Tuesday, April 29, 2008

2008 Indy Jazz Festival Lineup Is Set

Indianapolis will certainly be grooving on June 13, 14 and 15. The festival's website has the schedule of artists set for the weekend as follows:

Friday, 6/13 - Mike Milligan & Steam Shovel, Bettye LaVette, Medeski, Scofield, Martin, & Wood, Luke Gillespie Quartet, and Buddy Guy

Saturday, 6/14 - Jerry Gonzalez, Stephanie Browning Quartet, Dan Tepfer Trio, Freddie Hubbard, Tad Robinson, Dave Koz, Kenny Phelps, and John Legend

Sunday, 6/15 - IUPUI Jazz Ensemble, Robin McKelle, Aaron Parks Quartet, Ramsey Lewis, Paquito D'Rivera, and Fourplay


With The Great Paquito D'Rivera

I hope to make the road trip to check out the Sunday lineup. I plan to invite several of my jazz buddies, fill up the jazzmobile gas tank, load the portable grill, and head to Indy that morning. Paquito is one of my all time favorite jazz musicians and I would probably make the trip to hear him even if he was the only artist scheduled to perform. Add Ramsey Lewis and Fourplay to the list of performers and the decision of whether to make the trip or not suddenly is a "no brainer". I wouldn't mind hearing the Saturday lineup of musicians either, but I am booked to play at Caproni's that night and won't be able to make that one.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

A Fun Gig At Jean Farris Winery & Bistro


I enjoyed playing jazz at the Jean Farris Winery & Bistro in Lexington for a special corporate event the other night. The nice weather helped make for a wonderful evening.


The soiree began with a tour of the grounds and wine tasting session. Everyone was impressed and had a delightful time.


Later the group dined as I played on the beautiful patio. I certainly look forward to my next opportunity to play at this wonderful venue.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

The Jazz Factory Closes

It was sad to learn that The Jazz Factory in Louisville closed on March 29, 2008, after five years of fine jazz. It was a great jazz club that featured exciting local, regional, national, and international artists. Musicians gracing the stage through the years included Monty Alexander, David "Fathead" Newman, Joey DeFrancesco, Wynton Marsalis, Kenny Barron, Slide Hampton, Kenny Garrett, Mose Allison, Delfeayo Marsalis, Fred Hirsh, David Sanchez, and many more.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Fun Times At Baseball Games

We have been enjoying the University of Kentucky baseball games at Cliff Hagan Stadium this season. The facility is very nice and the team is exciting.

Michelle invited her Grandpa Hall to take her on Saturday to the UK-Florida game. I know they will have a great time. Sharon will be at Matthew's game in Richmond that night and I'll be gigging at Caproni's in Maysville to pay for their tickets.

Baseball season keeps us busy with UK, Michelle's softball team, Matthew's team, and the Cincinnati Reds.