THE JAZZ SCENE
Volume 14, Number 6
November/December 2011
Big Band Comes to GDJS
At our upcoming Jazz at Shield’s concert on Saturday, November 19, from 1-4
p.m., the GDJS will present The Millionaires Big Band, featuring Garfield on vocals
and under the direction of Bob Connor. We have seen many of you at Callahan’s Music
Hall where the band frequently performs, and have had requests to have the band
perform for us. We’ll soon know how a 17-piece big band, plus vocalist, fits into our
little room at Shield’s! The Millionaires bill themselves as “Detroit’s Premier Jump Blues
and Swing Band,” and we think you’ll agree when you hear them that they’re a superb,
driving, energetic and very fun band.
And speaking of big bands, there are several excellent bands out there performing that you
might like to hear, or dance to, and support.
Trumpeter (and GDJS Patron) Gary Greenfelder directs Gary Greenfelder’s Orchestra with
vocalist Jennifer Jones which performs at Jager’s Castle Rock in Clinton Township every other
Monday night. There’s a large dance floor (complete with a following of swing dancers), and reasonably-priced good food with no cover charge. A recent Monday night featured guest vocalist Sandra
Bomar and Dave Lazar on trombone. Gary also has a quartet, GQ Jazz Ensemble, that plays on
alternating Thursday evenings at the same venue.
A new big band on the scene, Artistry in Rhythm Orchestra, was established in 2010 by Jack
Kotter, Joe Ivers and Eric Lundquist. The very first rehearsal was held at the Italian American Cultural Center in Clinton Township with a group of 16 Stan Kenton devotees rehearsing 35 authentic
Kenton arrangements acquired from local big band leader, Manny Balos. The library has now been
expanded to 55 charts through the efforts of band member and trumpeter Kurt Beguhn. “We are
not attempting to be the Stan Kenton or the Stan Kenton Orchestra, but we are merely Kenton fans
and we enjoy playing his style of music,” according to Jack Kotter, baritone sax player and business
manager.
The band’s first concert was performed at the recent Rochester Arts and Apples festival in downtown Rochester. A more recent concert was performed at B’Jazz Vespers in downtown Birmingham
at the First Baptist Church. It was billed as a “Tribute to Stan Kenton” and was very well received by
a standing ovation at the end of the concert. The leader of the Artistry in Rhythm Orchestra is Eric
(continued on page 5)
Our Condolences
Detroit has once again lost more of
our brilliant musicians and friends. Let’s
keep their families and close musical associates in our thoughts and prayers – their
music will live on forever in our hearts
and recordings.
Matt Michaels
On Monday, November 14, a tribute
concert for Matt Michaels, co-founder of
the Jazz Studies program at Wayne State
University and legendary Detroit pianist
will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Max M.
Fisher Music Center, 3711 Woodward
Avenue, Detroit. Tickets are $15 for
general admission and can be purchased
by calling 313-576-5111.
A lovely tribute to Matt written by
Mitch Albom can be accessed online at:
http://www.freep.com/article/20111103/
COL01/111030527/Mitch-Albom-Music-instructor-s-life-beautiful-melody
Bess Bonnier
On Tuesday, November 15, another
legendary Detroit jazz pianist Bess Bonnier’s memorial will be held at the Grosse
Pointe Unitarian Church from
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The church is located at
17150 Maumee, at St. Clair, two blocks
east of Cadieux, between Jefferson and
Kercheval. This will be followed by a
(continued on page 5)
Inside ...
Above, vocalist Jennifer Jones performs with the Gary Greenfield Orchestra every other Monday at
Jager’s Castle Rock (formerly The Heidelberg).
Page 2. Art Stone Reviews WWW CD’s
3. Farewell to Mike Montgomery
4. Shield’s Concert Schedule
5. Miscellaneous
6-7. Where’s The Jazz?
8. CJB Returns to Tony Packo’s
Insert:
Letter to Members / Join the
GDJS, Patrons, The Team
By Art Stone
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“Dead Beat” is a collection of tunes that the band might play if
it was hired for a funeral. It includes “Just a Closer Walk with Thee;”
“The Saints;” “Old Rugged Cross;” “Just a Little While to Stay Here” and
others. The highlight is a beautiful version of “Amazing Grace” featuring
guest vocalist Theresa Scavarda. If you’re planning a traditional New
Orleans funeral when you “buy the farm” you’ll want to keep this CD
handy, just in case the band is working another gig when you really need
R o c k in ’ N R h
them.
yth
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ab
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th e st a ge wa s
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mp
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ai
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on
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nd
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s
i
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th i s CD an
e
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u nt r y. We ha
tic an d
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j oy ou r lab or
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Da ve Ta t row ,
of lov e.
AK A Wall y
Dave Bennett’s Goodman like phrases were gone, replaced by
Snyder’s Pete Fountain influenced clarinet. The New Orleans tailgate
trombone of Keith DeWitt is now the somewhat smoother, big band
sound of Cody Henry. But you’ll have to listen hard to pick up the
differences. It’s still a happy group who obviously enjoy what they’re
doing and who reflect the personality and talents of their leader. A new
“Warehouse” maybe, but from the same musical district.
AR
W
Re
etti Bailey!
T it le
B E AT
Editor’s note: Art Stone, jazz aficionado and Windsor resident has been
a long-time member of the Greater Detroit Jazz Society and before that, the
Windsor Detroit Jazz Club. He has agreed to review some new CD’s for us
again, and we hope to have more for you in the future.
“Dead Beat – A Celebration of Life” and “Rockin’ in Rhythm”
David Brown for
gs, Florida.
631-4799
DEAD
DEAD
Wally’s Warehouse Waifs – Almost All New and Still
cial Th
anks to
Ed and
n’t/wou
Betti B
ailey!
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t them.
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th e re Ja k e ’s fa m i th e m id d le p le , w h e n n d a n d / o r ts i n a d v a n c h a lm u si
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-4799
WA
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R o c k in ’
N
Rhythm
4:2 5
DaC osta /
4:1 2
es Q. Ric h, his
Tatrow, of course, needs no introduction.JamWhile
Boo ts rendition
Ran dol ph
of “I Can’t Get Started” tips its hat to Bunny Berigan, this version is all
Bar Code
Tatrow and all good!
Both CDs are available from Wally’s Warehouse Waifs, 217 E. Main
St., Otisville, MI 48463 or at www.wallysjazz.com Price is $18 including postage and handling. n
WA L LY ’ S W
AREH O USE
Page WA IF S
A Tribute Mike Would Have Loved
Over one hundred fans and friends
of Mike Montgomery came by to sing,
play, cry, share stories and laugh in
memory of Mike Montgomery at a
recent event in his honor at Shield’s of
Southfield, sponsored by the GDJS.
Ray Heitger’s Cakewalkin’ Jass Band
of Toledo and Kerry Price organized
a great cross-section of talented musicians to pay tribute to Mike. Of special
note were Bill Bolcom, internationally
reknown Pulitzer Prize-winning composer and his singer wife, Joan Morris.
For more information on Bill and Joan,
please visit www.bolcomandmorris.com.
Aside from the CJB and those listed by their
photos below, other musicians in attendance were
Hans VonBernthal, Jon Greenawalt, ‘Sister’ Kate
Ross, Ron Brown, Elma (Dixiebelle) Tronianko,
Ron Brown, Violet Brooks and Pat McCarroll.
Certainly one of the highlights of the day
(although there were many) was the last tune with
Kerry Price’s touching vocal rendition of “My
Buddy.”
A beautiful, Steinway Essex piano was donated by Tim Hoy of the Steinway Piano gallery (we
paid for shipping and tuning only); a Bose sound
system was donated and set up by Bill Jackson;
special seating and food accommodations were
organized by Judy Valdez of Shield’s and her staff;
and all monies collected were donated to “The
Stearns Collection” of the University of Michigan
which was a pet project of Mike’s.
Thanks to everyone who came out and
contributed to such a wonderful day. We thought
Mike loved it. n
Thanks to pro photographer and member
Wally Lubzik for the
unforgettable photo of
Mike, Ray Heitger on
clarinet, Bob Seeley on
piano, and Kerry Price
on vocals (above). Other
performers pictured are
(clockwise from top):
Bill Bolcom and Joan
Morris on piano and
vocals, Kenny Stokes on
vocals, Betsy Grafing
on banjo, Bill Jackson
and Brian Newsome on
banjo, Bill Genson and
Eric Mannering on brass,
Bob Miller on bass, John
LaBrecque on piano,
Nikole Heitger on vocals
and Mike Pryzbylski on
piano (photos by Sally
Bolle).
Page Saturday, November 19, 2011
The Millionaires Big Band
Featuring Special
Guest Garfield
on Vocals
Under the Direction
of Bob Connor
FEBRUARY 4
GEORGE SINNOTT
NORTH OAKLAND DIXIELAND BAND
FEBRUARY 18
RAY
HEITGER’S
Mark Your Calendar ...
CAKEWALKIN’
JASS BAND
come and enjoy an afternoon of the Detroit area’s
finest classic jazz, dixieland and swing musicians!
MARCH 3
DAVE TATROW AND FRIENDS
DECEMBER 3
JANUARY 7, 2012
MARCH 17
DAVE BENNETT
CARL CAFAGNA AND
DAVE
BENNETT
QUARTET
THE CREOLE KITCHEN
QUARTET
DECEMBER 17
JANUARY 21
APRIL 7
BILL MEYER AND FRIENDS
MARGE’S BAR BAND
PAUL KELLER AND FRIENDS
Future 2011-2012
Jazz at Shield’s Concerts
APRIL 21
RAGTIME RICK AND THE
CHEFS OF DIXIELAND
MAY 5
RON KISCHUK AND THE
TARTARSAUCE TRADITIONAL JAZZ BAND
MAY 19
JERRY MCKENZIE’S JUST JAZZ
WITH DAVE TATROW & ?
JUNE 2
PAUL KLINGER AND EASY STREET
JUNE 16
GEORGE BENSON AND BARBARA WARE
25101 TELEGRAPH ROAD (AT 10 MILE), SOUTHFIELD, 48033, 248-356-2720
$10 COVER • FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT EMILY LAURA AT 248-855-1342 OR SALLY BOLLE 248-813-0328
WE LOVE OUR MEMBERS AND PATRONS WHO MAKE THESE CONCERTS POSSIBLE!
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2011 PATRONS: ROBERT AND DOROTHY AMIS, PETER AND BARBARA BECKER, CHUCK
AND MARY BONTEN, ROGER DeMEYERE, DIXIEBELLE, DAVE FALVAY, JUDY FULKERSON (FULKERSON SPEAKER REBUILDERS),
LINDA GATES, DON GOSS, ROD GOODYEAR, GARY GREENFELDER AND ALEKSANDRA MIZIOLEK, BOB HILTON, DOUG AND SUE JACOBS,
KERRYTOWN CONCERT HOUSE, MARCO KNAPP AND JIM STERN, WALLY AND ROSEMARY LUBZIK, MARGE’S BAR, JACK MOLLOY,
CLIFF AND AILEEN MORRIS, BRIAN AND LISA PELTON, BOB AND JEAN PETTIGREW, KERRY PRICE,
TOM RODGERS, NANC Y SALDEN, JOHN SOTIR, ARTHUR STONE, CATHY AND DAVE TATROW, PEGGY AND SAM TUNDO, TOM SAUNDERS,
AL AND BARBARA VIRZI, and CLEM WALDMANN.
Page Our Condolences (continued from page 1)
Midge Ellis Inducted Into
Livonia Hall of Fame
reception at the Blue Pointe on Warren and Cadieux (until all
hours of the evening). The Blue Pointe is located at 17131 E.
Warren Avenue at Cadieux, Detroit 48224-2228. Phone (313)
882-3653.
Congratulations to Midge Ellis who was inducted into the
Livonia Hall of Fame last month for her incredible contribution
to jazz over the years. She received proclamations from the State of
Michigan, County of Wayne and the City of Livonia, several bouquets
of flowers and a standing ovation from the audience. Remember all of
those years she brought the big bands to Clarenceville from 1968 into
the 80’s? And think Michigan Jazz Festival. Thanks from all of your
musician friends and fans, Midge (Ma Jazz). Well deserved and long
overdue!
Midge has been a long-time supporter of this jazz club and her
encouraging comments, almost on a weekly basis, are always a source
of inspiration. Between Midge, and our own wonderful Emily Laura,
we have “Ma Jazz” and the “Queen of Jazz.” We should all aspire
to make such powerful contributions to the jazz community as they
have. Thank you, ladies! n
Andy Mormile
Longtime Detroit music fans will remember clarinetist Andy
Mormile, who recently passed away; his memorial service was held
recently. Andy, who had not played professionally for many years,
was a favorite among local bands and nationally-reknowned bands.
Spending his later years teaching clarinet, Andy will be remembered
as a brilliant player and a fun and tender-hearted guy. Recordings of
Andy can be found at various places online, playing with such noted
musicians as Gene Krupa, Marcus Belgrave, Eddie Metz and other
locals of note.
Byron Taylor
The Plymouth Elks Lodge #1780 and the friends of Jazz @ The Elks
would like to remember Byron Taylor, the inspiration behind the
Jazz @ The Elks. Byron was born on March 18, 1936 and passed on
September 23, 2011 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Byron was a
drummer for years in the Detroit area and a former Secretary-Treasurer of the Federation of Musicians. Early in 2010, with the assistance
of Johnny Trudell, Byron worked with the Elks to start the jazz events
that have now grown to capacity attendance and an annual outdoor
jazz festival. He will be missed by all. n
Central Illinois Jazz Festival
Bus Trip with Wally’s Warehouse Waifs
Join Dave and Cathy Tatrow and the Waifs for a rollicking bus
trip to the 37th Annual Central Illinois Jazz Festival in
Decatur, Illinois. Round-trip transportation on a deluxe Blue
Drive City Club motor coach. February 2-5, 2012, Patron
Package $449 per person, based on double occupancy, includes
breakfast. Price includes admission to all concerts, reserved seating in Holidy Hall, Get acquainted party on Friday afternoon,
Friday swing dance, Dinner and dinner show on Saturday
evening, souvenir badge and acknowledgement in the program.
For more information and reservations call Cathy Tatrow at
810-31-4799. For more information on this great festival, visit
www.JuvaeJazz.com, and info about Wally’s is available at
www.WallysJazz.com
Terrace Inn Jazz Weekends
2012 Schedule
Call now to reserve your space for this always sold-out event!
May Weekend Wally’s Warehouse Waifs, Date TBD
September 8-10, 2012
Cakewalkin’ Jass Band and Dave Bennett Quartet
Terrace Inn, Bay View, Michigan (near Traverse City)
1-800-530-9898 www.TerraceInn.com
Big Band (continued from page 1)
about the band and schedule, please visit www.pkorecords.com
The Rhythm Society Orchestra is a 15-piece dance band specializing in true vintage swing music, and usually a dance floor available.
Their sound is heavily influenced by Count Basie and Harry James.
Their vocalist, Paul King, describes his style as “a mixture of Mel
Torme, Joe Williams and Frank Sinatra – with a dash of Cab Calloway thrown in.” This band performs often in our area; for a complete
listing please visit their web site at http://rhythmsociety.net
Last Tuesday, Leo Rea’s “Real Deal Big Band” played The Recovery
Room (across from Henry Ford Hospital, how perfect) in Warren.
Cover charge is $5, and there’s a stage, dance floor and reasonable
food/bar available. The venue telephone number is 586-754-7131, so
you might check with them for information about when they will play
again. Leo will advise if this will be a continuing event and we will let
you know.
Every Monday, the great Paul Keller Orchestra plays at Zal Gaz
Grotto, in Ann Arbor. On most Monday evenings, Paul features his
student outreach program, bringing in high school and college jazz
bands who perform during the second set. There is no one who does
a finer job of student outreach than Paul Keller! On a recent Monday
evening, Paul collaborated with the Albion College Jazz Band, which
was terrific. A young, female vocalist travelling with the band has a
brilliant future in music! Paul also allows members of these bands to
sit in with his orchestra during the last set and it’s always a fun jam.
The PKO Orchestra turns 22 years old this year. For more information
R.J. Spangler and Planet D Nonet (nonet is a musical group consisting of 9 people, pronounced know-net) is one of the busiest swing
bands around, and has a very eclectic schedule but is often found
at the Cadieux Cafe (http://cadieuxcafe.com) or the Harbor House
(www.harborhousemi.com). Also visit their web site at:
http://www.myspace.com/planetdnonet
We try to have many of these events listed but visiting their web site
is often the best place to find out where to find them in your area. n
Page WhERE’S THE JAZZ? – ongoing and Special events
For more extensive schedules including out-of-town concerts, please visit the musicians’ respective web sites. Send information via e-mail information
to Sally Bolle: [email protected] Don’t forget to check the “Jazz at Shield’s” schedule on another page of this newsletter to see many of these
fine musicians playing for our GDJS concerts. If you would like to be included in our daily e-mail jazz blasts, call Sally at (248) 813-0328.
Baker’s Keyboard Lounge
For complete schedule, visit their web site, 20510 Livernois, Detroit, (313)
345-6300, www.bakerskeyboardlounge.com
Blue Pointe Restaurant
Every Saturday, Muer/Kowalewski/Shermataro Jazz Trio at the Blue Pointe,
17131 E. Warren Avenue at Cadieux, Detroit 48224-2228. 7-10 p.m., great food, no
cover, complimentary parking attendant. Phone (313) 882-3653. Also can e-mail:
[email protected]
Cliff Bell’s
2030 Park Avenue at W. Adams, Detroit, Phone 313-961-6422. Various jazz
groups in a beautifully-restored martini bar. For more information visit
www.CliffBells.com
Detroit Groove Society
11-13, Sunday, The Detroit Groove Society presents the Gerald Clayton Trio.
The concert is at the home of Andrew Rothman, 6650 Torybrooke Circle, West
Bloomfield, MI 48323. 4 p.m. (please be there by 3:30 p.m.). Admission is $40 for
adults and $15 for students, two sets of music. Please advise Andrew if you would
like to attend at 248-703-6301.
Dirty Dog Jazz Café
Every Wednesday-Saturday, 97 Kerchival, Grosse Pointe Farms, 313-882-JAZZ
(5299). $10 cover charge. Live piano bar and great jazz groups. Please call the
venue for exact schedules or visit www.DirtyDogJazz.com. Dining American and
Tapas style.
Jager’s Castle Rock
Every other Monday Nov 14, 28, Dec 12, 26, the Gary Greenfelder Orchestra,
Reservations (586) 493-9910. 7-10 p.m. The Gary Greenfelder Orchestra is a
high energy swing band that plays exciting arrangements of music from the 30s
through today, including the music of nearly every big band and swing band.
www.GGMusicEntertainment.com. Great for dancers, Jager’s has a large dance
floor, good food at reasonable prices with no cover.
Every other Monday (7-10 p.m.) will be Lynn LaPlante’s LL7. Nov 21, Dec 19
Every other Thursday, Nov 24, Dec 1, 22, 8-11 p.m. Gary Greenfelder’s GQ Jazz
Ensemble. Jager’s Castle Rock, 43785 N. Gratiot Avenue, Clinton Township, MI
48036, Reservations (586) 493-9910. The group plays a variety of standards and
jazz from 1900s to today. www.GGMusicEntertainment.com
“Jazz Forum” Series at Grosse Pointe Unitarian Church
12-7 – The Jazz Forum Series, Memories of WWII, the songs that cheered and
consoled us, with the Masters of Music small band let by Ron Kischuk on trombone, John Trudell on trumpet, Russ Miller on reeds, Gary Schunk on piano, Jeff
Halsey on bass, Roger Schupp on drums and Judie Cochill on vocals. 8 p.m., will be
held on Wednesday at Grosse Pointe Unitarian Church, 17150 Maumee, at St. Clair,
two blocks east of Cadieux, between Jefferson and Kercheval. $13 paid in advance
by mail, $15 at the door. Check with Jim and Trenna Ruffner to see if tickets are still
available at (313) 885-0232.
Kerrytown Concert House
12-9, Friday, CD Release Concert for the Paul Vornhagen Trio, 8 p.m., Featuring
Paul VornHagen, saxophone/flute/vocals; Phil Kelly, piano and Kurt Krahnke, bass.
12-10, Saturday, “Can’t We Be Friends? – A Holiday Gift from Bolcom & Morris”
with William Bolcom, piano; Joan Morris, mezzo-soprano, 8:30 p.m.
12-11, Sunday, “All About the Trio,” Jazz and Conversation with the Ellen Rowe
Trio Featuring Special Guest Ingrid Jenson. Ellen Rowe on piano, Ingrid Jenson,
guest trumpet, Paul Keller on bass and Pete Siers on drums. 4:30 p.m. 12-30,
Friday, Randy Napoleon Sextet Concert and CD Release Party, Randy Napoleon,
guitar; Josh Brown, trombone;, Justin Walter, trumpet; Duncan McMillan, B3 Hammond organ; Ben Jansson, tenor saxophone. 7 & 9 p.m.,
Kerrytown Concert House, 415 North Fourth Avenue, Ann Arbor, 734-659-2999,
www.kerrytownconcerthouse.com
Marge’s Bar and Grill
2nd and 4th Thursday, 7-10 p.m., the jazz tradition continues with The Marge’s
Bar Band. Jim Wyse, leader and clarinet, John Trudell on brass, Chuck Moss on
trombone, John Hammer on piano, Bill Bolle on bass, Bob Pinterich on drums.
Dixieland and jazz standards “done right!” Great food in a legendary, casual hockeybar environment. Second and fourth Thursday’s, 7-10 p.m., 15300 Mack Avenue,
Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230. Mack at Beaconsfield. Phone 313-881-8895, www.
MargesBar.com
Plymouth Elks Lodge, Jazz At The Elks
The Plymouth Elks Lodge #1780 in Plymouth has Jazz @ The Elks in a beautiful
club setting on the 4th Tuesday of every month from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. There is
a $5 donation and for more information, please call 734-453-1780 or email: [email protected]. The Lodge is located at 41700 Ann Arbor Rd., Plymouth.
11-22, Tuesday, Paul VornHagen Quartet with Paul VornHagen on sax, Kurt Kranke
on bass, Pete Siers on drums and Chuck Shermetaro on keyboard.
12-27, Tuesday with Ron Kischuk and Friends with Ron on tombone, Marion
Hayden on bass, Gary Schunk on keyboard and the wonderful Judie Cochill on vocals.
Happy Holidays to Everyone and we want to thank all the wonderful people and
organizations who have made Jazz @ The Elks such a wonderful program.
Musicians
DAVE BENNETT
Dave is out doing festivals for most of November and December.
12-3, Saturday, The Dave Bennett Quartet featuring Dave on clarinet and piano,
Jack Molloy on piano and sax, Bill Bolle on bass, and Doug Cobb on drums, play for
the Greater Detroit Jazz Society, Shield’s of Southfield, 1-4 p.m., $10 cover, 25101
Telegraph Rd., (North of 10 Mile Rd.) Southfield, 48076, 248-356-2720. For complete
schedule visit www.DaveBennett.com
RICK BRYANT / PROFESSOR WRIGHT AND FRIENDS (Off until Fall)
Every Saturday, Professor Wright and Friends play jazz, blues (and laughs) at the
Players Inn, 3040 N. State Rd., Davison, MI 48423, Phone (810) 653-6408, 7-10 p.m.,
Professor Joe Wright on tenor sax and flute (teaches jazz at UM Flint), Stu Selesky,
guitar and vocals, Jim Bach, electric bass, Mike Manzardo on keyboard and vocals and
Rick Bryant on drums.
JAMES DAPOGNY – PHIL OGILVIE’S RHYTHM KINGS (P.O.R.K.)
Every Sunday, 5-8 p.m. at Phil Ogilvie’s Rhythm Kings, led by James Dapogny
and Chris Smith, ten-piece band playing music of Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, Duke
Ellington, Fletcher Henderson and other inventors of the big band. LIVE! at PJs, 102 S.
First Street, Ann Arbor, MI. Dance floor, good menu. Free Sunday parking in the city lot
across the street. $7 general admission, $5 students and seniors.
Phone (734) 623-1443, www.liveatpjs.com
TOM HALM
11/20, Sunday, 3-7 pm, Eagles Club in Howell, The Blue Notes Jazz Band play special
tribute to trombonist, James Harwood (last living member of the original Glenn Miller
Army Air Force Band). Club is located at 141 Schroeder Park Drive (near I-96 and D-19
exit). Good food and drinks at very reasonable prices. $5.00 cover. Contact: Tom Halm
at (517) 881-6488 or [email protected]
JOHN HAMMER TRIO
11-19, Saturday, The John Hammer Trio will perform at Peabody’s in Birmingham.
John on piano; Bill Fierst on drums and vocals, and Dan Pliskow doing songs from the
Great American Songbook. 8-11 p.m., 34965 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, MI
48009-0931, Phone (248) 644-5222.
RAY HEITGER / CAKEWALKIN’ JASS BAND
For complete schedule visit www.RayHeitger.com
PAUL KELLER
Every Monday. The Paul Keller Orchestra at Zal Gaz Grotto, 2070 W. Stadium
Boulevard (between Liberty and Stadium) in Ann Arbor. 7:30-10:15 p.m. On most
Page WhERE’S the jazz?
Monday evenings, Paul features his student outreach program, which is outstanding. Phone (734) 663-1202, great food, reasonable drink prices, safe, free parking,
no steps, $10 cover.
For complete local schedule of Paul’s extensive schedule visit www.pkorecords.com
The Inn, Ada Oh, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., On the campus of Ohio Northern University,
Alternating between trio and single every other Friday during the summer. Call me
for the schedule. 419 345 4480 cell, www.innatonu.com
Holiday Inn, Perrysburg, Oh, Jackson Square Atrium, Exit 193 off route 75
Sunday’s, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (brunch), duo, www.hifq.com
Ron Kischuk / Tartarsauce Traditional Jazz Band
12-7, Wednesday, Ron Kischuk’s Tartarsauce Traditional Jazz Band with Ron
on trombone; Johnny Trudell on trumpet, Marion Hayden on bass and Bill Cairo on
drums. 6:30-9:30 p.m., reservations recommended. $5 cover, food and drink specials. TV’s Grand Event, 2651 W. Jefferson Avenue, Trendon, MI 48183, 34-671-5676,
[email protected]
PLANET D NONET (9-piece swing band)/RJ Spangler
Please visit their web site at www.myspace.com/planetdnonet and on Facebook.
Authentic swing music from the 20s/30s, standards and blues from the 40s.
11-20, Sunday, Planet D Nonet with RJ Spangler at The Blue Goose Inn, 28911
Jefferson Avenue, St. Clair Shores. Special guest, vibraphonist Dr. Richard E. Tapert.
11-27, Sunday, RJ Spangler Trio at “Soul Jazz Sunday, Cadieux Café, 4300 Cadieux
Rd., Detroit http://cadieuxcafe.com 9:30 p.m., 313-882-8560, www.cadieuxcafe.
com. Please visit web site for their Soul Jazz Sunday series schedule.
PAUL KLINGER / EASY STREET JAZZ BAND
Every Tuesday, Paul Klinger’s Easy Street Jazz Band plays dixieland and traditional
jazz with special guest artists from 6-9 p.m. at Zal Gaz Grotto, 2070 Stadium Boulevard (between Liberty and Pauline) in Ann Arbor, MI. Call 734-663-1202. $10 cover.
Guest appearances and a great lineup of Paul’s obscure tunes!
KERRY PRICE
11-18, Friday, 12:30-1:15 p.m., Kerry Price with her monthly program with
sing-along at the Mahany-Meininger Senior Center in Royal Oak (3500 Marais, near
the ROHS). $2 at thedoor. This month’s program is “Thanks for November”a look at
all the important events that we celebrate in November.
“Anything Goes” at the Dakota Inn on 3rd Thursdays, great sing-along with Kerry,
Dakota Inn on John R. just north of McNichols (6 Mile) Detroit. Good German food
and drink, Lighted, guarded parking lot, reservations recommended, 313-856-9722.
Call Kerry for questions on 248-549-2057 or e-mail: catch [email protected].
HUGH LEAL – SPEAKEASY TRIO
12-3, Sunday, The Speakeasy Quartet featuring Ray Manzerolle, saxophones; Mike
Karoub, cello; Hugh Leal, guitar with two special guests Bill Meyer, piano and Detroit
gospel vocalist Carl Temple perform a Christmas Swing and Gospel Concert, 2:304:30 p.m., Art Gallery of Windsor, 401 Riverside West, Windsor. Tickets in advance
$15, AGW members $12, at the door $20. 519-977-0014
JERRY MCKENZIE’S JUST JAZZ – NIKOLA’S
Nov 17 Shahida Nurullah - vocals
Nov. 24 Thanksgiving – No Jazz!
JOHNNY TRUDELL
11-17, Thursday, Johnny Trudell Quintet, 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at the
new Empire Restaurant. Johnny’s quartet will include Ray Tini on bass, Billy Cairo
on drums and Chuck Shermetaro on piano, plus a guest artist each week. Sit-ins are
welcome; he hopes to have a jam session environment. The time is 7-10 p.m. at the
new Empire Restaurant, 52963 24 & Van Dyke, Shelby Twp., 48136. http://empirelounge.com Dinner reservations are recommended, 586-884-6495.
Nikola’s, 25225 Telegraph Road, Southfield, 48034, 248-355-4695. 7-10 p.m., Jerry ‘s
group appears on the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th Thursday of each month. Great food!
BILL MEYER
Thursdays, 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. – Bert’s Market Place, 8:30-12:30 p.m., Open
jam session with the new RGB Trio featuring Ralphe Armstrong on bass, drummer
Gayelynn McKinney and Bill Meyer on piano. Cover $3, free parking, great food. 2727
Russell in the Eastern Market, (313) 567-2030. www.BertsEntertainment.com.
12-17, Saturday, Bill Meyer on piano with Michele Ramo on violin and guitar,
Bill Hart on trumpet, play for the Greater Detroit Jazz Society, Shield’s of Southfield,
1-4 p.m., $10 cover, 25101 Telegraph Rd., (North of 10 Mile Rd.) Southfield, 48076,
248-356-2720.
Every Thursday through the end of the year except Thanksgiving, “Prohibition
and All That Jazz” Bus Tour of historic Detroit Sites. Includes a visit to the stunning
new Virgil Carr Jazz Center and several historic locations. The tour ends at Berg’s
Marketplace in the Eastern Market where you can catch Bill Meyer and the RGS Trio,
guest singers and musicians performing each week. You can call Linda at 248-3538687 for more info. Come along or get a group together and join the tour. Check out
the web site:
RAGTIME RICK AND THE CHEFS OF DIXIELAND
Ragtime Rick advises that he will probably be taking over the Strongsville Jazz
Festival next year and moving it to Toledo! Stay tuned for more details. For their
playing schedule, please visit their web site: www.chefsofdixieland.com
GABBY ROSOLINO AND FRIENDS
Some Wednesday’s (please call for exact schedule), Gabby Rosolino and Friends
at Allen’s River House in Mt. Clemens, 6-10 p.m., 240 N. River Road near Gibralter
Trade Center, phone (586) 649-7291. Good food and reasonable prices. Gabby on
flugelhorn and vocals, Ron Rosolino on bass, Tom Ploeger on sax, Dennis Decello on
drums and Gerry Neeley on keyboard and vocals
PETE SIERS AND LOS GATOS
Salsa Wednesday (last Wednesday of Every Month) 9:30 p.m., Salsa lessons available earlier in the evening, $10 cover, full kitchen, 1/2 off select wines. Vinology, 110
South Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
http://www.feetonthestreettours.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=art
icle&id=43:prohibition-and-all-that-jazz&catid=3:upcoming&Itemid=6
CRAIG STRAIN
11-13, Sunday, The Broadway Project, production and musical arrangements by
Craig Strain. Joy Manor Banquet Hall, 28999 Joy Road, Westland, MI, 586-924-6866.
$28 Hors d’oeuvres, Cash Bar, VIP Seating $25, Singers: Michele Marszalkowski, John
Martin, Kim Lang, and Brent Davin Vance. Orchestra: Flute, Tracy Kash Thomas; Violin,
Michele Ramo; Cello, Bud Zenzen; Guitar, Rick Davis; Piano, Bill Meyer; Bass, Craig
Strain; Drums Bill Cairo.
MILLIONAIRES BIG BAND
11-19, Saturday, The Millionaires Big Band, featuring Garfield on vocals, play for
the Greater Detroit Jazz Society, Shield’s of Southfield, 1-4 p.m., $10 cover, 25101
Telegraph Rd., (North of 10 Mile Rd.) Southfield, 48076, 248-356-2720.
11-23, 12-30, Wednesday, The Millionaires Big Band, featuring Garfield on vocals,
Thanksgiving and Holiday party at Callahan’s Music Hall, 8-midnight, $5 cover, 2105
South Boulevard, Auburn Hills 48326, 248-858-9508, www.atcallahans.com
GENE PARKER
Tuesdays 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Mutts at the Oliver House, Gene Parker Jazz
Trio with Jeff Halsey, bass and Damen Cook, vocals/drums, http://www.theoliverhousetoledo.com
Wednesdays 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Degage Jazz Café – Gene Parker Jazz Jam, Gene
Parker and Friends, www.historiccommercialbuilding.com/degage.html
Thursdays 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Stella Blue, Archbold, Oh, Gene Parker Jazz
Quartet with George Chumura, guitar, Jeff Halsey, bass and Damen Cook, Drums/vocalwww.stellabluearchbold.com
DAVE TATROW / WALLY’S WAREHOUSE WAIFS
9-15, Thursday, special guest with Jerry McKenzie’s Just Jazz. Please see Jerry.
For a complete schedule, visit www.WallysJazz.com
BARBARA WARE
11-12, Saturday, vocalist Barbara Ware with Cliff Monear on piano, will perform
at Peabody’s in Birmingham. 8-11 p.m., 34965 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, MI
48009-0931, Phone (248) 644-5222
11-17, Thursday, vocalist Barbara Ware with Cliff Monear on piano, 1 p.m., Jewish
Community Center, 15110 West Ten Mile Road, Oak Park, MI 48237.
Page Cakewalkin’ Jass Band Returns to Packo’s
By Dave Mesrey
interested in a regular gig at Packo’s again, Heitger didn’t
After 10 long years in exile, Toledo’s legendary
hesitate. “I’d come back in a heartbeat,” he said. “This is
Cakewalkin’ Jass Band took a trip down Memory Lane
the place to be.”
last month and found itself back onstage for a special
one-night engagement, making its triumphant return to
While both the Cakewalkin’ Jass Band and Tony
Tony Packo’s Cafe.
Packo’s are Toledo institutions, Packo acknowledged the
On Thursday, September 8, clarinetist Ray Heitger
uncertainty of his restaurant’s fate. But he realizes that, no
and the gang treated a packed house to another footmatter the outcome, his longtime ties with Heitger canstompin’ night of hot New Orleans jazz in the iconic
not be broken. “I don’t know if I’ll serve hot dogs at Ray’s
restaurant where they’d once been the house band for 30 years.
funeral or if he’ll play [clarinet] at mine,” he said. “But neither
With the ownership of Packo’s now in dispute, Tony Packo
of us is in any hurry.”
II thought it only appropriate to bring back the
Editor’s note: If you’d like to see
CJB for perhaps one final
video footage from this fun concert,
performance. The band
Dave Mesrey posted a very cool
kicked things off, appropri8-mm-type video of “Cakewalkin’
ately, with its theme song,
Babies From Home” on YouTube.
The link is http://www.youtube.
“Cakewalkin’ Babies From
com/watch?v=7nt-KdKGsbk. My
Home.” And from there
video clips of Ray singing “Ol’Green
on out, they didn’t skip a
River” are at http://www.youtube.
beat. Late in their second
com/watch?v=rMDaGOdj0Bw,
set, they even took their
and Nikole singing “What
customary cakewalk into
a Little Moonlight Can Do”
the bathrooms.
at http://www.youtube.com/
Above, Tony Packo chats with the band on a break during a packed-house
watch?v=GscVh2Dp5Dc
When asked if he’d be
return of the CJB to his famous Toledo restaurant.
Return Postage Guaranteed
c/o Bill Bolle
6625 Aurora Drive
Troy, Michigan 48098
To our jazz-loving friends:
Page JOIN OR RENEW HERE! The Greater Detroit Jazz Society 2012 Membership Application
PLEASE CHECK ANNUAL DUES SELECTION:
$20 SINGLE
$30 COUPLE
PLEASE CHECK HERE:
RENEWING MEMBER
or
$100 PATRON (INDIVIDUAL OR BUSINESS)
NEW MEMBER
ALL RENEWING MEMBERS All dues are payable by January 31, 2012 (unless you joined in October through December of 2011). Our dues are extremely
reasonable when compared to other jazz clubs around the country, and we’re requesting your dues in January to continue the fine entertainment you
now enjoy.
NEW MEMBERS ONLY joining January through April will pay the full amount of dues. Members joining May through August 31 pay 50 percent of dues for
2012. NEW members joining October through December pay full amount of dues but membership is valid through December of 2013.
Name(s)PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY
Address
City and State Zip Code
TelephoneCell
E-Mail:Date:
I prefer to receive the JAZZ SCENE via e-mail in a digital Acrobat PDF format. I do not need a hard copy in the mail. (All members with a valid
e-mail address will receive this option unless they opt out. Please note, this option requires a valid e-mail address – it will be your responsibility to
notify us if your e-mail address changes!)
I would love to be a member of the GDJS Ambassador Club and assist with concerts and the summer jazz picnic, in promotion of the club,
etc. Give me a call!
***Please remit new and renewal membership applications, along with your check payable to “GDJS” or “Greater Detroit
Jazz Society,” to Bill Bolle, 6625 Aurora Drive, Troy, Michigan 48098. ALL correspondence for the club should be mailed here.***
The GREATER DETROIT JAZZ SOCIETY is a registered LLC (Limited Liability Company) under the laws of the State of Michigan. Our mission is to encourage the
performance, preservation and perpetuation of Classic Jazz, Dixieland and Swing, and nurture this type of music as an American art form. Activities of the club include
organizing and presenting jazz concerts and jazz-related activities throughout the year. One hundred percent of your dues money and profit from our concerts go
to promote live jazz in this area! The JAZZ SCENE, a publication of the GREATER DETROIT JAZZ SOCIETY, is published six times a year. A hard copy is mailed to all
members and, in addition, a PDF file of the newsletter mailed to those members with valid e-mail addresses. Members may opt out of receiving a hard copy by mail.
Your membership dues cover this newsletter, expenses of the concerts, and notification of special events via e-mail blasts. We love our members and patrons who
make this Jazz Society possible. Special
thanks to our Patrons:
Greater Detroit Jazz Society
Emily Laura – Public Relations
Chuck Moss – Concert Booking Manager
Ricki Atkinson / Jay Cornett – Newsletter Distribution
Bill Bolle – Treasurer / Legal
Nancy Blake / Picnic Chairperson, Ticket Sales
Membership Cards
Ambassador Chairperson – TBD
Concert Support: Pat Elliott, Suzanna Kain, Lee Lindsay,
Mary Ann Garback, Ricki Atkinson, Jay Cornett , Kathy
Lee, Brian Pelton, Nancy Blake
Sally Bolle – Newsletter Design / Editor /Promotion
([email protected])
Bill Knowles – Director Emeritus
Robert and Dorothy Amis, Peter and
Barbara Becker, Chuck and Mary
Bonten, Roger DeMeyere, Dixiebelle,
DAVE FALVAY, Fulkerson Speaker
Rebuilders (Judy Fulkerson), Linda
Gates, Don Goss, Gary Greenfelder and
Aleksandra Miziolek, doug AND SUE JACOBS, KERRYTOWN CONCERT HOUSE, Marco
Knapp and Jim Stern, Wally and Rosemary Lubzik, Marge’s BaR, Jack Molloy,
Cliff and Aileen Morris, Brian and Lisa
PELTON, Bob and Jean Pettigrew, Kerry
Price, Nancy Salden, Tom Rodgers, tom
saunders, John Sotir, Arthur Stone,
CATHY AND DAVE TATROW, PEGGY AND SAM
TUNDO, Al and Barbara Virzi, and
Clem Waldmann.
We’re grateful to the friends and musicians who contribute
articles, artwork and photos for our newsletter. We thank you
for your time and expertise. If you’re interested in
providing an article or have questions regarding the club,
please give me a call at 248-813-0328 or e-mail me at:
[email protected].
All photos by Sally Bolle unless otherwise noted.
Page Dear Greater Detroit Jazz Society Members,
In January 2012, we will have had the pleasure of running this organization for two years. It has been a lot of fun, a ton of work, but all considered, a labor of love for us. We have had an opportunity to make many new friends, meet some of the friendliest and enthusiastic jazz lovers
in the Detroit area, work with and hire the “best-of-the-best” local musicians and hopefully, provide you with outstanding entertainment in a
casual environment at reasonable prices.
We are an all-volunteer organization and we have the finest group of volunteers anywhere. When we began this endeavor of transitioning from
the Windsor Detroit Jazz club, the GDJS was set up as an LLC in order to ensure that everything was done legally. With Bill Bolle as the
treasurer, not a penny has been wasted. Our expenses are primarily postage, ink, paper, supplies and musicians wages. We now pay the musicians
more than in the past because, not only do we hire the best and they are worth it, but their travel expenses have risen and music jobs for them
are often more scarce. We want them to enjoy playing for us and feel adequately compensated.
However, in 2011 we lost money. When August came and our annual jazz picnic and pig roast was to take place, the event had to be subsidized
by Chuck Moss and Bill Bolle or it would not have happened. And we still need to pay them back.
We’re losing money for two reasons, and we want you to be aware of those reasons so that you can be a part of the solution if this organization is
to continue.
Dues Structure
I have spent the last few weeks researching other jazz clubs around the country. There are many, and in conclusion, we feel that we have one of
the best organizations around. We need a web site but that is in progress. However, our dues structure is significantly “behind the times.” Effective immediately for 2012 (this includes all members except those who joined from October through now of this year) dues will be $20
for a single membership and $30 for a couple. The additional category of Patron will remain at $100. (Please note, if the new dues structure
is not affordable for you, we understand. We would rather keep your membership than lose you, so if the old rate is what you need to pay, send us
the 2011 amount.)
There seems to be some confusion about when dues are payable. Since January 2010 when we took over the club, all dues for renewing
members are payable in the month of January. Dues for 2011 are still trickling in that were payable in January 2011! So let’s start fresh again
in January 2012; if you are an existing member, your 2012 dues, at the new rate, will be payable during the month of January in 2012. If you’re
one of the members who just mailed in this year’s dues, remember, they were due in January 2011 and they are due again in January of 2012.
We will not be mailing a statement to you, this letter and application form is your statement. In the future, members 30 days past due will be
dropped.
Dues Structure
We need 80 people in attendance at each Shield’s concert to break even. Since taking over the club, we have more than doubled our membership. Including couples, we now have over 700 members! To think that we can’t get 80 people to attend a concert on a Saturday at Shield’s is
surprising; however, that has been the case in the past year. For this organization to continue, we must at least be in a break-even situation. That
means YOU need to come out and join us! Bill and I have agreed to do this for one more year. We have discussed with you and among ourselves
who you would like to hear. Our new schedule is included in this newsletter, and although some of your favorites have yet to be scheduled for
2012, those leaders and bands hired by Chuck Moss reflect what you have asked for.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your loyalty, friendship, membership and support. If you are one of our many volunteers, know that we could not do this without you and thank you. Please let us know your thoughts on the direction of the club. It is YOUR
organization and your input is important to us. If you have questions, please feel free to call me at (248) 813-0328.
Sally Bolle
(On behalf of Bill Bolle, Chuck Moss and Emily Laura)
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