Jazz&BluesView
by Eric Benson
If you love music you’re gonna love this
Blue Monday Party & invitational jam returns to the Barkin’ Dog Grill the second Monday April 13th, with house band Ultra Lounge featuring: Johnny Valdes guitar, Tim Allen bass, vocals, Dave Hawks on drums, Eric Benson, Pat Governor on Keys, Jamey Dubberly on Trombone, & monster Latin percussionist Derek Rolando on Timbales, and congas. The jam this month will features Jazz, R & B, Funk, Latin 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. May Blue Monday features Cuban pianist Gustavo Ramirez May for Cinco De Mayo celebration, June features Barry Finnerty acid Jazz guitarist rocks the house with hopefully Dave Mathews Keys. If you play come on down and sit in with the best musicians in the area.
The Gallo Center for the Arts continues with their diverse booking, got my Bonnie Raitt and Peter Frampton tickets but more to come. In April: 4th Masters of Soul, 8th Robert Tapia, 9th with elderly statesman of the Blues Buddy Guy, 21st Lila Downs, great world music show, and 25th with Los Tucanes de Tijuana. And yes Bos Scaggs returns May 24th!
The State Theatre brings in April 9th Friends of Bob & Tom show comedy tour, and May 9th Party Gras with Bid Sam’s Funky Nation, (Big band Funk).
And off the beatin’ track Newman Theatre in restored theatre environment brings in April: Tom Rigney & Flambeau Sat 18th, and Caravarserai, Santana tribute band Sat 25th with my friend and monster percussionist Derek Rolando on Timbales and congas. Derik will be in the house band April 13th Blue Monday Party also.
Live music in DEWZ Wine Bar in April, booked by me, 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 April is: Friday 3rd Larry Stewart Jazz guitar duo, Sat 4th Odalay Caro Duo, Latin piano & vocals, Friday 10th. And 24th Andrew Rosenblum Jazz guitar and vocals, Sat 11th & 25th Tim Allen piano, vocals doing Elton, Billy Joel, 17th Joe Barretta guitar and vocals, Sat 18th Jazz guitar duo John King and Robin Montgomery playing the standards. The room is small so best to call for a table if you know you’re coming if you want a seat.
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 venues 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.
