Hello y’all! How are you enjoying this September weather so far? I think is fantastic! It is now perfect weather for outdoor events. I am having a ball. You will too if you follow my lead this week. As usual, there is so much going on. My Baltimore musicians are jumping up and down, doing the “James Brown” all over Baltimore and the District of Columbia. I am so happy to see so many of them working. It is also so wonderful to see so many organizations and clubs getting live entertainment instead of using recorded music. No offense to my DJs, but you know how I am, I love my live bands on stage.
World-renowned, drummer/percussionist, Dennis Chambers and Mike Stern will perform at the Blues Alley on the weekend of September 9, 10 and 11 for 2 shows each night. You don’t want to miss this!
Kicking the week off will be one of my favorite drummers, Dennis Chambers and my friend Mike Stern. Dennis has a propulsive style and versatility that enable him to play in combos or large groups and to work with fusion and hard bop bandleaders. He has also released two sessions as a leader himself. Chambers has recorded and played with Bob Berg, Bill Evans, Victor Bailey, Bob Belden, Kevin Eubanks and Mike Stern, just to name a few. Well honey child! You can catch him at Blues Alley Supper Club, 1073 Wisconsin Avenue NW in Washington, D.C. this entire weekend for two shows per night.
Continuing with this musical weekend with our local musician is The Marcus Lansey Jazz Quartet, performing at the Family and Children’s Services Foster Grandparent 43rd Annual Recognition Ceremony on Friday, September 9 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at New Psalmist Baptist Church, 6020 Marian Drive in Baltimore. The tickets also include a delicious brunch menu. For more information, call, 410-366-1980.
Craig Alston, renowned musician and saxophonist will perform with his band at the Jazz Expressways Foundation Jazz Breakfast on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at the Forest Park Senior Center located at 4801 Liberty Heights Avenue in Baltimore from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Alright now, Jazz Expressways Foundation Jazz Breakfast is Saturday, September 10 at the Forest Park Senior Center, 4801 Liberty Heights Avenue from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. featuring the one and only jazz saxophonist, Craig Alston and his band. This is a BYOB event, that’s right, you have your cocktail after you have your coffee, eggs and bacon, with home fries, fried apples, grits, and etc. We are serving a full buffet breakfast, with dancing and vendors. Call 410-833-9474 if you want to get your ticket at the door.
After having breakfast with us and listening to some great music, you will have just enough time to go home, change, and head back out to dinner at the Caton Castle Lounge, 20 S. Caton Avenue to listen to George Coleman & Harold Mabern with Joe Farnsworth and Alex Claffey. They’ll be there on Saturday, September 10, 2016 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. For ticket information, call 410-566-7086.
Our Baltimore musicians come in all flavors. That’s right! The New Beginnings Barber Show is hosting their anniversary with a big Gospel Fest featuring Kenny Davis & The Melodyaires, Alvin Darling, The Soul Messengerz, Little David & The Bells of Joy, The Wings of Praise, The Divine of Annapolis and Sparkie & The Tones of Joy. Doresa Harvey & Minister Robert Wilson are the Emcees on Saturday, September 10 starting at 5 p.m., at the Greater New Hope Baptist Church, 2720 W. North Avenue in Baltimore. Food is available for purchase. For more information or tickets call 410-358-9661.
I have just a couple of things I want to tell you before I run out of space. “4 Men Production” is hosting a cabaret featuring First Class, Simply Black Kimberly and Style, all of Baltimore’s top R&B groups on Saturday, September 10, 8 p.m. until 1 a.m. at the I.C. W. C Hall 4432 Park Heights Avenue, in Baltimore. For tickets, call 443-224-6114.
J.B. Brown, former radio personality is hosting an Oldies Dance Party at the Parkville VFW Hall Post 9083, 8123 Harford Road in Parkville, Maryland on Saturday, September 10, 7-11 p.m. It is cabaret Style; BYOB and BYOF with free set ups. For ticket information, call 443-425-8739.
Last, but certainly not least, I want to say happy birthday to Baltimore/Washington jazz promoter Vernard Gray who is celebrating his 75th birthday on Sunday, September 11 at 4 p.m. at the Agora Bar & Grill @ The Inn at the Black Olive in Fells Point. For more information, call 202-262-7571.
On that note, it is about time for the fat lady to sing. I got to go. Remember, if you need me, call me at 410-833-9474 or email me at rosapryor@aol.com. UNTIL THE NEXT TIME, I’M MUSICALLY YOURS.