Blues & JazzView
by Eric Benson
“If you luv music you’re gonna love this”
Some Latin music coming at you a few months shy of Cinco De Mayo. When opportunity knocks I often answer the door. It’s going to be a Cuban extravaganza for our Blue Monday Party, and a Brazilian woman’s fest with John Griswold’s bringing in As Tres Meninas.
Blue Monday Party & invitational jam returns to the Barkin’ Dog Grill the second Monday March 9th, with some Latin music to sooth your soul. Bringing in two Cuban monster guest artists, Gustavo Ramirez classically trained Latin pianist, and Carlos Caro percussionist on Timbales, congas. The house band features Johnny Valdes guitar, Tim Allen bass, vocals, Dave Hawks on drums, Eric Benson on Keys. The jam this month will feature Latin music, Cha-Cha, Timba, Jazz, R & B, Funk and a little of everything else with special guests sitting in for listening and dancing. Show from 7 to 10:00 PM with food and drink available in all age venue. Call the Dog for reservations: 572-2341.
John Griswold is bringing in a world music show featuring: As Tres Meninas, (the three girls) Brazilian girls that is: Fabiano Passoni vocals, Stephanie Ozer piano, and Ami Hart percussion for a show Greens Restaurant Sat March 7th for an 8PM show. The music features music from Brazil and the Americas from Samba, to Bossa Nova to Jazz and popular. Greens is at 953, 10th st, phone (209) 543-4261 for tickets and info.
And coming down March 15 for some Sunday afternoon jazz house party style will be John Stowell another virtuoso Jazz guitarist that will be playing duo with local Jazz guitar slinger Johnny Valdes. Show in causal environment will be 5:00 to 8:00 with catered New Orleans cuisine ala my son Christopher Benson burnin some Gumbo, Red Beans and Rice, sautéed greens in bacon, Ribs and Crab Cakes. There is no charge but we will pass the hat to pay the band. Guitar clinic at 5:00 PM with food at 6:00. Bring your own bottle and call for the directions, Eric Benson cell 918-7033. Or email me: Mbenson@fire2wire.com<mailto:Mbenson@fire2wire.com>.
The Gallo Center for the Arts continues with their diverse booking, got my Bonnie Raitt and Peter Frampton tickets but more to come. In March 3rd Billy Ocean, 5th with Don Williams, 8th with Buddy Holly story, 11th the Ausie Bee Gees show, 13th Louis Armstrong Tribute with MSO, 15th Texas Guitar Quartet, and 20th Count Basie Orchestra.
The Fat Cat brings in some Latin music big time with: Malo and Tierra on March 28th, 2 platinum Latin rock bands that will keep you dancing all night long!
Live music in DEWZ Wine Bar in March booked by myself Eric Benson continues live music on Friday and Saturday nights 7 to 10:00 PM, incorporating the best local musicians playing in the intimate wine bar environment. What I have booked for all you music lovers in March is: Friday 6th Francesco Bavaro piano, vocals, Sat 7th Gustavo Ramirez Cuban virtuoso pianist, Friday 13th Third Party Beatles tribute with Chris Murphy, Gary Nelson, Sat 14th, and 21st Jazz guitar duo John King and Robin Montgomery playing the standards, Friday 20th the mighty Tim Allen piano and vocals with Elton, Billy Joel and standards, Pat Durr of Homegrown with friends Friday 27th, and one of my favorite Jazz guitarists in the valley John Albano sat 28th. The room is small so best to call for a table if you know you’re coming.
Lowdown on the jam session in the downtown: Barkin’ Dog Thursday night jazz jams with Dave Dow, Queen Bean Sundays open mike night also in an all age environment.
Remember please support our local live venue’s for live music and the arts. So take some time out to hear some live music and the arts of our own town as well this month, think globally and act locally.
All the best, peace out! Eric Benson, cell 209, 918-7033.
