[$20] Thursday, April 4 at 8:00PM — CLUB 86
Thursday, April 4 - "Women Center Stage"
On our opening night we celebrate women in jazz at the historic Club 86. Trombonist and vocalist Melissa Gardiner brings her organ trio MG3 (8PM). With singer Vanessa Vacanti & Jazz Mafia (6PM) and saxophonist Ellen Pieroni & Encyclopedia of Soul (4PM) performing as well. Plus a FREE concert at Ventosa Vineyards with Annie Wells Trio featuring Mike Kaupa (5PM).
Vanessa Vacanti and Jazz Mafia
[$20] Thursday, April 4 at 6:00PM — CLUB 86
Ellen Pieroni and Encyclopedia of Soul
Thursday, April 4 at 4:00PM — CLUB 86 Ellen Pieroni...
Annie Wells Trio
[FREE SHOW] Thursday, April 4 at 5:00PM — VENTOSA VINEYARDS
FULL SCHEDULE – THURSDAY, APRIL 4
Ellen Pieroni & the Encyclopedia of Soul – or EoS – presents a refreshing brand of smooth-infused soul jazz. While the group is inspired by artists such as Grover Washington, Stuff, Freddie Hubbard, and the Crusaders, EoS places an emphasis on new, original music.
Annie Wells is a working musician. By day she helps vulnerable older and differently abled adults get the support they need to live better lives. By night, she performs her own music with some of the most renowned musicians in the Finger Lakes region. Currently at work on a new project, Wells has five albums to her credit. The twin themes of loss and hope have been evident from the start, reflected in the title of her debut album, “Sad & Beautiful,” in which she works through the grief from the death of her mother. Strong, pivotal, and important women often factor as influences for Wells’ songwriting.
Vanessa Vacanti is a fresh new face on the jazz scene. A graduate of SUNY Fredonia, (BFA/Musical Theatre) her vocal talents are recognized by musician’s and audiences alike. She is a mainstay on the scene with performances at Syracuse Jazz Fest, Fulton Jazz Fest, Lake Ontario Wine and Jazz Fest, the Jazz By The Lake series in Oswego as well as frequent night club performances throughout Central New York. She frequently works with The Jazz Mafia Trio, which is her first-call backing band.
An audience of vocal and attentive regulars at a local jazz club in Harlem NYC helped to shape the sound and concept for the MG3 Jazz Organ Trio. The result is an engaging and soulful musical experience that reflects the energy of a heartfelt and artistic community. All three musicians were brought up in the church with a background in gospel music. With added influence from the blues, soul, neo-soul, R&B, funk, and fusion, their diverse repertoire always focuses on a strong grooves, interesting reharmonization and beautiful soaring melodies.
Friday, April 5
More details TBA March 18, 2024
Mike Melito Quartet
[$25] Friday, April 5 at 8:00PM — CLUB 86
Craig Snyder Group
[FREE SHOW] Friday, April 5 at 5:00PM — WATERSHED BREWING
Sam Venuti Tribute
Friday, April 5 at 5:00PM. Followed by the Mike Melito...
Ryan Johnson Duo
[FREE SHOW] Friday, April 5 at 2:00PM — WHITE SPRINGS...
FULL SCHEDULE – FRIDAY, APRIL 5
The Ryan Johnson Project has become a known name in the music industry. Starting at the age of 18, he became entranced with music, and soon after became a head turner in Rochester NY. At their young age, they bring an informed, professional and outgoing attitude as well as beautifully written pieces of music that have caught the ears of many worldwide. Ryan and his group have played with, opened for, and collaborated with artists such as, Cabo Frio, Chuck Mangione, Maynard Ferguson, Soulive, Sharon Jones, Gary Clark Jr., and Robert Randolph.The Mellow Warblers are Marc Devokaitis (saxophone) and David Wiles (guitar). This musical duo is based in Trumansburg, New York specializing in playful renditions of jazz standards and jazz deviations. TMW sets the perfect mood with an ever-mellow attitude.
The Craig Snyder Trio plays a wide variety of jazz-rock material that is steeped in groove, ensemble unity, and melodic soloing. The band is fronted by veteran guitarist, teacher, and composer Craig S Snyder, a well-known player in the Rochester, New York region. From inspired original tunes to challenging pieces by Miles Davis, Holdsworth, Pat Metheny and many more, this group is focused on creating a truly enjoyable musical experience.
Blind at birth, hailing from upstate New York, Todd East has proven to be a musical force from New York to the midwest. A master of the piano with vocals, reminiscent of Stevie Wonder, has put him in demand on a regional and national level. With his upcoming record release, he is looking to expand his ability to network with fans and share his many talents.
Todd has substantial credits for his work on television and radio commercials. He performs regularly at The Hard Rock Cafe’s and various casino’s in the midwest. Highlight performances include appearing as a special guest for world renown conductor Jeff Tyzik and The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra and the Seattle Symphony Orchestra. Todd has also performed at Foxwoods Casino and the Lionel Hampton Jazz Club in Paris, France Todd has shared the stage with The Brothers Johnson, Chubby Checker, C.J. Chenier, Dave Koz, Joe Sample, and Larry Carlton.
Sam Venuti helped keep jazz alive in the Finger Lakes Region for over 40 years of his performances around the area. He was a gifted musician from an early age when it was discovered that he could play just about anything he heard, all by ear. Never a theory person, he played piano with an astounding fluidity and style that was all his own. His son’s band the Steve Venuti Quartet will perform at the legendary Club 86.
Mike Melito has been a mainstay on the upstate music scene for over three decades. Born into a very musical family, there was little doubt he would become a professional musician. His first jazz gig came at age 16 playing with vibraphonist Joe Locke who was living in Rochester at the time. The great saxophonist Joe Romano was in the club that night and immediately hired Mike for a month-long stint at the now-defunct Lloyd’s in Rochester. From there, work started coming in, playing jazz gigs with Bill Dobbins and then traveling to Syracuse and Utica to work with legendary saxophonist JR Monterose and trumpeter Sal Amico among others.
Saturday, April 6
More details TBA March 18, 2024
Bill Tiberio Sextet
[$20] Sasturday, April 6 at 8:00PM — CLUB 86
Banjo Juice Jazz Band
[$15] Saturday, April 6 at 3:00PM — CLUB 86
Mike Titlebaum
[FREE SHOW] Mike Titlebaum Quartet live Saturday, April 6 at...
FULL SCHEDULE – SATURDAY, APRIL 6
Mike directs the jazz studies program at the Ithaca College School of Music. He teaches jazz saxophone, arranging, improvisation, theory, and directs the hard-swinging Ithaca College Jazz Ensemble. Prior to teaching at Ithaca College, Mike lived in the New York City area where he played at the Blue Note, Smalls, Augies, Fez/Time Café and the legendary CBGB’s. He has performed with dozens of internationally recognized artists and groups including John Hollenbeck, Gary Versace, Red Rodney, Cab Calloway, Jeff Tyzik, Natalie Cole, Billy Taylor, Mel Torme, Branford Marsalis, Jason Robert Brown, Andres Forero, the Mingus Big Band, the Sneider Brothers, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra, and more.
Banjo Juice Jazz band is a traditional jazz super group from Buffalo, NY. Founded by bandleader, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Tyler Westcott in 2017. Banjo Juice plays a eclectic blend of vintage blues, jazz and swing. The group has features musicians from many notable bands. Whether it’s a swing dance, a listening room, or a raucous party Banjo Juice will make your heart happy and your feet move.
Eric Heveron-Smith is a multi-instrumentalist from Rochester, NY who has spent the last two decades honing his bass skills on stages all across North America, from the Paramount in Seattle, to the Beacon in New York, to Symphony Hall in Atlanta. Eric’s Swordfish Trio is a soulful, blues-infused power trio, a high-energy improv experience that takes you on a journey from tight riffs and funky Afrobeat grooves to soulful jazz and subtle bass virtuosity.
Bill Tiberio is in his 40th year as a music educator and has degrees from Ithaca College and SUNY Fredonia. He has been a band director at Fairport (NY) High School for 36 years where he directs two concert bands and three jazz ensembles. He is also an adjunct faculty member at the Eastman Community Music School, and directs the Educator Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble as well as a high school wind ensemble camp. He leads ensembles at Ithaca College, University of Rochester, and SUNY Geneseo. Bill is an active saxophonist and clarinetist in the Rochester, NY music scene and has recorded four albums with his own contemporary jazz quintet, the Bill Tiberio Band.
Sunday, April 7
More details TBA March 18, 2024
Nancy Kelly Quartet
[$20] Sunday, April 7 at 3:00PM — CLUB 86
The Pickle Mafia
[$15] Sunday, April 7 at 6:00PM — CLUB 86
Evan Dobbins
[FREE SHOW] Evan Dobbins Trio feat. Bill Dobbins on April...
Dave Solazzo
[FREE SHOW] Dave Solazzo Duo on April 7 at Brewery...
FULL SCHEDULE – SUNDAY
A freelance trombonist since 1985, Evan Dobbins has earned degrees in Psychology from Harvard University (1991) and in Jazz Studies & Contemporary Media from Eastman School of Music (1994). He has performed with Phil Woods, Tony Bennett, Joe Henderson, Jimmy Knepper, Carl Fontana, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Lou Rawls, Frank Sinatra Jr. and Natalie Cole. He performs regularly in WNY as a freelance artist.
Dave Solazzo has been a mainstay of Central New York’s music scene for over two decades. Much in demand as a soloist and sideman, Dave has worked with artists from a wide mix of genres – jazz, fusion, R&B and beyond. He has performed and recorded with major jazz figures like Eric Alexander, Chuck Mangione, Larry Coryell, Joel Frahm, Dick Oatts, Jerry Weldon and Joe Magnarelli at venues like The Flatiron Room (NYC), Troy Music Hall, the Savannah Jazz Festival and the Syracuse Jazz Fest. In addition to his work as a sideman, Dave leads his own trio, playing modern interpretations of jazz standards and original compositions in the spirit of Oscar Peterson, Keith Jarrett and Brad Mehldau.
Having been invited to perform at the Geneva Jazz Festival, the documentary filmmakers will use this opportunity to interview Festival director, Michael Gonzalez, and engage the audience in Q&A around the meaning of music and art, the role of fans, and how success is defined; while viewing clips of the in-progress documentary and Miche performances (including the memorable flooded gig at Irene’s in Geneva…!). We invite you to come and be part of this organic, creative event as the Miche Fambro story continues to unfold.
Over her 40-plus-year career, she has perfected her signature swing/bop take not prisoner’s back to the roots swinging style in front audiences all over the U.S.A and abroad. This includes her three tours of Japan, as well as a recent Asia tour that included Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Jakarta. Nancy performs regularly in New York City, including at The Blue Note and Birdland, The Rainbow Room, and Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Lincoln Center. She is often seen in Los Angeles and Miami as well as numerous jazz clubs, festivals and symphony orchestra performances across the country.
Ryan Peterson is an award-winning jazz guitarist and active performer in Central New York.
Having been called a “wunderkind” by CNY Jazz Arts Foundation, Ryan’s music consists of decidedly modern, virtuosic, energetic interpretations of Great American Songbook standards.
In July 2023, Ryan led his band on the main stage of the Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival in Syracuse, NY – a festival with a history of attracting over 66,000 festival-goers to downtown Syracuse every summer.
The Pickle Mafia is a dynamic trio from New York, garnering nationwide attention through their groundbreaking, unique brand of Arena Jazz Fusion. The visual appeal the band brings to audiences across the globe is an important element that adds to their musical artistry.
