The Chicago-based Joe Policastro Trio will stop through Akron later this week as part of a final tour cycle supporting film and TV music. “This show at BLU Jazz is part of our final tour cycle in support of Screen Sounds, an album featuring re-workings of music from film/TV,” said bassist and bandleader Joe Policastro. “BLU Jazz looks incredible, has a great reputation and … [Read more...]
Akron Symphony musician talks about music without barriers Nov. 13
Erica Snowden-Rodriguez, principal cellist of the Akron Symphony Orchestra, will present a talk entitled “Music without Barriers,” Nov. 13 at 11:30 a.m., at BLU Jazz+, located 47 East Market St. The talk will reflect on Erica’s involvement with the Sphinx Organization, which is dedicated to transforming lives through the diversity in the arts. They will also explore how … [Read more...]
New York saxophonist, composer puts heart, personal experience into latest album – #MusicMonday
Caroline Davis performs at BLU Jazz April 19 -- Saxophonist and songwriter Caroline Davis is an award-winning artist who has toured the world and shared the stage with jazz legends, and her approach to music often incorporates other distinct disciplines, like psychology and investigative journalism. Yet her music is easily accessible despite its complexity. “I believe … [Read more...]
#MusicMonday – Peter & Will Anderson Trio
This week’s #MusicMonday spotlight is the Peter & Will Anderson Trio, featuring twin brothers from New York City, who will perform Friday, March 30 at BLU Jazz+. The Anderson brothers, both graduates of the esteemed Julliard School, are woodwind virtuosos on instruments like saxophone and clarinet who have performed with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Village Vanguard … [Read more...]
Akron guitarist Dan Wilson plans live album recording at Blu Jazz+
Although guitarist Dan Wilson travels all over the world playing music, he'll return to his hometown of Akron to record his second album in a live setting. Wilson, who has made his mark touring with jazz trumpeter and singer Joey DeFrancesco’s trio, plans to record his album "Balancing Act" June 23 at the BLU Jazz+ club in downtown Akron. He’s currently raising funds through … [Read more...]
Duchess will perform at BLU Jazz Feb. 18, free masterclass available
Jazz trio Duchess is a throwback to the Boswell Sisters -- who were pioneers of vocal jazz, known for their close harmonies -- but with a modern twist. Focused on entertainment as well as music, Duchess includes humor and banter with every performance. “There is a unifying thing with music,” says Amy Cervini, one of the three vocalists for New York City-based trio. “When … [Read more...]
Theron Brown’s influence spreads ‘across the globe’ as interview appears in Rolling Stone India
Local jazz pianist Theron Brown is having a good year. Hot on the heels of his Knight Arts Challenge award to launch the Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival, Brown is now pictured alongside an interview in Rolling Stone India. The interview comes at an opportune time. Brown will be traveling to Mumbai, India in June 2016 to teach master classes and perform at the National … [Read more...]
BLU Jazz+ hosts BLUprints to EX[L]: Breaking New Ground
On Wednesday, May 4, at 5:30 p.m., BLU Jazz+ is hosting the next edition of BLUprints to EX[L]. This month's program features EX[L] Founding Executive Director Jeff Hoffman, co-founder of Priceline.com. Hoffman will speak about “Breaking New Ground.” He will be joined by special guest entrepreneurs Joel Testa, founder of Northside Speakeasy and President of Testa Companies, … [Read more...]
French jazz singer lights up stage at Blu
On a recent Sunday evening, jazz vocalist Cyrille Aimée packed the house at Blu Jazz+, selling out the first show. Aimée is among the most talked about performers in jazz today, and her appearance continues the club’s effort to bring top jazz musicians to Akron. Recent performers included saxophone legend Chris Potter and Grammy Award winning organist Joey DeFrancesco. Aimée … [Read more...]
#MusicMonday – Moustache Yourself (Video)
Moustache Yourself is a Gypsy Jazz quartet available for public events, concerts, private engagements, weddings, restaurants, wine bars, vineyards and anywhere else that needs a unique, energetic, highly infectious mix of Jazz with a "Gypsy" flavor. Members: Jeremy Jones (guitar), Brent Hamker (guitar), Brad Wagner (woodwinds) and Matthew DeRubertis (double … [Read more...]