There’s a run of great events celebrating Fat Tuesday in the coming week, so get ready with our Mardi Gras Jazz Guide! We know of three great holiday-themed shows on Saturday, March 2nd, two of which feature Columbus’ veteran New Orleans-styled outfits. At 7pm, Zaftig Brewing Co’s (Worthington) daylong Mardi Gras Celebration will feature The Brewtet, the house band for its Thursday night jam sessions, “playing a two-hour set full of Trad jazz tunes in the style of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band” with help from Ben Huntoon and Matt Ellis (full day details here). At 8pm, pianist extraordinaire Chief Johnny Lonesome and his band of Jimmy Castoe on drums and Max Sebastian on bass will play the annual Mardi Gras Party fundraiser at Mulligan’s Sports Pub in Powell (details here). And at 8:30pm, Sonny’s on Broadway in Granville is hosting a Mardi Gras Party with the mighty New Basics Brass Band – it was moved downstairs to the Donato’s in the base of the building for more room (details here)! On Sunday, March 3rd at 2pm, the Annual Mardi Gras Jazz Sunday at Indianola Presbyterian Church in the University District will once again feature the high-powered Dixieland tunes of the High Street Stompers. Keep reading for Tuesday Mardi Gras events and previews of the Bobby Floyd Showcase and the Phil@Filament anniversary party!
As of press time, the Columbus Jazz Calendar features four Fat Tuesday events on Mardi Gras, Tuesday, March 5th. The Fat Tuesday Celebration at Copious gets started at 4pm and includes jazz from saxophonist Tim Tolber (more details here). Chief Johnny Lonesome is once again in action for a Fat Tuesday Party with another annual stop at Jimmyluka’s Bar Deli (South Side) at 6pm. And as usual, the New Basics Brass Band will play two Mardi Gras shows for your celebratory needs. At 6pm is their very popular annual Mardi Gras dinner party at Gallo’s Kitchen & Bar (Upper Arlington) – call (614) 754-8176 ASAP for reservations. And at 9pm, NBBB makes their monthly “Fat Tuesdays” appearance at Rambling House (Old North Columbus) one week early for the occasion – more details here. Of course, Tuesday’s regular weekly events – Nathan Smith Trio at Local Roots & Park Street Tavern Jazz Jam – will also surely be in the spirit, so check our calendar and catch some jazz where you can! Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Shows To See This Week
Sunday, March 3rd (6 – 8pm): Bobby Floyd Showcase: Hal Melia with the Bobby Floyd Trio at Notes. After a busy February including a trip to the Grammys (!), Columbus’ piano maestro is back home and once again holding court at his weekly Sunday Showcase. This week’s event will feature renowned Dayton saxophonist Hal Melia, the Director of Jazz Studies at Central State University and well-known throughout the region for his versatility and ability in a variety of settings. Along with Floyd at the piano, the evening’s band will also include Reggie Jackson on drums and Dave Shelton on bass, and there will be a jam session after the first set. Admission is $12 at the door and free for musicians participating in the jam. Come down to the showcase this week and soon – future guests include Greg Abate (March 10th), Dwight Adams (March 17th) and Mary McClendon (March 24th)!
Wednesday, March 6th (7 – 8pm): Phil@Filament 1 Year Anniversary: Phil Maneri with Gerard Cox & AJ Vanderelli at Filament at The Vanderelli Room, Franklinton. The upcoming installment of bassist Maneri’s weekly improvised music session will celebrate 1 year of magical unplanned Wednesday night performances. For the occasion, Maneri brings to the stage two big reasons for the event’s existence – Vanderelli Room proprietor AJ Vanderelli and Filament creator/operator Gerard Cox. Cox will bring his keyboard skills to the fray, and Vanderelli will be painting live during the collaboration. A $5-$10 donation is suggested but not required – More details here. Celebrate one of Columbus’ finest outlets for improvised music! Learn more about Maneri and Phil@Filament via David Blumenstein’s recent interview here.
Have a great week! Get ready for Mardi Gras at Zaftig with thoughts from Brewtet bandleader Korey Black:
Hi! So, Zaftig Brewing Co. is throwing a killer Mardi Gras party this Saturday (3/2)! If you have any affiliation or love with the city of New Orleans, I strongly recommend it to you! On top of the great food and drink, we will be playing a two-hour set full of Trad jazz tunes in the style of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. We are lucky to have Columbus jazz greats Ben Huntoon and Matt Ellis join us! It's going to be a party. Bring your friends and family! We can't wait to help provide an awesome night! Music starts at 7 Pm. See you on Saturday! Seriously! Don't miss this awesome opportunity to celebrate Mardi Gras!!!
Posted by Korey Black on Tuesday, February 26, 2019