What a big weekend ahead! Before we get into some previews of Jazz & Rib Fest and other great events coming up, we have a rundown of this week’s Outdoor Jazz beyond the festival. On Friday, July 20th, Worthington’s Northwest Library continues its Summer Concert Series at 7pm with a “sultry mix of jazz, soul and R&B classics” from the R Lawrence Project (details here). At 8pm, the Columbus Jazz Orchestra’s JazZoo series continues at the Columbus Zoo with “The Best of Bobby Floyd,” as legendary keyboardist Floyd will be joined by Milton Ruffin and the CJO on a program of Floyd’s favorite tunes with a guest appearance by 2018 Hank Marr Award Winner Charlie Merk (series details here). Keep reading for outdoor jazz for the rest of the week and MUCH more!
On Saturday, July 21st at 11am, renowned guitarist Tom Carroll plays his monthly solo Jazz Brunch set on the patio at the Granville Inn, where he plays again on Wednesday the 25th at 6pm. Saturday at 6pm brings two performances from R&B-influenced jazz groups to greater Central Ohio: the Jazz in the Park series at Maloney Park in Linden continues with the saxophone-powered Chip Willis Band, and jazzy pop/R&B interpreters The Big Badd play the Ashville Food Truck & Community Festival in downtown Ashville, Ohio (details here). And on Sunday, July 22nd at 7pm, the Worthington Concert on the Green series presents American Gypsy and its high-powered mix of Gypsy, Jazz, and World Folk on the Worthington Village Green (details here). Another great weekend to get out and enjoy jazz in the elements!
Jazz & Rib Fest Preview
While we provided the full schedule Monday, I wanted to share a few details on recommended jazz sets at the 2018 Jazz & Rib Fest (NOTE: I will use BP to refer to the festival’s Bicentennial Park Stage and GP to refer to the Genoa Park Stage in the following rundown. Also, more details on all performers is available here). As a treat for intrepid festival goers and the downtown lunch crowd, the opening sets of the Friday, July 20th schedule are truly party starters – Both Columbus’ long-running New Orleans funk purveyors New Basics Brass Band (GP) and modern fusion explorers Safety Squad (BP) play at Noon. The BP Stage will be alive with great Columbus jazz all afternoon, with another chance to hear (and purchase at a special festival price of $10) Balance from the Doug Neel 5tet at 2:30pm and feisty Latin jazz from veterans Clave Sonic at 4:30pm. There are two great sets at 6:30pm to setup the headliners – Columbus’ own smooth jazz masters Copacetic, who sounded great recently (GP) and NYC “joyful jazz” band Sammy Miller & The Congregation (BP). And at 9pm, the choice is yours for real deal legends – Ramsey Lewis (BP) and Arturo Sandoval with Jane Monheit (GP)!
Saturday, July 21st: The afternoon schedule is sprinkled liberally with projects from some of Columbus’ finest musicians: Classic and original jazz, funk and soul from The Broadstreet Lineup (Noon, GP), the all-star Erik Augis Quintet (2:30pm, BP), and drummer James Gaiters’ WATU UTONGO with a full-fledged festival lineup (4:30pm, BP). It’s another big night for headliners – Smooth jazz superstars Euge Groove & Peter White (GP) go head-to-head with New Orleans modern torchbearers Dumpstaphunk at 9pm.
Sunday, July 22nd: The hot Bicentennial Park lineup kicks off its final day with the modern jazz and Afro-Cuban Salsa blend of Columbus’ Waves de Aché (Noon) and Ann Arbor’s creative music quintet Talking Ear (2:30pm), which spells back-to-back duty for pianist Ben Maloney! The festival ends with more variety from its headliners at 6:30pm: star-studded smooth jazz collective Dave Koz & Friends (BP) and Chicago hip-hop, jazz, classical and pop music fusion outfit The JuJu Exchange (GP). Get out for tasty ribs and world-class live jazz on the Scioto Mile!
Shows To See This Week
Friday, July 20th (10pm – 1am): Jazz & Rib Afterparty with Alex Schrock Trio and Waves de Aché at Brothers Drake. The meadery is getting in the festival mood with an explosive double bill Friday. Opening at 10 is guitarist Schrock with bassist Bradley Mellen and Cleveland area drummer Zaire Darden with original and classic material expanding the scope of the modern guitar trio. They will be followed by Waves de Aché, which usually features bassist Will Strickler, percussionist Max Marsillo, pianist Ben Maloney, and drummer Nate Parker, whose modern jazz and Afro-Cuban Salsa blend will keep the party going. Cover is $5 for a great stop on the way home from the fest or a fun night out on its own, more details here.
Sunday, July 22nd (7:30 – 10:30pm): NiNi Love JazzySide at Mirage Lounge, 1748 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., North Side. After a successful test run last week, soulful vocalist NiNi Love and her JazzySide band have found a new home for their long-running weekly Sunday Shows (UPDATE: Future installments of the Sunday Show at the Mirage have been canceled). Expect to hear jazz and much more: “It’s not just Jazz — It’s Jazz-y … and Funky … and Sultry … and It’s a Beautiful Night!” Love was kind enough to share details on the Mirage:
It is a new venue — about 3 months old. It is a restaurant, as well, with a Jamaican/Caribbean style menu. There is a $10 cover which includes a dinner buffet. This past Sunday the buffet featured jerk chicken quarters, BBQ chicken quarters, salad, macaroni and cheese, and dinner rolls. Inside design features a large bar sitting area and chic, open VIP seating areas surrounding a beautiful dance floor. There is security. It is truly a beautiful night!
Wednesday, July 25th (7 – 10:30pm): Community Hot Jazz Open Jam + Dance at King Avenue 5, Grandview area. While its concert schedule is on summer break, Central Ohio Hot Jazz Society is trying a new outlet for area traditional jazz musicians and fans. This free event offers the opportunity for musicians of all skill and experience levels to play hot jazz in a friendly jam environment. The venue offers a dance floor to get moving to the music and plenty of room to simply enjoy the tunes. Grab your horn and come on down! Check the COHJS website for more details.
Have a great week!