Jazz Hall of Fame Expected to Be Hot All Summer Long
By CHUCK CISSEL
Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame
SHOW TIME: Chuck Cissel performing Route 66. As a part of the Summer series, he will be performing in two of the concerts.
The hot weather is in full swing now, with many of us getting out and enjoying Green Country and the beautiful summer like weather. Downtown Tulsa is alive and happening with baseball in ONEOK Field; congrats to Chuck Lamson and the wonderful staff at the new facility. Make sure to get out to the baseball park and take the kids.
Needless to say, the Center continues its amazing ride with top musical acts and the Jazz Depot, Tulsa Performing Arts Center, The Brady Theatre and Cain’s Ballroom also make the downtown area light up with activity and entertainment.
Did you know that June is jazz month and that the Jazz Depot will be hotter than the 4th of July in June, July and August with plenty of swinging top-notch jazz artists. Make the summer of 2010 your season to get out and check out America’s classical music: jazz. On another musical note, if you are looking for a destination to host a reception, party, gala, business meeting or musical event, consider the Jazz Depot and feel free to stop by for a tour of our facility or call us at (918) 281-8605.
We are in the closing weeks of a groundbreaking photo exhibition, Jam Session: America’s Jazz Ambassadors Embrace the World, which began a seven-week engagement at the Jazz Depot and will conclude on Sunday, July 11. This exceptional collection of 80 framed photographs chronicles the tours of America’s jazz legends as they traveled the globe on behalf of the U.S.A. State Department. From the mid-1950s through the 1970s, Dizzy Gillespie, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Dave Brubeck, Benny Goodman and others served as cultural ambassadors for the United States, transcending national boundaries, and making friends for our country. I’ve said it before, and now again: this phenomenal collection not only chronicles the historical role jazz has achieved in our country and abroad, but helps us all to recognize and comprehend how the arts transcends boundaries, countries and cultural backgrounds.
Summer Jazz Concert Series 2010
June 20 – An Afternoon with Pianist Barron Ryan (Father’s Day)
OU grad and half of the exquisite Ryan and Ryan piano duo, with his father Oklahoma Jazz Hall inductee, Donald Ryan, Barron takes center stage to showcase his amazing piano talent, playing some of his favorite popular tunes and classical compositions. We’ve watched Barron Ryan grow up right in front of our eyes here at the Jazz Hall of Fame. A very special young artist with a very special talent planning a splendid concert for Father’s Day.
June 27 – The Tommy Poole Quintet – Hot Jazz for a Hot Summer
Professor of jazz studies at Northeastern State University and one of the State’s incredible saxophonists, Dr. Tommy Poole makes his debut at the Jazz Depot with his own knock-out jazz band – Scott McQuade on piano, Bill Crosby, bass, Tony Yohe on drums with special guest vocalist, Chuck Cissel. Poole has performed or recorded with such luminaries as Rosemary Clooney, Eartha Kitt, Anthony Newley, Marilyn McCoo, Maynard Ferguson, The Woody Herman Orchestra, Diane Schuur, Joe Williams, Mercer Ellington, and Dianne Reeves. The Professor will be in the house, so don’t miss it!
July 4 – No Show – Happy Holiday!
July 11 – Devre Jackson and Seven Blue Trio
Mr. D as he is known in the Tulsa area and as the Jazz Depot’s bartender, bluesy vocalist, Devre Jackson is thrilled to bring his ingenious program of jazz and blues showstoppers to the Depot for a swinging afternoon of music. With special music arrangements and clever tunes, Seven Blue Trio will be along for the musical ride – Mike Schmidt on bass, Damon Snow on guitar David Brennan on drums.
July 18 – saxophonist, Denny Morouse Quartet performs with special guest vocalist, Annie Ellicott.
New to Tulsa, Mr. Morouse has played with legends such as Stevie Wonder to Art Blakey and with local jazz stars, Chuck Gardner, Pam Crosby, Brenda Johnson and others. Join this phenomenal group of jazz musicians for an incredible afternoon of music to soothe your souls and lift your spirits. David John on guitar, Jim Bates on bass, Scott McQuade on piano and Arthur Thompson on drums provide back-up.
July 25 – A Piano Tribute to the Legendary Duke Ellington with Pianist, Scott McQuade & his Trio.
Canadian Scott McQuade has made quite a name for himself in T-town as an astute jazz pianist with many of our popular jazz performers. He brings his own trio and his stellar piano stylings to the Jazz Depot to honor jazz piano great and music icon, Duke Ellington. Look for Satin Doll, A Train and In A Sentimental Mood from a list of major Ellington hits.
General admission for Sunday concerts is: $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, college students and Jazz Hall members and $5 for students over 12 years of age. You may also reserve a seat for $20 per person at one of the front tables. Call the Jazz Hall in advance to make your table reservation, or table seating reservation at (918) 281-8600 or 8609. Complimentary parking at the Grand Central Parking Lot, directly across from the entrance of the Jazz Depot., 111 E. First St., Upper Level at Cincinnati. Visit online at www.okjazz.org.
Check out the August shows at our website.
For tickets or more information, contact the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame at (918) 281-8600 or visit online at okjazz.org. Gift shop and concessions are available. All major credit cards are accepted.
Updated 06-29-2010
READER COMMENTS
