JAZZ NOTES The newsletter of Jazz in AZ, a non-profit organization devoted to supporting the art of LIVE JAZZ and cultivating interest in jazz through youth education, scholarship opportunities and community outreach
www.jazzinaz.org
Volume XXXI Number 6 | September - October 2010
Bob Ravenscroft's Inner Journeys Trio kicks off JiA-Kerr Concert Series Oct. 6 By Joel Goldenthal Pianist Bob Ravenscroft and the Inner Journeys trio will perform a program of “Refreshing Standards” on Wednesday, Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. The concert kicks off the 2010-2011 Jazz in Concert Series, co-produced EVENT by Jazz in AZ and the ASU Kerr Cultural Center. “We're calling our program 'Refreshing Standards' because of the way that we use familiar tunes as a spring board to explore other potential musical realms that may exist inside, outside or in between the tunes,” says the group's drummerpercussionist Rob Moore. “We'll be playing familiar jazz standards such as 'Emily,' 'What is This Thing Called Love?' and 'You and the Night and the Music.' ” Completing Inner Journeys is Bob Ravenscroft on piano and Dwight Kilian on acoustic bass. The concert will be enhanced by the work of Inner Journey's fourth member, videographer Mario Barabe. While the trio improvises the music
with instruments, Barnabe will improvise video images, creating an exciting multimedia performance that is unique on today's jazz scene. Bob will be playing “The Ravenscroft,” a phenomenal piano being brought in especially for this concert. Michael
Rob Moore, Bob Ravenscroft, Dwight Killian Spreeman, the master piano craftsman behind Scottsdale-based Spreeman Piano Innovations, created a nine-foot grand after being inspired by Ravenscroft and his
Kerr Cultural Center achieves national historic status By Patricia Myers More than 1,000 passionate supporters of the ASU Kerr Cultural Center were the driving force of a three-year movement that has resulted in national historic preservation status for the 50-year-old adobe facility. On April 14, the center was added to the National Register of Historic Places, the official listing of the nation's cultural resources considered worthy of preservation. Before that could happen, city and state preservation status had to be achieved. A
grassroots preservation effort was launched in January 2007 after I saw a rezoning sign on commercial property adjacent to the Kerr for condos and a new conference center for the Cottonwoods Resort. I believed this issue threatened the center's existence. The original owner, Louise Lincoln Kerr, was a highly regarded musician, composer and local patron of the arts who had personally supervised the construction continued on page 12
uncompromising pursuit of sonic perfection. This piano is featured on a number of Ravenswave Recordings, including Inner Journeys' CD, Trilogia. Ravenscroft and Inner Journeys draw much of their inspiration from the legendary pianist Bill Evans. The spontaneous impressionistic group interplay among Ravenscroft, Kilian and Moore evokes memories of the interplay in Evans' trio with Scott LaFaro and Paul Motian, where free jazz and beautiful melodies spontaneously intersected. Contributing sponsors of the concert are Ravenswave Recordings, Jazzbird Foundation and Spreeman Piano Innovations. The Kerr Cultural Center is located at 6110 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale (just west of Scottsdale Road on Rose Lane, south of The Borgata). Tickets are $20 general admission, $25 reserved seating. Jazz in AZ members receive a $4 discount. Those under 21 years of age may purchase general admission tickets for $10. Tickets are available at the Kerr Cultural Center box office, by phone at 480-5962660, online at www.asukerr.com, and at the Kerr box office one hour prior to the performance. The “Jazz in Concert” series continues with Nov. 10 Sophisticated Piano Ladies: Barb Catlin, Rachel Eckroth, Beth Lederman and Judy Roberts; Dec. 8 Celebrating Duke Ellington: The Mike Crotty Sextet; Jan. 12 'One More Once': Dennis Rowland and The Extreme Decibel Big Band; Feb. 2 & 3 The Perennial Diva Concert: Margo Reed, Nancy Gee, Sherry Roberson and Delphine Cortez; March 2 Stan Getz Revisited: Greg Fishman with Judy Roberts and Friends; April 6 Fred Forney's Arizona Jazz Masterworks Orchestra: They Came to Swing; May 4 “Jazz Con Alma” with Beth Lederman. For more information and tickets, visit www.jazzinaz.org.
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JAZZ NOTES
September - October 2010
Jazz in Arizona, Inc. A non-profit organization 501 (c)(3) P.O. Box 85252-2913, Scottsdale, AZ 85252-2913 Phone: (480) 994-0807. Email: info@jazzinaz.org. Website: www.jazzinaz.org
September 10
Bob Ravenscroft Trio “Autumn Suite”
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Jazz in AZ is dedicated to supporting the art of LIVE JAZZ and cultivating interest in jazz through youth education, scholarship opportunities and community outreach. xx
Jazz In AZ Board Members: Dan Konzen, president; Dmitri Matheny, vice president; Grace Lalicata, secretary; Susan Dwyer, treasurer; and members: Beth Dore, Steve Douglas, Dennis Rowland, Kathleen Konzen, Larry Goldstein, Steve Conrad, Stu Siefer and Celeste Winters. x
Executive Director: Joel Robin Goldenthal (602) 750-7045 Assistant Director: Joan Leard (480)947-6119 x
Jazz Notes Newsletter Editor: Joel R. Goldenthal Contributing writers: Patricia Myers, Joel Goldenthal Copy editor/Proofreader: Patricia Myers Design/Production: Goldenthal Creative Services
September 24
Benny Green Trio
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Jazz Notes is a free publication of Jazz In Arizona, Inc. and is published six times per year according to the following schedule. x
Jazz Notes Deadlines: Dec.5 January-February issue; Feb.5 March-April issue; April 5 - May-June issue; June 5 July-August issue; August 5 September-October issue; October 5 NovemberDecember issue.
October 30
Karrin Allyson and the ASU Jazz Orchestra
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Advertising Information - Please Call 602-750-7045
Special Thanks to JIA Business Members “From The Top” Artist Management Services - Carol Finney ASU Kerr Cultural Center - 480-596-2660 - www.asukerr.com Call-Hold Marketing! - Bruce Collier - 214-752-7754 - www.call-hold.com Custom Courts, Inc. - 602-741-8599 - www.customcourtsandtile.com Matt Johnson - Sonoran Jazz Project.com McKay Conant Hoover Inc - McKay Conant - mchinc.com 90th Floor Records - Jan Collier - 214-752-7754 - www.90thfloorrecords.com Paradise Valley Jazz Party - Don Miller - www.paradisevalleyjazz.com Prestige Cleaners - Don Frye - www.prestigecleaners.com Quick’s Music Store - www.quicksmusic.com San Tan News - Geoff Hancock - www.santansun.com Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts - Eileen Wilson and Bob Kyler Scottsdale Skin & Cancer Center, Ltd. - Dr. Joseph Scherzer Tempest Recording - Clarke Rigsby - www.tempestrecording.com Zonal Music Group - Rick Wall - rick@zonalmusicgroup.com.
Special thanks to the following for their generous support:
Arizona Commission on the Arts
The John Dawson Foundation Scottsdale Cultural Council Scottsdale League for the Arts “How Cool Is Jazz” Youth Education Program
Please visit our website: www.jazzinaz.org
November 27
Bob Corritore Blues Bash II
December 18
Dmitri Matheny's Holiday Jazz Show All shows begin at 8 p.m. Schedule subject to change. 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway • 480-350-2822 www.tempe.gov/TCA • www.lakeshoreproducers.com
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September - October 2010
A message from President Dan Konzen Despite the challenging times in which we live, Jazz in AZ is continuing to press forward and grow as an organization and a community. We are committed to strengthening our financial and volunteer resources during the coming year. We are seeking additional “jazz angels” who have the passion and capacity to support jazz, sustain our organization, and make our ambitious youth Dan Konzen, programs possible. As President, JiA importantly, we need to grow our grassroots efforts with individuals to whom jazz is a source of constant joy. Toward these objectives, I am asking you to promote Jazz in AZ to ten of your friends who are not currently familiar or associated with Jazz in AZ by inviting them to our events; their participation and potential support of our work will make a huge difference in our future. Also, please
consider making a bequest or planned gift to Jazz in AZ. Remember, you don't have to be wealthy to make an extraordinary gift; let us show you how. We will be announcing a special event in the near future to help you explore the many exciting possibilities for making a legacy gift to Jazz in AZ. Jazz in AZ is continuing to build the board of directors and would like to welcome Grace Lalicata to our board of directors and as chair of our newly created volunteer committee. (Grace may be familiar to many of you as a cheery volunteer at many of our events). Grace will also be serving as interim board secretary and member of the executive committee. We are excited to have Grace on board; she is well-qualified, passionate and enthusiastic about the direction of Jazz in AZ, and will be a tremendous asset to our organization. Once again, a reminder that our directors wear their gold name badges at events. This is part of our awareness campaign; so please approach these individuals with any
questions and to give them your feedback on how we are doing. We are interested in your comments. You are also welcome to contact me directly anytime at dan.konzen@jazzinaz.org. And speaking of events… you will find our line-up for all Jazz in AZ concerts at Kerr and monthly parties at Kaz all the way through May 2011 at www.jazzinaz.org. Concert tickets are available now; your early ticket purchases will ensure that you won't miss your favorite programs; we've got some real hot sellers! Buy tickets now for yourself and introduce others to jazz with tickets; jazz concert tickets make great gifts! Until next time, we invite and encourage you to check out our new website at www.jazzinaz.org, to become a fan of Jazz in AZ on Facebook, and to follow Jazz in AZ on Twitter. Sincerely, Dan Konzen
Every Thursday Evening 7:30-9:30 PM THE place to be to enjoy the best Jazz Musicians from the Valley and Beyond!
An oasis for fine live jazz! Every Friday, 7:30-9:30 p.m. NEW TIME and LOCATION ~ Great Casual Dining Menu Friendly Listening Atmosphere * Coffee & Desserts * $5.00 Donation * Plenty of Free Parking * For information:
CALENDAR Sept. 2 – Armand Boatman Trio Sept. 9 – Brice Winston Quartet Sept.16 – Deater O'Neill with Mike Crotty Nick Manson-piano, Tom Williams-bass, John Lewis-drums
Sept. 23 – Eric Rasmussen Nick Manson-piano, John Sims-bass, Wes Anderson-drums)
Sept. 30 – Dom Moio's “Old Guy Time"
480-946-2900
Oct 7 – Fred Forney Quartet: “Out of the Blue"
www.scucc.com *
Oct 14 – Stan Sorenson & Friends
Located in SCUCC’s Church auditorium
Oct 21 – Mike Crotty: "Tom Harrell Tribute" Oct 28 – Raul Yanez & Friends.
4425 North Granite Reef Road, Scottsdale (½ mile east of Hayden, just south of Camelback)
Octagon Café 12645 N. Saguaro Blvd., Ste 1, Fountain Hills 85268 (north on Saguaro off Shea Blvd., turn right into plaza beside lake)
Performance Schedule Sept. 3 – closed/holiday Sept. 10 – Armand Boatman's Be Bop Revolution Sept. 17 – Fred Forney Quartet “Out of the Blue” Sept. 24 – Armand Boatman Trio Oct. 1 – Joel Robin Ensemble Oct. 8 – Mike Crotty's “Airmen of Note Reunion Band” Oct. 15 – Armand Boatman's Be Bop Revolution Oct. 22 – Dan Delaney Trio Oct. 29 – Armand Boatman-Fred Forney Duo Nov. 5 – Cinco de Moio Admission is FREE. $5 donations enthusiastically accepted to help pay for our wonderful musicians! : x
For more information, call 480-816-8806.
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September - October 2010
News from Out & About By Patricia Myers
The fall-winter season of jazz events already is shaping up strongly, with concerts and special events throughout the Valley and the state. Jazz in AZ continues its twice-monthly event schedule that includes the ASU Kerr Cultural Center eight-concert series, as well as monthly parties, staging a wide variety of jazz styles, from “roots” to big band to smooth jazz. The Kerr will also be the setting for another series of concerts presented by the Arizona Classic Jazz Society. It's also the finale of festival season, with the Monterey Jazz Festival in northern California in mid-September (see below), and the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival presenting 40 contemporary-smooth jazz artists during three weekends, Sept. 30-Oct. 14. The Sedona Jazz on the Rocks Festival returns after a year's hiatus with an Oct. 2 lineup that includes Dennis Rowland, as well as smooth jazz, blues and R&B bands. The month of November brings the 21st annual Arizona Classic Jazz Festival, Nov. 4-7 at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos in Chandler, featuring 12 bands in four venues and dancing. The fourth annual “Knock Out Parkinson Jazz Festival” benefit brunch featuring four bands is scheduled Nov. 7 at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort, co-chaired by longtime Jazz in AZ members Bob and Lee Crozier. The fall-winter jazz series at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts kicks off in October with concerts by trumpeter Doc Severinsen, also bassist Stanley Clarke and pianist Hiromi. The season also will bring Stanley Clarke, Cyrus Chestnut, Count Basie Orchestra, Brad Mehldau, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Manhattan Transfer and Ramsey Lewis. The new Musical Instrument Museum on the Phoenix-Scottsdale border has booked top jazz names starting in early October with flutist Hubert Laws and vocalist Roberta Gambarini there on successive nights, with pianist Monty Alexander in November and Latin-jazz star Paquito d'Rivera in December (not at Scottsdale Center as previously scheduled). In addition, the local scene recently added nine new venues for weekly jazz performances that we hope will continue to be active throughout the season. See Calendar and Venues listings for details.
Paris Notebook: My annual summer stay in Paris had some Arizona elements this year. One of the larger top jazz venues, New Morning, booked saxophonist David Sanborn, whose trio colleagues were Arizona residents Joey DeFrancesco on organ and Steve Gadd on drums. The multitalented Joey dazzled on electronic organ, also delivered vocals and played trumpet, before a SRO audience of 500. Sanborn has returned to a “real jazz” repertoire from his more commercial material. After two terrific sets, I talked with Joey until it was time for him to board the trio's charter bus en route to Stuttgart, Germany. (Yes, jazz musicians still ride the bus to gigs, just as they did in the early days of jazz.) To my dismay, that very same night had former Arizona saxophonist Tony Malaby at Sunset Jazz Club in the exact same time slot, so there was no way to catch both shows. I do need to be cloned… Former Phoenix vocalist Sylvia Howard performed two nights at the 9 Jazz Club before leaving for summer festival gigs, one in Beirut and a second one in the south of France. Finally, I had to be in Paris to hear vocalist Roberta Gambarini, who was scheduled to perform the Jazz in AZ 30th anniversary gala concert at Celebrity Theater in 2007, but cancelled due to severe laryngitis. (Good news: She is booked Oct. 3 at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix). Her two sets at New Morning were filled with solidly delivered jazz evergreens. A surprise guest in the second set was trumpeter Roy Hargrove. The two stars were satisfying, plus I was enthralled by the keyboard work of young New Orleans pianist Jonathan Batiste. Watch for that name in the future. Musicians' News: The 53rd annual Monterey Jazz Festival in northern California, Sept. 17-19, will have a very special element this year, “Pianists, Saxophonists and Vocalist, Oh My!” that includes our own Judy Roberts and Greg Fishman in a stellar lineup. Other pianists will be Billy Childs, Gerald Clayton, Chick Corea, Fred Hersch, Ahmad Jamal, Pascal Le Boeuf, Mark Levine, Les McCann, Marcus Roberts and George Wein. Other saxophonists will be John Firmin, Ben
JAZZ NOTES Flocks, Kenny Garrett, Javon Jackson, Remy Le Boeuf, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Chris Potter and Steve Wilson. Other vocalists include Harry Connick Jr., House Jacks, Angelique Kidjo, Les Nubians, Delbert McClinton, Nellie McKay, Kim Nalley, Gretchen Parlato, Dianne Reeves, Naomi Shelton, Somi and Sachal Vasandani. I'll vouch for our triple-talented duo to dazzle in that stellar lineup. Multi-instrumentalist Gary Church had more surgery for stent placements in late August, according to Joe Hopkins who leads the band on Sundays at Chances Are that Gary is part of, in addition to his bookings with pianist Cheryl Thurston. . Jazz Buzz: “Dennis Rowland: Live at Kazimierz” is a new CD that was previewed in July on KAET-TV, Channel 8. The recording features Chris Gough-keys, Ted Belledin-sax, Billy Abdo-guitar, Felix Sainz Jr.-bass and Greg Warner-drumsmusic director. . Kudos to Jazz in AZ board member Beth Dore', who conceived and executed an impressive silent auction for the Father's Day dance, ably assisted by her husband, Mark Wlodarczyk. The enticing display of classy items was an excellent fund-raiser for JiA. Beth's earlier success was a profitable raffle at the Glendale Jazz and Blues Festival last spring. Former JiA board member Buzz Katzen again will provide commentary previews before jazz concerts during the 20th annual Arizona Musicfest series that starts in January. Former JiA board member Tom Coulson has a blues-jazz radio show, “Full Moon Hacksaw”, on KWCD-FM (92.3 fm) in Bisbee, AZ. He's now working on webstreaming, pod-casting and possible syndication. The website is: fullmoonhacksaw.com
Overheard: Prescott guitarist Jack Petersen, while being treated in hospital emergency room for a fractured right wrist from an auto accident, when the nurse asked him if he was allergic to anything, he replied "Hillbilly music." Final Bar: John Vames, Native American flute specialist-author-educator, 79, July 26 in Scottsdale; Abbey Lincoln, vocalist-songwriter-civil rights activist, 80, Aug. 14 in Manhattan; Herman Leonard, jazz photographer, 87, Aug. 14, in Los Angeles; Dick Buckley, longtime Chicago jazz DJ, 86, in Chicago.
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September - October 2010
JAZZ CALENDAR Compiled by Patricia Myers, email: psmyers1@cox.net. (Bookings subject to change. Call venues to confirm.) Sept. 1, ASU Student Jazz Composition Competition, 7:30 p.m., free, Recital Hall, ASU Music Building,l Tempe. Sept. 2-6, Vail Jazz Festival, Vail Marriott Mountain Resort (Colo.): Jeff Hamilton Trio, Clayton Brothers Quintet, Bill Cunliffe's Salute to Oscar Peterson, Ann Hampton Callaway's Salute to Ella Fitzgerald, Ernie Adams, Wycliffe Gordon, many more, $350-all events, 888-8245526, vailjazz.org
and Grounds: Septeto Nacional de Cuba, Roy Haynes, Billy Childs (w/ Scott Colley, Steve Wilson Brian Blade); Kronos Quartet, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Roy Hargrove Big Band, Dianne Reeves, Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens; Arena only: Ahmad Jamal,
Sept. 24, Adam Clark Trio (Mike Ozuna-guitar, Shea Marshallorgan, Clark-drums), 5:30-7:30 pm Fri.; Bad Cactus Brass Band, 6-10 p.m. Fri, Desert Botanical Garden, Beer Garden, 1201 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix 85008, $45 & $50, Desert Botanical Garden, Beer Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, 480-481-8159. www.dbg.org
Sept. 5, Jackiem Joyner, 5-7 p.m. Sun., $35, $25 TJS members/activeduty military, $20 students with ID, www.tucsonjazz.org, 800-595-4849, Loews Ventana Canyon, 7000 N. Resort Drive, Tucson, sponsored by Tucson Jazz Society,
Sept. 25, Bad Cactus Brass Band, 7 pm Sat., $10, Pebble Creek Resort, 16222 Clubhouse Drive, Goodyear, 623-535-9854, presented by Jean Bayus.
Sept. 10, Bob Ravenscroft Trio: “Autumn Suite” (Ravenscroftpiano, Dwight Kilian-bass, Rob Moore-drums, Mario Barnabevisuals) 8 p.m. Fri., $30, Tempe Center for the Arts Lakeside Room, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, 480-350-2822, lakeshoreproducers.com
Sept. 26, Bad Cactus Brass Band, 6:30 pm Sun., $10, All Saints of the Desert Church, 9502 W. Hutton Dr, Sun City, 623-572-9354, 623-9748404, presented by Jean Bayus.
Sept. 10-11, Tucson Latin Jazz Festival: 7:30-11:30 p.m. Fri., Salsa Dance Party featuring Tito Y Su Nuevo Son, free, La Placita Plaza; Larry Harlow, 8 p.m. Sat., Leo Rich Theatre 260 S Church Ave., Tucson, $25, $20 for TJS members, active duty military with ID, students with ID and Tucson Hispanic Chamber members, copresented by Tucson Jazz Society, Downtown Tucson Partnership, Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Info: 1-800-595-4849. Sept. 12, “Art and Jazz”, 2-6 p.m. second Sundays monthly, 3-6 p.m. live jazz, free appetizers, raffles, Residence Inn by Marriott, 3599 Lee Circle, Prescott, $10 for Prescott Jazz Society members, $15 pp or $24 per couple for nonmembers, info Milt Cannon, 928-237-7908.
Sept. 24, Benny Green Trio (Green-piano, Dwight Kilian-bass, Dom Moio-drums). 8 p.m. Fri., $35, Tempe Center for the Arts Lakeside Room, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, 480-350-2822, lakeshoreproducers.com
Angelique Kidjo w/ Christian McBride, Lionel Loueke, Kendrick Scott, Mino Cinelu; Freedom Band w/ Chick Corea, Kenny Garrett, Christian McBride, Roy Haynes; Delbert McClinton, Harry Connick, Jr., Les Nubians; 925-275-9255 or montereyjazzfestival.org
Sept. 17, Tribute to Wayne Shorter by Paradise Valley Community College Jazz Faculty (Scott Zimmer-sax, Brett Reed-vibes-perc, Dan Delaney-piano, Ted Sistrunk-bass, John Lewisdrums), 7:30 p.m. Fri., $12, $10 seniors, $6 and $8 students, PVCC, 18401 N. 32nd St, Phoenix 85032, 602-787-7738.
Sept. 19, ZAZU (Hot Club of France/Gypsy Jazz of Django Reinhardt: Ken Aurich-Larry Czarnecki-guitars, Steve Douglas-acoustic bass + guest Devon Bridgewater-violin), cdbaby.com/cd/zazu), Jazz in AZ monthly party, open to public, $10, 3-5 p.m. Sun., Kazimierz World Wine Bar, 7137 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale 85251, 480-946-3004; info 480-994-0807.
Sept. 17-19, Monterey Jazz Festival (Calif.), special event: “Pianos, Saxophonists, Vocalists” including Judy Roberts & Greg Fishman; Arena
Sept. 20, Tribraco & Neo, 8 p.m. Mon., The Trunk Space, 1506 NW Grand Ave. 602-256-6006, www.thetrunkspace.com, $8.
Sept. 26-Nov. 21, Wine & Jazz Concert Series, 1-4 p.m. Sun., outdoors, free, El Pedregal @ The Boulders, 34505 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480-488-1072: Sept 26 Joe Bourne and Friends: “Music of Nat King Cole and Great Gentlemen of Jazz and Blues” (Bourne-vocals; Barb Catlin-piano; Dwight Kilian-bass; Dom Moiodrums); Oct 3 Affinity (10 piece band: Les Koel-Amber Dirks-lead vocals, Dave Grale-bass-vocals, Billy Abdo-guitar-vocals, Tim Ponzek-keys-vocals, Jim Mayvocals, Todd Chuba-drums); Oct 10 Anthony Mazzella (guitar). Oct 17 Lisa Pressman & Tim Ponzek Quintet (keyboard-guitar) Oct 24 Santan Swing Band (big band w/ Bridget Maynesvocals). Oct 31 Urban Quartet (jazz-pop string quartet). Nov 7 Marion Meadows Quartet; Nov14 Silhouette (5 piece jazz, R&B-soul-Motown band with Randy Allen-Lead vocals, Tim Forkes-keys, Anthony Kinchion-guitar, Alex Holland-saxes); Nov 21 Shining Star with Jodi Light and Kenny Cross on vocals, Mario Mendivil-bass, Dominic Amato-sax, Dave Baradic-keys, Rich Reeddrums. Sept. 25, Bisbee Blues Festival, Bisbee, AZ, thebisbeebluesfestival.com Sept. 26, Arizona Roadrunners (Tucson), Arizona
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September - October 2010
JAZZ NOTES
ZAZU: Django's French Hot Club Gypsy Jazz ignites Sept. 19 JiA party By Joel Goldenthal An article in Voice of America last name comes from the word 'Zazous', devoted to this incredibly joyful jazz December proclaimed, “Gypsy Jazz the young French Bohemians of the music,” Douglas concludes. Invades America.” The article was 1930s who were huge fans of Comprising the group appearing at referring to the proliferation of groups EVENT American singer-bandleader the September Jazz in AZ party are bringing this “French music” to Cab Calloway's scat music,” Flagstaff-based guitarists Ken American audiences, a music that is Douglas explains. "During the Aurich and Larry Czarnecki, enjoying popularity worldwide, crossing German occupation of France from recent Phoenix resident Douglas lines of age, musical genre and more. 1940 on, the Zazous frequented on upright bass, and special guest One such group devoted to gypsy jazz places where the hip jazzy gypsy Devon Bridgewater on violin has its origin in Sedona where bassist Steve music was played, but always in paying homage to Hot Club Douglas formed ZAZU. “The group's fear of being arrested and shipped violinist Stephane Grappelli. off to camps or jail. So, in tribute to Spend Sunday, Sept. 19, from 3 them and the risks they took for the Devon Bridgewater to 5 p.m. at Kazimierz World Wine love of this music, we call Bar for an afternoon of music that ourselves ZAZU," says Douglas. CD Baby describes as “…infectiously hard The group released a double-CD last swinging . . . energetic and exciting . . . year titled “ZAZU: The Soul of Paris” with improvised with reckless abandon.” 22 tracks celebrating gypsy guitarist Sounds like a party not to be missed! Kaz (a Django Reinhardt's music. (Hear CD tracks Valley hot club in its own right) is a casual at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/zazu; venue with great food, wine and beverages, available for sale at the party). “We call it located at 7137 E. Stetson Drive, 'The Soul of Paris' because the famous Scottsdale. Admission to the public is $10 players of the day and the strongest (FREE if you join Jazz in AZ at the party). compositions either originated in Paris or JiA member rates apply. were made famous there. Django Reinhardt's groups were called Quintettes Editor's note: Jazz in AZ welcomes Steve of the Hot Club of France - - the place to Douglas to its board of directors. In hear the 'hot' music of the day. Today, there addition to his fine musicianship, Steve are 'Hot Club groups' around the world; brings a wealth of management and arts Ken Aurich, Steve Douglas, Larry Czarnecki ZAZU is proud to be among the groups advocacy experience to our organization.
Calendar continued from previous page
Oct. 2, Hubert Laws-flute, 6 and 8 p.m. Sat., $40 & $45, Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix 85050, themim.org or 480-478-6001.
Classic Jazz Society, 1-4 p.m. Sun., $10 members, $15 non-members, under 18 free, Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort, One San Marcos Place, Chandler, 480-620-3941, www.azclassicjazz.org
Oct. 2, TASTE: Chandler Culinary Festival, AJ Chandler Park, 3 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler, 610 p.m. live music including Vandal-Hancock Duo; $45, 21-and-older event, www.tastechandler.com
Sept. 29, Taste of Cave Creek, Cave Creek, AZ, 46 p.m. Wed., Delphine Cortez-vocals, Joel Robinkeys, Frank Smith-sax, Bob Lashier-bass, Cleve Huff-drums.
Oct. 2, Bad Cactus Brass Band, 6-10 p.m. Sat., Dogfish Head Ale's Off-Centered Experience, Scottsdale Plaza Resort, 7200 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale 85253, 480-948-5000, $75.
Sept. 30, Beth Lederman Trio, 5-8 p.m. Thurs., McDowell Sonoran Festival, DC Ranch. (Pima Road @ Thompson Peak Parkway).
Oct. 2, Auggie Mendoza Trio, 7 pm Sat., $10, Sun City Festival, 26501 W. Desert Vista Blvd, Buckeye, 928-252-2111, presented by Jean Bayus.
Sept 30-Oct. 14, 24th Annual Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival, 40 contemporary-smooth jazz artists during 3 consecutive weekends: 866-8729849 or jazztrax.com
Oct. 2, Sedona Jazz on the Rocks Festival, Dennis Rowland, Craig Chaquico, Alfredo Rodriguez, Maysa, Homemade Jamz Blues Band, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. (gates open 9:30), Poco Diablo Resort, Sedona, admission: advance $55 lawn seating, $65 chairs, $102 tent (tables with food-beverages), gate $65 and up; 928-282-1985 or sedonajazz.com, resort packages (incl ticket) $166$206, 928-282-7333, pocodiableresort.com
Oct. 1, Bad Cactus Brass Band, 6:15-8:30 p.m. Fri., Grand Reopening Celebration, Herberger Theater, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix 85004, 602254-7399, $100, herbergertheater.org
Oct. 3, Judy Roberts, “Jazz @ The J,” 3-5 p.m. Sun., $20 ($5 members) at Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12707 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480-483-7121, vosjcc.com. Oct. 3, Roberta Gambarini-vocalist, 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. Sun., $40 & $45, Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix 85050, themim.org or 480-478-6001. Oct. 3, Bad Cactus Brass Band, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Sun., Tempe Oktoberfest, Tempe Town Lake, free, www.tempeoktoberfest.com Oct. 3, Dine Out with the Chefs (20 chefs + Beth Lederman Trio), 4-6:30 p.m. Sun., $55 advance, $65 at door, benefit for Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale, 480-994-2787, scottsdaleperformingarts.org. Oct. 6, Bob Ravenscroft's Inner Journeys: “Refreshing Standards” (Ravenscroft-piano, Dwight Kilian-bass, Rob Moore-drums - popular jazz standards, Ravenscroft Piano + visuals by Mario Barnabe) - first in Jazz in AZ series, 7:30
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September - October 2010
Sedona Jazz on the Rocks returns after one-year hiatus: A look at the present and past By Patricia Myers Sedona, AZ — It's being termed the “re-jazzination” of the Sedona Jazz on the Rocks Festival, the outdoor event returning after a one-year hiatus caused by financial issues. The daylong festival on Saturday, Oct. 2, is shifting beyond the jazz formats of the past 28 years to expand its audience by including more solid blues and rhythm-and-blues. The lineup from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. will feature Dennis Rowland, Craig Chaquico, Maysa, Alfredo Rodriguez and the Homemade Jamz Blues Band. This eclectic mix was selected intentionally, according to Bettye Wilson, SJOR board president. “Our goal is to provide a diverse music program that is spirited enough to thrill music lovers, jazz enthusiasts and those new to the genre,” she said “We strongly believe in preserving the wonders of jazz music for future generations. As a small non-profit organization, we rely on the proceeds from this festival to fund the music education programs we provide to Arizona youth state-wide.” Former Count Basie Orchestra vocalist Rowland combines swing and blues standards with his Detroit-bred Motown doo-wop and rhythm-and-blues repertoire. Maysa, former lead vocalist for Incognito, also combines jazz with R&B. Chaquico, former lead guitarist with Jefferson Starship, is a smooth-jazz star. Rodriguez is a Cuban-born jazz pianist whose performances reflect his classical training.
Homemade Jamz Blues Band is a youthful contingent of blues musicians from Mississippi. The festival returns to the tree-shaded lawns of Poco Diablo Resort, with expansive views of Sedona's crimson rocks and creamy bluffs. Gates open at 9:30 a.m. Admission levels in advance are $52 lawn seating, $67 chair seating, $102 tent (tables with food-beverages), with a 10 percent discount for group of 20 or more. Gate admission is $65, $85, $125; $35 for students with ID. Resort packages include a room and festival tickets from $166 to $206 plus tax, 928-282-7333. JOR's one-year stop-out was the result of the lagging economy and less income than expected from the 2008 festival's expansion to six days of performances from the previous three extra events. Wilson said all 2008 bills were paid, and operational costs cut by 80 percent, including eliminating the paid director's position. “We are now all-volunteer with no paid director, with a terrific group of hands-on and committed people. We used 2008 festival income to send some students to the summer program at Berklee (College of Music), but not as many as in the past. Since 1989, our goal has been to send 20 students each summer," a cost of $7,000 per student. Now JOR appears to be reverting to the original concept of one major event, as it was when conceived for its 1982 launch by Sedona-based jazz singer Johnny
Gilbert (not TV's “Jeopardy” announcer) with the support of Sedona art gallery owner Troy Williams (who also owned The Oak Creek Owl restaurant where Gilbert performed). Attendance was fewer than 1,000, compared to 5,000 in recent years for all paid events. The first festival was called “The Day Sedona Turned Jazz,” also the title of book written later by Gilbert. After two years of financial difficulty, the festival became successful, and since then has awarded $335,000 in jazz scholarships. JOR was conceived as a just-jazz event, although blues guitarist-vocalist Doug McLeod performed the closing set for many years. I've reviewed all 27 festivals, and recall when the first two years featured only Arizona talent, including student bands from Mesa Community College, Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University. The first big-name artist to be booked was Les McCann in 1984, and successive years brought a top star such as Joe Williams, Maynard Ferguson, Gerry Mulligan, Count Basie and Woody Herman 0rchestras, Bud Shank, Billy Eckstine, Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Nancy Wilson, Branford Marsalis, Al Jarreau, Spyro Gyra, Tuck and Patti, Ramsey Lewis and Diana Krall (back when she was still affordable for a small festival).
Calendar continued from previous page
Repertory Band present Big Band Blast Off! free, 7:30-9 p.m. Tues., Evelyn Smith Music Theater, ASU Music Building, Tempe.
Kazimierz World Wine Bar, 7137 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale 85251, 480-946-3004; info 480-9940807.
p.m. Wed., $20, $25, $10 for 21 and younger; copresented with ASU Kerr Cultural Center, 6110 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480-596-2660, or www.jazzinaz.org
Oct. 13, ASU Student Jazz Combos, free, 7:30-9 p.m., Recital Hall, ASU Music building, Tempe.
Oct. 18, ASU Latin Jazz Band, 7:30 p.m., free, Evelyn Smith Music Theatre, ASU Music Building, Tempe AZ.
Oct. 7-24, “Backwards in High Heels: The Ginger (Rogers) Musical,” Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix 85004, 602-254-7399, $35 and up, herbergertheater.org Oct. 10 & 24, Phoenix Blues Society Blues Showdown (prelim/finals), Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. Oct. 12, “ASU Concert Jazz Band & Jazz
Oct. 14, Doc Severinsen & El Ritmo de la Vida, 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale, 480-994-2787, scottsdaleperformingarts.org.
Oct. 18, Glendale Community College Big Bands, 7:30 p.m. Mon., free, GCC Performing Arts Center, 6000 W. Olive Ave. Glendale, info: 623-8453725, Dave Schmidt
Oct. 14, Glendale Community College Jazz Combos, 7:30 p.m. Thurs., free, GCC MU2-Room 151, 6000 W. Olive Ave. Glendale, info: 623-8453725, Dave Schmidt.
Oct. 22, Judy Roberts-Vicki McDermitt, 7 pm Fri. $15, Sun City Grand, 17100 Clearview Blvd., Surprise, 623-546-7465, presented by Jean Bayus.
Oct. 17, Hope Morgan Quartet, Jazz in AZ monthly party, open to public ($10), 3-5 p.m. Sun.,
Oct. 23, Stanley Clarke Band + Hiromi-piano,
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September - October 2010
JAZZ NOTES
New-to-Valley vocalist Hope Morgan to deliver “Sugar” at Oct. 17 JiA party By Joel Goldenthal Hope Morgan is a newcomer to the valley's jazz scene, but not to jazz by any means. She was raised in the rich jazz culture of New York City; began singing in a church choir at the age of 5, then studied voice, violin and piano, and learned standard jazz repertoire. During her EVENT college years, Hope had the opportunity to study with such great musicians as Archie Shepp, Stanley Cowell, Marlon Brown, Ken McIntyre and Max Roach. She was further influenced by vocal jazz greats Sarah Vaughan, Betty Carter, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Carmen McRae. Hope moved to Austin, Texas, in 1977 to attend graduate school, and started singing in the early-eighties, honing her craft specializing in “authentic” straight-ahead vocal jazz. In 1995 the City of Austin declared June 8th “Hope Morgan Day.” That year, the Austin Jazz Players and
Critics Poll named her “Best style, solid sense of jazz's vocal Female Jazz Vocalist.” Over the tradition and ability to swing years, Hope Morgan has will make her an exciting performed in countless concert addition to the vocal riches of series including Austin's the Valley. Hope will be Women In Jazz and Jazz at St. backed by Joel Robin-piano, James, as well as at many local Ted Sistrunk-bass and Cleve jazz clubs throughout Texas. Huff-drums, with special guest A career highlight came Frank Smith on alto sax and unexpectedly for Hope in the flute. early '80s when she was visiting Hope opened last season's Hope Morgan her mother in New York. Hope concert series at El Pedr3agal; went to a jam session at the Blue Note but the Jazz in AZ party on Oct. 17 from 3-5 nightclub and sang Stanley Turrentine's p.m. at Kazimierz World Wine Bar will be “Sugar.” Afterwards, she was approached her official introduction to our jazz by a gentleman who was very community. Kaz is casual venue with great complimentary of her interpretation. That food, wine and beverages, located at 7137 gentleman turned out to be Turrentine E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale. Admission to himself, and an hour-long conversation the public is $10 (FREE if you join Jazz in followed, with “Sugar” becoming Hope's AZ at the party). JiA member rates apply. signature song. Make plans to attend and welcome Hope The spirit of Hope's performance doesn't and be prepared for an extraordinary rule out any groove or tempo. Her original performance complete with “Sugar”!
Calendar continued from previous page Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale, 480-994-2787, scottsdaleperformingarts.org. Oct. 24, Blaise Lantana & Trio, 6:30 pm Sun., $10, All Saints of the Desert Church, 9502 W. Hutton Dr., Sun City, 623-572-9354, 623-974-8404. Oct. 24, 52nd Street + Cheryl Stephens, Arizona Classic Jazz Society, 1-4 p.m. Sun., $10 members, $15 non-members, under 18 free, Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort, One San Marcos Place, Chandler, 480-620-3941, www.azclassicjazz.org Oct. 29, Viver Brasil, 8 p.m. Fri., Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale, 480-994-2787, scottsdaleperformingarts.org. Oct. 29, Bad News Blues Band, 8 pm Fri., Bad News Blues Band, Buckeye High School, 902 E. Eason Ave., Buckeye 85326, $15 adult/$8 student. Oct. 30, Karrin Allyson & ASU Big Band + Scott Wilson-tpt-EVI, 8 p.m. Sat., $25-$40, Tempe Center for the Arts Main Theater, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, 480-350-2822, lakeshoreproducers.com
Nov. 3, Wally's Warehouse Waifs, 7:30 pm Wed., Kerr Cultural Center, 6110 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480-596-2660, presented by the Arizona Classic Jazz Society, 480-620-3941, azclassicjazz.org Nov. 4-7, Arizona Classic Jazz Festival (21st annual), Crowne Plaza San Marcos, Chandler, 12 bands, 4 venues, dance floor, $95 all events, Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort, 1 San Marcos Place, Chandler 85225, special room rate, sponsored by Arizona Classic Jazz Society, info azclassicjazz.org or 480-620-3941. Nov. 5, Spanish Harlem Orchestra (part of Nov. 67 free daylong La Gran Fiesta), 7:30 p.m. Fri., $25, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts amphitheater (outdoors), 75th Street south of Indian School Road, Scottsdale, 480-994-2787, scottsdaleperformingarts.org Nov. 7, “Knock Out Parkinson Jazz Festival” 4th annual benefit brunch, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. (brunch noon-2 p.m.), four bands: Stan Sorenson-guitar, Charles Lewis Quintet + Chele-vocals, Fred Forney Septet “Soul of Jazz,” Khani Cole Band, $70 advance, $75 at door, Bob and Lee Crozier-
chairmen, Scottsdale Plaza Resort ballroom, 7200 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, info 480-595-6890 or parkinsonaz.org Nov. 10, “Sophisticated Piano Ladies:” Barb Catlin, Rachel Eckroth, Beth Lederman, Judy Roberts, 7:30 p.m. Wed., Jazz in AZ annual series, $20, $25, $10 for 21 and younger, ASU Kerr Cultural Center, 6110 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480-596-2660 or www.jazzinaz.org Nov. 12, Monty Alexander-piano, 6 and 8 p.m. Fri., $40 and $45, Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix 85050, themim.org or 480-478-6001.
For the most complete and up-to-date listings of Valley Jazz events, please visit
www.jazzinaz.org
JAZZ NOTES
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September - October 2010
JAZZ VENUES Compiled by Patricia Myers, email: psmyers1@cox.net. (Bookings subject to change. Call venues to confirm.) SCOTTSDALE-FOUNTAIN HILLS-PV American Legion Post #44, 7145 E. Second St., Scottsdale, 480-941-9053, Swingtime Jazz Quartet (Bob Lynn-percussion/leader, Ron Plude-piano, Rich Klein-reeds/vocals, John Cieslak-reedsvocals); food, dancing. Bacchus Wines, Kierland Commons, 7122 E. Greenway Parkway, 480-368-1743, Stan Sorensonacoustic guitar, 6-9 p.m. alt. Fri., Sept. 3, 17, Oct. 1, 15, 29. Bobby's, 7122 E. Greenway Pkwy, 480-556-0770: Rich Howard, 6 p.m. Tues-Wed-Thurs; various FriSat. Capital Grille, 16489 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale 85254, 480-348-1700, Steve Kostakespiano, 6:30-9:30 p.m. alt Fri. Cartwright's Sonoran Ranch House, 6710 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, 480-488-8031; Pam Morita-solo piano, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Sat. Sept. 11 through Oct. 30 (except Oct. 2); Tom Mein-solo guitar, Fri. Sept. 3 through Oct. 29; cartwrightssonoranranchhouse.com/events Chances Are, 7570 E. Sixth Ave (corner of Miller Road), Scottsdale, 480-994-4338, Joe Hopkins Quartet leads jam session, 5-9 p.m. Sun., food, dancing.
Cole and Great Gentlemen of Jazz and Blues” (Bourne-vocals; Barb Catlin-piano; Dwight Kilianbass; Dom Moio-drums); Oct 3 Affinity (10 piece band: Les Koel-Amber Dirks-lead vocals, Dave Grale-bass-vocals, Billy Abdo-guitar-vocals, Tim Ponzek-keys-vocals, Jim May-vocals, Todd Chubadrums); Oct 10 Anthony Mazzella (guitar). Oct 17 Lisa Pressman & Tim Ponzek Quintet (keyboardguitar) Oct 24 Santan Swing Band (big band w/ Bridget Maynes-vocals). Oct 31 Urban Quartet (jazz-pop string quartet). Nov 7 Marion Meadows Quartet; Nov14 Silhouette (5 piece jazz, R&B-soulMotown band with Randy Allen-Lead vocals, Tim Forkes-keys, Anthony Kinchion-guitar, Alex Hollandsaxes); Nov 21 Shining Star with Jodi Light and Kenny Cross on vocals, Mario Mendivil-bass, Dominic Amato-sax, Dave Baradic-keys, Rich Reeddrums. 5th and Wine, 7051 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale 85251, 480-699-8001: Stan Sorenson-guitar, Steve Douglas-bass, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 8, 22. Hyatt Resort Gainey Ranch, 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale, 480-991-3388, lobby stage: Sirocco Trio, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Thurs., Sirocco Sextet, 2-6 p.m. Sun. Jazz in the Hills @ Octagon Café, 12645 N. Saguaro Blvd., Ste 1, Fountain Hills 85268 (north on Saguaro off Shea Blvd., turn right into plaza beside lake), 480-816-8806: $5 donation, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Fri: Sept. 3, closed/holiday; Sept. 10, Armand Boatman's Be Bop Revolution; Sept. 17, Fred Forney Quartet “Out of the Blue”; Sept. 24, Armand Boatman Trio; Oct. 1, Joel Robin Ensemble (Robinpiano, Frank Smith-sax, Bob Lashier-bass, Cleve Huff-drums); Oct. 8, Mike Crotty's “Airmen of Note Reunion Band”; Oct. 15, Armand Boatman's Be Bop Revolution; Oct. 22, Dan Delaney Trio; Oct. 29, Armand Boatman-Fred Forney Duo; Nov. 5, Cinco de Moio.
Compound Grill, 7000 E. Mayo Blvd., Scottsdale 101 Center (68th St.-Mayo Blvd., 101 @ Scottsdale Road exit), west-end building, 480-585-5483: Next Generation Big Band featuring Dominic QuinHarkin, 7-10 pm Mon. Sept. 6; Bata Ire, 8:30-11 p.m. Sept. 23; regular weekly Jazz Tuesdays, $5 cover, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Sept. 7, Joe Costello's No Vacancy (Costello-drums, Cordell Conway-vocals, Kenny Poe-keys, Jermaine Lockhart-sax); Sept. 14, Fred Forney Quartet “Out of the Blue”: original music by Forney-tpt-flugelh + Nick Manson-keyb, Dwight Kilian-bass, Wes Anderson-drums), $5; Bruce Gates Jazz Consortium Big Band, 7:30 p.m. Tues. Sept. 21 (trumpets - Bruce Gates, Dave Coolidge, Denny Monce, Coby Boyce; trombones Bill Tole, Ryan Haines, Bill Foy, Matt Lennex; saxes - Mike Crotty, Eric Rassmusen, Dave Schmidt, Adam Roberts, Paul Brewer; piano - Barb Catlin, bass - Tom Williams; drums - John Lewis); Sept. 28, Dom Moio and The Berklee Connection(Moio-drums + Berklee College faculty members Dino Govoni, Brent Rusinow, Jim Stinnett), $7 cover; Oct. 26, “Freddie Hubbard, The CTI Years”: Fred Forney, Dom Moio & Friends; thecompoundgrill.com
Kazimierz World Wine Bar, 7137 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, 480-946-3004, $5 cover after 8 p.m.: Margo Reed Band, 9 p.m.-midnight Mon. (Reedvocals, Jerry Donato-sax, Joel Robin-keyboard), Dennis Rowland & the Jazz Experience, 9 p.m.midnight Thurs.; 9 p.m.-midnight Sun. Sept. 5, Adam Clark Trio (Raul Yanez-piano, Mahlon Hawkelectric bass, Clark-drums); Jazz in AZ monthly parties, 3-5 p.m. Sun. Sept. 19, ZAZU (Hot Club of France-Gypsy Jazz of Django Reinhardt: Ken Aurich-Larry Czarnecki-guitars, Steve Douglasacoustic bass + guest Devon Bridgewater-violin, cdbaby.com/cd/zazu); Oct. 17, Hope Morgan Quartet; open to public ($10), info 480-994-0807.
El Chorro Lodge, 5550 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley 85253, 480-948-5170, elchorro.com; 6:3010:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 3-6 p.m. Sat., 3-7 p.m. Sun.: live music incl George Hamilton, Thurs-Fri-Sat.
Lon's at Hermosa Inn, 5532 E. Palo Cristi Road, Paradise Valley, 602-955-7878, Larry Reed-pianovocals, Dennis Sexton-bass, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sun brunch.
El Pedregal Marketplace @ The Boulders, 1-4 p.m. Sun. Sept. 26-Nov. 21, outdoors, free, 34505 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480-488-1072: Sept 26 Joe Bourne and Friends: “Music of Nat King
Mastro's City Hall Steakhouse, 6991 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, 480-941-4700, Steve Kostakes-piano-vocals, 6:30-11:30 p.m. Sun-Mon.
Mayo Clinic, 12400 E. Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, 480301-8000, noon-1 p.m. Wed., various live music, free. NEW Orange Sky Lounge & Restaurant, Talking Stick Resort & Casino (15th floor), 101 & Indian Bend, Scottsdale 85250, 480-850-8606: Foster Oden Trio (Oden-piano-vocals; Ray Carter-bassvocals, Bob McKeon-drums) 6-10 p.m. Wed.-Thurs. Sept. 22-23, 29-30. Phoenician, 6000 E. Camelback Road, 480-9418200: Thirsty Camel lobby lounge: Jesse McGuiretrumpet-vocals, 7-11 p.m. Wed.-Thurs., 9:30 p.m.12:30 a.m. Fri-Sat. Pranksters Too-Jester Room, 7919 E. Thomas Rd (SW corner Hayden) Scottsdale 85251: Han Olson, 8 p.m. Thurs. R n R, 3737 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale 85251, 480-945-3353: Kerry Campbell-alto sax, 8 p.m. Wed. Roka Akor, 7299 N. Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale 85253, 480-306-8800, Stan Sorenson Guitar, 7-10 p.m. Thurs., food Remington's, 7200 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480-951-5101. 6 p.m. Tues., Danny Long-Judy Roberts-Tony Vacca; 6 p.m. Wed., Judy Roberts-piano-vocals; 7 p.m. Thurs., Judy Robertspiano-vocals, Renee Patrick-vocals; 6 p.m. Fri., Danny Long-Judy Roberts + Trishelle; 6 p.m. Sat., Danny Long-Judy Roberts; 4-8 p.m. Mon. & 4:306:30 p.m. Thurs., Rags Allen-piano-vocals; www.scottsdaleplaza.com. Sacred Grounds Jazz Coffeehouse, Scottsdale Congregational United Church of Christ auditorium, 4425 N. Granite Reef Rd. (east of Hayden, south of Camelback), Scottsdale, 480-946-2900, scucc.com: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Thurs., $5 donation, coffee-desserts on sale: Sept. 2 - Armand Boatman Trio (Boatmanpiano, Dwight Kilian-bass, Dom Moio-drums); Sept. 9 Brice Winston Quartet (Winston-sax, Fred Forney-trumpet, Nick Manson-piano, Dwight Kilianbass, Dom Moio-drums); Sept.16 Deater O'Neillvocals + Mike Crotty-horns, Nick Manson-piano, Tom Williams-bass, John Lewis-drums); Sept. 23 Eric Rasmussen-sax, Nick Manson-piano, John Sims-bass, Wes Anderson-drums); Sept. 30 Dom Moio's “Old Guy Time" (Moio-drums, Dino Govonisax, Brent Rusinow-guitar, Jim Stinnett-bass); Oct 7 Fred Forney Quartet: “Out of the Blue" (Forneytrumpet, Nick Manson-piano, Tom Williams-bass, Dom Moio-drums); Oct 14 Stan Sorenson & Friends; Oct 21 Mike Crotty: "Tom Harrell Tribute" (Crotty-trumpet, Eric Rasmussen-alto sax, Adam Roberts-tenor sax, Paul Brewer-baritone sax, Ryan Haines-trombone, , Nick Manson-piano,Tom Williams-bass, John Lewis-drums); Oct 28 Raul Yanez & Friends.. Continued on next page
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Venues continued from previous page Sassi, 10455 E. Pinnacle Peak Parkway, Scottsdale, 480-563-1518, Renee Patrick-vocals, Steve Denney-piano-vocals, 6-9 p.m. Sat. starting Sept. 18, sassibiz.com Scottsdale Ranch Clubhouse, 100th St. (1/2 block south of Shea Blvd.), Scottsdale, 7-9 p.m. Sept 13, Oct. 4, jazz combo led by Dave Friedman-tpt + Paul Wolin-tenor sax, Mark Young-alto sax, Ned Kuvinenkeys, Gary Browning-vibes, Don Friedman-guitar, Todd Knowles-bass, John Horsefield-drums; Ginni Alvey-vocals. NEW Slo Foods, 6166 N. Scottsdale Road (The Borgata), Scottsdale, 480-483-3735, Vismaya Duo (vocals-guitar), 6:30-9 p.m. Fri., food. Studio, Scottsdale Congregational Church, 4425 N. Granite Reef Road, Scottsdale, 480-946-2900, 11 a.m. Sunday jazz service. NEW Tapas Papas Fritas, 7114 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale 85251, 480-669-5004, Bata Ire, (Emilio Caruso-perc-vocals, Lauren Winston-vocals, Jesse Joaquin Parker-vibes-perc-vocals, Rich Kniss-guitpercussion, Marcus Weeden-bass-vocals-perc, Erik Teichmann-drums-perc), 8:30-11:30 p.m. ev. Wed. in Sept., $5 cover. Un Bacio Ristorante, 7704 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale, 480-609-6969, Mark DeCoziopiano-vocals 7-10 p.m. Fri. Urban 7 Martini Kitchen, Delphine Cortez, Joel Robin-keys, Cleve Huff-drums, 7-9 p.m. Thurs. starting Oct. 7, 4151 N. Marshall Way @Third Avenue, Scottsdale, 480-584-6327, azurban7.com Village Tavern, 8787 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480-951-6445, 7:30-9:30 p.m.: Sherry Petta + Joel Robin-keys, 2nd Tues.; Delphine Cortez +Joel Robinkeys, 4th Tues., villagetavern.com Voce' Ristorante' & Lounge, 9719 N. Hayden Road (SE corner Mountain View), Scottsdale, 480609-0429: closed until early October for remodeling; voceristoranteandlounge.com Winfield's Cafe, First Baptist Church of Scottsdale, 7025 E. Osborn Road, Scottsdale, 480-945-6346, 7:30-11p.m. Fri., occasional jazz. PHOENIX & WEST VALLEY All Saints of the Desert, 9502 W. Hutton Drive, Sun City, 623-572-9354, 1 p.m. matinee series, second Thurs, third Tues.,: Sept 9, Rags Allen; Sept. 21, "Blu Notes"; Oct. 14, Danny Long; Oct. 19 Amy & Rea; $8; also Bad Cactus Brass Band, 6:30 pm Sun., $10; and Oct. 24, Blaise Lantana & Trio, 6:30 pm Sun., $10; produced by Jean Bayus. Avanti, 2728 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, 602-9560900: Randall Barnes-piano, 7-11 p.m. Fri-Sun, food, www.Avanti-AZ.com
September - October 2010 Bobby C's, 1140 E. Washington St., Phoenix, 602252-2273: Adam Clark Core-tet (Andrew Grosstenor sax, Mike Ozuna-guitar, Dwight Kilian-acoustic bass, Clark-drums) 8-11 p.m. Tues.; Papa John DeFrancesco-organ, Ralph Carrasco-guitar, Paul Anderson-sax, Joe Costello-drums + guests, 4:306:30 p.m. Sun.; Chicken Grease (Matt Williamsorgan, Jacob Lauxman-bass, Jesse Yarboroughdrums), 4-7 p.m. every other Sat., Sept. 4, 18, etc; bobbycee.com NEW DJ's Smokin' Rib Shack @ Bougainvillea Golf Club, 5740 W. Baseline Road; Laveen, 602237-4567; Sherry Roberson leads jam session, 6-9 p.m. Fri., $3 cover. Doc's Place Lounge, 40 E. Camelback @ Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-277-5999: Dave Cook's “Melody Lounge Revisited” 8-11 p.m. Mon., pro jam session w/ Paul Anderson-sax, Cook-drums, keyboardist; 811 p.m. Fri-Sat., Doc Jones-keys, Nayo Jonesvocals + Eddie Boh Paris on Fri. Grinders Coffee, 17 E. Dunlap, (SW corner Central-Dunlap), Phoenix, 602-678-0078: Sept. 11, Oct. 9 (includes art walk), Full Moon Jazz, Hacksaw's Blues with Ronnie Whitehead, 7-10 pm, “Sunnyslope Series of Second Saturdays,” free. NEW L'Amore Restaurant and Bar, 3159 E. Lincoln Drive, Phoenix 85016, 602-381-3159, LauRha Frankfort (saxes, vocals, guitar,Chinese zither), 6-9 p.m., 1st & 3rd Wed. Lost Leaf, 914 N. Fifth St. @ Roosevelt, Phoenix, 602-258-0014, 9:30 pm-midnight alt. Mon: Running From Bears (Eric Rasmussen, Keith Kelly, Jeff Libman, John Chapman, Jessie Yarbrough), Sept. 6, 20, Oct. 4, 18; and Jiggle (Bryon Ruth, Scott Zimmer, Ted Sistrunk, Wes Anderson); also Bata Ire (Emilio Caruso-perc-vocals, Lauren Winston-vocals, Jesse Joaquin Parker-vibes-perc-vocals, Rich Kniss-guitar-percussion, Marcus Weeden-bassvocals-perc, Erik Teichmann-drums-perc), 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Fri. Sept. 17; Bad Cactus Brass Band, 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Thurs. Sept. 20, Oct. 21, thelostleaf.org Luci's Healthy Marketplace, 1590 E. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix 85014, 602-773-1329: Delphine Cortez-Joel Robin-Cleve Huff, New Time, 7:30-9:30 Sat., food. Mayo Hospital, 5777 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, 480515-6296: noon-1 p.m. Tues., various live music, free. NEW Music Makers Restaurant and Bar, 17191 N Litchfield Road, Surprise 85374, 623-214-6100, Stan Sorenson-solo guitar, p.m. Sept. 11, 25.
JAZZ NOTES NEW Padres Mexican Restaurant, 1044 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix 85308, 602-277-1749: Adam Clark Trio (Beth Lederman-piano, Felix Sainz-acoustic bass, Clark-drums) 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thurs., no cover. Paisley Violin Cafe, 1030 N.W. Grand Ave, Phoenix, 602-254-7843: Blue Monday jazz jam led by Curtis Glenn Olsen w/ Eric Bart-guitar, Dennis Sexton-bass, Tom Clohessy-sax; 7 p.m. Wed., Fri., Sat., Crooning Avant Garde (Michael Bell-pno, Curtis Glenn Olsen-bass, Tom Clohessy-sax); 8 p.m. Thurs., Hi Lo Trio (Tom Clohessy-sax, Jimmy Peggie-bass, Steve Jansen-percussion), thepaisley.com Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, 11051 N. Black Canyon Hwy, Phoenix, 602-331-3434: Lynn Roberts' Dixie Aces Jazz Band (Roberts-horns, Ted Babcock-banjo, Ken Taylor-tpt, Buddy Apfel-bass), 5-9 p.m. Fri-Sat., pappadeaux.com Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 2401 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602-468-0700, Nicole Pesce-piano, noon & 3 p.m. Wed-Sat., lobby lounge. NEW Royal Palms Inn, 5200 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, Beth Lederman-piano, Steven-vocals, 711:30 p.m. Sat. Sept. 25. NEW Teakwoods, 2808 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, Bata Ire (Emilio Caruso-perc-vocals, Lauren Winston-vocals, Jesse Joaquin Parkervibes-perc-vocals, Rich Kniss-guit-percussion, Marcus Weeden-bass-vocals-perc, Erik Teichmanndrums-perc), 9 p.m.-midnight. Skye Restaurant, 16844 N. Arrowhead Fountain Center Drive, Peoria, 623-334-0010. Terry and Anne Davies Duo, 7-10 p.m. Wed., Fri-Sat. LiveAtSkye.com St. Francis, 111 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, (602) 200-8111. stfrancisaz.com, 11 a.m- 2 p.m. Sun. brunch, Dennis Rowland-vocals + Rachel Eckroth-keys, Felix Sainz-bass. Sun Village Community, 17300 N. Sun Village Parkway, Surprise, 623-546-8692, 7 pm. Wed., $10: Sept. 1, "Dulce Vas" Quartet, Sept. 8, Renee Patrick Quartet, Sept. 15, Michael Alexander, Sept. 22, Amy & Rea, Sept. 29, Chris Pena Quartet; Oct. 6, Sahnas Bros., Oct. 13, Alice Tatum Trio, Oct. 20, Stomperz, Oct. 27, Vismaya Trio; presented by Jean Bayus. Wrigley Mansion Club, 2501 E. Telawa Trail (east off 24th Street between Camelback Road and Lincoln Drive, east on Arizona Biltmore Circle, right at second driveway), 602-955-4079, Steve Bigepiano, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sun. brunch.
My Florist Cafe, 530 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix, 602-254-0333, pianist Nicole Pesce, jazz-variety, 7midnight Wed.-Sun.
EAST VALLEY (Tempe-Chandler-Gilbert-MesaApache Junction)
NEW Nostalgi'a Cancione e Vino Italian Cuisine, 4935 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale 85301, 623-4638104, Robin Maynes-piano + guests, 5:30-8:30 pm Fri-Sat., www.eatatpolos.com
AJ's Restaurant, San Marcos Crowne Plaza Golf Resort, 1 San Marcos Place, Chandler, 480-8120900: Joe Hopkins Trio, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sun. brunch; SanMarcosResort.com
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JAZZ NOTES
Venues continued from previous page Asia Restaurant, 1236 E. Baseline, Ste. 102, Mesa, 480-892-0688, Renee Patrick-vocals, Steve Denney-keys-vocals, Floyd Roberson-drums, 7:3010:30 p.m. second, third, fourth Fri. (Sept. 10, 17, 24; Oct. 8, 15, 22; Nov.12, 19, 26) NEW Dave's Electric Brew Pub, 502 S. College Ave. (5th&College), Tempe 85281 480-967-5353: 68:30 p.m. Sun., jam session hosted by Jeff Libman Trio (Libman-guitar, John Chapman-bass, Ryan Anthony-drums); Sept. 6, Pete Pancrazi-Beth Lederman Duo; Sept. 13, Judy Roberts-Renee Patrick; Sept. 20, Stan Sorenson-guitar; Sept. 27, Rachel Eckroth Trio (Eckroth-keys-vocals, Dowell Davis-drums, Ted Sistrunk-bass); Oct. 4, Pete Pancrazi-Beth Lederman Duo; Oct. 11, Judy Roberts & Friends; Oct. 18, Stan Sorenson-guitar; Oct. 25, Stu Siefer Combo (Santo Maglio-keys, Simon Ames-guitar & vocals, Siefer-sax); presented by JAMN Jazz Productions, 480-966-0812, jamn_az@yahoo.com, jamnjazzproductions.com Devil's Hideaway, 1807 E. Baseline Road (at McClintock), Tempe, 480-491-0442, Mardi Gras Jazzband (Cheryl Thurston, Gary Church, Joe Hopkins, Dick Obermiller, Ron House), 4:30-6:30 p.m. first & third Fri., food, dance floor, devilshideaway.com D*Vine Wine Bar & Bistro, 2837-101 N. Power Road, Mesa (Village at Las Sendas, NE corner Power & McDowell), Mesa, 480-654-4171, Mark DeCozio-piano, 6-9 pm Tues., dvinewine101.com Gold Bar Espresso, 3141 S. McClintock Drive, #6, Tempe, 480-839-3082, Jazz Alliance, 7:30-11 p.m. Fri & Sun., goldbarespresso.org. John Henry's Continental-Italian Cuisine, 909 E. Elliot (SE corner Rural), Tempe, 480-730-9009, Aebi-Coulson Jazz Trio leads jam session, 7-10 p.m. Sun., johnhenrysrestaurant.com Kokopelli Winery and Bistro, 35 W. Boston St., Chandler, 480-792-6927: Stan Sorenson Duo, 7-10 pm Sat. Sept.18, kokopelliwinery.com La Stalla Cucina Rustica, 68 W. Buffalo St., Chandler, 480-855-9990, Laurie Fagen-jazz vocals + Todd Martino-keyboard, 6-9 p.m. Sept. 12, Oct. 20; Vandal-Hancock Duo (Matt Vandal-Devon Hancock-jazz guitars), 6-9 p.m. Sept. 26, Oct. 24; lastallacr.com LJ's Pizza, 1038 E. Main St., Mesa, 480-834-9164. Cats & Jammers, (Cheryl Thurston-piano-vocals, Gary Church-cornet, Dick Obermiller-bass, Ron House-drums), 5-7:30 p.m. Wed., jam starts at 6 p.m. Lone Butte Casino, 1077 S. Kyrene Road, Gila River Reservation (Kyrene exit from I-10 to Santan 202 east, or 101 south to Santan 202 west), $19.99,
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September - October 2010 21 and older only, 1-800-WIN-GILA (946-4452), Verona Chophouse, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday Jazz Brunch: Delphine Cortez-Joel Robin Jazz Duo, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. second-fourth Sun. (Sept. 12 & 26, Oct. 10 & 24); Bridget & The Aug Jazz Duo, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. first-third Sun. (Sept. 5 & 19, Oct. 3 & 17 & 31).
PAYSON Payson Community Presbyterian Church, 800 W. Main St., Payson, 2 p.m. Sun: Sept. 12, Beth Lederman Quartet (Lederman-piano, Mary Petrichsax, Felix Sainz-bass, Gerry Reynolds-drums; Oct. TBA; free, donations accepted, info gerryr@cox.net, 602-619-3355.
Mesa Active Adult Center, 247 N. Macdonald St., Mesa, 480-962-5612, Burgie Crandall's Big Band, 13:30 p.m. Tues., $5.
PRESCOTT
Mesa Art Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa AZ, 480-6446500: 6-10 p.m. Sun., Sept. 10, fall-winter series premier, free.
129-1/2 An American Jazz Grille, 129-1/2 N. Cortez St., Prescott, 928-443-9292 Rosemary & Frankie Chavez, every Sat. in Sept.; live jazz on Wed., Fri and Sun. TBA.
NEW My Wine Cellar, 5030 E. Warner Road, Ahwatukee 85044, 480-598-9463, String Theory, 7:30-10 p.m. Sept 11, 17, 25, food, mywinecellarphx.com
The Raven, 142 N. Cortez, Prescott, 928-717-0009: Rainmaker Trio (Matt Jackson-piano, Zirque Bonner-bass, Ed Barattini-drums), 7-10 p.m. Sept. 11.
Pesto's Gourmet Pizza and Wine Bar, 1960 W. Ray Road, Suite 4 (NE corner Dobson Road), Chandler, 480-821-2949, John Knowlton Trio (Knowlton-guitar, Eric Bart or Dick Curtis-guitar, Dennis Sexton-bass) 7-11 p.m. Sat.
SEDONA
Pita Jungle Restaurant, 1949 W. Ray Road, Chandler, 480-855-3232, jazz jam (10th year) led by Pita Jungle Trio (Dave Ihlenfeld-piano, Pete Gitlinbass, Gerry Reynolds-drums) 7-10 p.m. Thurs. Shangri La, 2992 N. Alma School Road (SW corner Elliott), Chandler, 480-821-5388. Cheryl Thurstonstride piano, noon-2 p.m. Sun. brunch. Urban Tea Loft, 11 W. Boston St., Chandler, 480786-9600, Chris Stiles-piano, John Chapman-bass, Ryan Anthony-drums, 6-9 p.m. Sat., food. Warren's Jazz Bistro, 1451 E. Williams Field Road, (SW corner Val Vista Road behind Kohl's), Gilbert, 480-899-5299: Felix Sainz and Royce Murray alternating leading Sun. Jam, 6-9 p.m. Sun. Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26; also, True to Life 7:30-10:30 Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; 6-8:30 Nick Heward and Static featuring Dominic 9-1 Sept. 3; also, Sept. 4 Yaman Jazz 68:30 and Smooth Groove 9-1; Sept. 10 Walt Richardson 6-8:30 and Smooth Groove 9-1; Sept. 11 Isabel Davis 6-8:30 and Relik 9-1; Sept. 17 Miguel and Stan 6-8:30 and Smooth Groove 9-1; Sept. 18 Chris Lukert 6-8:30 and Smooth Groove 91; Sept. 24 Margo Reed and Joel Goldenthal 6-8:30 and Smooth Groove 9-1; Sept. 25 Diana Lee and Friends 6-8:30 and Smooth Groove 9-1; warrenjazzbistro.com. Wild Horse Pass Casino (Encore Lounge), 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler, AZ, 800-9464452, Marlin Zimmerman's Big Band Sound w/ Ken Taylor-tpt, Brad Bauder-tenor sax, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Thurs. Xtreme Bean Coffee Shop, Southern & McClintock, Tempe, 480-820-0333, Jack Wellspiano & Friends, 7-10 p.m. Mon. singalong; 8-10 p.m. Sat., John Mitchell-piano, Xtremebean.com
Dahl & DiLuca Restaurant, 2321 W. Hwy 89A, Sedona, 928-282-5219: Les Czimber-piano, 7-10 p.m. Thurs. solo + Sean Brogan-bass, Fri-Sat. Enchantment Resort, 525 Boynton Canyon Road, Sedona, 928-282-2900, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday brunch, Les Czimber-piano. Ken's Creekside, 251 Hwy 179, 928-282-1705, Vismaya Trio, 7-10 p.m. Sept. 11, Oct. 16; kenscreekside.com. NEW Martini Bar, 1350 W. Hwy 89A Sedona, 928282-9288, Rainmaker Trio (Matt Jackson-piano, Zirque Bonner-bass, Ed Barattini-drums), 8-11 p.m. Sept. 4, Oct. 9. TUCSON Cushing Street Bar & Grill, 198 W Cushing St., Tucson, 520-622-7984, Jeff Lewis Quartet, 7-9 p.m. Sat. Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25; various jazz other nights. Old Pueblo Grill, 60 N. Alvernon, Tucson, 7-10 p.m. Sun., Pete Swan presents guest artist followed by jam session; Fri., Pete Swan Band; Sat., Pete Swan leads vocal jam. Sheraton Tucson, 5151 E. Grant Road, Tucson, 520-323-6262, Joe Bourne-vocals, 7-9 p.m. Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29; various jazz other nights, food. OTHER SOURCES: Jazz in AZ, JazzinAZ.org, 480-994-0807 Tucson Jazz Society, tucsonjazzsociety.org, 520903-1265 KJZZ, 91.5 fm radio, KJZZ.org KYOT, 95.5 fm, KYOT.com Arizona Classic Jazz Society, 480-620-3941, azclassicjazz.org Prescott Jazz Summit, prescottjazz.com Lindy Hop Society, azswingnetwork.com Phoenix Blues Society, phoenixblues.org AZWeekly Magazine, azweeklymagazine.com, free in newsbins
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Kerr Cultural Center continued from page 1 of the two adobe buildings in the 1940s for chamber music performances. She willed the property to Arizona State University before her death in December 1977, with the request that it remain in use as a performance venue. Knowing that thousands valued this acoustically superior performing arts center, I began contacting members of the jazz and classical communities, artists and arts advocates. A petition of support to preserve the unique identity and original purpose of this historic structure simply stated: “I am proud to add my name to the list of citizens expressing interest in maintaining the integrity of the Kerr Cultural Center as an active arts and cultural venue, made possible by the generosity of founder Louise Lincoln Kerr a half-century ago.” During the next 17 months, more than 1,000 signatures were acquired to ask request the property be placed on the Scottsdale Historic Register. The campaign was supported by continuous outreach via email, snail-mail, phone calls and contacts with the media. Fellow preservationist-historian Kathy Howard and I prepared a history of the two one-story Spanish-Colonial-style adobe buildings at 6110 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Built in the desert far outside the city limits for Mrs. Kerr, one structure was her home (now the office) in 1948, then the studio in 1959 for chamber music p e r f o r m a n c e s . We a s s e m b l e d documentation that the “Kerr Studio” (as it was called for many decades) was renowned in the Phoenix metropolitan area for chamber music performances with outstanding acoustics. We stated that Mrs. Kerr invited famous artists and musicians who were performing in the Valley to play chamber music with her at the studio, including Isaac Stern, Pablo Casals, and the Budapest and Juilliard string quartets. We noted that Mrs. Kerr was inducted into the Arizona Women's Hall of Fame in 2004, had donated her music manuscripts (five piano and viola compositions) to ASU that are housed in the archives at Hayden Library; and had received an honorary doctorate from Arizona State University in 1977. . The Scottsdale Historic Preservation Commission scheduled a series of meetings and open houses in 2007 and 2008 that brought large numbers of supporters.
September - October 2010 Musicians, artists, educators and ordinary citizens spoke fervently of their fears that the buildings might be torn down. More than 70 attended one particular meeting, surprising commissioners and city leaders accustomed to hearing only from individual property owners, not that many citizens who came from around the Valley and state in support. In addition to our petition, Kerr family members prepared a document stating their concern and support for the center's preservation, and several spoke at various city meetings, including Rosemary Dykstra (Mrs. Kerr's daughter in Scottsdale), John G. Lincoln (a nephew in Prescott), and John McDonald, Mrs. Kerr's great-grandson and an ASU student. The paper stated: “Whereas, we affirm that the value of the Kerr Cultural Center to the community lies not just in its historic adobe construction, but in its function as a cultural venue. Now, therefore, we members of the Kerr and/or Lincoln Families hereby do implore the City of Scottsdale and Arizona State University to add further legal documentation to assure that the Kerr Cultural Center will be preserved and will continue to be operated in perpetuity for the explicit purpose for which it was originally intended.” The campaign resulted in the Kerr center being listed on the Scottsdale Historic
JAZZ NOTES Register in June 2008 via a conservation agreement signed by officials of the city and ASU. University staff member Patricia Olson was designated to prepare an application for Arizona and national historic status. It took 20 months more before the buildings were put on the Jan. 29, 2010 agenda of Arizona Historic Register, where I spoke on behalf of petition signers and supporters. After discussion, the motion was approved. The national designation came three months later. This effort proves that when many work together toward a common and valued goal, it can make a difference. Special thanks to Jazz in AZ members and many others across Arizona and out-of-state who supported this cause. Addendum: A concert marking the Kerr Cultural Center's 50th anniversary and the 118th anniversary of the birth of founder Louise Lincoln Kerr was presented on April 24 at the center. The program was organized by Dr. Carolyn Broe, who wrote her ASU doctoral dissertation on Mrs. Kerr. The concert featured members of the Four Seasons Orchestra and Monday Morning Musicale, many of whom knew Mrs. Kerr personally, performing her original compositions. The city of Scottsdale's preservation office is expected to organize a celebration event later this year to mark the 50th anniversary of the studio.
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