There is news this week from Jazz 98.5 FM, WSAX-LP as the radio station prepares to launch its full-power broadcast. After completing testing and receiving its FCC license, the non-profit station is now raising funds for the $30,000 needed to purchase the equipment for its antenna. A suggested donation of $20 or whatever you can contribute will help the station complete construction and give Columbus the reliable, quality jazz broadcast it has been without for over seven years. Click here to donate and learn more, or mail a check or money order payable to SEMM Foundation to P.O. Box 13682, Columbus, Ohio 43213. As part of the launch process, the station will temporarily silence its over the air terrestrial broadcast this Saturday at midnight, but the station will continue to broadcast online at its website, where you can also hear “Jazz Life Moments,” or rundowns of each day’s live jazz calendar, created by WSAX-LP staff from JazzColumbus’ Columbus Jazz Calendar. Donate now to help return community-minded jazz to the Central Ohio airwaves!
Shows To See This Week
Friday, March 10th (10pm – 2am): Terrance & Friends at Dick’s Den. Veteran soulful saxophonist Terrance Farmer, whose most regular musical outfit these days is funk band Forest & The Evergreens and who you also may have seen in the likeness of John Coltrane in Miles Ahead, leads a group of jazz and soul heavyweights this Friday at Dick’s. The lineup includes Kristen Trotter on vocals, Josh Smith on trumpet, Christopher Brown on keys, Jeff Bass on bass, Parker Louis and Zakk Jones on guitars, and Justin Campbell and Nate Parker on drumset and percussion. The band will play “the music of Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Freddie Hubbard, Roy Hargrove and more.” The cover is a mere $5 for this powerhouse band.
Saturday, March 11th (8pm – midnight): Patchwork, Small Songs and Sun Trash at Ethel’s (Garden Theatre). After releasing the band’s debut album there in February, Small Songs saxophonist Alex Burgoyne has booked a promising triple bill at this speakeasy-like space connected to Short North Stage’s Garden Theatre. Cleveland-based duo Patchwork (photo by by Aleksandr Karjaka) plays “Eclectic contemporary music for saxophones and drumset,” with Noa Even on saxophones and Stephen Klunk on drums. Focused on working with composers to create a diverse library of new music, the band has played many festivals, college campuses, and venues in the region. Small Songs closes the show with their formidable blend of art-pop and free jazz, and duo Sun Trash (Radarhill collaborators Caleb Miller and Nick Weckman) opens the night with their works of “free music/friendship.” Should be an excellent night of cutting edge music!
Sunday, March 12th (2 – 5pm): Ragtime Rick and the Chefs of Dixieland at Clintonville Woman’s Club. The Central Ohio Hot Jazz Society kicks off its Spring 2017 season by venturing away from its normal home (Makoy Center in Hilliard) due to scheduling needs. The Woman’s Club will certainly be a great setting for a swinging Sunday afternoon featuring these quirky Toledo-based hot jazz favorites. The band includes “Banjo” Betsy Grafing on banjo, Tom Strohbeck on drums, Wes Linenkugel on the string bass, leader Rick Grafing on piano, John Grafing on trumpet/cornet, Ben Herrick on trombone, and Jan Mudica on soprano sax. Spend your Sunday afternoon with a “cooking” band (sorry, pun intended)! Admission is $15 for COHJS members; $10 for Dance club members & students; and $20 for non-members – but membership is available at the door! Visit cohjs.org for more info.
Have a great week! Check out these artists in action: