You won’t want to miss the jazz that’s jumping up all over Las Vegas! For starters, thanks to audience demand, the Las Vegas Jazz Society www.vegasjazz.org will present the highly acclaimed “Trumpet Summit,” featuring Walt Blanton, Gil Kaupp, Gary Cordell, Eldred Ahlo and Glenn Colby at Winchester Cultural Center on Sunday, March 11 at 2 pm. And around town, on Monday’s it’s a non-stop, club-hopping  “groove” with Jerry Lopez’ Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns at the Palms; and Huck Daniels and friends at the Stratosphere. On Tuesdays, Capazolli’s is the scene for Larry “Wild” Wrice and his Gents of Swing.

		Wednesdays, you can savor the finest of dining at Bella Luna—Sahara near Buffalo- while listening to the jazzy vocal tones of Paul Stubblefield. Also on Wednesdays you can enjoy the diversified musical skills of percussionist, harmonicist and vocalist, Ronnie Rose at Bootleggers. Thursdays, don’t miss The Carl Lodico Ghost Big Band at the Italian American Social Hall, and Friday is another night for club-hopping starting at Pogo’s—Decatur near Lake Mead-- with pianist, Dick Fazio carrying on the legacy of the late, beloved, Irv Kluger, and a constant musical stream of Las Vegas jazz legends including Tom Hall, Bobby Howard, “Easy” Ed Millar, and Charlie McLean.
Bobby Howard, David Holt and Elgin Seals Photo credit: Joanne Gilbert

Also on Friday be sure to ease on down to the Jazz Church Café-- 3rd and Bridger--where legendary drummer Bobby Morris holds down the beat along with pianist Terry Ryan, bassist Dick Straud, vocalist Mary Oliver and trumpet great, Michael Ray Tyler, as well as a host of talented Las Vegas jazz pros. There’s a real treat in store for jazz lovers on Saturday, March 10, 3 pm, at the West Side Arts Center on Lake Mead Blvd—Tapper Extraordinaire, Lindell Blake, will add his own impeccable percussion instruments—his 2 feet!—to the swinging beat of Larry Wild Wrice and His Gents of Swing.
		Trumpeter Michael Ray Tyler
		Photo Credit: Paul "Spyder" Evans

Jazz in Review

February was an unforgettable month for jazz both in Las Vegas—and this was most aptly manifested by the sophisticated and satisfying sounds of a reunited Jazz ORGANization. Concert sponsored by the Las Vegas Jazz Society at Winchester Cultural Center on February 11. Comprised of 3 jazz legends, Vince Falcone on the B-3, Tommy Check on drums and Joe Lano on guitar, this aggregation of greats sold the place out and left the adoring audience clamoring for more. Also under the auspices of the LVJS was a week-long Black History Festival ably lead by Composer, Arranger, Pianist, Poet and Educator, Woody Woods!
		Woody Woods
		Photo credit: Paul "Spyder" Evans

	Accompanied by a stellar cast of musicians including, guitarist Bobby Howard, drummer, David Holt, bassist Elgin Seals, vocalists Ronnie Rose and Primrose Martin, and talented community members, this powerful 5-day series showed the inextricable connection between American History and America’s own Classical Music: JAZZ. Over Presidents’ Weekend, I was fortunate to attend the 7th Annual Newport Beach, CA Jazz Party. This must-go-to event for jazz enthusiasts never fails to bring the best of our nationally regarded jazz musicians together with a jazz literate audience for a weekend of pure jazz pleasure.
Vocalist Primrose Martin
Photo credit: Paul "Spyder" Evans

Among the luminaries were Houston Person, John Clayton, Holly Hunter, Bill Cunliffe, Johnny O’Neal, Luther Hughes, Paul Kreibich, Joe La Barbera, Ken Peplowski, Terrell Stafford, Jeff Hamilton . . . and the list goes on. Please contact me for details on next years Jazz Party!

Back home in Las Vegas on Sunday, February 18, enthusiastic reviews for the DIVAS in Concert show that our own Joanie Grant as Peggy Lee, Mary “O” as Billie Holiday, and Ronnie Fabre as Judy Garland, backed by the Bobby Morris Orchestra, can bring back astounding, heartfelt memories of yesterday’s divas. By using their own impeccable skills, these 3 top-notch entertainers create an uncanny alchemy with the past—and bring it to today’s audience with impeccable flair.

		The East Coast’s loss is Las Vegas’ great gain—we are so lucky to welcome vocalist and musician Ronnie Rose to the Las Vegas jazz scene! Having retired from a lengthy and highly successful career in music, Ronnie and his family recently relocated from Massachusetts to our sunnier environs, only to find that he is in heavy demand in his new town. His recent concert, sponsored by the LVJS left no doubt to his growing and appreciative audience here. Whether it’s his talent on percussion, harmonica or his rich velvety vocals, Ronnie Rose’s “retirement” has gotten very busy!
Ronnie Rose  photo credit: Paul "Spyder" Evans

In Memoriam

It is with the deepest sadness that we note the passing of Las Vegas treasure, Mary Kaye, on February 17. Renowned for her perfect pitch, pioneering guitar skill, comedy and indomitable, loving spirit and enthusiasm, this multi-talented, trail-blazing musician transformed the entertainment scene in Las Vegas and beyond. She will be missed.

Please Tune-in

So don’t let Spring hang you up the most. . .

Stay in tune with all the latest in jazz happenings and join in our spirited conversations with the talented members of the Las Vegas Jazz community! Every Friday at 11 am PST, please join me and my special guests on, “Live—from the REAL Las Vegas!” on www.alltalkradio.net. Special thanks to Manny Gomez, CEO of Gomez Consulting, Civil Engineers and also President of the Las Vegas Guitar Society for his commitment to jazz and jazz education, and his generous support of my web-based radio shows conversations with talented Las Vegas guitar players!

Please continue to send your comments, suggestions and updates—
and don’t forget to come say hello at clubs and concerts!
Together we can celebrate the past, enjoy the present,
And assure the future of Jazz—America’s Classical Music!