A New Weekly Jazz Gig in Jackson Heights!

We lost the great B-3 Soul Jazz night at Novo recently, but we've got another weekly jazz gig right here in Jackson Heights:

Vocalist Bethany Wild is singing with a jazz trio (bass, drums, piano) every Friday night from 8 to midnight at Las Margaritas on 37th Ave and 84th St.

It's a new gig - this coming Friday will be only their third engagement. We're told that the singer and the musicians are wonderful. Check it out!:

Las Margaritas:

83-22 37th ave Jackson Heights, N.Y.11372 718-205-1705

More Great Jazz in Queens

Don't miss saxophonist CARL BARTLETT, JR. with the York College Jazz Faculty Trio at the Illinois Jacquet Performance Space (94-15 159th St, Jamaica) TONIGHT, 11/23 @ 7 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public! For more info: http://www.prospectcemeteryassociation.org/

And while I have your attention, don't miss the YORK COLLEGE BIG BAND at the Annual Thanksgiving Dinner THIS TUESDAY, 11/24 @ noon in the Atrium (94-20 Guy R Brewer Blvd, Jamaica). To keep up with the YCBB, go to: http://www.myspace.com/yorkcollegebigband

Cyrus Chestnut at York College This Saturday, 11/21/09

UPCOMING JAZZ EVENTS AT YORK COLLEGE, QUEENS NY

11/21 Cyrus Chestnut @ PAC Go here for info

11/23 Jazz at the Chapel @ Illinois Jacquet

12/16 York College Big Band Fall Concert @ PAC

12/19 York College Blue Notes Fall Concert @ PAC

NAJEE, this Monday!

Music fans,

Do not miss your chance to hear the one and only NAJEE at the Illinois Jacquet Performance Space (94-15 159th St, Jamaica) THIS MONDAY, 11/16 @ 7 p.m. as part of his promotion for his new album MIND OVER MATTER. The world-class saxophonist Najee grew up in Jamaica, Queens and is returning to the community to talk about his experiences and share his talents with up-and-coming musicians from the area. The event will also include a live performance by Najee backed by the York College Jazz Faculty Trio. The event is FREE and open to the public. But...

SEATING IS LIMITED!!! Currently there are only 30 seats left for this unique event. If you are interested in attending, please e-mail me attzlabinger@york.cuny.edu before Sunday, 11/15 to reserve a seat. Preference will be given to younger musicians from the neighborhood, as this is the main purpose of Najee's visit. Any unclaimed reservations will be given away at 6:45 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more info on Najee:

http://www.najeeonline.com/

More Jazz at York College

Jazz Fans,

On Monday, October 26 at 7 p.m., saxophonist Chad Gales and the York College Jazz Faculty Trio will perform at the Illinois Jacquet Performance Space located at 94-15 159th St in Jamaica, NY on the York College Campus. The venue may be reached via the 159th Street Walkway between Archer and Liberty Avenues. This event will be the first installment of the newly created JAZZ AT THE CHAPEL concert series organized jointly by the Prospect Cemetery Association, Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, and York College / CUNY. The purpose of the series is to showcase and share the talents of jazz musicians in the greater Queens community through concerts in the newly renovated Chapel of the Sisters. The performance is free and open to the public, and honors the memory of Illinois Jacquet, local jazz great whose birthday is October 31st.

A native of New Orleans, Chad Gales has performed and recorded with artists such as George Benson, Brian Blade, Jimmy Heath, Ellis Marsalis, Grady Tate, and Clark Terry. He served as faculty at the York College Summer Jazz Program this year and continues to tour all over the world. Pianist Yoichi Uzeki tours the world as a sideman and bandleader. Drummer George Gray has performed with such musical giants ranging from Earth, Wind, & Fire, Abdullah Ibrahim, and Stevie Wonder. Bassist Tom Zlabinger is director of the jazz ensembles at York College and is an ethnomusicologist. In honor of the chapel's namesake and his upcoming birthday on Halloween, the quartet will honor the Texas Tenor with a performance of his "Flying Home."

For a flyer on the event:

http://www.tomzlabinger.com/jazzatthechapel091026.jpg

For more information on Chad Gales:

http://www.myspace.com/chadgalesgoodnews

For a video on the rededication of the chapel:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIpYQTh2AIo

Help spread the word!

