Local non-profit SwingColumbus, which serves the Columbus area swing dancing community with weekly swing dance parties (including dance lessons) and recurring live band dance events, is combining both for a November series dubbed “Bands-giving.” For three weeks, its weekly “Swingin’ Wednesdays” party at Nyoh’s Buckeye Bar, 2871 Olentangy River Road, will feature live performances by national and local outfits. After kicking off on November 9th with Nashville-based gypsy jazz band Moonshine Rhythm Club, November 16th will present Chattanooga’s 9th Street Stompers, returning to Columbus with their rollicking blend of classic American styles like swing, hot jazz, and many more. The series culminates on November 23rd with the annual Thanksgiving Eve appearance by John Vermeulen’s Swing Orchestra, a group of swinging Columbus all-stars led by the FJO saxophonist. Admission for each show is $10 and each performance starts at 8pm, preceded by a 7:30 swing dance lesson for beginners. Dancing isn’t mandatory, but strongly encouraged!
Shows To See This Week
Friday, November 11th (10pm – midnight): Whirlybirds at Natalie’s. Making its Natalie’s debut is this new swing/pop ensemble that formed after the sudden breakup of beloved Columbus swingers The DewDroppers earlier this year. Led by Joe Gilliland (vocals/guitar), the band also includes Brenny Brenneman (clarinet/saxes/vocals), Trent Sampson (double bass/vocals), Nick Simko (trumpet), Jacob Campbell (keys), and Max Marsillo (drums). Expect a lively program of “some familiar songs as well as brand new tunes inspired by the lively pop music from days of old.” Get your tickets for this “swangin'” night here.
Saturday, November 12th (9:30pm – 12:30am): Louise Salvador and Bob J. Mills at Club Diversity. This welcoming Brewery District gathering place has a great live jazz schedule upcoming as we head into the holiday season. Renowned vocalist Salvador’s name has been seen less on the local jazz calendar lately with the end of her weekly quartet gig at Haiku about a year ago, so seize the chance to see a master at work! She will be joined by her longtime collaborator, talented pianist Mills, for a soulful and passionate trip through well-chosen standards. Like all musical performances at the club, admission is free! Read Salvador’s 2015 JazzColumbus interview here.
Wednesday, November 16th (9pm – midnight): Derek DiCenzo Residency: Bobby Floyd Trio at Dick’s Den. Multi-instrumentalist DiCenzo is celebrating a wide variety of his talents and interests in his third installment of the Wednesday Residency Series at Dick’s. After kicking it off with a special tribute to Thelonious Monk (featuring Dave DeWitt on piano) on the 9th, this week’s show brings in esteemed pianist Floyd for a rare appearance on the intimate stage. With DiCenzo on bass and Reggie Jackson and drums, this trio has been sharing their spirited take on the classic piano trio for over 10 years at this point, and now entertain every Sunday (when Bobby is not on tour) at the Bobby Floyd Showcase at Notes. DiCenzo was kind enough to provide a brief update on the group: “We recently recorded a new album at Vaughan Music Studio, and also a video, as we are trying to get this particular trio playing more shows in town, and especially on the road…and (I hope I’m allowed to say this) we’re booked for a Caribbean cruise gig in October of 2017.” Cover is only $5 for this terrific trio!
Have a great week!