Happy Valentine’s Day jazz fans! Don’t forget that there are plenty of options to celebrate the holiday with jazz – check out our roundup here. But there is also a strong slate of Shows To See This Week that aren’t centered on the love theme. Tops on the list is a pair of concerts from The Ohio State University Jazz Studies program well timed for Black History Month. On Friday, February 15th at 8pm, The OSU Jazz Ensemble presents “Freedom!,” A Celebration of Charles Mingus at Weigel Hall. The event will mark the 40th anniversary of the death of this jazz titan with the ensemble playing a selection of classics under the direction of Kris Keith, with oration by Mike Smith. More details here. On Monday, February 18th at 8pm at Weigel Hall, The OSU Jazz Lab Big Band presents “Echoes of Harlem…and Chicago: A Centenary Celebration of the Negro Renaissance,” looking at music of important musicians and composers from the era, both famous and deserving of more recognition. The celebration will be a collaborative performance, featuring dancers choreographed by Quianna Simpson under the mentorship of Suzan Bradford of the Lincoln Theatre; Ohio State’s New Orleans/Traditional Swing combo; a pre-concert lecture (7:45pm) by Ohio State Professor Emeritus Ted McDaniel; and readings of some of the great writers of the era. More details here. Keep reading for more previews – a party at Filament and the return of James Gaiters Soul Revival at Natalie’s!
Saturday, February 16th (9pm – midnight): Gerard Cox Birthday Party with Spherical Agenda at Filament at The Vanderelli Room, Franklinton. After kicking off the weekend with an intriguing pairing of Columbus heavyweights The Stan Smith Trio and The WS Collective on Friday at 8pm (more details here), Filament will keep the vibe going with a bash in honor of its operator Gerard Cox’s birthday. High-powered Cincinnati fusion quartet Spherical Agenda amazed Cox in their venue debut in December, so he had to bring them back. Led by bassist Matt Wiles, the band’s lineup also includes Brandon Scott Coleman on guitar, Ben Tweedt on keys, and Devon Leigh on drums. Experience what Cox calls “a really dynamic and wholly tuned-in band offering a fresh and nuanced take on what jazz fusion can be in 2019!” The event is BYOB, with a $10 suggested donation – more details here. Happy birthday Gerard!
Tuesday, February 19th⋅(8 – 10pm): James Gaiters Soul Revival at Natalie’s. Acclaimed drummer James Gaiters continues to lead and support a host of exciting projects – one name that hasn’t been listed in a while is his Soul Revival band, which I really enjoyed seeing in 2015. The personnel for this night of soulful exploration and expression is Gaiters on drums with Rob Dixon (saxophone), Derek DiCenzo (guitar), and Robert Mason (organ). While the foursome are all mightily skilled in their own right, it is a special treat to see Indianapolis legend Dixon in Columbus. Excited for this one! Tickets and more info available here.
Have a great week! Check out new music from Spherical Agenda below: