As we reported here a month ago, the Bungalow Jazz series is ending, and this weekend marks its finale. The New Tony Monaco Quartet, with Monaco on organ, Randy Mather on tenor sax, Derek DiCenzo on guitar, and Aaron Scott on drums (Scott provided some history for the group here) plays the final show at Becky Ogden’s bungalow on Saturday, June 3rd at 7:30pm. This performance promises to be a big Columbus jazz party and the group (and likely others) will pay tribute to Ogden’s contributions to the local jazz scene by presenting so many intimate shows for Columbus jazz fans (along with her tireless educational efforts). As always, a donation of $20 is suggested for admission, all of which goes to the band. You can also see the band warm up for the show with a club gig at Dick’s Den the night before: Friday, June 2nd at 10pm, $5 cover.
Shows To See This Week
Saturday, June 3rd (11am – 8pm): African-American Cultural Festival, King-Lincoln District (Long Street between North Garfield Road and Lester Drive). This new community event, “produced by the Columbus Recreation & Parks Department with support from the Department of Neighborhoods, celebrates freedom and equal rights through opportunities to experience the rich history of the African-American culture. The event will showcase local talent while honoring history and community through live music, spoken word and dance performances in Columbus’ historic King-Lincoln District.” A primary component of this family-friendly event is six musical performances covering a range of jazz, R&B, and reggae, with jazz highlights including Dr. E at 2pm (learn more about her new album here), Milton Ruffin and the Ohio Old School Funk Band at 3:30pm (they sounded great at the 2016 Jazz & Rib Festival) and versatile smooth jazz groovers E-Flat at 5pm. Click here for more details.
Saturday, June 3rd (7 – 9pm): Debra James Tucker: “Survival of the Boulevard Singer” at Kafe Kerouac. Commemorating Pride month, vocalist and actress (and much more) Tucker kicks off a series of three June performances of her one woman show. Winner of an Ohio Arts Council Award for Individual Excellence, this performance will provide “focus for a timely discussion about issues surrounding homophobia, diversity and acceptance within the church.” As Tucker has noted, “In conjunction with original music, I deliberately use traditional black church songs and sermon cadences with an eye toward having them heard and understood in a non-traditional way.” This work will also be presented at Lincoln Cafe on Friday, June 9th and at New Harvest Urban Arts Center (Linden) on Friday, June 30th – Admission to all shows is $10 each, all of which start at 7pm.
Wednesday, June 7th (9 – 11pm): Dan White + Birdshack featuring Bobby Floyd at Natalie’s. In between Huntertones tours, saxophonist White stops through Columbus for a two-night run of exciting local shows, both of which offer $5 student admission. Reprising a visit in February, White is once again joining forces with Birdshack, one of Columbus’ most cohesive trios, and upping the ante Wednesday night with the addition of the legendary Floyd on keyboards. While all of the musicians have played with each other at one point or another, White told me that this will be the first time all five will play together:
“I’m very excited to share the stage with such great musicians. I’ve got a few tunes planned and ready but I am most looking forward to improvising and creating on the spot with these guys. I sat in a few times with Bobby Floyd at The Lobby a while back when he hosted sessions there. This will be our first real gig together.”
Tickets are available here for this blockbuster show. White and Birdshack will also play Brothers Drake (without Floyd) on Thursday, June 8th at 8pm – click here for more details.
Have a great week! Check out videos of some of this week’s featured artists: