Welcome back to the weekly column, jazz fans! Beyond the bittersweet news from DW6, the next biggest news in Columbus jazz currently is last week’s announcement of a new Artist Residency Series on Wednesdays at Dicks Den. The series will feature a local artist performing every Wednesday of a particular month, which should allow them to explore different material and settings. The shows run from 9pm to 1am, with a $4 cover. Local singer-songwriter Happy Chichester is kicking off the program in February, but the coming months are laden with jazz. Wednesdays are fast becoming the best day of the week for live jazz in Columbus (if they aren’t already). Here’s the schedule so far:
March: Aaron Quinn
April: Derek DiCenzo
May: Adam Smith
June: Stan Smith
Shows To See This Week
Friday, February 14th: Valentine’s Day After-Party 102.1 FM Fundraiser at Holiday Inn Worthington, 7007 N. High Street. Jazz102.1 FM, Columbus’ only radio station fully dedicated to jazz programming, currently broadcasts 12 hours a day. The station is sponsoring a Valentine’s Day party and fundraiser in their effort to expand to a 24 hour jazz radio station. The event starts at 11, and will feature performances from fo/mo/deep and Priscilla Woodson, as well as an encore performance by Urban Jazz Coalition after their sold-out show at the McConnell Arts Center.
Saturday, February 15th: Dan White Sextet Farewell Show #1 at Dick’s Den. The farewell tour starts at Dick’s, the first venue at which the band booked a show in town. I’ve seen them there a few times lately and can tell that they always feel right at home. A full three-set party is promised, so come ready to rage.
Wednesday, February 19th: Adam Smith & Friends at Brothers Drake. Keyboardist Smith, of Descendre, Wizards, and EYE (local psychedelic heavy metal masters), among many other projects, will present “a special evening full of locked down grooves, earthy percussion, and endless sounds of space.” He will be joined by Carlos Fisher (drums, electronics), N. Michael Goecke (trombone, flute, synthesizers, percussion), and Ron Hope (congas, percussion). Should be an interstellar edition of the successful Jazz Wednesday series. This show has apparently been cancelled. No word on whether the show will be rescheduled.
Wednesday, February 19th: La Charanga Tres at Rumba Cafe. Saxophonist and educator Kris Keith leads this resurgent Cuban jazz group. I enjoyed their performance in December and am glad to see they’ve booked another show at Rumba.
Have a jazzy week!