Thu, Mar 27
Show: $40 Showtimes: 6:00 - 7:30 (Doors Open 5:30) 8:15 - 9:45 (Doors Open 7:45) Voted “#1 Rising Star Male Vocalist” (#8 Rising Star Trumpet) in 2024 DownBeat Magazine Annual Critics Poll. Benny Benack III is a fiery trumpet player and singer performing standards and his own astute compositions with a thrilling sense of showmanship. A graduate of The Manhattan School of Music, Benny won the 2011 Carmine Caruso Trumpet Competition and was a 2014 finalist in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition. Benack is a regular headliner at New York City’s most famed venues including Birdland, Mezzrow, The Django, Smalls Jazz Club, and Jazz at Lincoln Center. He’s performed widely as a frontman for Postmodern Jukebox and worked with countless jazz artists including Ulysses Owens Jr., Christian McBride, Aaron Johnson, Ann Hampton-Calloway and Joey DeFrancesco. Benny tours extensively in the United States and around the World playing celebrated clubs and festivals. He’s played on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" in the Late Show House Band and was the house-trumpet player for NBC's summer variety show, "Maya & Marty.” In 2020, Benny released A Lot of Livin’ to Do featuring bassist Christian McBride, drummer Ulysses Owens, Jr., and Takeshi Ohbayashi on piano. He released his third studio album, Third Time's the Charm, in 2023 to rave reviews. The album features stars such as Peter Bernstein, Emmet Cohen, Bria Skonberg, Chad Lefkowitz-Brown, and more. Benny is a sought-after educator, conducting masterclasses around the world, including the New York Youth Symphony and Jazz at Lincoln Center’s “Jazz for Young People” program. “A trumpeter, vocalist, writer and arranger with a swaggering soul and the chops to back up the panache.” — All About Jazz “The vocalizing trumpeter is overloaded with talent, charm, and star quality.” — Broadway World “Benny has an old soul, a quick mind and a big heart, and his music reflects both his love for the jazz tradition and his ear for the modern sound.” — JAZZIZ
Fri, Mar 28
“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, Mar 28
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.
Tue, Apr 01
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, Apr 03
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, Apr 04
"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.
Sat, Apr 05
“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, Apr 05
Show: $30 Showtimes: 7:15 - 8:45 (Doors Open 6:45) 9:30 - 11:00 (Doors Open 9:00) Nathan Paul and The Admirables embody energy in their music, drawing inspiration from legendary forces like James Brown, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Stevie Wonder. Their style fuses hip-hop attitude, James Brown’s dance grooves, John Coltrane’s soaring saxophones, and Miles Davis’ experimental sounds. Prepare for an exhilarating roller coaster of emotions, as they take you on a funk-induced trance, delivering a diverse mix of hip-hop grooves, jazz solos, and funk loops. Don’t miss this epic party!
Tue, Apr 08
Show: $10 Showtimes: 6:00 - 7:30 (Doors Open 5:30) 8:15 - 9:45 (Doors Open 7:45) Adam Bronstein is a guitar player from Buffalo, NY known for his clever songwriting and playful improvisation. Focusing on guitar at the forefront of its sound, the trio’s music is instrumental with influences ranging from jazz through hip hop, r&b & psychedelia. Adam has released 2 albums in the past two years: Intention/Invention (2022), and most recently ABtrio (Dec. 2023); took his trio on a 15-date Northeast tour across five states, playing clubs including BLU+ jazz (Akron, OH), Blue (Portland, ME), The Lilypad (Cambridge, MA), Williamsburg Music Center (Brooklyn, NY); and played at the 2023 Northwest Jazz Festival. Adam was nominated “BEST JAZZ GUITARIST” and ABtrio nominated “BEST JAZZ RELEASE” in the 2023 Jazz Buffalo Readers Poll and has shared bills with Samara Joy, Pasquale Grasso, Charlie Balentine, Ghost Note, Paris Monster, Lespecial & more.
Wed, Apr 09
Show: $10 Showtimes: 6:00 - 7:30 (Doors Open 5:30) 8:15 - 9:45 (Doors Open 7:45) Ali Ryerson - Flute, Stan Smith - Guitar, Roger Hines - Bass and Jim Rupp - Drums With a career spanning over five decades, jazz flutist Ali Ryerson consistently ranks among the top flutists in the prestigious Downbeat Jazz Poll. Born in 1952 in New York City, Ali grew up in a musical family. Her father, Art Ryerson, was a renowned jazz guitarist who got his start with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra and later became one of the first-call session players in NYC, recording with everyone from Louis Armstrong to Charlie Parker to Elvis Presley. He was also the first electric guitarist to perform and tour with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra of New York. Ms. Ryerson has carried on the family tradition, becoming an international touring/recording artist with performances ranging from Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center to the Blue Note (NY and Japan), with festival appearances worldwide. Ryerson has released numerous albums as leader or co-leader on major US and European jazz labels, and has recorded and performed with jazz greats such as Stephane Grappelli, Red Rodney, Roy Haynes, Hubert Laws, Mike Mainieri, Art Farmer, Kenny Barron, Frank Wess, and Wynton Marsalis (in a guest appearance with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra), as well as classical artists Julius Baker and Luciano Pavarotti (while Ryerson was principal flutist with the Monterey Bay Orchestra). Ryerson had a long-time collaboration with renowned jazz guitarist Joe Beck, with whom she toured and recorded for nearly a decade. She has served as Jazz Chair and Low Flutes Chair for the National Flute Association, was the founder of the NFA Jazz Flute Big Band and NFA Program Chair for the 2023 National Flute convention in Phoenix. As an educator, Ryerson published her widely acclaimed book, ‘Jazz Flute Practice Method’, conducts master classes worldwide, and teaches an online series for Lessonface. As a composer, Ryerson’s works are published by Presser, ACR Music, Edition Kossack and Tetractys Publishing. Ms. Ryerson performs on her autograph series of flutes made by Gemeinhardt Instruments. www.aliryerson.com
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Sat, Apr 12
Show: $25 Showtimes: 7:15 - 8:45 (Doors Open 6:45) 9:30 - 11:00 (Doors Open 9:00) Ginger Rabbit presents Andy Woodson’s Pawpaw Orchestra, featuring Zakk Jones (guitar), Shane Willis (drums), Paul Strawser (keyboards), Alex Burgoyne (saxophone), and of course Andy Woodson on bass. They will perform some songs from Andy’s new album Pawpaw and some other psychedelic tunes from the 70s like Tower of Power, War, etc.
Wed, Apr 16
Show: $10 Showtimes: 6:00 - 7:30 (Doors Open 5:30) 8:15 - 9:45 (Doors Open 7:45) smooth-infused soul jazz | buffalo, ny Ellen Pieroni is a soul jazz saxophone player and multi-instrumentalist from Buffalo, NY. She has been playing the saxophone since she was 8 years old, and has been a sidewoman in a multitude of bands (including Folkfaces and Buffalo Afrobeat Orchestra) for over a decade. Pieroni’s smooth-infused soul jazz band Ellen Pieroni & the Encyclopedia of Soul, or EoS, was recently featured on NPR’s All Things Considered as one of three “jazz stand outs” for this year’s Tiny Desk Contest, where Felix Contreras said that “soul jazz is alive and well with…Ellen Pieroni & the Encyclopedia of Soul.” Although the group is inspired by artists such as Grover Washington Jr., King Curtis, and the Crusaders, EoS puts an emphasis on new original music. The sound is driven by Pieroni’s captivating and soulful melodies, supported by thoughtful improvisation from all members over deep pocket grooves.
Thu, Apr 17
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.
Sat, Apr 19
Show: $10 Showtimes: 6:00 - 7:30 (Doors Open 5:30) 8:15 - 9:45 (Doors Open 7:45) 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, Apr 19
Show: $30 Showtimes: 7:15 - 8:45 (Doors Open 6:45) 9:30 - 11:00 (Doors Open 9:00) Abstract Sounds is a 6-piece Alternative Jazz Fusion band from Cleveland, OH. Led by saxophonist Jevaughn Bogard. The band formed in late 2021 from a collection of jazz and dance music lovers who met over 15 years at Cleveland School of the Arts and who all just couldn't get enough Snarky Puppy , Ghostnotes and Funky Knuckles. Abstract Sounds combines a variety of jazz idioms, soul music, drum and bass and funk. Their unique brand of entertainment fuses deep harmony with a driving drum and bass sound and hard hitting horn lines that will make you want to dance and sing along all night
Tue, Apr 22
Show: $10 Showtimes: 6:00 - 7:30 (Doors Open 5:30) 8:15 - 9:45 (Doors Open 7:45) Colin Lazarski began playing guitar at the age of 10 and went on to play in numerous jazz and blues bands throughout his high school and college years. After studying at Capital University under local jazz great Stan Smith, Colin became a professional musician in and around central Ohio. An incredibly versatile guitarist, Colin is accomplished in a variety of styles including jazz, blues, rock, funk and even calypso. It is that very flexibility that allows him to easily meld with a wide range of players.
