As the Columbus Jazz Calendar speeds its way toward Christmas, there are more great ways to celebrate this special time of year in our Holiday Jazz Guide. After leading his all-star quartet at Dick’s Den Friday, organ virtuoso Tony Monaco and his Trio will get jazz fans of all ages in the spirit with two PBJ & Jazz Family Concerts entitled “Songs of the Season” at the Lincoln Theatre on Saturday, December 16th at 10 and 11:30am – tickets and more info available here. Bexley Public Library hosts “Big Band Holiday Concert,” the latest in its series of free Jazz at Lincoln Center Live-Stream events, on Sunday, December 17th at 2pm (more details here). Also at 2pm, the Westerville Library wraps up its annual free Music in the Atrium series of holiday shows with a seasonal set by saxophonist Ron Fisher (more details here). And before he returns to Rumba Cafe on Tuesday, Monaco’s 3rd local show of the week brings his trio to Woodlands Tavern for two sets at their annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party on Monday, December 18th at 7pm & 10pm ($5 at the door, more details here). Enjoy the holiday jazz while it lasts, including an excellent show below!
Shows To See This Week
Friday, December 15th (10pm – midnight): “Such Sweet Thunder: Tribute to Duke Ellington” at Natalie’s. Drummer Tony McClung and arranger/trombonist Ryan Hamilton bring their high-powered Ellington tribute back to Natalie’s for another night of exquisite homages to the many sides of one of jazz’s greatest catalogs. I had the opportunity to see their first appearance at the venue back in July, which I interviewed McClung about here, and was struck by the sheer beauty and infinite colors of the sound painted by some of Columbus’ finest musicians. Again, the personnel for the band is top-notch: Jim Powell (trumpet), Hamilton (trombone), Mark Donavan, Michael Cox and Bryan Olsheski (woodwinds), Lucas Holmes (piano), John Allen (bass), and McClung (drums, banjo). Table seating is already sold out, so get your $15 Bar/Standing tickets here while they last! And Natalie’s has much more fun jazz coming before Christmas, including Urban Jazz Coalition, The Elliot Scozzaro Quintet’s Tribute to Benny Golson, the Colin Lazarski NOLA Quintet, and the James Gaiters Quintet with Janeen Holmes and Christina Myles – visit their calendar for tickets and more info!
Sunday, December 17th (6 – 8:30pm): Special Holiday Event: Russell Malone with the Bobby Floyd Trio at Notes. A different twist on Floyd’s weekly showcase at Notes results in a Christmas gift for local jazz fans! In his second area appearance this year, international guitar superstar Russell Malone will join the Bobby Floyd Trio for two separate sets of world-class jazz. The first set from 6 to 7pm presents Malone and the Floyd piano trio, with Derek DiCenzo on bass and Reggie Jackson on drums, while Floyd moves to organ for the second set, which will run about 7:30 to 8:30pm. Tickets are sold separately for each set but can be purchased for both for a discounted price, so choose your favorite setup or see it all! Click here for full details and to purchase tickets, which are moving fast. Seize the opportunity to hear holiday tunes and standards from four distinguished jazz talents!
Wednesday, December 20th (8 – 11pm): Swingin’ Wednesdays: Rick Brunetto Big Band at Big Room Bar. This Brewery District live music destination continues to add to its jazz bonafides with another great live band offering from SwingColumbus‘ weekly swing dance night. While often featuring great touring acts, their last live event of 2017 finds Columbus greats on the stage, as bandleader Rick Brunetto and his stalwart crew of veteran musicians will entertain with a swinging mix of favorites. Tickets are $10 at the door and more details are available here. A beginner dance lesson is offered at 7:30 if you need to prepare your steps. And get ready for the Rick Brunetto Big Band Christmas Show at the 94th Aero Squadron on FRIDAY, December 22nd at 7:30pm – learn more here.
Have a great week!