There is news this week of a locally-owned music business in need of help. Founded in 2002, Music Royale in Powell offers professional instrument repairs, high quality band instrument rentals, and music lessons to over 800 students per week. The store is staffed by musicians, and local jazz musicians number among their instructors. On March 3rd, the sprinkler head above the sales floor malfunctioned and went off, destroying a wall of electric guitars, amplifiers, stacks of sheet music, computers, printers, phone systems and more. To aid in the costly ongoing recovery, friends of the store have organized a benefit. On Sunday, April 9th, from 6 to 10pm, the nearby Lazy Chameleon (4028 Presidential Parkway in Powell) will host a night of music including performances by local rock bands the Moonbats (with Maxwell Button on drums) and the Mighty Ikes, with more to be announced. The event also includes a 50/50 raffle and silent auction, and while admission is free, donations will be accepted at the door. Come out to support the local music business community! See the Facebook event page for updates and more details.
Shows To See This Week
Sunday, April 2nd (3 – 5pm): “Jazz Masters Sessions: Jazz Piano Times 2: Bobby Floyd and Richard Lopez” at Columbus Museum of Art. The next installment of Lopez’s ongoing series of Sunday afternoon concerts is a rare pairing of two of the area’s finest pianists. Jazz piano duos in general are few and far between, but these two artists are able to expand upon the existing repertoire and paint material of various vintages and styles in a new light. I was lucky enough to witness Floyd and Lopez in the duo format in February 2016, and can certify that it is quite the sight to behold two masters playing off of each other at a supreme level. Tickets are available at the admission desk, and advance tickets and more details are available here.
Tuesday, April 4th (10:30pm – 2am): Dominick Farinacci Quartet at Dick’s Den. Trumpeter, composer, educator and Cleveland native Farinacci returns to town Tuesday for a blockbuster doubleheader with his NYC-based quartet. After the band plays a likely sold-out Jazz Dinner Series at The Refectory at 6pm (details here – call 614-451-9774 for any remaining seats), the band will move to Dick’s Den for a late night hang. Farinacci is joined in the band by accomplished counterparts: pianist/vibraphonist Christian Tamburr and vocalist Shenel Johns. Call off work Wednesday and see some international jazz greats up close and personal! As always, cover at Dick’s is $5.
Wednesday, April 5th (8 – 11pm): Elliot Scozzaro Quartet at Brothers Drake. The next free Jazz Wednesday performance at the local destination for mead and live music is an appearance by a special all-star band. Saxophonist and Capital grad Scozzaro is in town to serve as a clinician at his alma mater’s Jazz Festival, but is also finding time for a club performance. He will be joined by former classmate Joey Skoch on piano, and the rest of the rhythm section are two heavyweights of Columbus jazz performance and education: bassist Andy Woodson and drummer Jim Rupp! The program will include music by Bud Powell, Tadd Dameron, Billy Strayhorn, Joshua Redman, Alvin Batiste, James Black, and more. Should be a great chance to catch high level jazz in a relaxed setting.
Have a great week! Get ready for these shows with a few videos: