As we head toward Labor Day, the Outdoor Jazz schedule is tapering off. Other than a couple weekly/bi-weekly events, the main activity for open air concerts this week is on Sunday, August 26th. At 3pm, Columbus’ own long-running (since 1987!) Dixieland band The High Street Stompers plays in the lovely outdoor setting of Inniswoods Metro Garden in Westerville, so grab your lawn chairs to see a rare appearance by this high-powered veteran outfit. And at 4pm, food trucks will begin serving hungry customers at the finale of the inaugural Bexley Jazz in the Park Series at Havenwood Park. Around 4:30pm, Americana-tinged trio Birdshack will hit the stage for fluid, cohesive modern jazz tunes (more details here). Get out and enjoy outdoor jazz while you still can! Keep reading for previews of FLIPPO, M.R. Goodwin and the Tony Monaco Trio!
Shows To See This Week
Friday, August 24th (10pm – midnight): FLIPPO: The Music of Herbie Hancock & the Headhunters at Natalie’s. This jazz/rock fusion supergroup returns to its hometown stomping grounds after a very well-received Steely Dan tribute at Fraze Pavilion in Dayton earlier this month. For this outing, the band will again delve into the funky fusion catalog of keyboard genius Hancock and his groundbreaking bandwith a program titled “Hang Up Your Hang Ups.” The band features some of Central Ohio’s finest musicians: Michael Cox on saxophones, Dennis Hodges on guitar, Erik Augis on Keys, Andy Woodson on bass, Louis Tsamous on drums, Lucas Holmes on keyboards, and Zach Compston on percussion. Get your tickets here while they last!
Saturday, August 25th (7 – 10:30pm): M.R. Goodwin – Mark & Rene Rhythm n Jazz at Claddagh (Brewery District). The lone Central Ohio location of this Irish pub and restaurant chain has been offering jazz and dancing on Saturday nights in recent months. This week’s installment sees the venue debut of a soulful quartet of longtime collaborators. Vocalist Renee Goodwin and keyboardist Mark Goodwin will be joined by drummer Ted Royalty and guitarist Brett Burleson for a fun mix of jazz and soul intended to get you in the groove. Enjoy an entertaining, affordable and reasonably timed night out at a fun location, and help them keep jazz going!
Tuesday, August 28th (9pm – midnight): Tony Monaco Trio at Rumba Cafe. While not currently a weekly concern, organ maestro Monaco’s recurring Tuesday gigs remain one of the best places to hear Monaco (and organ jazz) live and in color! Monaco recently announced the completion of The Definition of Insanity, a new album with Derek DiCenzo on guitar and Tony McClung on drums. Stay tuned for details on that, and in the meantime, see Monaco’s trio tackle a variety of grooves in a relaxed environment. Cover is $5 and advance tickets are available here.
Have a great week! Get inspired by video from some of the featured acts: