There is news this week from Anna Paolucci (Anna & The Consequences) about ways you can continue the work started by her dearly departed father, Akron jazz education legend Roland Paolucci: “Help keep my father Roland’s wonderful musical legacy going strong by supporting the Roland Paolucci Memorial Jazz Commission Project. Your tax-deductible gift will be matched by the Knight Foundation, but only if made by December 31, 2017 — so act now to double your impact! Here are three easy ways to give: Donate online here; text ROLAND to 41444; or send a check payable to The University of Akron Foundation to Dept. Of Development, University of Akron, Akron OH 44325-2603. Please specify that your gift is designated for the Roland Paolucci Memorial Jazz Commission Project. Seize this timely opportunity to honor his memory and ensure a bright future for Akron U’s JazzFest. THANK YOU!”
Shows To See This Week
Sunday, November 5th (11am – 1pm): “Soul Sunday” – Derek DiCenzo TRio at Natalie’s. Worthington’s destination for great live music, delicious coal-fired pizza, and excellent drinks recently announced changes for their Sunday hours and schedule with the exciting implementation of Soul Sundays. Weekly brunch has been discontinued, but the TRio Jazz unit’s (DiCenzo, Dave DeWitt, and Aaron Scott) regular free monthly brunch performance will continue, a week later and an hour earlier, on Soul Sunday, held on the first Sunday of each month. The finest in high-powered Columbus trio jazz will be an excellent way to start your day, and to kickstart a day of three shows at the venue. The Gospel Soul Brunch series, hosted by Debra James Tucker, will continue at 2:30pm, and each Soul Sunday will conclude with a soul music concert at 8pm. Stay tuned for jazzy installments of these series as well, and get ready for a Soul Sunday!
Thursday, November 9th (7 – 10pm): Thursday Night Music Series – Soul Derivative at The Valley Dale Ballroom. Marking its 100th anniversary in 2018, this legendary ballroom was recently renovated and has started hosting shows again. While current programming runs the gamut of genres, there has been a new jazzy addition to their calendar. The Valley Dale’s new Thursday Night Music Series will get underway with the soulful sounds of R&B/jazz favorite Soul Derivative. Together since 2009, the band features the talents of vocalist Janeen Holmes and guitarist Duane Tribune (Urban Jazz Coalition), as well as Stephen Calloway (bass), Marc Brown (keyboard), and Thomas “TJ” Glover (drums). Expect “an energizing evening of soul, R&B and jazz covers.” Tickets are only $5 and can be purchased here and at the door, which opens at 6pm. Here’s hoping for more jazz programming in this lovely, historic space.
Thursday, November 9th (10pm – 2am): Alex Burgoyne Quartet – “I Love Coltrane” at Dick’s Den. Cover is a mere $5 for an all-star quartet delving into the music of one of the all-time greats. Saxophonist Burgoyne was kind enough to provide details on the show:
I’ve spent a lot of time recently listening to my cool jazz heroes. Lee Konitz and Warne Marsh and Gerry Mulligan and Paul Desmond. There’s a huge part of my heart which belongs to them. But my first true musical love was John Coltrane. This date is two things: a chance to play with three of my favorite musicians (Derek DiCenzo, Maxwell Button, and Danny Bauer!) as well as a self-inflicted opportunity to re-familiarize myself with the music of my first hero. We’ll play my favorite Coltrane tunes as well as a handful of standards which I associate with his sound. Looking forward to it!
Have a great week! Here’s a video taste of Soul Derivative in action: