Fri, May 09
"Power Hour" Show: $10 Showtime: 5:30-6:30 (Doors Open 5:00) Neta Raanan - Tenor Saxophone Max Johnson - Double Bass Eliza Salem - Drumset Described as “an intrepid composer, architect of sound and beast of the bass…” (Brad Cohan, NYC Jazz Record) composer, bassist, and improviser Max Johnson is one of the most prolific music makers in the jazz, bluegrass, improvised music, and contemporary classical worlds. Johnson has released nearly 20 albums and performed over three thousand concerts internationally with artists like Anthony Braxton, Geri Allen, Mary Halvorson, David Grisman, Tyshawn Sorey, Ingrid Laubrock, Henry Grimes, Candido Camero, Sam Bush, Nels Cline, and many more. He has composed commissions for the Jerome Foundation, Society of Composers Inc, University of Glasgow, has been featured on over seventy albums, and can be heard in Spike Lee’s Academy Award winning film, “The BlacKkKlansman”. For this concert, Max Johnson presents his incredible trio with Neta Raanan on tenor saxophone and Eliza Salem on drumset, celebrating the trio's 2024 album, "I'll see you again" on Adhyropa Records. This trio explores Johnson’s more traditional jazz compositions inspired by innovators Charles Mingus, Mal Waldron, and Thelonious Monk, while always featuring Johnson's unique energetic and chaotic soundworld. "Multi-faceted bassist Max Johnson helms a terrific trio... Here and elsewhere, evidence of Johnson's composer's ear surfaces in how cannily he extracts maximum impact from the three voices." - John Sharpe, The New York City Jazz Record
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Sat, May 10
Show: $30 Showtimes: 7:15 - 8:45 (Doors Open 6:45) 9:30 - 11:00 (Doors Open 9:00) Lifelong buddies RJ Spangler & Tbone Paxton started working together in 1980 with a very popular band around Detroit called the Sun Messengers. They toured the East Coast, Midwest, and Deep South for a number of years. Back then Tbone was awarded a Motor City Music Award for best trombonist. Since that time, he has also become quite an engaging vocalist. In fact, he has been nominated a number of years in a row now as best jazz vocalist at the Detroit Music Awards. The two are cornerstone members of the 10 pc Planet D Nonet, and as such, have toured to 11 states, released as many CDs, and garnered 9 Detroit Music Awards. Now they offer this stripped-down project – just five musicians, with a debut CD out nationally in 2020 and a 2nd CD "Joys" which was also released nationally, came out in 2023 to great acclaim.
Tue, May 13
Show: $10 Showtimes: 6:00 - 7:30 (Doors Open 5:30) 8:15 - 9:45 (Doors Open 7:45) A native of Cambridge, OH, George DeLancey is a student of such prestigious programs as the Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra and the Michigan State University Jazz Studies Program, where he studied under Rodney Whitaker. He toured nationally and internationally with the Larry Fuller Trio from 2017 to 2019, and has performed as a sideman with bandleaders including Wessell Anderson, Peter Bernstein, Bobby Broom, Tia Fuller, Philip and Winard Harper, Christian Howes, Willie Jones III, Wynton Marsalis, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Tomoko Omura, Johnny O'Neal, Houston Person, Ben Paterson, Jeremy Pelt, Bria Skonberg, as well as many others in New York and throughout the United States.
Wed, May 14
Show: $10 Showtimes: 6:00 - 7:30 (Doors Open 5:30) 8:15 - 9:45 (Doors Open 7:45) Andy Woodson is one of the most in-demand bassists in the central Ohio area, and has been a vital part of the Columbus music scene since 1985. He was Jazz Bass professor at Ohio State University 2004-2018, and is a member of the band FLIPPO.
Thu, May 15
Show: $10 Showtimes: 6:00 - 7:30 (Doors Open 5:30) 8:15 - 9:45 (Doors Open 7:45) The Zakk Jones Trio showcases a dynamic repertoire of original compositions and reimagined classics, pulling from myriad influences across genres and eras. In a single set, you might hear interpretations of Thelonious Monk, Earth, Wind & Fire, Norah Jones, Herbie Hancock, and Hank Williams—all spun through the lens of an improvisatory guitar trio. Zakk Jones is an Ohio based guitarist, bandleader, composer and educator. Currently, he is the Coordinator of Guitar Studies at Truman State University, and a faculty mentor for Sonora Guitar Intensive. He is a member of Doc Robinson, the Tony Monaco Trio, and Third Shore Collective. Zakk has also played with The Columbus Jazz Orchestra, Maria Schneider, Lou Marini Jr, Ryan Keberle, John Fedchock, Jaleel Shaw, Dwight Adams, Jon Irabagon, and Bobby Floyd. He has multiple records under his own name, and can be heard as a sideman on over a dozen acclaimed projects. Zakk has been a featured artist at the Rocky Mountain Archtop Guitar Festival, Columbus Jazz & Ribs Festival, the Denison Jazz Guitar Festival, and the Rochester International Jazz Festival, among others. As a composer, he has won multiple grants and participated in residency programs in Florida and New Hampshire. Most recently, he is a 2024 recipient of the Individual Excellence Award from the Ohio Arts Council for his outstanding accomplishments in music composition. As an educator Zakk was previously the Head of Jazz Studies in the Conservatory of Music at his alma mater, Capital University. In this role, he led one of the nation’s oldest collegiate jazz programs. Other prior faculty appointments include Mt. Vernon Nazarene University and Bowling Green State University. Outside of his busy gigging and teaching schedule, Zakk is an avid composer/arranger, writes educational articles for JazzGuitarToday.com and hosts the podcast "Beyond The Frets". Zakk proudly endorses Eastman Guitars and Kopp String Instruments.
Fri, May 16
"Power Hour" Show: $10 Showtime: 5:30-6:30 (Doors Open 5:00) After graduating in 1995 from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music with a Bachelors in Jazz Performance, Bryan cut his teeth in the industry as a soloist and guest artist with performers around the world on the Princess and Royal Caribbean Cruise lines. He then relocated to London, England for three years playing original music at many of the popular jazz clubs in London, including The 606 Jazz Club, the Jazz Café and the Bulls Head Barnes. He has shared the stage with some of the most famous names in jazz such as Joe Henderson, Kenny Garrett, Wes “Warmdaddy” Anderson, Conrad Herwig, Jack McDuff, Slide Hampton and George Benson. He has also been a featured soloist for the Temptations, The Columbus Jazz Orchestra, Steve Winwood, Vaughn Weister’s Famous Jazz Orchestra, Afro-Rican Jazz Ensemble, Kico Cowan and Expresion Cubana, The Four Tops and The Spinners.
Fri, May 16
Show: $30 Showtimes: 7:15 - 8:45 (Doors Open 6:45) 9:30 - 11:00 (Doors Open 9:00) Recognized in the vocal jazz performance and scholarship worlds, Ellie Martin is a highly respected vocalist, composer, educator, and Jazz studies scholar. She is currently the vocal jazz instructor at the University of Toledo, as well as Toledo School for the Arts. She performs a wide variety of repertoire from Brazilian music, American Songbook, Bebop, as well as her original compositions.
Fri, May 23
"Power Hour" Show: $10 Showtime: 5:30 - 6:30 (Doors Open 5:00) Acclaimed vocalist Lisa Ferraro has a reputation as both a teller of stories and an interpreter of song, which she proves in crystal clear fashion every time she takes the stage. Lisa’s flawless intonation and marvelous phrasing are matched with a distinctive voice that is exciting, soulful, full-bodied and warm. Her subtle variations on the melodies transform songs without ever undermining the composers’ intentions; and in the classic tradition of jazz story-tellers, she shapes the lyrics in a way that gives them a meaning even deeper than the words themselves. Her latest Jazz recording, Serenading The Moon, charted on the Billboard Jazz charts and is a collaboration with some of the finest players on the jazz scene today: legendary saxophonist, Houston Person, Lewis Nash on drums and Ray Drummond on bass. A native of Pittsburgh, PA Lisa grew up in the rich Jazz tradition of that recognizable style! She records and works with many of the rich the homegrown greats such as Roger Humphries, Mike Tomaro, Marty Ashby, and MCG Jazz, Max Leake and Dwayne Dolphin to name a few.
Fri, May 23
Show: $30 Showtimes: 7:15 - 8:45 (Doors Open 6:45) 9:30 - 11:00 (Doors Open 9:00) Tony Hagood, an accomplished pianist and composer hailing from Westerville, Ohio, earned his bachelor's degree in music performance from Capital University in 2010. With an international presence, Tony has captivated audiences in countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and various Caribbean nations. In the United States, Tony's musical versatility shines as he performs in diverse settings, from intimate restaurants to grand stadiums. Juggling an impressive array of roles, he leads his own quartet, trio, duo, and performs solo around six times a week. Additionally, he manages his concert series at the Columbus Museum of Art and the McConnell Arts Center. Tony serves as a staff pianist, lecturer, and instructor of commercial, jazz, and classical piano at Otterbein University. He accompanies several High School Choirs, is a collaborative pianist at Hilliard United Methodist Church, heads his music lessons company, Noteworthy Music, and his booking company, A Note Above the Rest Entertainment. You can hear Tony and his trio the 4th Friday of each month at Ginger Rabbit. Tony's rich performance history includes collaborations with Grammy award winners like Tamika Lawrence, playing for the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and Ne-Yo at a sold-out picnic with the pops concert, playing with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra and Byron Stripling’s quintet, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and performing with various renowned artists across genres including Broadway and American Idol finalists. Whether accompanying orchestras, playing with jazz ensembles, or working with cover bands spanning classic rock, country, R&B, and more, Tony Hagood's musical prowess leaves an indelible mark on every stage he graces.
Sat, May 24
Show: $30 Showtimes: 7:15 - 8:45 (Doors Open 6:45) 9:30 - 11:00 (Doors Open 9:00) Linda is a Chicken Coup/Summit Records recording artist having released recordings nationally in the jazz organ genre, “Blue Bop” (2006), “For Hep Cats” (2008), A Late One” (2015) and “Waves of Change” (2024) in the progressive rock genre. Chicken Coup Records is owned by international B3 organist Tony Monaco. She is a Hammond Organ USA artist, endorsing the digital Hammond XK3-C console organ, also plays drums and has played extensively in the local hard rock and jazz circles currently with the popular central Ohio band RoxyJanes. Active as a music educator, Linda has released two jazz organ instructional DVDs through Tony Monaco’s keyboard education division and taught at Ohio Wesleyan University and Kenyon College. Mark Donavan - saxophone Ben Huntoon - trumpet Don Hales - guitar Patrick Ankrom - percussion (Charles Earland band alumnus) Cary Dachtyl - drums
Wed, May 28
Show: $30 Showtimes: 6:00 - 7:15 (Doors Open 5:30) 8:15 - 9:30 (Doors Open 7:45) Stephane Wrembel stands as one of the world's foremost guitarists, specializing in the distinctive style of the legendary composer/guitarist Django Reinhardt. Hailing from Fontainebleau, France, Wrembel honed his craft traversing the French countryside before graduating Cum Laude from Berklee College of Music in Boston. With a career that spans the globe, he has released an impressive 17 albums under his own name and the pseudonym, The Django Experiment. May 2023 saw the release of Django New Orleans, a captivating album recorded with his NYC-based specialty group of the same name. Garnering acclaim for both the album and his live performances, Wrembel continues to leave an indelible mark on the music scene. Wrembel's original compositions, including "Bistro Fada" featured in Midnight in Paris, "Big Brother" from Vicky Cristina Barcelona, and the original score of Rifkin’s Festival, have earned him world-wide recognition. Midnight in Paris even secured the Grammy Award® for "Best Compilation Soundtrack." His talents were showcased at the 2012 Academy Awards® when renowned composer/producer Hans Zimmer handpicked him for his "All Star Band," featuring luminaries such as Esperanza Spalding, Pharrell, and Shelia E. Collaborations with acclaimed musicians, such as mandolinist/composer David Grisman, reflect the breadth of his influence. Having shared the stage with the likes of Elvis Costello, Patti Smith, The Roots, Medeski Martin & Wood, Me’shell Ndegeocello, John Scofield, Larry Keel, Stochelo Rosenberg, Sam Bush, and more, his versatility shines. In 2019, Wrembel unveiled Django L’Impressionniste, a lauded collection featuring 17 of Reinhardt’s early preludes for solo guitar, solidifying his unique position as the only guitarist globally to perform these 17 preludes in their entirety. Wrembel is also a musical director and educator. Since 2003, Wrembel has curated the Django a Gogo Music Festival and Guitar Camp, a week-long celebration of the Sinti guitar style that brings together musicians from around the world in prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and The Town Hall and includes a series of master guitar classes. Wrembel is currently gearing up for the release of 3 CDs--Triptych: Phase 1, 2 and 3—that he recorded with his band and special guest pianist, Jean-Milchel Pilc--in April of 2024 featuring new compositions by both he and Pilc. Stephane Wrembel’s world-class band includes Josh Kaye on guitar, Ari Folman-Cohen on bass, and Nick Anderson on drums.
Fri, May 30
“Power Hour” Show: $10 Showtime: 5:30-6:30 (Doors Open 5:00) New York based guitarist Andrew Hartman is “blazing his own trail” writes Chris Spector of the Midwest Record. A bandleader, composer, and member of numerous groups, Hartman has performed and/or recorded with Chris Cheek, Catherine Russell, Ike Sturm, Mark Ferber and Miki Yamanaka, among many others. His original music is featured on two albums to date, Andrew Hartman and Still Motion and Compass.
Fri, May 30
Show: $30 Showtimes: 7:15 - 8:45 (Doors Open 6:45) 9:30 - 11:00 (Doors Open 9:00) Born in Columbus, Ohio, Robert Dove is “As a soloist, he’s in a word, formidable.” Robert Bush proclaims, a freelance jazz writer of the San Diego Reader, NBC San Diego, and All About Jazz. Dove earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Studies from UNC-Greensboro’s Miles Davis Jazz Studies Program. Upon finishing his degree, Robert moved to San Diego in 2013, where he began his professional career. He also is on staff witht the Jazz Arts Group as an Artist Teacher, and the Artist Director for the Jazz Academy on Tour; A group that teaches the fundamentals and preservation of Jazz Music, history, and traditions in the community and schools. Dove has had the opportunity to perform at a multitude of venues and events spanning the United States, Canada, and Europe. He has performed and recorded alongside John Ellis, Marcus Roberts, Lee Konitz, Wessel “Warmdaddy” Anderson, Jason Marsalis, Donny McCaslin, Peter Bernstein, , Frank Stallone, Jim Rupp, Bobby Floyd, Gene Walker, and other prominent musicians. He is well versed in the traditions of jazz, and uses this facility to arrange, compose, perform, and educate with multiple groups throughout Southern California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Robert currently leads his own group, the Robert Dove Quintet, featuring his debut album “Paradigm Shift” featuring Gilbert Castellanos and Marshall Hawkins, which highlights the influences of jazz royalty, but with a more modern approach. In addition to this, Dove performs nationally as a sideman Gaslamp Quarter Jazz Orchestra as well as performs as a sideman with many other groups including The Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra, Ray Massa’s EuroRhythms, the George Delancey Sextet, and many more.
Sat, May 31
Show: $30 Showtimes: 7:15 - 8:45 (Doors Open 6:45) 9:30 - 11:00 (Doors Open 9:00) Colin Palmieri - saxophone, Myles Ellington Twitty - trumpet, Chris Caporale - piano, Jack Early - bass, Drew Hoschar - drums Colin Palmieri is a 23-year-old saxophonist originally from the Akron-Cleveland, OH area, now based in Cincinnati, OH upon graduating from the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) this past December. Palmieri is a Swiss Army knife in the music field as he performs on multiple instruments, band-leads, composes, arranges, and educates to round out his very young career. With a very special night sharing his original music alongside classic jazz standards, this is his first occasion band-leading in the Columbus area! While being familiar with the city through his work with local indie rock band “A-Go-Go” on both piano and saxophone, he has yet to head up a band of his own of any style in the great capitol of O-H-I-O. The Colin Palmieri Quintet is very excited to bring to you some of the finest musicians from Cincinnati, and a swingin’ night of tasteful both original and classic music.
Tue, Jun 03
Show: $10 Showtimes: 6:00 - 7:30 (Doors Open 5:30) 8:15 - 9:45 (Doors Open 7:45) Born and raised in Minot, North Dakota, Jasmine is the daughter of two music educators. She moved to the Columbus area in 2017 to complete her degree in music education at Ohio Wesleyan University. Jasmine teaches middle school for Columbus City Schools and is a teaching artist for the Jazz Arts Group. Influenced by jazz, blues, soul, funk, and R&B, Jasmine brings a diverse body of repertoire to the table. Catch her at Ginger Rabbit on the first Tuesday of every month (and a stray weekend here and there) for an exciting variety of music featuring some of the best musicians Columbus has to offer!
Thu, Jun 05
Show: $15 Showtimes: 6:00 - 7:30 (Doors Open 5:30) 8:15 - 9:45 (Doors Open 7:45) Columbus’s own, Mary McClendon, who doesn’t remember a time when she didn’t sing or want to. She was a featured vocalist with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra (JAG) for 20+ years, performing with the Columbus Symphony, Ballet Met, and producing and acting in acclaimed one-woman Shows that tell the stories of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nancy Wilson. She has shared the stage with many national and international Artists and is a voice over talent for commercials, jingles, and corporate/industrial videos. She can be found locally and in the Tri-State area, leading her own Trio of multi-faceted and multi-talented musicians….Vernon Hairston, Chris Brown, Bobby Floyd, Kevin Turner, Jimmi Love, Bradley Mellen, Jon Eshelman, Tom Carroll, and George DeLancey…to name a few.
Fri, Jun 06
"Power Hour" Show: $10 Showtime: 5:30-6:30 (Doors Open 5:00) Erik Augis is a native of Columbus, Ohio. After obtaining his degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music he returned to Columbus and began work as a freelance musician. Erik has been performing in Columbus for several years and works with many of the area’s well-known musicians and bands including Andy Woodson, Kim Pensyl, Dan Faehnle, Louis Tsamous, Pete Mills, the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, Jazz 4 Kids, Vocal Impact, and others.
Fri, Jun 06
Show: $30 Showtimes: 7:15 - 8:45 (Doors Open 6:45) 9:30 - 11:00 (Doors Open 9:00) A native of Toronto Canada, saxophonist and composer Pete Mills’ discography includes 4 solo titles, with his most recent, 2014’s Sweet Shadow. As a sideman he appears on over a dozen CDs including those by The Columbus Jazz Orchestra, saxophonist Chad Eby, the eclectic ensemble Madrugada, guitarist Stan Smith, The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra and The Paul Ferguson Jazz Orchestra. In addition to his performing, Mills teaches saxophone, improvisation and directs the jazz ensemble at Denison University in Granville, Ohio.
Sat, Jun 07
“Power Hour” Show: $10 Showtime: 5:30-6:30 (Doors Open 5:00) Robert Mason is a pianist, teacher, and organist from Columbus, Ohio. His personal group, the Robert Mason Trio released their debut album, “State of Soul” in 2019, featuring a blend of jazz and soulful sounds. The group has recently released their second album “State of Groove”, which is now available on all streaming platforms. Robert has performed at venues and events such as: Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival, Columbus Jazz and Ribs Festival, the Lincoln Theatre (Columbus, OH), Ginger Rabbit, The Blu Note Jazz Cafe, Blu Jazz+ (Akron, OH), The Refectory (Columbus), Natalies Music Hall & Kitchen
Sat, Jun 07
Show: $30 Showtimes: 7:15 - 8:45 (Doors Open 6:45) 9:30 - 11:00 (Doors Open 9:00) Darren Frate Group's music has been described as world music, jazz and jazz fusion woven together by bass driven grooves and improvisation. The leader, bassist Darren Frate is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music and a two time winner of the Ohio Arts Councils "Individual Excellence Award" in composition. The group recently released their latest album "Resonance" on all streaming platforms.