Natalie’s Coal Fired Pizza & Live Music, a perennial Columbus favorite for excellent live music, food and drink, is celebrating six years in business with an excellent lineup of concerts this week. Titled “Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves,” the performances planned highlight outstanding area female musicians across multiple genres and styles: Sirens, Debra James Tucker, Laura Camara, Paisha, Maggie Green, Elaine Mylius, and Amber Knicole. The schedule starts Tuesday, July 31st, and runs through Sunday, August 5th, concluding with a Soul Sunday tripleheader! Keep reading for details from Natalie’s on the jazz artists scheduled to perform along with ticket links – the full schedule is here. Congrats to Natalie, Charlie and the Natalie’s team – here’s wishing you many more!
Wednesday, August 1st (9 -11pm): Debra James Tucker: The Music of Aretha Franklin
The talented vocalist Debra James Tucker presents an encore tribute to the music of Aretha Franklin. The band members will include Tia Harris and Vicki Saunders (back-up vocals), David Swank (keyboards), Reggie Jackson (drums), and Roger Hines (bass). The unique sound of vocalist Debra James Tucker is a product of extensive training in jazz, classical and gospel music. She is the writer/performer of the one woman show Survival of the Boulevard Singer — winner of an Ohio Arts Council Award for Individual Excellence, has been visiting instructor at Denison University in the history of African American Gospel Music, and an artist in residence with a number of youth arts organizations.
Tickets and more info here.
Thursday, August 2nd (9 – 11pm): Laura Camara with the Bobby Floyd Trio
When asked at her first audition “How does singing make you feel?” the young girl only age 9 replied “Alive!” Such is the perfect word to describe the music of Jazz vocalist and composer Laura Camara. A songstress of incredible emotional depth, Laura continues to dazzle audiences with her incredible vocal range, rich colorful timbres, and deeply personal original compositions. Her unique performances and heartfelt lyricism open a doorway into her heart for all to enter elevating her as one of the most genuine emerging artists in Jazz today. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Laura currently resides in the New York City area. Between international engagements, Laura can be seen performing in the Midwest, New England, and New York City areas. Bobby Floyd’s talent has launched him into a very rewarding career, making him one of the favorite, first-call pianists/organists for many well-known artists. Performing with the Bobby Floyd Trio are Derek DiCenzo on guitar and bass, and Reggie Jackson on drums.
Tickets and more info here.
Saturday, August 4th (10pm – midnight): Maggie Green
Vocalist Maggie Green presents a program of Brazilian music. With her soft yet rhythmic interpretations of bossa nova and samba, sung in masterful Portuguese, Maggie honed her jazz skills and began to delve into Brazilian music while at the Berklee College of Music. As an educator, Maggie has served on the jazz faculty at Capital University and Otterbein University and has presented vocal workshops at various schools and universities throughout the United States, including the Antonio Adolfo School of Music in Hollywood, Florida. Currently, Maggie is focused on being a mom to her six year old daughter, and continues to teach out of her private music studio. She is a vocal and keyboard instructor at the Columbus Children’s Theater, and enjoys working with young singers.
Tickets and more info here.
Sunday, August 5th (11am – 1pm): Soul Sunday: Elaine Mylius with the Derek DiCenzo TRio
Soul Sunday continues at Natalie’s with trombonist Elaine Mylius and the Derek DiCenzo TRio. Elaine studied at the Ohio State University and has been performing for 17 years. Her performance experience includes playing trombone with numerous ensembles including the OSU Jazz Ensemble and Vaughn Wiester’s Famous Jazz Orchestra. DiCenzo has been a mainstay on the Columbus music scene for 25 years. A gifted jazz guitarist, DiCenzo can be heard playing piano, bass, steel drum, organ and the accordian as well. Derek has appeared with Monty Alexander, Diane Schuur, RJD2, and the Columbus Jazz Orchestra. He can be heard on recordings by Jim Hall, Charlie Byrd, Monty Alexander, Tony Monaco and Bobby Floyd. Performing with Derek will be accomplished drummer Aaron Scott and multi-talented Dave DeWitt on bass.
No Cover – More info here.
Sunday, August 5th (2:30 – 4:30pm): Gospel Soul Brunch: Debra James Tucker and Paisha – “Tribute to Mahalia Jackson & Sister Rosetta Tharpe”
The Gospel Soul Brunch Series continues with a special program featuring host Debra James Tucker along with special guest Paisha Thomas. They will be paying tribute to the music of Mahalia Jackson and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. The unique sound of vocalist Debra James Tucker is a product of extensive training in jazz, classical and gospel music. She is the writer/performer of the one woman show Survival of the Boulevard Singer — winner of an Ohio Arts Council Award for Individual Excellence, has been visiting instructor at Denison University in the history of African American Gospel Music, and an artist in residence with a number of youth arts organizations. Paisha is a locally based entertainer who engages others throughart mostly by her singing and songwriting. She creates music about love, politics, self-discovery, and the condition of the world. Her first (eponymous) album was released last year, and she performs at a variety of local venues with her band and sometimes as a solo artist. One of her most proud performances was in the Backstage at the Lincoln Theater Concert Series.
Tickets and more info here.