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(view all archives) This Week: Smooth Jazz Superstars Marion Meadows & Paul Taylor, Rachel Brown & The Beatnik Playboys, Myron Davis and more... Nighttown Cleveland by Nighttown / Jim Wadsworth Productions Hi Folks. Fantastic week of shows here at Nighttown. On Wednesday and Thursday, don't miss one of the greatest smooth jazz groups, Marion Meadows & Paul Taylor, and their program "Sax & the City". Marion and Paul are legends of the smooth jazz scene for the last twenty years. Come hear them in the intimate and acoustically perfect music room at Nighttown, and you'll be knocked out! The early shows are close to selling out so don't wait to get your tickets. Then it'll be a party on Friday when Rachel Brown & The Beatnik Playboys bring their blend of hip Americana, bluegrass, and funk. Rachel is cutting a new album at Suuma Studios right now, so come get a preview of some of her new songs. On Saturday, soul singer, songwriter and producer Myron Davis comes back to perform here at Nighttown. Myron has written songs and collaborated with numerous artists including Dru Hill, Meshell Ndegeocello and Robert Glasper. On Sunday, the Kamal Abdul-Alim Quintet returns to Nighttown for an exciting night of jazz, soul, and African music. He'll have an all-star group of NE Ohio musicians including Kamal on trumpet, Cecil Rucker on vibes, George Pearson on piano, Bradford McGhee on bass, & Larry Hancock on drums. Hope you can join us for several of these fantastic concerts this week at Nighttown. Jim Wadsworth Nighttown / Jim Wadsworth Productions great dining | great music 12387 Cedar Road (top of Cedar Hill) Cleveland Heights, OH 216-795-0550 www.nighttowncleveland.com Map to Nighttown To Purchase Concert Tickets No need to make an additional table reservation - it's already included with your concert tickets!!

Cleveland Hts. HS Jazz Program - live.ezezine.comlive.ezezine.com/ezine/pdf/640_3-2017.05.08.23.14.archive.pdfCritics and fans alike are raving about the eclectic yet hot sounds of

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    This Week: Smooth Jazz Superstars Marion Meadows & Paul Taylor, Rachel Brown & The Beatnik Playboys, Myron Davis and more...

    Nighttown Cleveland by Nighttown / Jim Wadsworth Productions

    Hi Folks.

    Fantastic week of shows here at Nighttown.

    On Wednesday and Thursday, don't miss one of the greatestsmooth jazz groups, Marion Meadows & Paul Taylor, and theirprogram "Sax & the City". Marion and Paul are legends of the smoothjazz scene for the last twenty years. Come hear them in the intimateand acoustically perfect music room at Nighttown, and you'll beknocked out! The early shows are close to selling out so don't wait toget your tickets.

    Then it'll be a party on Friday when Rachel Brown & The BeatnikPlayboys bring their blend of hip Americana, bluegrass, and funk. Rachel is cutting a new album at Suuma Studios right now, so come

    get a preview of some of her new songs.

    On Saturday, soul singer, songwriter and producer Myron Davis comesback to perform here at Nighttown. Myron has written songs andcollaborated with numerous artists including Dru Hill, Meshell Ndegeocelloand Robert Glasper.

    On Sunday, the Kamal Abdul-Alim Quintet returns to Nighttown for anexciting night of jazz, soul, and African music. He'll have an all-star group ofNE Ohio musicians including Kamal on trumpet, Cecil Rucker on vibes,George Pearson on piano, Bradford McGhee on bass, & LarryHancock on drums.

    Hope you can join us for several of these fantastic concerts this week at Nighttown.

    Jim WadsworthNighttown / Jim Wadsworth Productions

    great dining | great music

    12387 Cedar Road (top of Cedar Hill)Cleveland Heights, OH

    216-795-0550

    www.nighttowncleveland.comMap to Nighttown

    To Purchase Concert Tickets

    No need to make an additional table

    reservation - it's already included with your concert

    tickets!!

  • New Shows Recently Added

    5/14 Kamal Abdul-Alim Quintet5/24 Gus Mahoney in Concert - Benefit6/01 John Richmond Swingtet Celebrates Benny Goodman 6/02 Pat Harris 6/03 The Numbers Band (15-60-75) 6/07 Urbanity w/Albare & Phil Turcio 6/09 Lucas Kadish Trio 6/12 Hubb's Groove w/David 6/14 Philippe LeJeune 6/15 Joe Lovano "Hometown Sessions" 6/16 Joe Lovano Quartet" 6/17 Nicolas Meier 6/18 Eddie Baccus Sr. & Jr. Fathers Day Special Concert 6/21 Water Seed 6/23 Beppe Gambetta 6/24 Travis "Moonchild" Haddix 6/25 Sullivan Fortner Trio 6/25 Transportation Boulevard 6/28 Django Festival All-Stars 6/29 Songwriters Circle w/Rick Szekelyi, Gretchen Pleuss,Rebekah Jean, & Tom Girard

    Nighttown Patios are Open for Your Outdoor Dining Enjoyment

    Stephen's Green

    Nighttown's two famous patios, "Stephen's Green" and "The Secret Garden" are now openfor the season. Enjoy your favorite Nighttown dishes on our beautiful three season patios. Lunch, dinner, and brunch on Sunday's.

    "Late Night at Nighttown" ** Every Week **Fridays Moss Stanley on piano 10:30PM - 1:00AM No coverSaturdays Jackie Warren on piano 10:30PM - 1:00AM No cover

    Nighttown Newsletter

    Click here to sign up for the Nighttown newsletter. Subscribers receiveadvance notice and discounts to many of the shows.

  • Nighttown Tickets and Seating Policy

    To purchase tickets click here, Do not make anadditional table reservation - it is already included withyour purchased tickets. All seats are General Admission. All seating is based on the time that you arrive for theshow and based on how many people are in your partyand where we have tables of that size. You may besharing a table with other people.

    Nighttown Student Discount PolicyStudents up to age 26 are 1/2 off the regular price. Student priced tickets are only available the night of theshow, are available only at the door, and are subject toavailability. Students must have a photo ID from agenerally-recognized high school, college or university. Full-paying ticket holders get priority on admission andseating. Certain select shows have no discount based onarrangements with the artist. On evenings when thereare two shows (i.e. shows at 7 & 9PM), the discount isonly good for the second show. Students under the age of18 must be accompanied by an adult paying full price inorder to be eligible for the discount.

    Cleveland Hts. HS Jazz Program$5.00 Monday 5/08 7:00 pm Off Sale

    Next Generation of North Coast Jazzers hits the stage at Nighttown! Under themusical Direction of Brett Baker.

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  • Marion Meadows / Paul Taylor "Sax & the City"$40.00 Wednesday 5/10 7:00 pm Buy Tickets9:00 pm Buy Tickets

    Thursday 5/11 7:00 pm Buy Tickets9:00 pm Buy Tickets

    Contemporary Jazz Saxophone Stars and their Group light up the Stage atNighttown!

    SAX and The City is a smooth contemporary jazz concert featuring saxophonist'sMarion Meadows, and Paul Taylor with home grown favorites Will and LamarGaines.

    From start to finish, the SAX and the City show has a sound vibe that will satisfymusic lovers who are seeking solid urban adult contemporary music. The awesomesmoothness of Paul Taylor, together with the east coast funk of Marion Meadows isa must hear and see! This Dynamic Duo is all the buzz on the contemporary jazzscene. Critics and fans alike are raving about the eclectic yet hot sounds of "SAXAND THE CITY" From the Capital Jazz fest to Newport and Catalina and AZ Jazz Festand now Cleveland! SAX AND THE CITY rocks the house.

    Meadows was born in West Virginia and grew up in Stamford, Connecticut. Hebegan playing the clarinet and studying classical music at the age of nine. Hestarted playing tenor sax in high school, and then migrated to soprano sax.

    His passion for various types of music led him down an eclectic musical path. Hewas intrigued by the styles of jazz musicians, like Stanley Turrentine, Sidney Bichet,Johnny Hodges, John Coltrane, Sonny Stitt, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Dexter Gordon,Cannonball Adderley, Coleman Hawkins, Sonny Fortune, Joe Henderson, GroverWashington and many others. After studying jazz at Rippowam High School inStamford, CT with Anthony Truglia, Meadows attended Berklee College of Music.There he majored in arranging and composition. He later went to the SUNYPurchase School for the Arts. During his college years he played in a number ofbands including disco, R&B and various jazz ensmbles. I got a lot of sideman jobs incollege, and I have always said I got my real graduate degree playing clubs, saysMeadows, who perfected his craft studying with Sonny Fortune, Joe Henderson,Dave Liebman and Eddie Daniels.

    Not long after I finished school, (drummer) Norman Connors recorded one of mysongs, Invitation and then asked me to join his band. I later produced his Passionalbum with my colleague Jacques Burvick (Aquarium Dream) . Things just fell intoplace. Meadows first hit the airwaves in 1991 with For Lovers Only.

    The experience put him on the road to his eventual success. Meadows hooked upwith numerous artists and musicians and became a well known sideman in his ownright, recording or performing over the years with Brook Benton, Eartha Kitt, PhyllisHyman, Jean Carne, The Temptations, Michael Bolton, Angela Bofill, Will Downing ,Bob Baldwin, Chuck Loeb, John Lee, among many others.

    In 1990 Meadows submitted a solo project to Steve Backer at Novus/RCA and wassigned to a recording contract, thus marking the beginning of his solo career.Meadows first RCA release For Lovers Only was a huge success and was followedby his ground breaking Keep it Right There album. He became a staple of thecontemporary jazz format with his subsequent recordings, which include BodyRhythm (1994) and Forbidden Fruit (1996), Passion (1997), Another Side Of Midnight(1999), Next To You (2000), In Deep (2002), Players Club (2004), Dressed To Chill(2006), Secrets (2009) Whisper (2013) and Soul Traveler his current release on the

  • (2006), Secrets (2009) Whisper (2013) and Soul Traveler his current release on theNew York based Shanachie Label.

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    Rachel Brown & The Beatnik Playboys $10.00 Friday 5/12 8:30 pm Buy Tickets

    Vocalist, pianist, and singer/Songwriter leads All-Star NE Ohio Group Live atNighttown!

    Featuring: Rachel Brown-vocals & piano, Dave Huddleston-guitar, Bill Watson-bass, & Roy King-drums.

    Rachel Brown and the Beatnik Playboys are a delicious musical anachronism Americana music of today that seems like it could have come from a time whenmilk came in glass bottles and doctors still made house calls. Powered by singer-songwriter Browns multi-octave voice, fed by guitarist Dave Huddlestons tasty licksand harmonies, decorated by the smooth grooves of string bassist Bill Watson anddrummer Roy King, the band journeys through the musical landscape of country,jazz, blues and gospel on a trip you want to take over and over.

    Rachel has opened for many top artists including Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson,Merle Haggard, Peter Cooper & Eric Brace, Nathan Bell, Mary Chapin Carpenter,Bill Kirchen, Chuck Mead, Phil Lee, Loretta Lynn, Ray Stevens, Toby Keith, BradPaisley, Vern Gosdin, Clint Black , Alan Jackson, Aaron Tippin, Bill Monroe, RalphStanley,Richie Furay, Donna the Buffalo, The Carpenter Ants, Little Jimmy Dickens,Southern Pacific, Ricky Scaggs, David Jacobs Strain and The Judds. Rachel is also amusic teacher for the Elyria City School District.

    Bill Watson has had an extensive and successful career out of performing musicfor many years. Currently, you can also find Bill playing with "The Numbers Band"(since 1990), "Hillbilly Idol" (since 1990), "Alex Bevan" (since 1988) and "Clearfork"(since 1990). Some of you may remember seeing Bill perform with "The DamnBand" (1991), "Reckless Abandon" (1987), "Mimi Hart & The Bopkats" (1984-86),"Deadly Ernest & The Honky Tonk Heroes" (1981-84), "Gopher Broke Swing Band"(1977-1981), "Smackinrrouge" and "Better 'n Bacon Band" (pre 1977).

    Roy King has had the pleasure of performing with living legends like Mose Allison,Bucky Pizzerelli, Eddie Bo, Johnny Gimble and Jay McShann to great local heroessuch as Alex Bevan, the Gopher Broke Swing Band, pianists Mike Petrone and JoeHunter. Roy currently teaches drums and percussion at Woodsys Music in Kent andMedina, as well as leading his own jazz trio which plays at Nighttown in Cleveland,Ohio. "I always wanted to be a beatnik and a playboy.", says Roy. " Now I can beboth!"

    Dave Huddleston is a lifelong student and lover of music. He is known locally as avocalist, guitarist, and bassist. Born in Washington, DC, and raised in Cleveland,Dave grew up in a musical family and was exposed to a variety of music genres --from Saturday Metropolitan Opera radio broadcasts, to Broadway musicals playedon the family hi-fi, to pop tunes squeezed out of a tiny transistor radio tuned toWIXY 1260-AM. His influences are all over the map -- Bach, Artie Shaw, Elvis, theTemptations, the Beatles, Ella, 1960s TV themes, Gaetano Veloso, Chaka Khan, U2,the Bee Gees, the Isley Brothers, Frankie Valli, Ennio Morricone, Buck Owens. Davesees every song and every gig as a chance for exciting explorations, always with anelement of surprise.

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    Myron Davis$20.00 Saturday 5/13 8:30 pm Buy Tickets

    Dynamic North Coast Soul Singer/Songwriter and his group hit the Stage atNighttown!

    Myron Davis has written hits songs for Dru Hill, and collaborated with Ron Isley,Robert Glasper, Meshell Ndgeocello, Kelly Price, Conya Doss, and many others!

    Cleveland native, artist and producer, Myron Davis' soul sound has been heard onhundreds of records all of the world. His 1998 debut CD project "Destiny" has soldmore than 1 million records and his song writing is featured on the platinum hitsingle "Tell Me" by R&B quartet, Dru Hill. Myron has collaborated with MeshellNdegeocello and Robert Glasper as well as Ron Isley, Kelly Price and Conya Doss.With three solo projects of his own and several other music projects he hasproduced, Myron continues to influence the culture and leave a legacy of soul forgenerations to come.

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    Kamal Abdul-Alim Quintet $15.00 Sunday 5/14 7:00 pm Buy Tickets

    Dynamic North Coast Trumpeter, and recording artist leads All-Star Quintet playing Soul Jazz, and More!!

    Featuring: Kamal Abdul-Alim-trumpet, Cecil Rucker-vibes, GeorgePearson-piano, Bradford McGhee-bass, & Larry Hancock-drums.

  • Kamal Abdul-Alim is a composer and a masterful performer-who works in the cross-pollinating idioms of Jazz, African Music and other musics of the African diaspora.His playing has to it both a power to astonish and a lyricism which rivets thelistener, calling to mind the historical roots of African music. Where music was not aseparate art but an important and integral part of society and life itself. Kamal iscommitted to presenting to his audience, a music which is spiritually uplifting,mentally inspiring, and rhythmically stimulating.

    Born in Cleveland Ohio he was introduced to music as an infant, and taught to playpiano and read music by his mother. Formal studies began at the Cleveland MusicSettlement and in the Cleveland public school system. Where he played bass violinand tuba in the Orchestra and Band. After returning from the service he beganstudying the trumpet. The instrument he was fated to make his own and studiedwith Janos Kiss, the famous Hungarian composer.

    Leaving Cleveland in the mid 60s, Kamal entered the Berkley School of Music inBoston. There he studied composition, arranging and performed in local Rhythmand Blues bands. To further hone his musical sensibilities, he entered the Universityof Massachusetts at Amherst, where he studied African American Music with MaxRoach and Archie Shepp recieving his B.A . During this period he also organizedand directed the African American Cultural Center at Amherst College.

    Moving to NYC in the 70s Kamal became a personality on the N.Y. Jazz Scene and amuch sought after player based on his work with bands led by Frank Foster, ClarkTerry, Ernie Wilkins, Slide Hampton, and the Jazzmobile Orchestra led by Frank Wess. He began recordings with Eddie Jefferson, Philly Joe Jones, Reggie Workman,Billy Higgins, Bill Hardman, Frank Wright, Archie Shepp and with friends Olu Dara,Lester Bowie and Jerry Gonzales. Kamal continued his studies earned an MA. inEducation from Long Island University and began teaching in the NY Public schoolsystem. He also began studies in Music Therapy at NYU and Columbia University.After developing his own personal concept, he recorded his first album "DANCE"with Idress Muhammed, James Spaulding, Bobby Watson and Ron Burton. andtoured Europe with Archie Shepp and Frank Wright.

    To further broaden his musical experience, in the 80s Kamal moved to Paris andbegan prerforming and touring with African and Caribbean groups residing inAfrica for periods of time. it was during this period while in Dakar Senegal, that hedeveloped the concept for his next recording "Kani Mambo".

    In the new millennium Kamal continues to present himself as the exponent of atimeless calling performing, touring and leading various ensembles. Whetherplaying the Blues, Jazz or linking up with the Spirits of his African Ancestors. He is amost interesting performer and one not to be under estimated.

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  • Shaun Martin$20.00 Monday 5/15 7:00 pm Buy Tickets

    From Dallas, Texas!Dynamic Pianist and Keyboard player as featured with Snarky Puppy & KirkFranklin, makes his Cleveland debut at Nighttown leading his 6 Pc. Group!

    Shaun Martin has been playing, creating, and collaborating for most of his life, yethis contributions go much further than just playing. When you move through theprojects that Shaun has been a part of you can feel his style and influence; you cansense his presence throughout the compositions. Shauns willingness and ability tobe a subtle part of each band have allowed him be part of the very foundation.

    #1 on iTunes Jazz Chart - June 2015

    Seven time Grammy Winner, including:

    2007 Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album, with Kirk Franklin (Hero) 2009 Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album, with Kirk Franklin (Fight of My Life) 2012 Best Gospel Album, with Kirk Franklin (Hello Fear) 2012 Best Gospel Song, with Kirk Franklin (Hello Fear) 2014 Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance, Snarky Puppy with LalahHathaway (Something) 2016 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, as member ofSnarky Puppy (Sylva) 2017 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, as member ofSnarky Puppy (Culcha Vulcha)

    His debut release, Seven Summers, is the record that you would expect when aseasoned player with roots in several genres takes the time to let the music unfold.It spans the musical map from jazz to soul to hip hop with a casual touch of fusion.

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    University School HS Band$10.00 Monday 5/15 7:30 pm Buy Tickets

    Next Generation of Jazz Musicians from US live on Nighttown's side patio!

    University School in Hunting Valley, Ohio, offers three jazz groups that explore thefull range of jazz styles found throughout the century-long history of jazz from itsorigins in New Orleans Era to avant-garde and funk. The top jazz ensemble (the"1:00 Jazz Ensemble", named after the tradition of naming groups set by theUniversity of North Texas) has always intended to be configured as a largeensemble; i.e. big band. The second group (the "2:00 Jazz Ensemble") was createdin 2004 due to increasing numbers of interested players and will form into whateverthe numbers of successful auditionees present itself to be. Additionally, there is athird group, the U.S. Jazz Combo, comprised of the strongest improvisers from the1:00 Ensemble

    The U.S. jazz groups have played at many area venues including the Rock and RollHall of Fame, Nighttown, The Bop Stop, Brothers Lounge, Tower City, Renaissance

  • Hotel, The Hermit Club, Landerhaven and the Cleveland Grand Prix parade. U.S.jazz ensembles have also performed in conjunction with the Tri-C Jazz Festival,being favorably critiqued by such as Gary Burton and Louis Hayes. And, back whenthere was only one ensemble, that group won Third Place in the Down Beat(magazine) Jazz Festival in Orlando in the mid-90s, receiving recognition in an issueof the magazine. Additionally, they have featured the likes of former Miles Davissaxophonist Sam Morrison as guest soloist, performed in New Orleans famousPreservation Hall, and performed at the 2017 OMEA Professional DevelopmentConference

    Directed by David Kay, a former instructor in the world-renowned Jazz StudiesDepartment at Indiana University, as well as a current (30 years running) facultymember in the music program at the Interlochen Arts Camp, and a professionalmusician besides, US jazz groups have graduated many students active musicallyduring college and afterward. Some have attended Interlochen and the JameyAebersold camps in the summers; others have majored in music at schools such asthe University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, University of SouthernCalifornia, and the Ohio State University.

    Shaun Martin$20.00 Monday 5/15 9:00 pm Buy Tickets

    From Dallas, Texas!Dynamic Pianist and Keyboard player as featured with Snarky Puppy & KirkFranklin, makes his Cleveland debut at Nighttown leading his 6 Pc. Group!

    Shaun Martin has been playing, creating, and collaborating for most of his life, yethis contributions go much further than just playing. When you move through theprojects that Shaun has been a part of you can feel his style and influence; you cansense his presence throughout the compositions. Shauns willingness and ability tobe a subtle part of each band have allowed him be part of the very foundation.

    #1 on iTunes Jazz Chart - June 2015

    Seven time Grammy Winner, including:

    2007 Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album, with Kirk Franklin (Hero) 2009 Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album, with Kirk Franklin (Fight of My Life) 2012 Best Gospel Album, with Kirk Franklin (Hello Fear) 2012 Best Gospel Song, with Kirk Franklin (Hello Fear)

  • 2012 Best Gospel Song, with Kirk Franklin (Hello Fear) 2014 Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance, Snarky Puppy with LalahHathaway (Something) 2016 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, as member ofSnarky Puppy (Sylva) 2017 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, as member ofSnarky Puppy (Culcha Vulcha)

    His debut release, Seven Summers, is the record that you would expect when aseasoned player with roots in several genres takes the time to let the music unfold.It spans the musical map from jazz to soul to hip hop with a casual touch of fusion.

    Visit Website

    Watch Video

    Gerald Clayton Trio$20.00 Tuesday 5/16 7:00 pm Buy Tickets

    Jazz Pianist extraordinaire and Concord Recording Artist leads his Trio live atNighttown.

    Featuring: Gerald Clayton-piano, Joe Sanders-acoustic bass, & Kendrick Scott-drums.

    Gerald Clayton searches for honest expression in every note he plays. Withharmonic curiosity and critical awareness, he develops musical narratives thatunfold as a result of both deliberate searching and chance uncovering. The four-time GRAMMY-nominated pianist/composer formally began his musical journey atthe prestigious Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, where he received the2002 Presidential Scholar of the Arts Award. Continuing his scholarly pursuits, heearned a Bachelor of Arts in Piano Performance at USCs Thornton School of Musicunder the instruction of piano icon Billy Childs, after a year of intensive study withNEA Jazz Master Kenny Barron at The Manhattan School of Music. Clayton wonsecond place in the 2006 Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Piano Competition.

    Expansion has become part of Claytons artistic identity. His music is a celebrationof the inherent differences in musical perspectives that promote true artisticsynergy. Inclusive sensibilities have allowed him to perform and record with suchdistinctive artists as Diana Krall, Roy Hargrove, Dianne Reeves, AmbroseAkinmusire, Dayna Stephens, Kendrick Scott, John Scofield Ben Williams, TerellStafford & Dick Oatts, Michael Rodriguez, Terri Lyne Carrington, Avishai Cohen,Peter Bernstein and the Clayton Brothers Quintet. Clayton also has enjoyed anextended association since early 2013, touring and recording with saxophonelegend Charles Lloyd.

    2016 marks his second year as Musical Director of the Monterey Jazz Festival OnTour, a project that has featured his trio along with Ravi Coltrane, Nicholas Payton,Terence Blanchard and Raul Midn on guitar and vocals.

    Claytons discography as a leader reflects his evolution as an artist. His debutrecording, Two Shade (ArtistShare), earned a 2010 GRAMMY nomination for BestImprovised Jazz Solo for his arrangement of Cole Porters All of You. BattleCircle, his composition featured on The Clayton Brothers recording The New Songand Dance (ArtistShare), received a GRAMMY nomination for Best Jazz InstrumentalComposition in 2011. He received 2012 and 2013 GRAMMY nominations for BestJazz Instrumental Album for Bond: The Paris Sessions (Concord) and Life Forum

  • Jazz Instrumental Album for Bond: The Paris Sessions (Concord) and Life Forum(Concord), his second and third album releases.

    Capturing the truth in each moments conception of sound comes naturally toClayton. The son of beloved bass player and composer John Clayton, he enjoyed afamilial apprenticeship from an early age. Clayton honors the legacy of his fatherand all his musical ancestors through a commitment to artistic exploration,innovation, and reinvention.

    In the 2016-17 year, Clayton turns his imaginative curiosity toward uncovering theessence of the Piedmont Blues experience and expression in early twentiethcentury Durham. A Duke University commission, Claytons evening-lengthcomposition will explore a mixed media performance that features some of themost resonating voices in contemporary music.

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    Balkan Strings Trio$20.00 Tuesday 5/16 7:30 pm Buy Tickets

    From Belgrade, Serbia! On Nighttown's back patio.

    TRIO BALKAN STRINGS (Zoran Starcevic & sons) performs its original guitar music,a fusion of Balkan music: Serbian, Gypsy, Macedonian, Romanian, Moldavian,Bulgarian, Hungarian, Mediterranean, Greek, OrientalJazz, Gypsy Swing, Classicalmusic, asymmetrical rhythms and original guitar interpretation. The result,combining many cultures, is BALKAN SWING - JAZZ GUITAR - ETHNO - WORLDFUSION, virtuoso, rich and unconventional, fresh and spontaneous, brimming withenergy!

    " Trio Balkan Strings dedication to the music of the Balkans and central Europe isinspiring. The guitar interpretations of this music are wonderful. Really good !!! "- John McLaughlin

    Authentic, attractive music with the finest taste, real presentation of guitar music inBalkan Jazz style, unique interpretation from three of them and the universal musiclanguage, without frontiers. A real music trip by Balkan carpet, so if you like Jazz,Swing, Ethno, Classical, or you simply like guitar music, it is your perfect choice.

    They invented 6 hands playing on 1 guitar and that is their trademark. They haveperformed in many Festivals (Jazz, Classical Guitar, World music) and concerts in:USA, Canada, Italy, Poland, Hungary, Turkey, Russia, Moldova, Slovakia, ChechRepublic, Finland, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands,Luxembourg, Spain, UK, Lithuania, Estonia, Norway, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia andHerzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia. They did master classes-clinics and concertsfor classical and Jazz guitar students in Europe and in the USA.

    FIRST PRIZE WINNER in the World category of the 2005 USA SongwritingCompetition with composition Water-mill written by Nikola Starcevic and performedby Trio Balkan Strings.

    FIRST PRIZE WINNER - Trio Balkan Strings won first prize and the Dolphin statue forbeing the best instrumental ensemble on the Music World 2004 Italy FestivalInternacionale Fivizzano.

    FIRST PRIZE WINNER - of the JoAnn Falletta International Composition Competitionfor Guitar 2007 Buffalo, New York (Asiana IV written by Nikola Starcevic).

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    Hathaway Brown Vocal Music Program$10.00 Thursday 5/18 8:00 pm Buy Tickets

    Next Generation of Vocalist from HB hit the stage at Nighttown!

    Hathaway Brown School Vocal Arts Department offers a class called Solo Voice. This class for high school age female vocalists explores a singers performance withsongs in various styles of jazz, contemporary music, music for theatre, and originalwork, emphasizing communication with the audience, working with an accompanistor band, song arranging and material selection. Dynamics of vocal interpretationand style are also examined. This evening of jazz and contemporary song is theculminating experience of the course. Come out and see the newest talentCleveland has to offer.

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    Debbie Darling$15.00 Friday 5/19 8:30 pm Buy Tickets

    Exciting North Coast Jazz Vocalist hits the stage at Nighttown!

    Featuring: Debbie Darling-vocals, Jake Briggs-piano, ToussaintEnglish-bass, & Nick Bruschi-drums.Debbie Darling is a singer/songwriter who has performed a wide variety ofmusical styles from opera to jazz to blues and everything in between. She studiedvoice with David Blair, the vocal coach for The Metropolitan Opera. Shes providedher vocal talents for small bands, large orchestras and commercial voice overs.She's sung with Stanley Turrentine, The Peter Duchin Band, The Tommy DorseyBand, and more. She returns to Nighttown to perform jazz, blues and standards withthe Jake Briggs Trio. You wont want to miss this show. Debbie is the consummateperformer.

    Jake Briggs has a Bachelors of Music in Music theory and Composition. He is aMusic Director at Independence Presbyterian Church and teaches at the MusicTherapy Enrichment Center in Westlake. Jake has played with the College ofWooster Jazz Band, The Wooster Symphony Orchestra, and The College of Wooster

  • Wooster Jazz Band, The Wooster Symphony Orchestra, and The College of WoosterSymphonic Band. He has self-published several CDs and many works for piano,guitar, and choir. Jake plays several instruments but with his trio he plays piano.Along with Toussaint English on Bass and Nick Bruschi on Drums, they make up theJake Briggs Trio and they are delighted to be backing Debbie Darling for thisevening of jazz and standards.

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    Richie Cole All-Star Quartet featuring Greg Bandy$20.00 Saturday 5/20 8:30 pm Buy Tickets

    Alto Madness with Sax Legend Richie Cole, & with special guest MasterDrummer Greg Bandy Live on the Nighttown Stage!

    Featuring: Richie Cole-alto sax, Greg Bandy-drums, Jackie Warren-piano, &Peter Dominguez-acoustic bass.

    Richie Cole started playing alto saxophone when he was 10 years old in his hometown of Trenton, New Jersey. Influenced by Sonny Rollins and Charlie Parker, Colestalent and dedication won him a full scholarship from Downbeat Magazine to theBerklee School of Music in Boston.

    His professional career began in 1969 when he joined the Buddy Rich Big Band.And after stints with the Lionel Hampton Big Band and the Doc Severinsen BigBand, Cole formed his own quintet and toured worldwide, doing a great deal topopularize bebop and his own Alto Madness style in the 70s and early 80s.

    Cole has performed and recorded with the great vocalese artist Eddie Jefferson, theManhattan Transfer, Bobby Enriquez, Freddie Hubbard, Sonny Stitt, Art Pepper, TomWaits, Boots Randolph, and Nancy Wilson, to name just a few of his musicalcollaborations. Notably, Cole has performed at the Village Vanguard and CarnegieHall as well as gave a command performance for the Queen of England.

    Cole has recorded over 50 albums and CDs, including his top hit album HollywoodMadness (1979 Muse Records) and his tribute album to Leonard Bernstein, RichieCole Plays West Side Story (1997 Music Masters Jazz). A prolific composer, Colealso finds time to arrange for full big bands, symphony orchestras and frequentperformances at jazz festivals worldwide. Moreover, he enjoys sharing his love ofmusic with younger generations and is active recording, touring and presentinguniversity master classes.

    Cole was appointed to the Board of the National Jazz Service Organization and theBoard for the National Endowment for the Arts where he served as chairman forone year. He is also a charter member of the International Association of JazzEducators. In 2005 he was awarded the State of California Congressional Certificateof Lifetime Achievement in Jazz on behalf of the Temecula Jazz Society. Richie Coleis recognized worldwide for the sweet sounds of his alto saxophone and thecreativity behind his Alto Madness Orchestra.

    The Alto Madness Orchestra was developed by Cole in the early 90's and itscontinuing popularity is proof of its uniqueness. As Richie explains, "The idea of theOrchestra is the concept and sound of an eighteen-piece big band using only seveninstruments, four of which are horns. Not only does this have the big bandensemble sound, it also allows us plenty of room for improvisation as if we were in aquartet setting."

    Now based in New York City, drummer GregBandy is a perennial favorite in the Cleveland areaand also enjoys an international reputation. Bandy

  • and also enjoys an international reputation. Bandyhas toured with several major jazz artists includingPharoah Sanders, Joe Henderson, Betty Carter, andOlu Dara. Additionally he has lead his own groupsextensively. He has taken his groups far and wide,making appearances throughout North America,Europe, and in such far away destinations as Japan

    and Ghana, Africa.

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    "Angel of The Night" w/Barbara Barrett & John Morton$20.00 Sunday 5/21 7:00 pm Buy Tickets

    Top Flight North Coast Vocalists Barbara Barrett & John Morton live onNighttown Stage!

    Featuring: Barbara Barrett-vocals, John Morton-vocals, Ed Ridley-piano, AidanPlank-acoustic bass, & Elijah Gilmore-drums.

    Presented in Association with Quad City Productions.

    Along with generous vocal range, Barbara Barrett's song styling is supported byearly training in music theory, flute, piano, and voice. Starting with piano at a youngage, she progressed to and continued with music theory, and flute, finally findingher love of vocals at the age of thirteen. Barbara went all the way to receiving aBachelor's Degree in Music Education, from the University of Cincinnati's CollegeConservatory of Music. After graduation, her love for European classical musicafforded her success with The Cleveland Orchestra Chorus and The BlossomFestival Chorus, including performances at Carnegie Hall, and in Chautauqua, NewYork.

    When Karamu House presented Scott Joplin's opera "Treemonisha", Barbara wasgiven the lead role of Monisha, and won the 2000-2001 Actor's Guild Award for BestFemale Vocalist. As a solo artist over the last several years, she has focused mainlyon jazz standards, but has included generous portions of blues, soul, gospel, andR&B, which gives her renditions of the standards, fresh creativity withoutcompromising the classic nature of the songs.

    John Morton has been one of the most dynamic in-demand vocalists in NortheastOhio ever since he played his first professional gig nearly 40 years ago. His warmhusky baritone is immediately recognizable to musicians and audiences alike. Richand round, full of life, subtle when necessary, aggressive at the drop of a drumstick,his voice has been polished and matured through thousands of performances.

    He began singing in his fathers gospel choir when he was just five years old. Thesame neighborhood produced the ever popular vocalist James Ingram, who was achildhood friend. That gospel upbringing, that fervent style that only church singingcan inspire has stayed with him ever since. That was his training ground.

    After a long and storied apprenticeship in Ohio John left for California. While outWest John sang with Montuno St., a widely renowned California Salsa band. He alsoassociated with the Yellowjackets, the Pete Escavedo Orchestra, and Tower ofPower. He polished his voice some more strengthened it and became the man infront of the band.

    Since returning to Northeast Ohio to be with family John has been extremely busy.His incredible talent has been highly in demand.

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    Gus Mahoney in Concert - Benefit$90.00 - $160.00 Wednesday 5/24 7:00 pm Tickets here: http://bit.ly/2qQDlrU

    Benefit for Stage IV Cancer Research. In honor of MarthaMahoney. With Shaker Heights High Jazz ComboBald Benevolence presents co-founder Gus Mahoney in a concert in honor of his mother,Martha Mahoney. In this intimate cabaret, he will detail the heart-felt hilarities and surrealmoments within his eighteen years through music and spoken word. The evening will alsoinclude the musical stylings of the seniors in the Shaker Heights High School jazz combo.90% of proceeds from the evening will go towards Twisted Pink, a foundation gearedtowards providing research resources to stage IV metastatic breast cancer.

    For this formal benefit, tickets are $90 for a single ticket and $160 for duos. The ticketincludes an evening of music, love, appetizers and two drink tickets. Click here fortickets.

    Stay tuned for information on another lower priced benefit, Bald Benevolence Bash on June10th, Watch our website or social media outlets!

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    Winslow Road w/Webster, Carr, Custy, & Abersold $15.00 Thursday 5/25 8:00 pm Buy Tickets

    North Coast Folk, Pop, and more from Winslow Road, Shaker Hts., Ohio!

    Featuring: Laura Webster-vocals; Jim Carr-guitar & vocals; Nikki Custy-violin &vocals; Tom Abersold-sax

    Vocalist and Professor of Music at Hathaway Brown Laura Webster sings standards,show and pop tunes, jazz, and more

  • Featuring: Laura Webster-vocals, Jim Carr-guitar & vocals, Nikki Custy-violin, & TomAbersold-sax.

    Webster, Carr, Custy & Abersold are excited to be back at Nighttown! The groupperforms a unique mix of jazz, folk, rock and world music. With Laura Webster andJim Carr on guitar & vocals, Nikki Custy on vocals, fiddle and djembe, and TomAbersold on sax and flute, the quartet balances lyric acoustic sounds with rousingfiddle tunes and cool, rhythmic, Latin flavors. WCCA revel in fusing their individual roots in jazz, Celtic, folk, rock, and Latin musicinto a dynamic musical tapestry. Laura Webster, vocalist, has performed at jazzclubs in NYC and Cleveland, and is vocal arts director at Hathaway Brown School inShaker Hts. Jim Carr, guitarist/vocalist, has performed at a wide range of venuesthroughout Cleveland and Boston, and is music director at Church of St. Dominic inShaker Hts. and guitar professor at John Carroll University. Nikki Custy,violin/vocals/djembe, honed her fiddle skills in the pubs of County Clare, Ireland,and is in demand as a master fiddler with numerous Celtic bands throughout thearea. Tom Abersold, sax/flute, developed his style and skills working with big bands,jazz, rock, blues and acoustic groups throughout the Cleveland area.

    Jeff Lorber Fusion $40.00 Friday 5/26 8:00 pm Buy Tickets10:00 pm Buy Tickets

    Legendary Fusion Master Jeff Lorber leads All-Star Group at Nighttown!

    Featuring: Jeff Lorber-piano & keys, Everette Harp-sax, Jimmy Haslip-bass, &Gary Novak-drums.

    Trailblazing pianist, composer, producer and bandleader Jeff Lorber is aconsummate artist who continues to push himself to new plateaus. Agroundbreaking Fender Rhodes pioneer along with the likes of Herbie Hancock, JoeSample and Bob James, Lorber has triumphed as one of the most innovativemusical minds in contemporary jazz. The multi Grammy-nominated pianists newestCD is a sterling example of his expansive musical roots, masterfully craftedharmonic and melodic sophistication, irresistible finger-poppin grooves andintricate rhythmic sense. I came up with the name Prototype because we arealways trying to up our game and come up with new exciting music that could be aprototype or innovative harbinger for the future of our musical style, says the LAbased pianist. Lorber, a Berklee College of Music alum who formerly majored inChemistry at Boston College goes full throttle on Prototype, orchestrating like analchemist in the lab concocting a majestic elixir of jazz, soul, funk, pop, R&B andgospel.

    Prototype features longtime collaborators bassist Jimmy Haslip (founding memberof The Yellowjackets) and drummer Gary Novak. From a production standpointJimmy adds a big picture element. He contributes a lot with his warm bass soundand on the road he is without a doubt one of the finest soloists out there on hisinstrument. Lorber adds, Garys very versatile, imaginative, super solid and gets agreat sound. He really shines playing over the funky polyrhythmic grooves werecord.

    Jeff Lorbers Fusion came to life in the 70s when the pianist attended BerkleeCollege of Music. I was listening to Miles Davis and Bitches Brew and the beginningof great fusion bands like Mahavishnu Orchestra, Weather Report and Return to

  • of great fusion bands like Mahavishnu Orchestra, Weather Report and Return toForever, reflects Lorber. There were also artists like Herbie Hancock, TheCrusaders and Grover Washington, who pioneered a more melodic and funky typeof sound. Not to mention the fantastic music being made in R&B and pop music likeEarth Wind and Fire and Tower of Power. Lorber envisioned Jeff Lorber Fusion asecond generation to these fusion bands that were more R&B and melody oriented.A true clinician, Lorber has made it a point to study the long line of modern jazzpianists since 1945. Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea have been major influencesbut I had to go back and try to figure out who they listened to and were inspired by,says Lorber. Some of these icons that come to mind are Bill Evans, TheloniousMonk, McCoy Tyner and Bud Powell. He adds, I also cant forget all of the pianistswho played with Miles Davis such as Red Garland, Wynton Kelly, Tommy Flanaganand Horace Silver.

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    Moises Borges & Joshua Smith$15.00 Saturday 5/27 8:30 pm Buy Tickets

    Bossa Nova, Samba, and more from Brazilian Vocalist and Guitarist MoisesBorges with West Coast Saxophonist & Cleveland Native Joshua Smith. Echoesof Getz/Gilberto on Nighttown's Stege!

    Moises Borges a native of Brazil now living in Cleveland has become a prolificperformer one the Northeast Ohio scene in recent years. A gifted vocalist andguitarist, Borges plays in the Bossa Nova tradition interpreting classics by Jobim,Gilberto, and many others. This far away from his native Brazil the music of hishomeland is very much alive when he is on stage.

    Joshua Smith is a saxophonist/multi instrumentalistresiding in the San Francisco Bay area. He has beenperforming for the past 20 years with a wide array ofnotable jazz and creative musicians, beginning in hishometown of Cleveland, Ohio.

    Joshua has performed in the straight-ahead jazz realm forthe past 20 years. His current sidemen are the best of theSan Francisco Bay Area, and he has played countlessconcerts and private events in the straight-ahead arena.Growing up, Smith began gigging at a very early age witholder jazzmen of his hometown, Cleveland, Ohio... He was amember of "Greg Bandy's Young Lions'" and studied undersaxophone iconoclast Ernie Krivda.

    Joshua has since made his mark in the arena of avant-garde jazz and forwardthinking jazz through performing with players like Joe Maneri, Cuong Vu, (of The PatMetheny Group), Chris Jonas, trumpet legend Nate Wooley, Trevor Dunn, ToddSickafoose, Myra Melford, Ben Goldberg,Carmen Castaldi, and drummer ScottAmendola in addition to many other notable players...

    Additionally, he's performed with funk drumming legend Clyde Stubblefield, touredas a member of The Youngblood Brass Band, and bluegrass legend Peter Rowan...

    He's been a member of The Scott Amendola Quartet for the last five years, havingperformed with guitar luminary Nels Cline, at John Zorn's NYC venue, The Stone.

    In 2010 he acted as music director and contributing composer to the "Leave MeAlone" opera, an avant grade jazz opera written by Smith's good friend Harvey

  • Alone" opera, an avant grade jazz opera written by Smith's good friend HarveyPekar, at Oberlin College.

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    Christian Sands Trio$20.00 Sunday 5/28 7:00 pm Buy Tickets

    Rapidly rising Pianist from Christian McBride's Trio debuts music from his brandnew Concord Records CD live at Nighttown!

    Featuring: Christian Sands-piano, Yasushi Nakamura-acoustic bass, & JeromeJennings-drums.

    Steinway Artist and five-time Grammy Nominee

    CHRISTIAN SANDS is an emerging jazz force. His abundant piano techniqueperfectly matches his conception, accomplishing a much deeper musical goal: afresh look at the entire language of jazz. Christian says, "My music is about teachingthe way of jazz and keeping it alive." Whether it's stride, swing, bebop, progressive,fusion, Brazilian or Afro-Cuban, Sands develops the past while providing unusualand stimulating vehicles for the present... and for the future. He expresses himselfthrough an extensive vocabulary of patterns, textures and structures, all the whilemaintaining a strong sense of understatement, sensitivity, taste and swing -hallmarks for as long as he has been playing.

    With his debut Mack Avenue Records recording, REACH, singularly talented pianistand five-time Grammy Award nominee Christian Sands is stretching into excitingprogressive territory as he breaks new ground traversing from the straight-aheadzone into fresh-sounding music influenced by a range of styles, from Afro-Cubanrhythms to hip-hop beats to dirty blues with an edge. Thats impressive for ayoungster who is just 27. The collection here is about reaching new ideas andreaching new music, he says. Im reaching from past recordings to bring in thefuture, which is really all about finding myself. Its a chance to express myexperience.

    REACH becomes one more milestone in Sands auspicious career that stretchesback to his New Haven, Connecticut upbringing. Having started playing piano atfour years old, composing his first piece of music at age five, starting music classesat eight, and becoming a professional at ten, Sands was well-prepared to attendsuch prestigious schools as the Neighborhood Music School and the EducationalCenter for the Arts in New Haven (he later received bachelors and mastersdegrees from the Manhattan School of Music).

    But a key moment came when he attended the Jazz in July summer workshop at theUniversity of Massachusetts, Amherst when he was in high school. That was wherehe met and began his mentorship with Dr. Billy Taylor. I was 13 or 14 and I studiedwith Dr. Taylor, Sands says. After the first week, he asked me to stay a second. Iwent on to take private lessons with him and master classes. He became my musicgrandfather; I went to his house in the Bronx and wed talk about different musicsuch as his piano heroes like Art Tatum and then bands I was listening to, includingThe Roots, A Tribe Called Quest, John Legend and he was hip to all this.

    The recording is co-produced by both Grammy-Award winning producer Al Pryorand famed bassist Christian McBride, who has collaborated with Sands in hisGrammy Award-winning trio, as well as some of his other groups, since 2009.Upon first meeting Christian, I could feel a cool connection, Sands recalls. From

  • Upon first meeting Christian, I could feel a cool connection, Sands recalls. Fromwhen I first sat in with his Inside Straight band, I realized that we think about musicin the same way. When I got signed to Mack Avenue, I asked if Christian couldproduce me, as someone who knows my playing and what I want to accomplish inmy music.

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    John Richmond Swingtet Celebrates Benny Goodman$10.00 Thursday 6/01 7:00 pm Buy Tickets

    Rare Vintage Films of Jazz Legend Benny Goodman. CelebratingBenny Goodman's birthday!!

    And, Live Music Made Famous by Benny Goodman with the JohnRichmond Swingtet live at Nighttown!

    Featuring: John Richmond-clarinet & film curator, George Foley-piano, & Bill Fuller-drums.This is a tribute to the continuing legacy of the King of Swing, clarinetist BennyGoodman, whose birthday anniversary was just two days ago, on May 30th. Goodman, who was born in Chicago in 1909, would have celebrated his 108thbirthday. Clarinetist John Richmond first heard Benny Goodman live back in 1956,when Benny was a mere 46 years old. Richmond remembers that edition of theGoodman band as great, featuring such jazz legends as pianist Hank Jones andsaxophonist Budd Johnson.

    Tonights tribute includes rare 16 mm film footage of various Benny Goodmangroups from 1936 through 1959, shown on Nighttowns big (well, fairly big) moviescreen, plus live performances of the Goodman repertoire by clarinetistRichmonds three piece Swingtet, featuring George Foley on piano and Bill Fuller ondrums.

    This program is the first American presentation of Hommage a Benny Goodmanpresented by John Richmond in France in 1999. The same films will be shown,along with, in the interest of fairness, some fabulous film footage by Goodmansrival, clarinetist Artie Shaw.

  • Pat Harris$15.00 Friday 6/02 8:30 pm Buy Tickets

    North Coast Vocalist extraordinaire sings jazz, gospel, opera, and more live atNighttown! With All-Star Lineup!

    Featuring: Cliff Barnes-piano, Walter Barnes-bass, Zaire Darden-drums, LeeSavory-trumpet, Andrenee Fant-Prie-background vocals, Kevin Henderson-background vocals, & very special guest Lafayette Carthon-piano.

    Clevelander Pat Harris is a vocalist with impressive credentials. After studying atthe American College of Switzerland in Lucerne, where she minored in music, shejoined the European musical revue Superlove, with whom she toured and recordedextensively. Superlove had several European hits and toured in 18 differentcountries. Superlove recorded for the RCA and Phonogram labels. Since returning to her hometown of Cleveland, Pat Harris has put a new emphasison singing jazz. Harris takes great inspiration from her vocal heroine Ella Fitzgerald and is has alsobeen influenced by current jazz stars Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kurt Elling, and KevynLettau. Since returning to the States, Pat has played several high profile gigs. They includean appearance at the White House to sing for President Bill Clinton, andperformances with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, The Cleveland ChamberOrchestra, singing at the games of the Indians, Browns, and Cavaliers, at the Tri-CJazz Fest, and as a back up singer for pop vocalist Barry Manilow. She was alsochosen to sing for Oprah Winfrey when she made an appearance in Cleveland. Don't miss the dynamic vocals of Pat Harris and her group live at Nighttown

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    The Numbers Band (15-60-75)$10.00 Saturday 6/03 8:30 pm Buy Tickets

    From Kent, Ohio! Celebrating their 47th Year! Northeast Ohio Jazz, Blues, &Rock Legends hit the Stage at Nighttown!

    Featuring: Bob Kidney-guitar & vocals, Jack Kidney-harmonica, sax, keys, &vocals, Terry Hynde-sax, Bill Watson-bass, & Clint Alguire-drums.

    15 60 75 The Numbers Band has been praised by almost every national musicpublication and several international publications since the beginning of their 30years of live performances and recordings. Many fans are under the impressionthat the band remains obscure by choice. In fact, they have never been offered acontract from any recording company in the industry, ever.

    The music "cannot be categorized", "it is undefinable", "too original". The music

  • The music "cannot be categorized", "it is undefinable", "too original". The musicindustry is not about music anymore. It is about selling products the public canrelate to. After all, it is a business. Even "alternative" music has become a label. Thefounder of the band, Robert Kidney, explains, "The music industry, the media, andthe tellsusourvision (TV) are defining for the American public what is good music byonly playing and supporting what is profitable. We are taught to disregardeverything that is not familiar. We (The Numbers Band) give the people our best.Our effort goes into being creative, unique and original. We define our own sound.There are no rules because we don't play the game. We are not in it for the game,we're in it for the music."

    So, the band continues to create and evolve outside of the "Rock & Roll"establishment. The majority of the recordings were financed by friends who lovedthe music enough to put up their own money. Hundreds of photographs taken ofthe band in different stages of it's existence by different amazing people tell a storyof intense performances, long nights, and the passing of time. Band members havecome and gone, and returned again. Robert sees music as much more than anemotional release or a performance. It is a job, a job for which he demands respectand payment for services.

    The title of the band has always aroused curiosity from fans. The fans called themThe Numbers because it was easier than trying to get the figures right. Numbershad not been used in a name before, and the political climate in 1970 was quiteOrwell-ian. Robert choose a sequence of numbers mentioned in a book written byPaul Oliver called The Blues Fell This Morning. In the chapter "The Jinx Is On Me",Oliver describes the Numbers Racket popular in Harlem in the 1950s and howdreams were analyzed as number sequences and used for placing bets. The band'smusic theory specialist, Terry Hynde, also discovered that 15 divided 15 is 1, 60divided by 15 is 4, and 75 divided by 15 is 5. In a musician's world, "1, 4, 5," isreferred to as the "universal progression".

    The band resides in northeast Ohio. They have several recordings under their beltand more music than they can afford to release.

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    Urbanity w/Albare & Phil Turcio$20.00 Wednesday 6/07 7:00 pm Buy Tickets

    From Melbourne, Australia! All-Star International Contemporary Jazz Group liveat Nighttown!

    Featuring: Albare-guitar, Phil Turcio-keyboards, Gerry Pantazis-bass, & PeterMollica-drums.

    From beginning to end, listeners will hear the pair's innate instincts, the perfectpartnership, the gorgeous groove of two friends making music. "We love jazzbeyond the traditional sense," says Albare. "I think that Jazz of the 21st Century is allencompassing. There are no limits."

    The collaboration between Guitarist Albare and Phil Turcio started 27 years agowhen Albert Dadon aka Albare was looking for a new pianist for his band. At thetime Phil had just turned 18. Since their first encounter, Phil's and Albare's pathskeep on intersecting.

    Phil explains that he and Albare hear music in the same way, "Everything I throw atAlbare comes back as if I would have played it myself." Albare likes to describe Philas his musical soul mate.

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    Lucas Kadish Trio$20.00 Friday 6/09 8:30 pm Buy Tickets

    Rapidly Rising young guitarist from Hudson, Ohio & NYC leadsEast Coast based Trio live at Nighttown!

    Featuring: Lucas Kadish-guitar, Devon Gillingham-acoustic bass,& Kweku Sumbry-drums.21-year-young jazz guitarist, Lucas Kadish, was born and raised in Northeast Ohio.There he spent his formative years discovering a deep love for many types ofmusic. In his late teens he began studying and playing with Theron Brown, DanWilson, Bobby Selvaggio, and many other staples of the scene.

    By graduation he had already been named a National YoungArts finalist and asemi-finalist in the United States Presidential Scholars of the Arts for jazz guitar. Hewas admitted to The New School for Jazz on the Presidents Scholarship and movedto NYC. In his first year of college, Lucas was selected for the prestigiousinternational Betty Carters Jazz Ahead Residency for composition.

    Since, Lucas continues to grow as a working musician and composer. He hasshared the stage and played with jazz luminaries such as Les McCann, JavonJackson, Jeff Tain Watts, J.D. Allen, Dominick Faranacci, Bobby Selvaggio, andmany others. He has performed internationally with Nick Dunstons Dinner Party atthe Bern Jazz Festival and Devon Gillinghams Trio at the Winnipeg Jazz Festival.Lucas has also performed around the country at Jazz at Lincoln Centers AppelRoom (NYC), the Kennedy Centers Millennium Stage (DC), The New World Center(Miami), E.J. Thomas Hall (Akron), Lyric Theatre (Lexington), The Kent Stage, BluJazz+ (Akron), Chris Jazz Caf (Philly), Andy's Jazz Club (Chicago), Cliff Bells(Detroit), WhyNot Jazz Room (NYC), Shapeshifter Lab, NightTown (Cleveland), TheGreenwich (Cincinnati), Merrimans' Playhouse (South Bend), The Bop Stop, Silvana,Club Bonafide, and many, many more.

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  • Hubb's Groove w/David Garfield $20.00 Monday 6/12 7:00 pm Buy Tickets

    Piano & Keyboard artist extraordinaire David Garfield from George Benson'sgroup teams up with Hubb's Groove for exciting night of Contemporary Jazz atNighttown!

    Featuring: David Garfield-piano & keys, Robert Hubbard-drums, Tony Watson-sax, Walter Barnes-bass, & Special Guest Vocalist TBA

    Hubb's Groove is a mIx of Soul, Jazz, R&B and a splash of Gospel.

    It's a smooth but yet high energy band that believes whats played from the heart, reachesthe heart.

    The band was founded In 1996 by Robert Hubbard in Cleveland Ohio under the name"Moments Notice". In 2006 Robert changed the name to "Hubb'S Groove". The band hasshared the stage with Kirk Whalum, Jonathan Butler, Earth Wind & Fire, Wayman Tisdaleand Pieces of a Dream.

    Hubb's Groove has performed with Angela Bofill, Marcus Johnson, Alex Bugnon, MikePhillips and Sean Jones to name a few.

    When the group is not on tour together, they are working with other artists such asBabyface, Toni Braxton, Gerald Albright and Pieces of a Dream.

    David Garfields mission statement is I make music. And make music he does, as a world-renownedkeyboard artist, producer, and composer. Be it jazz, rock,funk, or world beat he is the creative force behind theproduction of many internationally acclaimedrecordings.

    David started his career with jazz greats such as WillieBobo, Freddie Hubbard, and Tom Scott in the 70s. Afterbeing on the L.A. scene for several years, he moved intothe vast studio world and earned a reputation for finecraftsmanship and versatility.

    His first international release on Creatchy Records,Tribute to Jeff, featured 78 musicians and artistsincluding Don Henley, Eddie Van Halen, MichaelMcDonald, and Richard Marx, a virtual whos who in themusic industry.

    Garfield continues to have ongoing music relationships with George Benson (he isfrequently Bensons Musical Director), and Boz Scaggs.

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    Philippe LeJeune$15.00 Wednesday 6/14 7:00 pm Buy Tickets

    From Toulouse, France! Boogie Woogie and Jazz from Dynamic French Pianist& Trio.

    Featuring: Philippe LeJeune-piano & vocals, George Lee-acoustic bass, & Glenn

  • Featuring: Philippe LeJeune-piano & vocals, George Lee-acoustic bass, & GlennDavis-drums.

    French pianist Philippe LeJeune is a perfect example of the mixture of jazz andblues which was especially an important strain in the jazz tradition. The youngpianist attended a 1968 concert in Reims, France, by master boogie-woogie andblues pianist Memphis Slim, and immediately put an end to his classical efforts andbegan teaching himself the blues, scouring local record shops for LP's by boogiewoogie greats. In 1980 he was invited by Memphis Slim - who had been a parisiancitizen since 1962 - to cut an album titled Dialog In Boogie as a piano duet. A frenchman who loves and plays classic American jazz is not entirely unusual, butwhat sets Philippe apart from his contemporaries is his soulfoul feel for the music.His repertoire ranges from classic barrelhouse boogie woogie piano to DukeEllington and Horace Silver tunes as well those of Milt Jackson and GeorgeGershwin. Philippe LeJeune has released six CD's in the United States and also makesnumerous appearances in various American jazz and blues clubs and festivals :Detroit Jazz Festival, Toledo Art Tatum Jazz Heritage Festival, Monterey Bay BluesFest, Cincinnati Blues Festival. His performance at the 2005 Motor City Blues &Boogie Woogie Festival (Detroit) was recorded live to be edited into P.B.S. televisionspecials and DVD. Living in Toulouse, France, LeJeune has performed for manyyears throughout Europe in the Jazz festivals and clubs circuit (France, Spain,Switzerland, Belgium, Czech Republic ) and in Africa (Tunisia, Sngal).

    Philippe LeJeune has found a role not only as an interpreter of contemporarynumbers, but as traditionalist bringing back to today's audiences important musicfrom a variety of older sources and melting it all together into a highly personalstyle and repertoire. The frenchman's natural instinct for blues, jazz and boogie isfood for the soul.

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    Joe Lovano "Hometown Sessions"$30.00 Thursday 6/15 8:00 pm Buy Tickets

    "Hometown Sessions" w/Eddie Baccus Sr.-organ, Bob Ferrazza-guitar, & AnthonyLovano-drums.

    From his Grammy-nominated symphonic work to his role as Gary Burton Chair ofJazz Performance at Berklee College of Music, Joe Lovano fearlessly challenges andpushes his conceptual and thematic ventures in a quest for new modes of artisticexpression and new ways to define the jazz idiom. In 2014 Lovano won awards forMulti-reeds Player and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year from the Jazz JournalistsAssociation and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year from Down Beat Magazine. He hasreleased 23 celebrated albums on the Blue Note label; with the last three focusingon his quintet, Us Five.

    Lovano was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1952, and began playing alto saxophone asa child. A prophetic infant photo of Lovano shows him cradled in his mothers armsalong with a saxophone. His father, tenor saxophonist Tony Big T Lovano,schooled Lovano not only in the basics, but in dynamics and interpretation, andregularly exposed him to live performances of international jazz artists such asSonny Stitt, James Moody, Dizzy Gillespie, Gene Ammons, and Rahsaan Roland Kirk.

    Upon graduation from high school he attended the famed Berklee College of Musicin Boston. Lovanos early professional gigs were as a sideman with organists Lonnie

  • in Boston. Lovanos early professional gigs were as a sideman with organists LonnieSmith, Brother Jack McDuff, and a three-year tour with the Woody HermanThundering Herd from 1976 to 1979.

    After leaving Hermans band, Lovano settled in New York City where he eventuallyjoined the Mel Lewis Orchestra for its regular Monday night concert at the VillageVanguard; playing from 1980 to 1992 and recording six albums with the Orchestra.

    Lovano joined the Paul Motian band in 1981 and has since worked and collaboratedwith John Scofield, Herbie Hancock, Elvin Jones, Charlie Haden, Carla Bley, BobbyHutcherson, Billy Higgins, Dave Holland, Ed Blackwell, Michel Petrucciani, LeeKonitz, Abbey Lincoln, Tom Harrell, McCoy Tyner, Ornette Coleman, Jim Hall, BobBrookmeyer and many more.In recent years, Lovano has spent a good deal of time collaborating with two otherpremier tenor saxophonists of his generation - Dave Liebman and the late MichaelBrecker in the collective Saxophone Summit. In 2008, Joe assumed the tenorsaxophone chair of the touring and studio ensemble, the SFJazz Collective. Also inthe Collective were trumpeter Dave Douglas, trombonist Robin Eubanks, and fellowBlue Note Recording Artist vibraphonist Stefon Harris. They joined Miguel Zenon,Renee Rosnes, Matt Penman and Eric Harland in this popular ensemble of some oftodays most exciting jazz players.

    Lovanos 2008 release and Grammy nominated Symphonica placed him in front ofthe world-renowned WDR Big Band and WDR Rundfunke Orchestra performingsome of the saxophonists most acclaimed and cherished compositions as arrangedand conducted by Michael Abene.

    As Ben Ratliff opined in The New York Times, Its fair to say that [Lovanos] one ofthe greatest musicians in jazz history.

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    Joe Lovano Quartet$30.00 Friday 6/16 8:30 pm Buy Tickets

    Joe Lovano Quartet w/Anthony Fuoco-piano, Aidan Plank-acoustic bass, &Carmen Castaldi-drums.

    From his Grammy-nominated symphonic work to his role as Gary Burton Chair ofJazz Performance at Berklee College of Music, Joe Lovano fearlessly challenges andpushes his conceptual and thematic ventures in a quest for new modes of artisticexpression and new ways to define the jazz idiom. In 2014 Lovano won awards forMulti-reeds Player and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year from the Jazz JournalistsAssociation and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year from Down Beat Magazine. He hasreleased 23 celebrated albums on the Blue Note label; with the last three focusingon his quintet, Us Five.

    Lovano was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1952, and began playing alto saxophone asa child. A prophetic infant photo of Lovano shows him cradled in his mothers armsalong with a saxophone. His father, tenor saxophonist Tony Big T Lovano,schooled Lovano not only in the basics, but in dynamics and interpretation, andregularly exposed him to live performances of international jazz artists such asSonny Stitt, James Moody, Dizzy Gillespie, Gene Ammons, and Rahsaan Roland Kirk.

    Upon graduation from high school he attended the famed Berklee College of Musicin Boston. Lovanos early professional gigs were as a sideman with organists Lonnie

  • Smith, Brother Jack McDuff, and a three-year tour with the Woody HermanThundering Herd from 1976 to 1979.

    After leaving Hermans band, Lovano settled in New York City where he eventuallyjoined the Mel Lewis Orchestra for its regular Monday night concert at the VillageVanguard; playing from 1980 to 1992 and recording six albums with the Orchestra.

    Lovano joined the Paul Motian band in 1981 and has since worked and collaboratedwith John Scofield, Herbie Hancock, Elvin Jones, Charlie Haden, Carla Bley, BobbyHutcherson, Billy Higgins, Dave Holland, Ed Blackwell, Michel Petrucciani, LeeKonitz, Abbey Lincoln, Tom Harrell, McCoy Tyner, Ornette Coleman, Jim Hall, BobBrookmeyer and many more.

    In recent years, Lovano has spent a good deal of time collaborating with two otherpremier tenor saxophonists of his generation - Dave Liebman and the late MichaelBrecker in the collective Saxophone Summit. In 2008, Joe assumed the tenorsaxophone chair of the touring and studio ensemble, the SFJazz Collective. Also inthe Collective were trumpeter Dave Douglas, trombonist Robin Eubanks, and fellowBlue Note Recording Artist vibraphonist Stefon Harris. They joined Miguel Zenon,Renee Rosnes, Matt Penman and Eric Harland in this popular ensemble of some oftodays most exciting jazz players.

    Lovanos 2008 release and Grammy nominated Symphonica placed him in front ofthe world-renowned WDR Big Band and WDR Rundfunke Orchestra performingsome of the saxophonists most acclaimed and cherished compositions as arrangedand conducted by Michael Abene.

    As Ben Ratliff opined in The New York Times, Its fair to say that [Lovanos] one ofthe greatest musicians in jazz history.

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    Nicolas Meier$20.00 Saturday 6/17 8:30 pm Buy Tickets

    From Switzerland and the UK! Virtuoso Guitarist from Jeff Beck's group leadsAll-Star Group for Cleveland debut at Nighttown!

    In just a few short years, UK-based guitarist Nicolas Meier has carved a reputationout as one of the UKs most original and uniquely talented guitarists. Drawing froma love of Turkish, Eastern & Middle Eastern music, Flamenco, Tango and more -- allmixed with jazz -- Meier is one of the rising stars in a vibrant British jazz scene, buthis versatility and musical fluency extends well beyond that ... so much so, that hisconsiderable talents drew the attention of rock guitar legend, Jeff Beck, who hassince made Nicolas a mainstay in The Jeff Beck Group, carrying him on two worldtours during the course of the last several years.

    Meier originally hails from Switzerland; born in 1973 to parents who are greatlovers of the arts, with wide-ranging musical tastes extending to the Classical, Jazz,Latin, Flamenco, Rock and (even) Pop genres. A true gypsy spirit with a disciplinedmaestro's touch, Nicolas has embraced a number of different cultures and studiedtheir music forms, nuances and idiosyncrasies.

    During the course of his six-string baptism and global sojourns, Nicolas has beenthe recipient of numerous awards. A truly dedicated student of the instrument, hehas pursued advanced studies at Switzerland's prestigious Conservatoire deFribourg, and subsequently earned a scholarship to Boston's illustrious BerkleeCollege of Music. His burning passion for both rock and jazz persists to this day.

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    Eddie Baccus Sr. & Jr. $20.00 Sunday 6/18 7:00 pm Buy Tickets

    Father's Day Celebration with the legendary Baccus Family leading All-StarGroup live at Nighttown!

    Featuring: Eddie Baccus Sr.-Hammond B-3 Organ, Eddie Baccus Jr.-Sax, CecilRucker-Vibes, Billy Artis-Guitar, Perry William III-Drums, & Special Guest VocalistMike Cady.

    One of the senior statesman of the Cleveland Jazz Scene, organist Eddie BaccusSr. has set the standard locally since the early 1960's. Like the late great JimmySmith, Baccus is a virtuoso on the Hammond B-3, equally adept at soul jazz andbebop. In many ways Eddie Baccus Sr. has been to the jazz scene what the lateRobert Jr. Lockwood was to the local blues scene; he has been a leader, mentor,and the soul of the community for many years.

    Early on his talent was evident as he was linked with another jazz legend,saxophonist Roland Kirk. Baccus and Kirk were schoolmates at the Ohio School ofthe Blind and their sessions together in the old Euclid and 105th area are the stuffof local legends. Kirk would go on to national acclaim before his untimely death inthe late 70's. Baccus stayed close to home and it has been our good fortune.

    Eddie Baccus Sr. has been the bedrock of the Cleveland jazz scene and hisinfluence on fans and musicians alike has been invaluable. After 15 years of recording and touring with famed urban jazz ensemble Pieces of aDream, saxophonist Eddie Baccus, Jr. stepped out on a lush, soulful and funkyJourney To Love, his independent debut demo to promote him for upcoming shows.Though it has been extraordinarily well received, Baccus is excited about a remixedand remastered version of the collection, which also features three new songs. TheCleveland born and raised, Virginia based artist will be releasing the revampedversion as part of a package with his soon to be released follow-up album whosetitle perfectly reflects Baccus life and career as he reflects on the last 20 years andlooks forward to the future: Living The Dream.

    Baccus is currently putting the finishing touches on the new album, which willfeature jazz greats like keyboardist Russell Ferrante of the Yellowjackets, fellowsaxmen Eric Marienthal and Elan Trotman, blues guitarist Robben Ford and aspecial guest appearance by Baccus father, organist Eddie Baccus, Sr

    Like his hero Grover, Baccus switches artfully between soprano, alto and tenor, andon Living the Dream is also playing baritone sax and EWI. Since leaving Pieces of aDream, he has been recording and performing live with his band Straight to thePoint, a powerful group of musicians who live in the Beltway region (Maryland andNorthern Virginia) .

    Joining Eddie Sr. and Eddie Jr. for their appearance at Nighttown will be an All-StarCleveland lineup. They are Cecil Rucker on the Vibes. Eddie Sr. has frequentlyappeared with Cecil's group Good Vibes. Billy Artis is on guitar. Many willremember Billy from his days backing the late great Bill Doggett at the Theatrical indowntown Cleveland. Perry Williams III is on drums. Perry is a veteran on the souljazz circuit and has worked with Eddie Sr. and Cecil extensively. And on vocals isRon Davis.

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  • Water Seed$20.00 Wednesday 6/21 7:00 pm Buy Tickets

    Exciting 8-piece band from New Orleans with vocals & horns playFunk, Second Line, & then some. Live at Nighttown!Future Funk Stars - New Orleans own Water Seed has been creating a buzz all overthe band's hometown of NOLA with one of the most dynamic funk shows on thecircuit.

    George Porter has critiqued the band by saying Water Seed gives me hope.

    A band built on the jazz and funk tradition that single handedly shaped popularmusic, Water Seed has become one of the prevalent future funk fusion bandsdaring to keep audiences on the dance floor while romancing the ears of the mostadvanced jazz purist.

    They have been called a fresh mixture of the Hot 8 Brass Band meets The Meters.

    Known for their high-energy marathon performances, Water Seed has commandedsome of the most impressive stages across the country. Their latest 2 projects havedebut in the top 40 on the iTunes jazz charts and their relentless touring schedulecontinues to gain momentum keeping the bands diverse fan base wanting morewith every stop. Powered by a seamless rhythm section. Enforced by an agile hornsection. Topped with a demanding vocal performance and front line, Water Seedwill funk any audience right out of their seats.

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    Beppe Gambetta$20.00 Friday 6/23 8:30 pm Buy Tickets

    From Italy! Master of Fingerstyle Guitar Beppe Gambetta returns to Nighttown!

    With Special Guest opening act: Pete Cavano.Beppe Gambetta from Genoa, Italy is the leading flat picking guitarist of Europe.Through his superb recordings, frequent tours of Europe and America, and originalresearch into early Italian traditional and popular music, Gambetta has establishedhimself as a major world artist of the steel string guitar.....powerful, flashy, musical,unforgettable. In addition to his brilliant solo performances and recordings,Gambetta has collaborated with many great folk artists worldwide. They includeDavid Grisman, Carlos Aonzo, Gene Parsons (from the Byrds), Glenn Moore (from

  • David Grisman, Carlos Aonzo, Gene Parsons (from the Byrds), Glenn Moore (fromOregon), Danny Weiss, Norman Blake, Mike Marshall, and many others. Gambetta has played to a packed houses at Night Town on four occasions prior tothis. He last appeard at Nighttown in 2006. Currently Beppe Gambetta is touring insupport of his latest CD "Slade Stomp". In addition to being a great guitarist, BeppeGambetta has a quick wit and an evening spent with him is full of good humor andmusic. Don't miss the great Italian flat picker Beppe Gambetta live at Nighttown.

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    Travis "Moonchild" Haddix$15.00 Saturday 6/24 8:30 pm Buy Tickets

    World Class Bluesmen orbits in to Nighttown with his Swingingand Soulful 8 Piece Band with Full Horn Section!Travis Haddix began playing the piano at the age of seven in his home town ofWalnut, Mississippi, located thirty miles south of Memphis, Tennessee. The turningpoint in his musical learning experience came when he was eight, when thelegendary B.B. King came to Memphis and began playing daily at the studios ofWDIA. Travis was awed by King;s guitar virtuosity and he hung around the radiostation every day to learn all he could. Soon, Travis' piano playing fell by thewayside and was replaced by the guitar, which he plays on stage and in the studio.

    Years later, the Haddix family moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where Travis, now abudding star, continued to refine his craft by singing and playing throughout theNorth. The original "Moonchild", he earned the nickname from his beamingpresence on stage and his always broad smile and energetic, sexy performances, In1959, Travis moved to Cleveland, Ohio where he joined the D.L. Rocco Band andachieved regional notoriety that led to a prominent spot with the Little JohnnieTaylor group. Travis also contributed material to five albums by Artie "Bluesboy"White. His material is also covered by Artie blues boy White, Dickie Williams,Jimmy Dawkins, Michael Burks, Charles Wilson, the late Son Seals, and Lee ShotWilliams.

    Haddix has received rave reviews in Living Blues Magazine, Blues Revue, RealBlues, Big City, Jefferson and Audience Magazine, and he has toured Europe since1992. His style evokes the sounds of the great Stax-Volt days, when the likes of Sam& Dave ruled the urban blues roost. His fifth release on Ichiban Records is A Big OleGoodun', featuring the Travis Haddix band (together since 1988). He proves, onceagain, that he is a fixture in the modern blues industry with songs like. "Make MeSay Please" , "From Bad to Worse", and the made-for-jukebox single, "(She CalledMe) Knucklehead".

    Travis received 4 awards in 1999. Best Male Blues Artist, Best New Blues Artist, BestBlues Entertainer and Contemporary Blues Artist Of The Year. In 1989 he foundedHaddix publishing Company and Wann-Sonn Records, and recorded ten CDs underhis own label. in 2007 travis won the Gay Rose Production Keeping the Blues AliveAward.

    Next time you have a chance, check out the movie April's Fool which featuresTravis' hit song, Everything Is Everything.

    In 2007, Travis' single, "Dick for Dinner" from "Mean Ole Yesterday" was nominatedBest Blues Song by the Blues Critic Awards 2007 Readers Poll-Comtemporary Blues.

  • Best Blues Song by the Blues Critic Awards 2007 Readers Poll-Comtemporary Blues.Travis was in great company; the prize was awarded to Omar Kent Dykes & JimmieVaughan.

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    Sullivan Fortner Trio $20.00 Sunday 6/25 12:00 pm Buy Tickets

    From New Orleans, & NYC. Jazz Brunch & Jazz Fest Finale withrapidly rising pianist & Trio live at Nighttown!Sullivan Fortner is the 2015 Cole Porter Fellow in Jazz of the American PianistAssociation

    Sullivan Joseph Fortner Jr. is a native New Orleanian who has already made asignificant foray into the jazz world that belies his young age. While touring withStefon Harris & Blackout, Christian Scott Quintet, and the Roy Hargrove Quintet,Sullivan completed his Masters degree in Jazz Performance at Manhattan School ofMusic under the tutorage of Jason Moran, and Phil Markowitz. He holds a Bachelorsdegree in Jazz Performance from Oberlin Conservatory of Music. Sullivan beganplaying music by ear at the age of seven. Two years later, he was playing forchurch choirs throughout New Orleans. By the time he was 11 years old, Sullivanhad won a Cox Cable Amazing Kids Award.

    At the age of 13, Sullivan furthered his formal education in piano by attending theNew Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) and earned scholarships to severalprestigious summer jazz programs, including the Vail Jazz Institute and theSkidmore Jazz Studies Summer Program. A standout on the stage and in theclassroom, Sullivan was Valedictorian of his high school class while simultaneouslygraduating from NOCCA.

    Sullivan has studied and performed with many great musicians, including TheMarsalis Family, Donald Harrison, Nicholas Payton, Billy Hart, Gary Bartz, MarcusBelgrave, The Jordan Family, Irvin Mayfield, Peter Martin, Dave Liebman, and a hostof others.

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  • Transportation Boulevard$10.00 Sunday 6/25 7:00 pm Buy Tickets

    Dynamic North Coast Jazz Trio live at Nighttown!

    Featuring: Jeremey Poparad-guitar, Alan Gleghorn-bass, & BobWalker-drums.

    Django Festival All-Stars$30.00 Wednesday 6/28 7:00 pm Buy Tickets

    Direct from France! All-Star French Group brings Gypsy Jazz in to the 21stCentury Live at Nighttown! As featured at Birdland, Newport Jazz Festival, andSF Jazz Center!

    Featuring: Samson Shmitt-lead guitar, Ludovic Beier-accordion & accordina,Pierre Blanchard-violin, Doudou Cuillerier-rhythm guitar & vocals, & AntonioLicusati-bass.

    The Django Festival Allstars bring the music of the great Gypsy jazz guitarist DjangoReinhardt fully into the 21st Century. Their unique, high-energy performances paytribute to Reinhardt, who is considered one of the greatest guitar players of all timeand the first European jazz musician to make major contributions to thedevelopment of the jazz guitar genre. Reinhardt's driving, swinging style becameknown as "hot jazz" and it continues to grow in popularity.

    The Allstars honor the traditions of this "French Gypsy Jazz", adding their owncreative interpretations, arrangements, and original compositions with stunningvirtuosity. They have performed at the Newport Jazz Festival, Birdland, the SFJazzCenter, and the Kennedy Center. The Wall Street Journal wrote, "Djangofest is thebest jazz show in town! Imagine a stage filled with six contemporary Reinhardtdescendants, and you'll get a sense that the collective talent pool on the bandstandis larger than the Arc de Triomphe!"

    Led for many years by legendary guitarist Dorado Schmitt, the Allstars currentlyfeature Dorado's son, Samson Schmitt, lead guitar; Ludovic Beier, accordion andaccordina; Pierre Blanchard, violin; Doudou Cuillerier, rhythm guitar and vocals;Antonio Licusati, bass.

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  • Songwriters in the Round$10.00 Thursday 6/29 8:00 pm Buy Tickets

    Gretchen Pleuss, Rebecca Jean, Amanda Walsh and Tom Girard

    North Coast Songwriters Summit Meeting at Nighttown!

    Gretchen Pleuss"As with some of her proudly stated musical heroes, which include Nick Drake, JoniMitchell, Paul Simon, and Ani Difranco, Pleuss keeps the music above the standard, three-chord, coffee-house troubadour sound with some cool chord progressions (a la Mitchell)and grooves underneath layered vocal harmonies. Her most recent release, From Birth toBreath to Bone, was self-produced and is available on vinyl or compact disc.

    Rebekah JeanRebekah Jean is an original songwriter, born in Lake County, Ohio, 1985. She cut herprofessional musician teeth playing in a couple of touring bands during and after college,finally releasing her first solo album of original songs in January 2012. During 2012 and2013 Rebekah Jean joined forces with the nationally-touring David Mayfield Parade as theirfull-time harmony singer and multi-instrumentalist. In addition to plotting her secondalbum of original songs, her current pet project is co-fronting Classic Country outfit"Duchess."

    Amanda WalshAmanda Walsh has been playing piano and violin since she was seven years old. Hertraining began with Anita Pontremoli, Head of Collaborative Piano at The ClevelandInstitute of Music. Amanda also studied violin with Helen Richards at The Cleveland MusicSchool Settlement. In 1998, she graduated from She recently released an album entitled"Magic is Real" and debuted it at Nighttown and various venues in Northeast Ohio.

    Tom GirardSinger songwriter

    Planning a reception, wedding, business meeting, graduation, birthday or B'nai Mitzvah?

    . . . . . . . . .think Nighttown!

  • We give you the best package in town at a price that won't break thebank. And everything is included at no extra charge. Our experienceis as accommodating as our atmosphere. Private function spacesfrom 20 - 150. Valet parking available.

    To book your party, call Brendan Ring directly at 216-952-9133

    Visit our Private Event Page

    Nighttown uses Yamaha Pianos

    exclusivelyFor more information about the Yamaha C-7,

    The New Avant Grand Piano or any of the Yamaha pianos, Please contact Mattlin-Hyde at (440) 449-6180

    Nighttown drums providedby

    www.fortunedrums.com

    Nighttown/JWP graphicdesigner

    Kathy Kelly 216-941-5439

    Gerry Paluck RPTRegistered PianoTuner/Technician(216) 346-9308

    www.gerrythetuner.com

    Recommended Places to StayIntercontinental Suites 216-707-4300

    The Place on Larchmere 216- 721-8968University Circle Bed & Breakfast 216-721-8968

    Looking for great music on the radio

    and the web?

    Check out the Nighttown / Jim Wadsworth Productions

    Radio Guide. Updated 10/10/15 Radio List (in pdf)

    Thanks to Bruce Amsel for compiling and keeping the list up to date!!!

    12387 Cedar Road (top of Cedar Hill)

    Cleveland Heights, OH 216-795-0550

    No need to make an additional table reservation -it's already included with your concert tickets!!

    www.nighttowncleveland.comMap to Nighttown

  • Producers of All the Great Music atNighttown

    Call us for Music for your Private Event216-721-5624 [email protected]

    www.jwpjazz.com

    To Purchase Concert Tickets

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    reservation - it's already included with your concert

    tickets!!

    "Late Night at Nighttown"Fridays Moss Stanley on piano 10:30PM - 1:00AM No cover

    Saturdays Jackie Warren on piano 10:30PM - 1:00AM No cover

    Wed. & Thurs., May 10 & 11 Marion Meadows/Paul Taylor "Sax & the City" 7 & 9 PM (twoshows) $40.Contemporary Jazz Saxophone Stars and their Group light up the Stage at Nighttown!

    Friday, May 12 Rachel Brown & The Beatnik Playboys 8:30 PM $10.Vocalist, pianist, & singer/songwriter & Band live at Nighttown!Featuring: Rachel Brown-piano & vocals, Dave Huddleston-guitar, Bill Watson-bass, & Roy King-drums.

    Saturday, May 13 Myron Davis 8:30 PM $20.Dynamic North Coast Soul Singer/Songwriter and his group hit the Stage at Nighttown! Myron Davis has written hits songs for Dru Hill, and collaborated with Ron Isley, Robert Glasper, MeshellNdgeocello, Kelly Price, Conya Doss, and many others!

    Sunday, May 14 Kamal Abdul-Alim Quintet 7 PM $15.Dynamic North Coast Trumpeter, and recording artist leads All-Star Quintet playing Soul Jazz, and More!!Featuring: Kamal Abdul-Alim-trumpet, Cecil Rucker-vibes, George Pearson-piano, BradfordMcGhee-bass, & Larry Hancock-drums.

    Monday, May 15 Shaun Martin 7 & 9 PM $20.From Dallas, Texas!Dynamic Pianist and Keyboard player as featured with Snarky Puppy & Kirk Franklin, makes hisCleveland debut at Nighttown leading his 6 Pc. Group!

    Monday, May 15 University School HS Band 7:30 PM $10.Next Generation of Jazz Musicians from US live on Nighttown's side patio!

    Tuesday, May 16 Gerald Clayton Trio 7 PM $20.Jazz Pianist extraordinaire and Concord Recording Artist leads his Trio live at Nighttown.Featuring: Gerald Clayton-piano, Joe Sanders-acoustic bass, & Kendrick Scott-drums.

    Tuesday, May 16 Balkan Strings Trio 7:30 PM $20.From Belgrade, Serbia! On Nighttown's back patio. TRIO BALKAN STRINGS (Zoran Starcevic & sons) performs its original guitar music, a fusion of Balkanmusic: Serbian, Gypsy, Macedonian, Romanian, Moldavian, Bulgarian, Hungarian, Mediterranean, Greek,OrientalJazz, Gypsy Swing, Classical music, asymmetrical rhythms and original guitar interpretation.

  • OrientalJazz, Gypsy Swing, Classical music, asymmetrical rhythms and original guitar interpretation.The result, combining many cultures, is BALKAN SWING - JAZZ GUITAR - ETHNO - WORLD FUSION,virtuoso, rich and unconventional, fresh and spontaneous, brimming with energy!" Trio Balkan Strings dedication to the music of the Balkans and central Europe is inspiring. The guitarinterpretations of this music are wonderful. Really good !!! "- John McLaughlin

    Thursday, May 18 Hathaway Brown Vocal Music Program 8 PM $10.Next Generation of Vocalist from HB hit the stage at Nighttown!

    Friday, May 19 Debbie Darling 8:30 PM $15.Exciting North Coast Jazz Vocalist hits the stage at Nighttown!Featuring: Debbie Darling-vocals, Jake Briggs-piano, Toussaint English-bass, & Nick Bruschi-drums.

    Saturday, May 20 Richie Cole All-Star Quartet featuring Greg Bandy 8:30 PM $20.Alto Madness with Sax Legend Richie Cole, & with special guest Master Drummer Greg Bandy Live on theNighttown Stage!Featuring: Richie Cole-alto sax, Greg Bandy-drums, Jackie Warren-piano, & Peter Dominguez-acousticbass.

    Sunday, May 21 "Angel of The Night" w/Barbara Barrett & John Morton 7 PM $20.Top Flight North Coast Vocalists Barbara Barrett & John Morton live on Nighttown Stage!Featuring: Barbara Barrett-vocals, John Morton-vocals, Ed Ridley-piano, Aidan Plank-acoustic bass, &TBA-drums.Presented in Association with Quad City Productions.

    Wednesday May 24 Gus Mahoney in Concert - Benefit 7 PM Tickets $90 single, $160 duosBenefit for Stage IV Cancer Research. In honor of Martha Mahoney. With Shaker Heights High JazzComboTickets here: http://bit.ly/2qQDlrU

    Thursday, May 25 Winslow Road w/Webster, Carr, Custy, & Abersold 8 PM $15.North Coast Folk, Pop, and more from Winslow Road, Shaker Hts., Ohio!Featuring:Laura Webster-vocalsJim Carr-guitar & vocalsNikki Custy-violin & vocalsTom Abersold-sax

    Friday, May 26 Jeff Lorber Fusion 8 & 10 PM $40.Legendary Fusion Master Jeff Lorber leads All-Star Group at Nighttown!Featuring: Jeff Lorber-piano & keys, Jimmy Haslip-bass, & Gary Novak-drums.

    Saturday, May 27 Moises Borges & Joshua Smith 8:30 PM $15.Bossa Nova, Samba, and more from Brazilian Vocalist and Guitarist Moises Borges with West CoastSaxophonist & Cleveland Native Joshua Smith.Echoes of Getz/Gilberto on Nighttown's Stege!

    Sunday, May 28 Christian Sand