5.23.10 - JAC - JAZZ SERIES / Upstairs McCrady's

JAC JAZZ SERIES

Upstairs at McCrady's Restaurant, 2 Unity Alley

Set I at 7pm and Set II at 10pm, *unless noted.

Tickets: $20 advanced/set; $25/day-of set, *unless noted.

*To purchase tickets by phone for this series, call (843) 641-0011 or online HERE


Station NY CHS

STATION NY/CHS-Lee Barbour and John Ellis join together to open this year's series, a collaborative force shining light on the remarkable connection Charleston and New York maintain. Ellis is on the momentum of his CD release Puppet Mischief with his group Double-Wide, a product of his New Orleans roots. Lee Barbour recently returned to Charleston after a year of being in New York. This show highlights many of Barbour's original compositions and fresh arrangements on standards. Next stop - Station NY/CHS! May 28.



Leah SuarezLEAH SUAREZ & FRIENDS-Vocalist and Charleston native Leah Suárez performs a range of music that includes American jazz standards, Brazilian samba and bossa nova, and world folk music, finding equal passion in creating and sharing her original compositions. Blending traditional jazz with strong Latin influences, Leah's captivating stage presence and sophisticatedly intricate and soulfully sultry sound make for an engaging and dynamic performance. May 30.




KopajaKOPAJA-KOPAJA is a quartet of Charleston's finest contemporary musicians. The group takes its inspiration from modern jazz, indie rock, country, classical and contemporary chamber music, and eastern European folk music to create original compositions in a unique and spellbinding, improvisational way with palpable joy. This eclectic ensemble, featuring the flugelhorn, accordion, guitar, bass and drums, is a delight for any Bohemian heart. May 31.




Holy City HomecomingHOLY CITY HOMECOMIN' FEATURING HYMNS & SPIRITUALS-Uniting the elements of inspiration and improvisation, the Mark Sterbank Jazz Group explores familiar hymns and spirituals with swinging enthusiasm. A favorite of audiences of all ages, Hymns & Spirituals is sure to lift your spirit and set your toes to tapping. The group features the talent of Fred Wesley on trombone, Charlton Singleton, trumpet, Tommy Gill, piano, Herman Burney, Jr., bass, Quentin Baxter, drums and Mark Sterbank, saxophone. June 1. Tickets: $30/show.




Tommy Gill TrioTOMMY GILL TRIO-Led by highly acclaimed pianist Tommy Gill, this trio performs a wide variety of jazz standards and original music, featuring three of the region's finest musicians. Gill will be performing as a piano trio with Ron Wiltrout on drums, and Wayne Mitchum on electric bass. This performance is a special treat by one of Charleston's favorite and legendary performers! June 2.




MorimotoMORIMOTO +1-Morimoto, a local favorite, will present its adventurously contemporary, fresh and nuanced original music and fluid arrangements on jazz standards in a setting atypical of their "jazz rock" style. The core trio features bandleader and guitarist David Linaburg, Gerald Gregory, piano and Nick Jenkins on drums. This performance will also feature the addition of Ben Wells on bass. This rare acoustic performance for Morimoto is one not to be missed. June 3.




TriodelayTRIODELAY-This modern jazz trio combines elements of the classic old with the inventive new to create a refreshing sound, transcending the generational divide. TriOdelay's repertoire ranges from arrangements on classic jazz standards to interpretations of more recent popular songs. Ben Willis and Jeff Loehrke will join guitarist Tyler Ross by way of Chicago, reuniting for a Southeastern tour debuting their first full-length album Departure. June 5.




TumbaoTUMBAO-Tumbao is a culmination of the hottest Latin jazz players in town. The group is led by Fernando Rivas and David Heywood, two of the most formidable musicians in the area, with an extensive background in the many and varied Latin rhythms. These seasoned musicians present a diverse selection of popular Latin repertoire from salsa and bolero to bossa nova and samba, including original music that is sure to bring the heat. June 6.




Charleton SingletonCHARLTON SINGLETON SEXTET-Trumpeter Charlton Singleton has dazzled local audiences with entertaining and inspiring performances in a wide range of genres. This educator, bandleader, composer and arranger's ensemble maintains a rich and diverse repertoire of original music, as well as familiar jazz standards. Singleton's exceptional ensemble is backed this year with the addition of trombonist Mitch Butler, making the sextet's debut for this year's series. Come hear the Charleston Jazz Orchestra's bandleader at work - a "honey dripper", indeed. June 7.




Duda LucenaDUDA LUCENA QUARTET-Brazilian guitarist and vocalist Duda Lucena returns to the series to perform with bandmates Gerald Gregory, piano, Kevin Hamilton, bass, and Quentin Baxter, drums. This quartet fuses rhythms and music centered upon Brazilian bossa nova, baiao, maracatu and samba, with the African roots of jazz to shape a new and modern style of song. A night of Brazilian music from one of Charleston's favorite performers. June 8.




Tenor MadnessTENOR MADNESS-Tenor Madness returns to the series this year after two incredible sold-out performances for its debut last year Upstairs at Mistral. Robert Lewis and Mark Sterbank, two local collegiate jazz educators, team up for a night of swinging fun featuring some classic twotenor repertoire and new original compositions. This featured duo is backed by Charleston's most talented rhythm section, and is sure to be one of this year's most memorable performances. June 9.




Cobblestone QuartetCOBBLESTONE QUARTET-This jazz quartet features local legend George Kenny on saxophone, a retired music educator and performer who has influenced many generations of musicians in the area. The Quartet appeals to a diverse audience, performing compositions from the likes of Ellington, Gershwin, Miles Davis, Jobim and more from the Great American Songbook. June 10.




Charleston All-StarsCHARLESTON ALL-STARS FEATURING RON FREE-Drummer Ron Free leads an all-star rhythm section for an evening full of special guests, featuring the best of the best. Free is a quintessential Charlestonian who can drive a band, color soloists and offer up well-executed, subtle rhythms. He is representative of the archetypal Charleston jazz musician. An unforgettable one time show - a perfect way to close this sizzling jazz series. June 11 at *8pm only. Tickets: $40.