Guiding the Dick’s Den Wednesday Residency Program for September is bassist John Allen (photo by Kenny Caterer). A first-call musician for Columbus acts of many genres, Allen is using the month to showcase the talents, and, in some cases, compositions, of a host of talented colleagues in a variety of settings. Each week’s performance will run from about 10pm to 2am except as noted, and cover each week is $5. Allen was kind enough to share details on each week’s show, so keep reading to learn more about his exciting plans and make your own plans to visit Dick’s on Wednesdays in September! John Allen: “I am super excited to present a varied selection of music featuring many of my friends and close collaborators!
Wednesday, September 5th: Zakk Jones Trio
Zakk Jones-guitar; John Allen-bass; Ryan Folger-drums
This is the trio Zakk brought to perform at Bar Next Door in Greenwich Village last month. This trio has been a ton of fun to work with and arrange all manner of standards and ‘not-so-standards.’ Zakk is a phenomenal voice on the guitar and I have been so fortunate to play bass in his groups and with him in other groups through the years so it’s only fitting I feature his trio in the first week.
September 12th (9:30pm – 1:30am): The Compositions and Arrangements of Will England
This is something I have wanted to do ever since I heard Will’s writing. The band is as follows:
Will England, Pete Mills-saxophones
Anthony Stanco-trumpet
Ben Crowder-trombone
Erik Augis-piano
John Allen-bass
Zach Compston-drums
September 19th: Chase Potter, Joey Skoch, John Allen, Dan DiPiero
I imagine we will perform a number of Wayne Shorter compositions and anything that strikes the collective fancy. I am very excited to play with this swingin group of musicians I admire.
September 26th: DoubleDrumDoubleSynth Madness
Last November I booked a band and made no plans for what would happen — it turned out to be a supremely enjoyable and musical time. Willie Barthel is unable to join on drums this time but I am so fortunate to be able to play with Tony McClung in his stead. The night will feature:
Lisa Bella Donna-synthesizers/magic
Danny Bauer-Moog/Jupiter
Alex Burgoyne-Funky funky sax and atonal atonal sax
Matthiessen Nisch Quan-drumset
Tony McClung-drumset
John Allen-electric Bass
All free improvisations.”