The Dick’s Den Wednesday residency program is nearing two years of programming, featuring intimate performances of live jazz and more played by acts both familiar and rare. November marks the first return visit by a jazz artist to the series, when it will be hosted by multi-instrumentalist and bandleader Derek DiCenzo. Two favorite lineups from last year’s iteration will come back, and DiCenzo will also present two additional groups. This month’s schedule continues to showcase the breadth of both his talent and his involvement in the Columbus music scene, as well as his proficiency in both leading bands and playing the sideman. Each week’s show should start around 9:30pm and the cover is $4. Keep reading for details on each week’s show:
Wednesday, November 4th: The first week’s band will feature DiCenzo on steel drum, with accompaniment by Nate Anders on vibes or marimba, Jeff Ciampa on bass, and Tony McClung on drums. The style will likely be similar to that of the Caribbean Jazz Quartet, meaning a tropical-flavored showcase for the percussive skills of this talented lineup.
November 11th: The second week of the residency will feature the “Tuesday” version of the Derek DiCenzo Trio, with DiCenzo on guitar, Nate Smith on bass, and Maxwell Button on drums. This grouping has been playing Tuesday nights at Local Roots in Powell for over five years now and is still going strong. Expect to hear standards with a unique yet reverent twist, as the group plays their invigorated take on the traditional guitar trio.
November 18th: The Bobby Floyd Trio will perform on the third week of the residency, with Floyd on keyboards, DiCenzo on bass, and Reggie Jackson on drums. This trio of some of Columbus’ very finest is well into their second decade of performing together, and their interplay in working out standards and originals is a can’t miss proposition. It’s a rare treat to see Floyd in the cozy confines of Dick’s Den – I greatly enjoyed seeing the group (with Aaron Scott sitting in on drums) during DiCenzo’s first residency.
November 25th: The “Happy/Derek/Jimmy Band” will be on hand for a warm and festive Thanksgiving Eve. DiCenzo (on bass) will be joined by two fellow local mainstays and residency hosts: singer-songwriter/guitarist Happy Chichester and drummer Jimmy Castoe. All bandmembers will be featured on vocals as they tear through classic pop, rock and soul tunes, which sounds like a great way to get into the holiday spirit.