tuesday I was stunned. I’ve known Dave for years. He’s an early-rising work-a-holic who will sacrifice his sleep in order to practice or write before putting in a full day as band director at Starpoint High School. I’ve played his small group arrangements and I’ve always been impressed by how easily he can translate to the written page what he hears in his head. But I wasn’t prepared for the sound that came from my car speakers when I played the practice disc he gave me. Think Thad Jones or Rob McConnell, Don Menza or Bob Florence, John La Barbera or Gordon Goodwin. Dave’s arrangements are rhythmically vital, harmonically rich, lyrical, melodic, lush, nuanced, and complete musical works of art. Now it’s our job to make music of the notes. Please join us as we continue our tradition… The new Iris Restaurant – good music, good food, good people, chilled spirits, and a great hang.

upcoming at the Iris Restaurant...

Tuesday, 6/28 Bill Todd

Tuesday, 7/5 Tony Scozzaro

Tuesday, 7/12 Ron Corsaro & the Upstate Express

Tuesday, 7/19 Michael Royal

Tuesday, 7/26 3 Brothers & a Distant Cousin

Tuesday, 8/2 Barbara Jean

Tuesday, 8/9 Don Menza

Tuesday, 8/16 Laurie Bordonaro

Tuesday, 8/23 Pete Malinverni & Jody Sandhaus

links...

Dave Kayne...

I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.

- Thomas Jefferson

Health,

Hope,

Dialogue,

and Peace.

dan

"It bugs me when people try to analyze jazz as an intellectual theorem. It's not. It's feeling."

- Bill Evans

Danny Hull Newsletter: Musically This Week Vol XIII, No 39

2011-06-13T15:09:00.000-07:00

Hullo friends. Change: slow, deliberate, obvious, and so far, effective. The former Bobby McGee’s is now The Maple Entertainment Complex. Our club features three inter-related concepts and a consistent theme. The old Dakota Grill Cigar Bar is now The Library, featuring a 50” flat screen for sporting events, 20 taps of an international variety, and 30 bottled beers for the discerning beer snob. The banquet room is now The Forum, with a massive stage flying sound & lights, with the intent to feature national acts of various genres. Our twelve year jazz experiment continues in the Iris Restaurant. The stage is still in its ill-conceived location, but the sight lines are improved now that the glass & knee-wall barriers are removed. The restaurant wine list is expanded, and the kitchen is now under the direction of a bona fide chef. Mike Milkie has earned his rest.

After 50 years in the restaurant business, Mike can finally enjoy the fruits of his labors. To him, the jazz community owes a debt. He trusted a stranger with an idea, he weathered the slow nights, he hung with the continuing learning curve, and he loved the good people we were able to attract. Uncommonly, Mike Milkie is that rare businessman who is not afraid to reveal his heart. To this day, he remains a gentle, genuine soul. We offer our heartfelt thanks, we wish him health, and we extend a life-long invitation to join us in his leisure and hear the music he helped bring to our community.

Tuesday, 6/14 at the Iris Restaurant in The Maple Entertainment Complex 7:00 - 10:00

Andy Weinzler, tenor saxophone Bobby Jones, piano Jim Colemon, bass your host, drum set

After 12 years of nurturing our jazz commitment, we now enter week two under new management. So flow the currents in the river of life. And though it’s too soon to celebrate our success story, we have for the moment survived. The summer is booked, and this week we feature one of the leading tenor voices of a renowned Buffalo saxophone lineage. Andy Weinzler is without peer when it comes to playing with passion. His commitment to sound and musical invention are legendary among jazz cognoscenti. Throw in rhythm a section of Bobby Jones and Jim Colemon, and you’ve got a Village Vanguard experience without the Manhattan cover charge. Please stop by and take in the changes of the both the musical and experiential variety. Our mission remains the same. Good music, good food, good people, chilled spirits, and a great hang.

next Tuesday, 6/21 at the Iris Restaurant 7:00 - 10:00

The WNY Project Big Band

upcoming at the Iris Restaurant...

Tuesday, 6/28 Bill Todd

Tuesday, 7/5 Tony Scozzaro

Tuesday, 7/12 Ron Corsaro & the Upstate Express

Tuesday, 7/19 Michael Royal

Tuesday, 7/26 3 Brothers & a Distant Cousin

Tuesday, 8/2 Barbara Jean

Tuesday, 8/9 Don Menza

Tuesday, 8/16 Laurie Bordonaro

Tuesday, 8/23 Pete Malinverni & Jody Sandhaus

links...

www.hamburgmusic.com

www.andyweinzler.com

www.transformationrecordingstudio.com

Change…

He who rejects change is the architect of decay.

- Harold Wilson

Health,

Hope,

Dialogue,

and Peace.

dan

"It bugs me when people try to analyze jazz as an intellectual theorem. It's not. It's feeling."

- Bill Evans

Danny Hull Newsletter: Musically This Week Vol XIII, No 38

2011-06-06T10:37:00.000-07:00

Hullo everyone. I think we're under new management. The former cigar bar is now The Library. It has been meticulously remodeled and offers 20 taps and 30 bottled beers for the discerning hops enthusiast. The Forum, formerly the banquet room, has a huge stage with sound & lights, and will feature a variety of acts. The middle room where we are is now getting some needed attention, as is the kitchen and everything that comes out of it on a plate. The lovely Jyl-with-child is on her sabbatical, but Mike Milkie remains in an advisory position. The myriad pressures of keeping a twenty-first century business afloat are finally behind him, and our debt of gratitude is considerable. In September of 1998 he took a chance on an idea, putting his trust in a complete stranger. Now almost 13 years later, our venue has become the voice of the music for the jazz listener and perpetrator. Our mutual loyalties have been rewarded. So as best we know, our jazz experiment continues. For as long as we can continue to make sense (cents) from a business standpoint, we have a chance to survive. Our goal has simply been to make a contribution and keep the music in the air. With your continued support, we hope to survive the changes, and grow with them.

Tuesday, 6/7 7:00 - 10:00

Wendell Rivera's Latin Jazz Ensemble

Wendell Rivera, latin percussion Nelson Rivera, tenor saxophone Pat Georger, piano John Curry, bass your host, drum set

How it is that Buffalo becomes a destination for so many great musicians is still a mystery to me. America is still the land of opportunity, but if you grew up on a tropical island, could you hang for a Buffalo winter? Wendell did, and he now leads the most recognized latin jazz ensemble outside of New York City. His self-titled 2005 recording features the world renowned John Patitucci on bass. And this summer he is again a featured artist at the Buffalo News sponsored Jazz at the Albright Knox - which this summer will actually take place on Shakespeare Hill behind the Delaware Park Rose Garden. So this week get your June Jazz Salsa Fix at your trusted Tuesday source, which by the way, we don't know the name of! I took a glance the club while on the 290 last night, and the Bobby McGee's sign was either turned off or gone! So whoever we are, come out, dig that infectious salsa rhythm, and maybe learn the name of our new direction! Regardless, our mission remains the same - good music, good food, good people, chilled spirits, and a great hang. Still in the Maple Ridge Plaza, Sweet Home & Maple Roads...

next Tuesday, 6/14 7:00 - 10:00

Andy Weinzler, tenor saxophone

upcoming...

Tuesday, 6/21 Dave Kayne Big Band

Tuesday, 6/28 Bill Todd

Tuesday, 7/5 Tony Scozzaro

Tuesday, 7/12 Ron Corsaro & the Upstate Express

Tuesday, 7/19 Michael Royal

Tuesday, 7/26 3 Brothers & a Distant Cousin

Tuesday, 8/2 Barbara Jean

Tuesday, 8/9 Don Menza

Tuesday, 8/16 Laurie Bordonaro

Tuesday, 8/23 Pete Malinverni & Jody Sandhaus

links...

www.myspace.com/patgeorger

www.hamburgmusic.com

www.wendellrivera.com/

clave...

The feeling of polyrhythm submitted to the unity of tempo.

– Alejo Carpentier

Health,

Hope,

Dialogue,

and Peace.

dan

"It bugs me when people try to analyze jazz as an intellectual theorem. It's not. It's feeling."

- Bill Evans

Danny Hull Newsletter: Musically This Week Vol XIII, No 30

2011-04-10T11:56:00.001-07:00

Hullo friends. Family on the bandstand...

Tuesday, 4/12 at Bobby McGee's 7:00 - 10:00

John Hasselback,Jr - trombone Lisa Hasselback - piano Jim Colemon - bass your host - drum set

Three of Buffalo's most beloved musicians are gracing our substantial & poorly lit bandstand this Tuesday. And two of them are arriving together! (As to our "poorly lit" reference, maybe we can reprise the vibe of our former venue and find some colored light bulbs at a garage sale somewhere.) OK, our lighting stinks. But we'll take the trade-off. The old club had a certain vibe, but there was no room for a grand piano. So we remain indebted to Pat & Phil Georger of Hamburg Music, and we'll happily forego the small and curiously lit stage for a real, acoustic instrument for Lisa to explore. John & Lisa are family, but with busy schedules each it's not frequent enough that they can appear together. Can you then spare a couple of hours, take a well deserved break, and come out to greet them, hear them communicate musically, and share in the social moments? John & Lisa are both ever so deserving of the musical spotlight. They are genuine and considerate people, and they would love to see a crowded room of friends, fellow teachers, and musicians of all genres. Bobby McGee's - in the Maple Ridge Plaza, Sweet Home & Maple Roads. Jyl, Jennifer, steady Billy & quiet Mike - good music, good food, good people, chilled spirits, and a great hang.

Wednesday, 4/13 at Wegman's Dick Road 6:00 - 8:00

Dave Scott, guitar Buddy Fadale, bass your correspondent, drum set

Yes, Wednesday! The Wegman's venues are continuing to expand. Our mid-week hit is at the Dick Road location. Same hours, same olive bar, same $6.00 meal!

next Tuesday, 4/19 at Bobby McGee's 7:00 - 10:00

Bruce Johnstone, bari sax Pat Georger, piano Wayne Moose, bass your host, drum set

upcoming at Bobby McGee's...

Tuesday, 4/26 Joel Siegel

Tuesday, 5/3 Dave Schiavone

Tuesday, 5/10 Vince Ercolomento

Tuesday, 5/17 Gary Keller

Tuesday, 5/24 Tom Bronzetti

Tuesday, 5/31 Cindy Miller

Tuesday, 6/7 Wendell Rivera

Tuesday, 6/28 Bill Todd

Tuesday, 7/5 Tony Scozzaro

Tuesday, 7/12 Ron Corsaro & the Upstate Express

Tuesday, 7/19 Michael Royal

Tuesday, 8/9 Don Menza

Tuesday, 8/23 Jody Sandhaus

links...