monday, december 11
Musicambia Holiday Concert
My Park Slope home
7 pm - 9 pm
I first heard about Musicambia back in 2018 when I met singer/songwriter Jessie Kilguss who was for a time executive director of the nonprofit org that teaches music to incarcerated individuals. She asked if I would be willing to host a “friendraiser” party, and I agreed. In January of the next year, the alumni of the music program the organization had been bringing in to Sing Sing Correctional Facility came to my home to perform. It was the most moving event of any I’ve ever had. I wrote about it afterward in my parenting column. https://www.brooklynpaper.com/jamming-with-prison-musicians-taught-me-to-trust-myself-and-others/ . Never more clearly did I see how music heals and brings people together, and saves lives. Fast forward and I have been an avid supporter of the organization, amazed at the efficacy of their work, how streamlined their efforts to pair top notch musicians with incarcerated men and women despite the obstacles. So, I am hosting another party! Join us in my home for a moving performance by the talented alumni of this fabulous organization! RSVP to Musicambia.org for the address.
tuesday, december 12
No Guest List Fest
Mercury Lounge
5:30 PM
This charity event for music industry folks (and family and friends) “to unwind” features a contest of cover sets of everyone from Led Zeppelin to Taylor Swift. $10 tickets, plus donations made on behalf of your fave set, the winner of which will pick a charity of their choice to receive the monies. Sounds kinda cool. Hosted by Katie Nowak.
wednesday, december 13
Cellist Sean Grissom
Lunchtime at Chelsea Market
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Chelsea Market features “the Cajun Cellist” every Wednesday during lunch in the main concourse and outside on 15th St. From subway platforms to being a regular at The Kennedy Center, Mr. Grissom apparently plays a unique style of country, cajun, classical, swing and rock. So go do some holiday shopping, grab some yummy fare and check him out!
thursday, december 14
Big Band Holidays w/the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
Rose Theater
8 PM - 11 PM
If you’re up for some ‘soulful big band versions of holiday tunes,’ check out this annual event featuring Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra leader Wynton Marsalis and emerging star singer Ashley Pezzotti. Tix are a bit pricey but maybe it’s your special holiday treat?! Don’t always go in for these bigger venues when there are so many great musicians at the smaller clubs, but this time of year sometimes it can feel fun to get dolled up and head to this grand hall!
friday, december 15
Pangari & The Socialites
Barbes
10 PM - 11:55 PM
https://www.viewcy.com/e/pangari_and_the_socia_14
I first saw this wild ska/soul/rocksteady fusion band headed by uber-talented bassist Ari Folman-Cohen at the defunct Wild Birds last year. I had just met Ari at Barbes, strange since I’d been hanging out there forever and he was there nearly every Sunday as the bassist for French jazz guitarist Stephan Wremble. I was blown away by his creativity and passion in playing, whether in funky solo or with Wremble, Ourida or any number of others he has joined on stage. This large rotating band, which he said is inspired by Lloyd Knibb, Don Drummond and the Skatalites, truly knocked my socks off with such an original sound despite being such a terrific homage to the greats that have come before. GO!!!
saturday, december 16
Stephan Crump Trio w/Jonathan Blake, Sam Newsome
Bar Bayeux
Sets at 8 PM + 9:30 PM
https://www.barbayeux.com/jazz-calendar/6dgctshypbkbf6d-h4d9n-jhx4r-azxnd-zyghh-w8pha-cj2tz
Ok, so truth is I’ve never heard award-winning bassist/composer Stephan Crump, or saxophonist Sam Newsome, but I will attend ANYTHING that killer drummer and lovely friend Johnathan Blake is playing. The first time I saw him play at the Blue Note many years back with sax great Ravi Coltrane, who he toured with for years along with bassist Dezron Douglas and still plays with a lot, my chin hit the floor. I went straight up to him afterward and asked him in awe how it was that he played like that, his hands a blur…I’ve seen him tons of times since, as part of other great bands and as a leader, and I am still astounded. This trio is supposed to be amazing, so do check it out. And teaser alert: Johnathan will be playing at the Village Vanguard with jazz pianist Kenny Barron the weeks of Dec. 19th and Dec. 26th.
sunday, december 17
Janie Barnett & Friends
Cole Porter Holiday Brunch
The Loft at City Winery NYC
1:00 PM
I was so excited to hear about this event with the super-cool singer/songwriter/producer Janie Barnett and some of her super talented singer/songwriter pals! I met Janie years ago in Park Slope when songwriter Terry Radigan held a weekly Radigan Roundup of her own great circle of musician friends at the now-defunct 12th St. Bar & Grill down the street from my apartment. Janie is awesome, and this celebration of alt-Cole Porter classics sung by her and other great folks while you brunch should be a treat!!! Limited seats, buy now!!