The A2 Jazz Fest mission is to showcase and promote jazz by presenting live performances of original compositions and jazz standards by Michigan-based artists. All events are free and open to the public! Walk-ins only. More info can be found at: https://www.a2jazzfest.com/a2-jazz-fest-2019-schedule/
Day 1 of A2 JAZZ FEST runs from 5.30 to 11 p.m.
5:30 p.m. - Eliza Salem Quartet - Eliza Salem – Drums; Darianna Videaux - Capitel; Jordan Anderson – Piano; Kaleigh Wilder – Baritone Sax.
Eliza Salem is an up-and-coming young jazz drummer. She is currently based in Ann Arbor, Michigan where she is pursuing a jazz degree from the University of Michigan. Part of the next generation of improvisers, she is always working to expand her traditional and modern jazz repertoire and find ways to play outside the box. Salem is a Metro DC native who learned her craft in the Washington area’s vibrant musical and cultural scene under the guidance of mentors Paul Carr and Chris Allen. She draws inspiration from the broader East Coast community’s jazz tradition, and has performed at historic DC and Baltimore jazz venues such as Columbia Station, An Die Musik, the Keystone Korner, Twins, and Jojo’s. For the past two years, Salem has studied under Michael Gould and Sean Dobbins at U-M’s School of Music, and worked closely with professors Ellen Rowe, Dennis Wilson and Robert Hurst. She has performed with the University of Michigan Jazz Ensemble, the Newport Foundation’s Generations Jazz Assembly Band, and various other student groups in Ann Arbor and Detroit. Salem is the new concert coordinator at Ann Arbor’s renowned music venue Canterbury House....
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The A2 Jazz Fest mission is to showcase and promote jazz by presenting live performances of original compositions and jazz standards by Michigan-based artists. All events are free and open to the public! Walk-ins only. More info can be found at: https://www.a2jazzfest.com/a2-jazz-fest-2019-schedule/
Day 1 of A2 JAZZ FEST runs from 5.30 to 11 p.m.
5:30 p.m. - Eliza Salem Quartet - Eliza Salem – Drums; Darianna Videaux - Capitel; Jordan Anderson – Piano; Kaleigh Wilder – Baritone Sax.
Eliza Salem is an up-and-coming young jazz drummer. She is currently based in Ann Arbor, Michigan where she is pursuing a jazz degree from the University of Michigan. Part of the next generation of improvisers, she is always working to expand her traditional and modern jazz repertoire and find ways to play outside the box. Salem is a Metro DC native who learned her craft in the Washington area’s vibrant musical and cultural scene under the guidance of mentors Paul Carr and Chris Allen. She draws inspiration from the broader East Coast community’s jazz tradition, and has performed at historic DC and Baltimore jazz venues such as Columbia Station, An Die Musik, the Keystone Korner, Twins, and Jojo’s. For the past two years, Salem has studied under Michael Gould and Sean Dobbins at U-M’s School of Music, and worked closely with professors Ellen Rowe, Dennis Wilson and Robert Hurst. She has performed with the University of Michigan Jazz Ensemble, the Newport Foundation’s Generations Jazz Assembly Band, and various other student groups in Ann Arbor and Detroit. Salem is the new concert coordinator at Ann Arbor’s renowned music venue Canterbury House.
7 p.m. Miles Okazaki (solo guitar)
Miles Okazaki is a NYC based guitarist originally from Port Townsend, a small seaside town in Washington State. His approach to the guitar is described by the New York Times as “utterly contemporary, free from the expectations of what it means to play a guitar in a group setting — not just in jazz, but any kind.” His sideman experience over the last two decades covers a broad spectrum of approaches (Kenny Barron, John Zorn, Stanley Turrentine, Dan Weiss, Matt Mitchell, Jonathan Finlayson, Jane Monheit, Amir ElSaffar, Darcy James Argue, and many others). He was seen prominently with Steve Coleman and Five Elements from 2009-2017. As a leader Okazaki has released four albums of original compositions over the last 12 years and is an artist on the Pi Recordings label. He has also released a six album recording of the complete compositions of Thelonious Monk for solo guitar, published a book Fundamentals of Guitar with Mel Bay, has taught guitar and rhythmic theory at the University of Michigan for five years, and holds degrees from Harvard University, Manhattan School of Music, and the Juilliard School.
8:30 p.m. - Marion Hayden Sextet ~ Vincent Chandler - Trombone; Jeffrey Trent - Saxophone; Keyandra May - Vocals; Corey Kendrick - Piano; Tariq Gardner - Drums; Marion Hayden - Bass.
Born in Detroit, MI, a crucible of jazz, Marion Hayden is one of the world’s finest proponents of the acoustic bass. Mentored by master trumpeter Marcus Belgrave, Hayden began performing jazz at the age of 15. She has performed with such diverse luminaries as Sheila Jordan, Bobby McFerrin, Nancy Wilson, Geri Allen, Regina Carter, Steve Turre, George Benson, Gregory Porter and James Carter. She is co-founder of the Grammy nominated jazz ensemble Straight Ahead- the first all woman jazz ensemble signed to Atlantic Records. Hayden adjunct assistant professor in Jazz Dept at U of Michigan School of Music Theatre and Dance and is an Artist in Residence and touring All-Star for the Detroit International Jazz Festival.
10 p.m. - Justin Walter’s Woodland Creatures - Justin Walter - Trumpet, Composition; Dan Bennett - Sax; Tim Haldeman - Sax; Vincent Chandler - Bone; Charlie Sutherland – Guitar; Erik Hall – Guitar; Michael Malis - Keys; Tim Flood - Bass; Nick Collins - Drums.
Woodland Creatures pays homage to those that dwell in fur and nest. With inspiration at hand, this music was carefully written and recorded in 2010, but has yet to breathe life into a live performance.
Cost: The A2 JAZZ FEST is free. Also, for the duration of the festival, there are no food or drink minimums at the Blue LLama Jazz Club.
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