Hello jazz fans! This week’s column marks a special occasion – the fifth anniversary of this humble column! Revisit the inaugural issue here. I (Andrew Patton) am hoping to keep the column and the website itself going into the future, but that has become more of a challenge lately, mostly due to increased responsibilities and time commitments in my personal life. And while website visits, newsletter subscriptions, and Facebook likes have remained rather consistent, there has not been much direct connection lately, especially with musicians and venue owners. So, while I may find time to launch a more substantial outreach effort, there are 3 things you can do for now: 1. Let me know what JazzColumbus means to you however you like – respond to this week’s newsletter, email me here, or comment on social media. 2. If you are a musician, promoter, venue operator, etc., please reach out and let me know what you’re up to – I’d be happy to provide coverage of a future event. And readers, I wouldn’t mind you contacting your favorite musician, band or venue and letting them know you’d love to read about them on JazzColumbus! 3. If anyone reading this has any interest in writing for the site, helping to maintain the calendar, etc. – please let me know! Thanks for your support, and keep reading for live previews, including the return of Jeff Hamilton!
Shows To See This Week
Friday, November 16th (10pm – 2am): Tony Monaco Quartet at Dick’s Den. Columbus’ own internationally recognized B3 organ wizard is busy heading into the Thanksgiving holiday! First up, he leads his all-star quartet, with Derek DiCenzo on guitar, Randy Mather on saxophone, and Aaron Scott on drums Friday at “The One and Only.” Only $5 for a night of cheap drinks and burning grooves covering a variety of moods, styles and material. On Tuesday the 20th at 9pm, Monaco returns to Rumba Cafe with a trio for an intimate night of organ magic – $5 cover, advance tickets here. And finally, his monthly appearance at Woodlands Tavern for November is a special trio Thanksgiving Eve Happy Hour show on Wednesday the 21st at 6pm presented by Rhinegeist Brewing – FREE show, more details here. Catch up with Monaco this week for some festive good times!
Sunday, November 18th (1:30 – 6:30pm): Central Ohio Hot Jazz Society Fall Harvest Festival of Bands + Charity Event at Makoy Center, Hilliard. After a hot fall of shows at the Clintonville Woman’s Club, COHJS returns to the Makoy for their annual smorgasbord of regional hot jazz bands benefiting local charities. The afternoon will feature two sets each from three great bands, as well as a “mix and match jam” at 3:40pm. Admission is $20, $15 for COHJS members, $10 for students, and music educators and music students are ALWAYS FREE! More details from COHJS:
Cakewalkin’ Jass Band – 2:15 & 5:10pm – a powerhouse territory band headed up by Ray Heitger out of Toledo. They’re one of the oldest continuously working New Orleans style bands in the country, and always a COHJS fan favorite!
Cincy River Rats – 1:30 & 4:25pm – a high-energy new band with a bunch of Cincy Conservatory cats. We’ve had them strut their stuff for us before, and they put on a great show that gets the dance floor hoppin’!
The Buckeye Tailgaters – 3 & 5:55pm – A band full of well-known heavy hitters, the Tailgaters started as a pep rally quartet in 1997 and have lauded the OSU Buckeyes in song ever since. The band jumps at chances to expand to the full Dixieland lineup and repertoire! The lineup is Jim Garee, cornet; Vaughn Wiester of the FJO blowin’ his ‘bone, Larry Nusser (North Side JB) on piano, Tommy Swisher (also North Side) drums, Sid Townsend (High St Stompers) on bass, and Will England, soprano sax.
Please bring non-perishable foodstuffs too. Last year your generosity delivered 104 pounds of food to the Holy Family Soup Kitchen+Food Pantry in Franklinton. We’d be grateful for your help in doing something similar or better this year.
Monday, November 19th (7:30 – 10pm): We Love Woody – Vaughn Wiester’s Famous Jazz Orchestra with Jeff Hamilton at Clintonville Woman’s Club. Legendary drummer Hamilton (Photo By Art Pazornik) makes a long-awaited appearance with the FJO. The theme of the night is a tribute to the great Woody Herman, so get ready to swing! This concert will also celebrate recently deceased Cincinnati drummer John Von Ohlen. Because of the special guest, general admission this week is $20 for 2 sets and doors open at 6:30pm. Get there early to get a seat and witness a high-powered big band extravaganza!
Have a great week, and stay in touch!