CU Jazz Blog

Kirby Pringle departs News-Gazette

noreply@blogger.com (JH) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:44:00 +0000

Kirby Pringle, who has been writing articles for the News-Gazette for over 20 years, has left the paper.

Kirby has always been a good friend to the arts community, writing feature articles for the paper on a wide variety of subjects. On a number of occasions he's taken time to write about upcoming jazz CD releases from local artists, the jazz scene in general, interviews with national artists coming in to play at Krannert, etc.

Anyway, it's a shame to see him go.

Support his post-gazette endeavors by going here and buying stuff.

Jazz in C-U, week of 6/29/2008

noreply@blogger.com (JH) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 07:01:00 +0000

Relatively light week for jazz. Have a safe holiday.

---

Monday, 6/30/2008
JAM SESSION with the MRS TRIO
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Wednesday, 7/2/2008
DON HEITLER
at THE GREAT IMPASTA (114 W. Church St., Champaign)
6-9pm, no cover

Wednesday, 7/2/2008
JEFF HELGESEN/SIMON ROWE QUARTET
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Thursday, 7/3/2008
KEVIN TURNER TRIO
at THE GREAT IMPASTA (114 W. Church St., Champaign)
6-9pm, no cover

Borders CD selection is reduced

noreply@blogger.com (JH) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:04:00 +0000

I happened to be in the local (Champaign) Borders a week or so ago and was really shocked by the change in the layout of the CD section and the reduction in the inventory of music available.

Apparently, the CD market has really been bad the last few years, and they are reducing inventory to make room for stuff they actually sell.

Where this really hurts is local music ... unless you're doing short-run CD-R pressings, manufacturing costs make CD releases prohibitive below runs of 500-1000. That is, most manufacturers basically charge you $X for anything under 1000 copies.

So, if you're going to release a CD, you have to tie up so much money into the manufacture that it makes it that much more difficult to unload enough units to make up the cost of doing the session, paying licensing (if required), and manufacturing the CDs.

This, in turn, is complicated when you have a limited distribution model. Thus, when Borders eliminates its local music section, it's one less place to sell your CDs.

Helps to have a label, obviously.

Anyway, the folks at Borders were very nice, and were sorry they couldn't sell my last CD. Which was a nice thought.

Jazz in C-U, week of 6/22/2008

noreply@blogger.com (JH) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 07:01:00 +0000

Support the arts!

---

Sunday, 6/22/2008
BONEYARD JAZZ QUINTET
at TASTE OF CHAMPAIGN (West Side Park, Champaign)
11-12:30pm, free admission

Monday, 6/23/2008
JAM SESSION with the MRS TRIO
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Wednesday, 6/25/2008
DON HEITLER
at THE GREAT IMPASTA (114 W. Church St., Champaign)
6-9pm, no cover

Wednesday, 6/25/2008
TIM DEAL SEXTET
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Thursday, 6/26/2008
HOUCHIN/BRIGGS GROUP
at EMBASSY TAVERN (114 S Race St., Urbana)
5:30-7:30pm, free admission (donations encouraged)

Thursday, 6/26/2008
SHANE PITSCH JAZZ COMBO
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Thursday, 6/26/2008
KEVIN TURNER TRIO
at THE GREAT IMPASTA (114 W. Church St., Champaign)
6-9pm, no cover

Friday, 6/27/2008
JEFF HELGESEN JAZZ QUINTET
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
5-7pm, cover charged

Jazz in C-U, week of 6/15/2008

noreply@blogger.com (JH) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 20:25:00 +0000

Better late than never. Get out and check stuff out!

---

Sunday, 6/15/2008
DARDEN PURCELL QUINTET
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7pm, cover charged

Monday, 6/16/2008
JAM SESSION with the MRS TRIO
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Wednesday, 6/18/2008
KEN SMITH JAZZ COMBO
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
5-7:30pm, cover charged

Wednesday, 6/18/2008
DON HEITLER
at THE GREAT IMPASTA (114 W. Church St., Champaign)
6-9pm, no cover

Thursday, 6/19/2008
KEVIN TURNER TRIO
at THE GREAT IMPASTA (114 W. Church St., Champaign)
6-9pm, no cover

Friday, 6/20/2008
BONEYARD JAZZ QUINTET
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
5-7pm, free admission

Friday, 6/20/2008
JAZZ SANDWICH
at ALTO VINYARDS WINERY (North Duncan Rd., Champaign)
7:30-10:30pm, cover charged

Saturday, 6/21/2008
MATT WARNOCK TRIO
at EMBASSY TAVERN (114 S Race St., Urbana)
5:30-7:30pm, free admission (donation encouraged)

Saturday, 6/21/2008
JIM MARKUM SWING BAND
at TASTE OF CHAMPAIGN (West Side Park, Champaign)
11-12:30pm, free admission

Jazz in C-U - Week of 6/8/2008

noreply@blogger.com (JH) — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 06:59:00 +0000

Go check out some live music.

---

Monday, 6/9/2008
JAM SESSION with the MRS TRIO
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Wednesday, 6/11/2008
JS (Jazz Sextet) w/RAY SASAKI and HOWIE SMITH
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
5:30-8:30pm, cover charged

Wednesday, 6/11/2008
DON HEITLER
at THE GREAT IMPASTA (114 W. Church St., Champaign)
6-9pm, no cover

Thursday, 6/12/2008
KEVIN TURNER TRIO
at THE GREAT IMPASTA (114 W. Church St., Champaign)
6-9pm, no cover

Friday, 6/13/2008
DESAFINADO
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
5-7pm, free admission

Friday, 6/13/2008
BONEYARD JAZZ QUINTET
at EMBASSY TAVERN (114 S Race St., Urbana)
5:30-7:30pm, free admission (donations encouraged)

Jazz in C-U, week of 6/1/2008

noreply@blogger.com (JH) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 06:59:00 +0000

Check it out.

---

Monday, 6/2/2008
JAM SESSION with the MRS TRIO
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Wednesday, 6/4/2008
DON HEITLER
at THE GREAT IMPASTA (114 W. Church St., Champaign)
6-9pm, no cover

Thursday, 6/5/2008
KEVIN TURNER TRIO
at THE GREAT IMPASTA (114 W. Church St., Champaign)
6-9pm, no cover

Thursday, 6/5/2008
MATT WARNOCK JAZZ COMBO
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Saturday, 6/7/2008
TIM DEAL and FRIENDS
at EMBASSY TAVERN (114 S Race St., Urbana)
5:30-7:30pm, free admission (donations encouraged)

Saturday, 6/7/2008
BONEYARD JAZZ QUINTET w/guest RAY SASAKI
at ALTO VINYARDS WINERY (North Duncan Rd., Champaign)
7:30-10:30pm, cover charged

Jazz in C-U - Week of 5/25/2008

noreply@blogger.com (JH) — Mon, 26 May 2008 22:08:00 +0000

Nice weather -- no excuse not to get out and check out some live jazz this week!

---

Monday, 5/26/2008
JAM SESSION with the MRS TRIO
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Wednesday, 5/28/2008
DON HEITLER
at THE GREAT IMPASTA (114 W. Church St., Champaign)
6-9pm, no cover

Thursday, 5/29/2008
HOUCHIN/BRIGGS GROUP
at EMBASSY TAVERN (114 S Race St., Urbana)
5:30-7:30pm, free admission (donations encouraged)

Thursday, 5/29/2008
KEVIN TURNER TRIO
at THE GREAT IMPASTA (114 W. Church St., Champaign)
6-9pm, no cover

Thursday, 5/29/2008
CHRIS REYMAN JAZZ COMBO
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Friday, 5/30/2008
BONEYARD JAZZ QUINTET
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
5-7pm, free admission

Friday, 5/30/2008
CU JAZZ CRUSADERS
at EMBASSY TAVERN (114 S Race St., Urbana)
5:30-7:30pm, free admission (donation encouraged)

Saturday, 5/31/2008
MATT WARNOCK TRIO
at EMBASSY TAVERN (114 S Race St., Urbana)
5:30-7:30pm, free admission (donation encouraged)

Jazz in C-U, week of 5/18/2008

noreply@blogger.com (JH) — Sun, 18 May 2008 07:01:00 +0000

If we had jazz somewhere on Tuesdays, we'd have ... jazz somewhere on Tuesday. Still, alot going on this week. Make sure to pop out and see Tom Birkner's Belleville West Jazz Ensemble on Monday.

---

Sunday, 5/18/2008
BONEYARD JAZZ QUINTET
at URBANA FREE LIBRARY (Race St., Urbana)
2-3:30am, free admission

Sunday, 5/18/2008
HOLLY HOLMES JAZZ COMBO
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Monday, 5/19/2008
BELLEVILLE WEST JAZZ ENSEMBLE led by TOM BIRKNER
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
5-7pm, cover charged

Monday, 5/19/2008
JAM SESSION with the MRS TRIO
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
8-10pm, cover charged

Wednesday, 5/21/2008
DON HEITLER
at THE GREAT IMPASTA (114 W. Church St., Champaign)
6-9pm, no cover

Thursday, 5/22/2008
KEVIN TURNER TRIO
at THE GREAT IMPASTA (114 W. Church St., Champaign)
6-9pm, no cover

Thursday, 5/22/2008
JAZZ GUITAR NIGHT
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Thursday, 5/22/2008
JAZZ SANDWICH
at EMBASSY TAVERN (114 S Race St., Urbana)
8-11pm, free admission (donations encouraged)

Friday, 5/23/2008
JEFF HELGESEN QUINTET
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
5-7pm, free admission

Friday, 5/23/2008
NEW ORLEANS JAZZ MACHINE
at EMBASSY TAVERN (114 S Race St., Urbana)
5:30-7:30pm, free admission (donations encouraged)

Friday, 5/23/2008
CU JAZZ CRUSADERS
at ALTO VINYARDS WINERY (North Duncan Rd., Champaign)
7:30-10:30pm, cover charged

Saturday, 5/24/2008
JAKE HERTZOG JAZZ COMBO
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, free admission

UI Jazz Piano Faculty Chip Stephens in serious car accident

noreply@blogger.com (JH) — Tue, 13 May 2008 19:19:00 +0000

John "Chip" Stephens, Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Illinois and a piano virtuoso well known to audiences in the C-U area, was seriously injured in a two-vehicle collision on Friday afternoon.

Chip is recovering at Carle Clinic in Urbana and is in "good" condition at this time. His two sons, who were with him in his truck, were (I believe) released today from Carle. The driver of the other vehicle was treated and released (also from Carle).

The News-Gazette account of the story is here, for those interested.

Here's hoping for a speedy and full recovery.

Jazz in C-U, week of 5/11/2008

noreply@blogger.com (JH) — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:20:00 +0000

Plenty to see here! Make sure and get out and catch some live music. Tuesday, the Central H.S. Jazz Band plays their last local concert before traveling to NYC for the Essentially Ellington concert -- check 'em out!

Monday, 5/12/2008
JAM SESSION with the MRS TRIO
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Tuesday, 5/13/2008
CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ BAND
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Wednesday, 5/14/2008
DON HEITLER
at THE GREAT IMPASTA (114 W. Church St., Champaign)
6-9pm, no cover

Thursday, 5/15/2008
KEVIN TURNER TRIO
at THE GREAT IMPASTA (114 W. Church St., Champaign)
6-9pm, no cover

Friday, 5/16/2008
SHAWN and DARDEN PURCELL
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
5-7pm, free admission

Sunday, 5/18/2008
BONEYARD JAZZ QUINTET
at URBANA FREE LIBRARY (Race St., Urbana)
2-3:30am, free admission

Sunday, 5/18/2008
HOLLY HOLMES JAZZ COMBO
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Jazz in C-U, week of 4/27/2008

noreply@blogger.com (JH) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:16:00 +0000

Much great jazz out there to be heard -- get out and support live music, and the venues that offer it!

---

Monday, 4/28/2008
JAM SESSION with the MRS TRIO
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Tuesday, 4/29/2008
KEN SMITH TRIO
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
6-8pm, cover charged

Wednesday, 4/30/2008
PARKLAND JAZZ COMBO
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
5:30-7:30pm, cover charged

Wednesday, 4/30/2008
DON HEITLER
at THE GREAT IMPASTA (114 W. Church St., Champaign)
6-9pm, no cover<

Wednesday, 4/30/2008
GLENN WILSON and the JAZZ MANIACS w/special guest JIM PUGH
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
8-11pm, cover charged

Thursday, 5/1/2008
KEVIN TURNER TRIO
at THE GREAT IMPASTA (114 W. Church St., Champaign)
6-9pm, no cover

Friday, 5/2/2008
FUNKY JONNY
at EMBASSY TAVERN (114 S Race St., Urbana)
5:30-7:30pm, free admission (donations encouraged)

Saturday, 5/3/2008
TIM DEAL and FRIENDS
at EMBASSY TAVERN (114 S Race St., Urbana)
5:30-7:30pm, free admission (donations encouraged)

Jazz in C-U, week of 4/20/2008

noreply@blogger.com (JH) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:17:00 +0000

Good fun this week. Some heavies playing with me and Chip on Wednesday night for his CD release party, come check it out!

---

Sunday, 4/20/2008
SHAWN and DARDEN PURCELL w/ JEFF HELGESEN
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Monday, 4/21/2008
JAM SESSION with the MRS TRIO
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Wednesday, 4/23/2008
DON HEITLER
at THE GREAT IMPASTA (114 W. Church St., Champaign)
6-9pm, no cover

Wednesday, 4/23/2008
CHIP McNEILL - CD Release Party
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Thursday, 4/24/2008
KEVIN TURNER TRIO
at THE GREAT IMPASTA (114 W. Church St., Champaign)
6-9pm, no cover

Thursday, 4/24/2008
CARLOS VEGA
at ZORBA'S (627 E. Green St., Champaign)
9:30pm-12:30am, cover charged

Thursday, 4/24/2008
CREATIVE ARTS JAZZ COMBO
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Jazz in C-U, week of 4/13/2008

noreply@blogger.com (JH) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:01:00 +0000

Hope to see you out!

---

Monday, 4/14/2008
JAM SESSION with the MRS TRIO
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Wednesday, 4/16/2008
DON HEITLER
at THE GREAT IMPASTA (114 W. Church St., Champaign)
6-9pm, no cover

Wednesday, 4/16/2008
IN YOUR EAR BIG BAND
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
6-8pm, cover charged

Thursday, 4/17/2008
UI JAZZ COMBO (McNeill)
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Thursday, 4/17/2008
GEORGE TURNER
at ZORBA'S (627 E. Green St., Champaign)
9:30pm-12:30am, cover charged

Friday, 4/18/2008
JEFF HELGESEN/DAVE DICKEY JAZZ QUINTET
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
5-7pm, free admission

Jazz in C-U, week of 4/6/2008

noreply@blogger.com (JH) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:28:00 +0000

Jump on that jazz bandwagon.

---

Sunday, 4/6/2008
KELLY CORBIN JAZZ COMBO
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Monday, 4/7/2008
JAM SESSION with the MRS TRIO
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Wednesday, 4/9/2008
DON HEITLER
at THE GREAT IMPASTA (114 W. Church St., Champaign)
6-9pm, no cover

Wednesday, 4/9/2008
JAZZ GUITAR NIGHT
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Thursday, 4/10/2008
KEVIN TURNER
at THE GREAT IMPASTA (114 W. Church St., Champaign)
6-9pm, no cover

Thursday, 4/10/2008
UI JAZZ COMBO (Gray)
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Thursday, 4/10/2008
MARK O'CONNOR QUINTET
at ZORBA'S (627 E. Green St., Champaign)
9:30pm-12:30am, cover charged

Friday, 4/11/2008
JEFF HELGESEN QUINTET
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-9pm, cover charged

Jazz Sandwich wins Best Jazz Award at 2008 LMAs

noreply@blogger.com (JH) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:48:00 +0000

The Buzz/WPGU's Local Music Awards were held last night, and for the first time, they actually included a separate category for jazz (in previous years, the jazz had been bundled up with blues bands, with predictable results). This year's winner? Jazz Sandwich, of which (in full disclosure) I am a member. Hooray.

Here are pics and video from the event.

Apparently, there's been some controversy surrounding the LMAs over the past few years. Lindsey Markel, over at Smile Politely, has a nice rundown, including quotes from some of the musicians.

In the past, my objections to the awards have strictly been about how utterly difficult it is for small-audience jazz groups to compete with any/all the blues groups for an award. So I was glad to see them split it out.

Now, the other issue is how arbitrary the nominee selection appears to be for the jazz groups. And maybe that's unreasonable. I suppose that if the object is to increase public exposure of a number of groups to a larger audience, you can make a case for rotating bands and individuals in and out. But I'm at a loss to suggest an explanation for selecting a community college big band as a nominee (the In Your Ear Big Band) when you've got a comparatively titanic jazz program at the University of Illinois.

I suppose I should just stop grousing and be happy that they're including jazz at all.

Congrats to all the "victors."

Central HS Jazz Ensemble and Essentially Ellington

noreply@blogger.com (JH) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:56:00 +0000

The Champaign Central Jazz Ensemble has been chosen as one of 15 schools nationally to participate in this year's Essentially Ellington festival, hosted by Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, to be held May 15-17 in New York City, in its 13th year.

Marissa Monson has a nice writeup on the event here.

Here's a podcast from the school including an interview with CCHS Band Director John Currey (the interview's at about 6:40 into the podcast).

The band will likely be trying to secure support funding for the trip and lodging, so consider making a donation to support their trip!

Cowboy Monkey Again Offering Live Music

noreply@blogger.com (JH) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:42:00 +0000

I have my doubts that this will end up being jazz-related, but insofar as it applies to live music in Champaign, I think it bears some notice here.

The Daily Illini is reporting that live music has returned to Cowboy Monkey.

Matt Selinger, general manager for Cowboy Monkey, dispelled any rumors of the stage being taken out.

"That's just a waste of a good business opportunity," Selinger said.

Selinger confirmed that live music is back for good at the venue, although it may not be as often as it used to be.

He said the venue is trying to book bands that are consistent with its new look and feel. They are also trying to get soundchecks for shows done early. Loud soundchecks had a tendency to drive people outside between sets, he said.

Even if they don't book jazz, venues for live music are always a good thing, and should be supported. Perhaps if enough people ask about live jazz, they'll throw a bone to a local band now and again.

Craig Russo releases new CD featuring C-U musicians

noreply@blogger.com (JH) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 19:21:00 +0000

Craig Russo's latest recording, In the Middle, features local jazz musicians Chip McNeill, Chip Stephens, Tito Carillo, Josh Walden, Jeff Magby, and yours truly, Jeff Helgesen.

Since I was involved, I can't really review the recording in good faith, but I think it's the best yet of Craig's CDs, in no small part because of the contributions of our esteemed U/Illinois jazz faculty. Nice originals and fresh arrangements of standards.

Currently available on line at cdbaby.com and probably locally at Pages for All Ages in Savoy in short order.

Check it out!

Jazz in C-U, week of 3/30/2008

noreply@blogger.com (JH) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 19:13:00 +0000

Fun with jazz!

---

Sunday, 3/30/2008
HOLLY HOLMES - Master's Recital
at SMITH MEMORIAL HALL (Memorial room, 2nd floor)
1:30pm, open to public

Sunday, 3/30/2008
GEORGE TURNER OCTET
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
9:30-11pm, free admission

Monday, 3/31/2008
JAM SESSION with the MRS TRIO
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Wednesday, 4/2/2008
DON HEITLER
at THE GREAT IMPASTA (114 W. Church St., Champaign)
6-9pm, no cover

Wednesday, 4/2/2008
GEORGE TURNER - Masters Recital
at SMITH MUSIC HALL (Matthews Ave., Urbana), Room #25
7:30-9pm, free admission

Thursday, 4/3/2008
UI JAZZ TROMBONE COMBO
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Thursday, 4/3/2008
DAMON SHORT
at ZORBA'S (627 E. Green St., Champaign)
9:30pm-12:30am, cover charged

Jazz in C-U, week of 3/9/2008

noreply@blogger.com (JH) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 18:02:00 +0000

Warm weather coming -- get out and check out some jazz...!

---

Sunday, 3/9/2008
IDENTITY CRISIS
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Monday, 3/10/2008
JAM SESSION with the MRS TRIO
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Wednesday, 3/12/2008
IN YOUR EAR BIG BAND
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
6-8pm, cover charged

Wednesday, 3/12/2008
DON HEITLER
at THE GREAT IMPASTA (114 W. Church St., Champaign)
6-9pm, no cover

Thursday, 3/13/2008
KEVIN TURNER TRIO
at THE GREAT IMPASTA (114 W. Church St., Champaign)
6-9pm, no cover

Thursday, 3/13/2008
UI JAZZ BAND #2
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Thursday, 3/13/2008
JAZZ SANDWICH
at ZORBA'S (627 E. Green St., Champaign)
9:30pm-12:30am, cover charged

Friday, 3/14/2008
BONEYARD JAZZ QUINTET
at EMBASSY TAVERN (114 S Race St., Urbana)
5:30-7:30pm, free admission (donation encouraged)

Friday, 3/14/2008
DESAFINADO
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
5-7pm, free admission

Jazz in C-U, week of 3/2/2008

noreply@blogger.com (JH) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 15:08:00 +0000

March is roaring in like a lion, but that's no excuse not to get out and support live jazz in C-U. Lots of good stuff this week.

---

Monday, 3/3/2008
JAM SESSION with the MRS TRIO
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Wednesday, 3/5/2008
DON HEITLER
at THE GREAT IMPASTA (114 W. Church St., Champaign)
6-9pm, no cover

Wednesday, 3/5/2008
HOLLY HOLMES QUARTET
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
8-10pm, cover charged

Thursday, 3/6/2008
KEVIN TURNER TRIO
at THE GREAT IMPASTA (114 W. Church St., Champaign)
6-9pm, no cover

Thursday, 3/6/2008
UI JAZZ GUITAR ENSEMBLE
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
8-10pm, cover charged

Thursday, 3/6/2008
EAR DOCTOR
at ZORBA'S (627 E. Green St., Champaign)
9:30pm-12:30am, cover charged

Friday, 3/7/2008
CU JAZZ CRUSADERS
at EMBASSY TAVERN (114 S Race St., Urbana)
5:30-7:30pm, free admission (donation encouraged)

Jazz in C-U, week of 2/24/2008

noreply@blogger.com (JH) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 16:32:00 +0000

You know the drill -- get out and check out some live jazz!

---

Monday, 2/25/2008
JAM SESSION with the MRS TRIO
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Tuesday, 2/26/2008
IRVIN MAYFIELD and the NEW ORLEANS JAZZ ORCHESTRA
at KRANNERT CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (Goodwin Ave., Urbana)
7:30pm, admission charged (Tryon Festival Theater)

Wednesday, 2/27/2008
DON HEITLER
at THE GREAT IMPASTA (114 W. Church St., Champaign)
6-9pm, no cover

Wednesday, 2/27/2008
WEAPONS OF MASS DISFUNKTION
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Thursday, 2/28/2008
KEVIN TURNER TRIO
at THE GREAT IMPASTA (114 W. Church St., Champaign)
6-9pm, no cover

Thursday, 2/28/2008
UI JAZZ COMBOS (Bridgewater/Wilson)
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
7-10pm, cover charged

Thursday, 2/28/2008
CU JAZZ CRUSADERS
at ZORBA'S (627 E. Green St., Champaign)
9:30pm-12:30am, cover charged

Friday, 2/29/2008
BONEYARD JAZZ QUINTET
at THE IRON POST (120 S Race St., Urbana)
5-7pm, free admission

Condition Blue Releases Live CD

noreply@blogger.com (JH) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:43:00 +0000

Recorded in 2001, this set finds Ray Sasaki (trumpet), Randy Salman (saxophone), Michael Stryker (piano), Toby Curtwright (bass), and Jeff Magby (drums) in fine form in front of a live audience at Zorba's Greek Restaurant in Champaign.

Though currently available only on line at cdbaby.com at this writing, it will almost certainly appear locally at Pages for All Ages in Savoy in short order.

RIP David Dreyer

noreply@blogger.com (JH) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 20:47:00 +0000

Dave Dreyer, local jazz vocalist, guitarist, and flutist, has reportedly passed away.

Dave had been a fixture on the local music scene for the last 30+ years (e.g., as long as I can remember). It seems to me I recall someone telling me that he had been the first performer at Nature's Table.

He had been the vocalist for the Pocket Big Band for several years, comprising all of the performances at the old Blind Pig (now Cowboy Monkey) and High Dive when the band was performing monthly.

Dave's myspace.com page has some samples of his music from his CD project:

http://www.myspace.com/davedreyer

RIP, Dave.

UPDATE: Here's a link to Dave's obituary in the News-Gazette...

http://tinyurl.com/248hn5

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. A visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.