Before we get into some local options for a jazzy Memorial Day weekend (Don’t forget about the great smooth and funky options for Friday and Saturday!), EDIT: The Azar Lawrence concert has been postponed. there is news this week of a wonderful opportunity for a Jazz Road Trip to experience world-class jazz a short drive down I-71. The Clarion Jazz Open Door Series presents the Azar Lawrence Experience as it celebrates “The Legacy and Music of John Coltrane” on Saturday, May 26th at 8pm at Memorial Hall OTR in Cincinnati. Tickets and more details are available here. Veteran saxophonist Azar Lawrence, whose distinguished resume includes playing with with McCoy Tyner, Miles Davis, and Coltrane himself and recently released the excellent Elementals, will be joined in concert by pianist Benito Gonzalez, bassist Jim Anderson, and Columbus’ own James Gaiters on drums! Relive Coltrane essentials like “Body and Soul,” “Impressions,” “My Favorite Things,” and “Softly As In A Morning Sunrise” with a top-notch band in an excellent theater!
Shows To See This Week
Friday, May 25th (8pm – midnight): Josh Kline/Tom Buckley, Josh Strange/Mario Bosca, and Aaron Putnam Trio at Filament at the Vanderelli Room, Franklinton. Gerard Cox’s Filament continues to present an exciting variety of modern and improvised jazz, this time with a Cincinnati bent. The Queen City’s Josh Kline (tenor sax) and Tom Buckley (drums) have been collaborating for a while as a duo and have developed a thrilling sound, with Buckley earning comparisons to Chris Dave and Mark Giuliana. Josh Strange, a talented young vibraphonist from Cincinnati, will also play in a duo, with Columbus rising star Mario Bosca on bass. The Aaron Putnam Trio will bolster the bill’s Franklin County quotient, with area residents Putnam (piano), Chris Haas on bass and Chris Murray on drums. The event is BYOB, with a $10 suggested donation – more details here.
Sunday, May 27th (3 – 6pm): Dave DeWitt Trio at Wolf’s Ridge Taproom, Downtown. One of Columbus’ finest breweries, Wolf Ridge’s Sunday music series continues to present a strong selection of skilled jazz groups alongside other styles. Piano mainstay DeWitt will lead a group of Jeff Ciampa on bass and Aaron Scott on drums for an afternoon of powerful, classics-minded straight-ahead jazz. The taproom offers over 20 Wolf’s Ridge beers on draft as well as a tempting food menu. This should be a great chance to enjoy some of Columbus’ finest in a fun atmosphere, and there’s no cover!
Sunday, May 27th (6 – 8pm): Bobby Floyd Spotlight Series: Ernie Krivda with the Bobby Floyd Trio at Notes. After a strong debut in March, Floyd’s Spotlight Series returns for a second installment within his weekly Showcase at Notes. The new series again brings a favorite touring collaborator of Floyd’s to his stomping grounds. Cleveland’s Ernie Krivda has earned a reputation as one of the world’s finest tenor saxophonists through his 5+ decade career. Mentored by Cannonball Adderley, Krivda has toured and performed with musicians such as Quincy Jones, Ella Fitzgerald, Phil Woods, Sarah Vaughn, Buddy DeFranco, Groove Holmes, Terry Gibbs, John Faddis, The Dizzy Gillespie Orchestra, David Sanborn, Jackie Wilson and many more. See this living legend play two sets with Floyd on piano, Derek DiCenzo on bass and Reggie Jackson on drums for a high-powered evening of classic jazz! Tickets are available here. And if you can’t make it Sunday, worry not – Floyd is playing everyday this weekend! You can also catch him with trios at Dick’s Den Friday and Hyde Park Arlington Saturday, or with Bryan Olsheski at the Bexley Jazz in the Park Series kickoff Monday!
Have a great Memorial Day weekend! Prepare for some excellent shows with video: