With apologies to some intrepid college student ensembles that have already braved the elements this spring, the time has come for the first Outdoor Jazz Guide of the year. All events are free unless otherwise noted. As of press time, guitar maestro Tom Carroll has wrapped up the first of his weekly patio gigs at the historic Granville Inn in Granville. See him there every Wednesday 6 to 9pm – the gig moves inside in case of rain. On Saturday, May 18th, two festivals brag great live jazz. Columbus Taco Fest returns to Genoa Park Downtown, with Los Borirengues Del Swing playing at noon and salsa jazz powerhouse Al Son Del Iya playing at 4pm. Saturday, noon to 6:30pm, the 3rd Annual Granville Jazz Fest holds sway at Reese Amphitheater in Newark, featuring talented area middle school and high school ensembles with special appearances by preeminent saxophonist Michael Cox (full schedule here)! And on Sunday, May 19th at 7pm, the Civitan Club of North Columbus kicks off its annual Summer Concert Series with the Whetstone High School Jazz Ensemble performing in the Park of Roses Gazebo in Clintonville (held in shelter house in case of rain, details here). Keep reading for details on two big concerts this weekend with the Baccus Brothers and a new tribute to Mark Flugge!
Saturday, May 18th (7 – 9pm): The Baccus Brothers Coming Home Tour at Whitehall Yearling High School. Presented by Jazz 98.5 FM, WSAX-LP in conjunction with WVKO Radio, this concert brings Ohio favorites Kenneth Baccus, Roger Baccus and Eddie Baccus Sr. back to Central Ohio for a special performance. Tickets are available here. Keep reading for details from WSAX:
Join us in perhaps one of their final concerts as a family of great musicians, including patriarchs Kenneth Baccus, Roger Baccus and Eddie Baccus Sr. (father of international jazz star Eddie Baccus Jr.). It’s a family affair! In line with our effort to continue to feature and improve the awareness and appreciation of our Homegrown musicians, as well as the various jazz styles, Jazz 98.5 FM has partnered with WVKO Radio to present one of the first families of Jazz, R&B and Gospel, The Baccus Brothers. The three brothers, Eddie, Roger and Kenneth, are all celebrated professional performers and composers. During their individual journeys as professional musicians, they have had the opportunity to perform with a variety of internationally renowned Jazz, Gospel and R&B artists; such as Stevie Wonder, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Wilton Felder, Kenny Berrell, Bobby Watson, Stanley Turrentine, Dottie Peoples, Sam & Dave, Richard Berry and more! Joining the Baccus Brothers is Hall of Fame bassist and vocalist, Melvin Stewart, drummer James”Smooth” Elliott, saxophonist Ed Robinson, drummer & keys Crescendo Baccus, vocalist Melody Baccus, vocalist Shirley Cook and a special guest performance by Priscilla Woodson.
Sunday, May 19th (3 – 5:15pm): 6th Annual Mark Flugge Tribute Concert at Mees Hall, Bexley. A strong recent tradition in Columbus jazz, this annual concert pays tribute to pianist Mark Flugge, who passed away in May 2014. This year’s concert features a number of highlights, including a performance by Grammy Award-winning percussionist and OSU alum Paul Francis! Keep reading for details from organizer Lisa Jelle:
This year’s concert features Grammy Award-winning percussionist Paul Francis with Andy Woodson and Jon Eshelman, local favorite mini-big band Such Sweet Thunder, vocalist Kelly Delaveris, and trombone/Central Ohio legend Vaughn Wiester! We will honor the winner of the 2019 Capital Mark Flugge Jazz Award Andrew DeWeese, and hear his combo perform. This concert also celebrates Lisa Jelle’s new Mark Flugge Remembered CD, Bolling & Beyond! It’s going to be a terrific concert honoring Mark’s musical and educational legacy! Finally, we will kick off a final push to complete the endowment of Capital’s Mark Flugge Jazz Award – let’s push it over the top together!
Have a great week!