FREE JAZZY INSTRUMENTAL SHOW THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18TH, IN JH

Once Again, a guitar, keyboard and drum instrumental trio made up of some very young guys, will be playing a free concert this Sunday October 18th at 4pm in Jackson Heights' Travers Park, at 78th St and 34th Ave. This is jazz-influenced instrumental music we're told, so check out Once Again this Sunday. They call themselves "the ambitious instrumental trio." Special guest artists are promised. ONCE AGAIN'S FLYER URGES SUPPORT OF LIVE MUSIC AND NOTES, ENDEARINGLY, THAT "WE DO NOT USE AUTOTUNE."

Music at York College

Music fans,

Don't miss the following events:


1) The YORK COLLEGE MUSIC CLUB will have its first meeting TODAY, 9/8 @ noon - 2 p.m. in Academic Core 1A05. Come meet other students interested in music! Also, we will be discussing the plans of the club including a talent show in the near future! This meeting is open to ALL members of the college community, not just students.

For more info on the music club and music events at York College:
http://www.myspace.com/yorkcollegemusicclub


2) YorkFest '09 is THIS SATURDAY, 9/12 @ noon - 5 p.m. There will be live music plus tons of fun this year. Latin jazz drummer BOBBY SANABRIA will be headlining, plus music by the HARMONY MUSIC MAKERS STEEL BAND and the one-and-only YORK COLLEGE BLUE NOTES. The event is free and open to the public. So the more the merrier!

For a flyer of the event:
http://www.tomzlabinger.com/yorkfest09.jpg


See you there!

Tom Zlabinger - www.myspace.com/tomzlabinger

Jazz at York College, Noon, Tues. 9/1/09

Jazz fans,

Don't miss your chance to see and hear a special performance by the York College Jazz Faculty Trio (me, Yoichi Uzeki, and George Gray) THIS TUESDAY, 9/1 @ noon in the cafeteria in Academic Core on the first floor. Bring a lunch. Bring a friend. Stay for the tunes!

See you there!

Tom Zlabinger - www.myspace.com/tomzlabinger

Kristin (Kulba) Seely Sings on Roosevelt Island - Friday 9/21 - 6-10PM

Pop-Jazz vocalist supreme Kristin Kulba Seely will sing with a quartet at the Trellis Rest., Rossevelt Island NYC this Friday August 21, 6-10pm. Joining Kristin on the gig wil be: Adam Seely, Alto Sax; Steve Briody, guitar; Barry Heller, bass and Tom Huber, drums. If it looks like rain, call first - Trellis, 212-752-1517 - 549 Main St. Roosevelt Island, NY. Take the Tram at 59th and 2nd. Ave., or the Subway.

Major Talent at York College Performing Arts Center

Don't miss the wonderful lineup of jazz greats this academic year at the York College Performing Arts Center!!! It all starts...

Saturday, September 12, 2008 @ 8 p.m.
LATIN GIANTS ORCHESTRA
(feat. alumni of the Tito Puente Orchestra)

The Latin Giants Orchestra brings Tito Puente's All-Star Orchestra back together. Led by John "Dandy" Rodriguez, the band is directed by Jose Madera and Mitch Frohman each of whom spent 25 years working side by side with Tito Puente. The focus of the band is driven by a dedication to keep the sound of the 40s and 50s Palladium era music thriving and moving forward. The orchestra celebrates the sound of the Big 3 (Machito, Tito Rodriguez, and Tito Puente) while inspiring innovation with new musical concepts.

For a flyer of the event:
http://tomzlabinger.com/latingiants.jpg

For more info on the Latin Giants Orchestra:
http://www.latingiantsorchestra.com/

Also this Fall season:

Saturday, November 21, 2009 @ 7 p.m.
CYRUS CHESTNUT

Friday, February 26, 2010 @ 8 p.m.
GERI ALLEN

Saturday, April 3, 2010 @ 7 pm.
STEFON HARRIS & JACKIE TERRASSON

All tickets are $20 Adults / $10 Students & Seniors. Call (718) 262-2840 or go tohttp://www.theatermania.com/ for more info and to purchase tickets.

Major funding for this series provided by NYC Council Members Thomas White Jr. (28th-CD), Chair of Economic D

JAZZ AT SUPREME COURT, QUEENS NY - FRIDAY AUGUST 7

Today two summer entities in Jamaica come to a close: the JAMAICA FUNK concert series and the YORK COLLEGE SUMMER JAZZ PROGRAM '09 (SJP). But they come to a close together! Jamaica Funk has presented over thirty concerts this summer and SJP '09 students, faculty, and staff have been working hard on the music of Basie, Ellington, Mingus, and many others. They join forces today to go out with a bang!

SJP '09 @ Jamaica Funk!!!
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 7 @ noon
LOCATION: Queens County Supreme Court (88-11 Sutphin Blvd; F train to Sutphin Blvd)

For more information:

http://www.myspace.com/jamaicafunkconcerts

8th Annual Bix Biederbecke Jazz Concert, 4pm August 8, 2009, At Sunnyside Arch

On Saturday August 8, 2009:
Celebrate jazz great and Queens resident Bix Biederbecke at the 8th Annual Jazz Concert in his honor, at the Sunnyside, Queens Arch at 46th St. and Queens Blvd., NYC.

Sponsored by Sunnyside Shines BID.

Yaozeki Big Band-Today's Rain Location

Friday 7/31/09
Due to iffy weather, the Yaozeki Big Band will perform inside today at the FARMERS MARKET located at 90-40 160th St. Please pass on the word to anyone you may know who is coming.

For more information on Jamaica Funk '09:
http://www.myspace.com/jamaicafunkconcerts

See you there!

YORK COLLEGE SUMMER JAZZ PROGRAM '09

Come hear and see the YORK COLLEGE SUMMER JAZZ PROGRAM '09 (SJP) as it takes the stage over the next two weeks. These NYC public high school musicians have been rehearsing the music of Basie, Ellington, McCartney, Mingus, Monk, Tower of Power, and others for over a month and are ready to show their stuff. Don't miss your chance to catch them live!


WEDNESDAY, 7/29 @ 7 p.m.
Four Points SoHo (66 Charlton St, Manhattan)
SJP '09 takes it to Manhattan as part of Mitch Perrin's wonderful jazz series at Bar 66.
http://bar66nyc.blogspot.com/
SUGGESTED $5 DONATION


SATURDAY, 8/1 @ 1 p.m.
Louis Armstrong House (34-56 107th St, Corona)
Returning the fourth year in a row, SJP '09 is honored to make music at the house of the man who started it all on his 108th birthday!!!
http://www.louisarmstronghouse.org/


TUESDAY, 8/4 @ 7 p.m.
York College Performing Arts Center (94-45 Guy R Brewer Blvd, Jamaica)
SJP '09 gives its home concert. Anything can happen on home turf!
http://www.york.cuny.edu/


THURSDAY, 8/6 @ 9 a.m.
Academic Core, York College (94-20 Guy R Brewer Blvd, Jamaica)
The entire College Now program (including Art and Aviation) will celebrate completion in a graduation ceremony. Always a good time!
http://www.york.cuny.edu/


FRIDAY, 8/7 @ noon
Queens County Supreme Court (88-11 Sutphin Blvd)
Don't miss SJP '09's final performance at the closing concert of Jamaica Funk '09!!!
http://www.myspace.com/jamaicafunkconcerts


For more information on SJP '09:
http://www.myspace.com/yorkcollegebluenotes


All performances are free and open to the public. Please help spread the word! The more the merrier!!! And these musicians are the future. Come show your love.

Antoinette Montague sings in Queens, Monday, July 27th 2009 7:00 PM

THE VENERABLE JAZZMOBILE KEEPS ROLLING ALONG! Don't miss world-class vocalist Antoinette Montague in Queens this Monday, July 27, 2009, at 7pm. LOCATION: 143-22 109th Ave., Jamaica, Queens.

Click here for the complete Jazzmobile calendar.

YORK COLLEGE SUMMER JAZZ PROGRAM '09-7/23

MORE GREAT JAZZ IN QUEENS, TOM'W., THURSDAY 7/23/09

Jazz fans,

Don't miss the debut of the YORK COLLEGE SUMMER JAZZ PROGRAM '09 tomorrow, 7/23 @ noon in the York College Cafeteria. These students from NYC public high schools have been preparing music over the last four weeks by Ellington, Gillespie, Kool & The Gang, Mingus, Monk, and others. You will not be disappointed!!!

For more info:
http://www.myspace.com/yorkcollegebluenotes

JAZZ IN QUEENS IS A HAPPENING THING

There's great jazz right here in Queens, and we're hearing about some cool jazz shows & venues.

We've even gotten some ink for our little jazzy blog.

JAZZ AND FUNK IN JAMAICA, QUEENS

First, below are links to info about some promising jazz shows in Jamaica, Queens:

http://www.myspace.com/jamaicafunkconcerts

http://www.jamaica311.com/

A JAZZ SCENE IN ELMONT

Also, there's a place called the Mixed Notes Cafe in Elmont, right over the Nassau border from Queens, that has a jazz schedule (a reader dropped us a note and said this venue has a serious jazz scene going):

http://www.mixednotescafe.com/Calendar.html

WE GOT INK

And lastly, there's a story about our Jazz in Queens blog in the Queens Tribune this week (although the piece does not appear to be online).

Great Jazz in August 2009 at Louis Armstrong House Museum

PLENTY OF JAZZ IN SUMMER 2009 AT LOUIS ARMSTRONG HOUSE MUSEUM, CORONA, QUEENS

Call for info: 718-478-8274;

www.louisarmstronghouse.org

GREAT JAZZ IN SATCHMO'S GORGEOUS JAPANESE-STYLE GARDEN! NOT TO BE MISSED!

Sat., August 1, 1:00 to 3:30pm

Hot Jazz/Cool Garden Series

A swingin' concert in Louis Armstrong's beautiful Japanese-style garden, with the York College Blue Notes, a big band made up of NYC high school students.

Tues., August 11, 7-8pm

Jazzmobile with Arturo O'Farrill

Don't miss the Louis Armstrong House Museum's annual Block Party!

Sat., August 22, 1-3:30pm

Hot Jazz/Cool Garden Series

Jazz in Satchmo's garden one more time this summer; with the Tin Pan Blues Band, a traditional jazz combo.

Another Cool Place to Hear Jazz in Queens

The Steve Blanco Trio plays at Domaine every Friday; Domaine is right by the Vernon /Jackson #7 train stop.www.steveblanco.com

Domaine Bar A Vins
50-04 Vernon Blvd
Long Island City NY 11101
718 784 2350
7 Train To Vernon Jackson
(One Stop From Grand Central)

Email: info@domainewinebar.com

St. Alban's Jazz Festival -THIS WEEKEND, 7/18/09

THIS WEEKEND, 7/18/09, 3pm to 10pm

St. Albans hosts their annual JAZZ FESTIVAL at:
St. Albans Memorial Park
MERRICK BLVD, 173 PL, SAYERS AVE. Enter at 115th and Linden Blvd.
Contact Black Spectrum Theatre for more information at (718) 723-1800.

QUEENS JAZZ TRAIL - AWESOME MAP

THE QUEENS JAZZ TRAIL MAP FROM EPHEMERA PRESS IS AMAZING

THIS MAP SHOW JUST HOW MANY JAZZ IMMORTALS LIVED IN QUEENS, AND WHERE THEY LIVED!

CHECK OUT THEIR WEB SITE:
http://www.ephemerapress.com/queens.html

JAZZ ON JUNE 21ST, 2009

http://newyork.timeout.com/make-music/events/music/286923/joe-knipes

JAZZ ON JUNE 21ST, 2009
(GUITARIST) JOE KNIPES TRIO, WITH SAXOPHONIST JAVIER ARAU
1pm at Espresso 77, 77th St. and 37th Ave., Jackson Heights, NY Queens, as part of Make Music New York - see link above. (There are many events on on 6/21 as part of Make Music NY, so check their Web site for more!)

MORE JAZZ IN JACKSON HEIGHTS, AT ESPRESSO 77

OUR LOCAL ESPRESSO JOINT, ESPRESSO 77, HAS BECOME A JAZZ HOT SPOT. SAXMAN JAVIER ARAU (Pictured, at right) HAS SEVERAL GIGS UPCOMING THERE.

Check out Arau's Web site and hear great recordings of him playing at E77!
(To hear the recordings, go to his "Events" page and click entries where Recordings are indicated. Recordings made with a Zoom H2 Handy Recorder, an awesome little high-quality digital recording device.)

June 21, 2009
Sunday
1:00-1:45pm
Make Music NYC Festival
Javier Arau, tenor sax; Joe Knipes, guitar; Sunny Knable, piano
Espresso 77 (outdoors) - 77th St. at 37th Ave.
Jackson Heights, NY
FREE

June 21, 2009
Sunday
7:30-9:00pm
Jazz Sundays
Javier Arau, tenor sax/piano; Mark Tulga, reeds
Espresso 77 - 77th St. at 37th Ave.
Jackson Heights, NY
FREE

June 28, 2009
Sunday
7:30-9:00pm
Jazz Sundays
Javier Arau, tenor sax; Sunny Knable, piano
Espresso 77 - 77th St. at 37th Ave.
Jackson Heights, NY
FREE

JAZZ IN JACKSON HEIGHTS - JAVIER ARAU AND D.D. JACKSON

Javier Arau New Jazz Quartet Play at Travers Park in Jackson Heights, Queens (NYC) on June 7, 2009; photos above, Arau on Sax and D.D. Jackson on keyboard, Ike Sturm, bass, Jon Mele, drums. Both Arau and Jackson live in Jackson Heights.

Top Talent at "Pops is Tops" 2009

Do you love B&W photography? Then go to www.bwphotopro.com, Where B&W Photography Lives!

JAZZ IN QUEENS: John Faddis, trumpet; Steve Turre, trombone and shells; Antonio Hart, alto saxophone; Dion Parson, drums, Steve Bargonetti, guitar and Baba and Alioune Faye, djembe & sabar. This was the lineup for three days in a row (May 19-21, 2009) at the annual Pops is Tops concerts series for children, held in the garden at the Louis Armstrong House Museum, 34-56 107t St., Corona, Queens (NYC).

MORE JAZZ IN JACKSON HEIGHTS, QUEENS (NYC) 6/7/09

MORE JAZZ IN JACKSON HEIGHTS
THIS WEEKEND 6/7/09

(Do you love B&W photography? then go to www.bwphotopro.com)

THIS SUNDAY, 4PM
6/7/09: Javier Arau New Jazz Quartet and Nation Beat, northeastern Brazilian rhythms meet US roots.

WE UNDERSTAND that Jackson Heights resident and world-class pianist D.D. Jackson will be performing with Arau.

Here's a link to official concert info

Location
Travers Park
Travers Park athletic field (34th Avenue between 77th and 78th streets)
Queens

Cost
Free

(This show already occured. it's included just to prove there truly is jazz in Queens: 5/31: Hector Martignon, Latin Jazz by Grammy-nominated musician, and Asiko, afropop)

All shows start Sundays at 4 p.m., except 2 p.m. on August 23, and are held at Travers Park athletic field (34th Avenue between 77th and 78th Streets). Shows are free. Bring blanket or cushion for seating. Presented by Jackson Heights Beautification Group and its committee Friends of Travers Park; the Queens Community House; and the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation. With major funding from the NYS Council on the Arts and the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs through the Queens Council on the Arts as well as the J.M. Kaplan Fund.

There is jazz in Queens, NYC!

This is a brand-new blog about jazz in Queens (NYC).

There are several terrific regular jazz gigs with no cover charges, right here in Queens, NYC (ALWAYS CALL FIRST BEFORE HEADING TO ANY CASUAL GIG):
SOUL JAZZ AND A GUITAR TRIO
NOVO, IN JACKSON HEIGHTS: Monday Jim Hershman's guitar-based trio, and on Thursdays, George Papageorge does the Soul-Jazz B-3 Organ grooves thing. These are both great gigs.
Papageorge's organ group is great fun and it also happens to be great music. 7:30 to 10pm approximately. Call first - the music is sometimes pre-empted: Novo- Phone: 718-426-7272
Novo is at 78-23 37th Ave., btwn 78th and 79th Sts., Jackson Heights, NY

(Do you love B&W photography? then go to www.bwphotopro.com)

GREAT WINE WITH YOUR JAZZ
VINO di VINO WINE BAR, ASTORIA: And world-class saxophonist Jed Levy leads a quartet at Vino di Vino wine bar Fridays at 7:30pm, and there is also jazz there on Weds. nights at the same time. As always, call first.
Vino di Vino is at 29-21 Ditmars Blvd. Astoria, NY 11105. Phone: 718-721-3010. www.vindivinowinebar.com
http://www.vinodivinowinebar.com/events.html