Iowa City’s Summer of the Arts - 2008 Toyota-Scion of Iowa City Jazz Festival Schedule

2008 Toyota-Scion of Iowa City Jazz Festival Schedule

2008 Toyota-Scion of Iowa City Jazz Festival

Performance Schedule and Artist Bios

Main Stage

Friday, July 4

4:00 Pre-Fest Spontaneous Combustion –

Pre Festival Entertainment

4:30-5:30 United Jazz Ensemble -

Directed by Rich Medd and Mike Moehlmann, this 18-piece band is composed of students from Iowa City High School and West High School in Iowa City. This ensemble comes together each May to prepare for the Jazz Festival. For 16 years, this band has immersed students in jazz over the summer and builds a strong bond between the programs at the two schools.

6:00-7:30 Sam Salomone Trio - presented by Dale Lee Distributing

Pianist/organist Sam Salomone was born in Chicago but grew-up in Tama, Iowa. He was infected with Blues fever in the mid- 1950’s, but it was hearing Jerry Lee Lewis who gave him the fire to want to learn to play piano. After moving to Des Moines he performed with guitarist Don Archer and also learned to play the B3 organ in 1965. In the 1960’s he toured with Del Shannon (“Runaway”) and The Duprees (“You Belong to Me”).” In 1997, along with alto saxophonist Richie Cole, he wrote and produced his album, “It’s Never Too Late.” Besides being inducted into the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame, he also became one of the first inductees in the Iowa Jazz Hall of Fame.

8:00-9:30 Medeski Martin & Wood -

The world-renown trio of keyboard/organ/piano player John Medeski, drummer/percussionist Billy Martin, and bassist Chris Wood formed in the neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, known as D.U.M.B.O. (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) in 1991. John, Billy, and Chris create music that reflects who they are individually and collectively. The trio began experimenting with contemporary hip-hop beats that swing as hard as jazz rhythms, yet remain simple and propulsive, giving the musicians ample room to create hypnotic textures and sounds brimming with both improvisation and harmony. MMW has toured and recorded extensively. Recent releases include “Out Louder” and “Lets go Everywhere” on the Indirecto label.

Saturday, July 5

2:00-3:30 Euforquestra -

Euforquestra is a cutting-edge, worldbeat ensemble from Iowa City with influences from traditional music and cultures from all over the glove. The band’s mission is to preserve cultural traditions, indiscriminately attempting anything at least once and fusing many world styles. Their “Afro-Caribbean-Barnyard-Funk” brings an explosive sound and makes people dance.” Euforquestra is Mike Tallman (Guitar/Mandolin/Vocals), Eric Quiner (Keys/Vocals), Adam Grosso (Bass/Steelpan/Vibes/Vocals), Josten Foley (Drums/Vocals), Matt Grundstad (Percussion/Vocals), Ryan Jeter (Tenor Saxophone/Vocals), and Austin Zaletel (Alto Saophone/Vocals).

4:00-5:30 Garaj Mahal -

From the first Garaj Mahal note, the listener is lead into an innovative fusion of funky jazz with a tasty world music flare. The group features four first-class musicians: guitar and sitar virtuoso Fareed Haque, world-renowned bass master and educator Kai Eckhardt, gospel-inspired funky jazz keyboardist Eric Levy, and consistently in-the-pocket, natural-born drummer Alan Hertz.

6:00-7:30 Bonerama -

Even in a city that doesn’t play by the rules, New Orleans’ Bonerama is something different. With its four-trombone front-line, they’ve got brass to spare and can evoke vintage funk, classic rock and free improvisation in the same set; maybe even in the same song. Bonerama was co-founded in 1998 by trombonists Mark Mullins and Craig Klein (both in Harry Connick’s band) who were joined by trombonists Rick Trolsen, Steve Suter, bass trombone player Brian O’Neill (who passed away last year), sousaphone player Matt Perrine, guitarist Bert Cotton and drummer Eric Bolivar is tag-teaming with Terence Higgins, drummer of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band.

8:00-9:30 Jon Scofield Trio and the ScoHorns -

John Scofield is considered one of the “bit three” of current jazz guitarists – along with Pat Metheny and Brill Frisell. His influence began in the late 70’s and is going strong today. Possessor of a very distinctive sound and stylistic diversity, Scofield is a masterful jazz improviser whose music falls somewhere between post-bop, funk edged jazz, and R & B. At the Jazz Festival, Scofield is fronting his trio and a four-piece horn section. This is the same format Scofield recorded for Emarcy, “This Meets That.” The parts, arranged by Scofield himself, give the music a broader harmonic dimension. “When I compose a tune,” he explains, “I often hear more parts than I end up playing on the guitar, so I added the horns. We still keep our “trio thing” intact, but the sound is extended and shaded. They embellish what we’re doing.”

Sunday, July 6

2:00-3:30 Rod Pierson Big Band –

The Rod Pierson Big Band featuring Craig Boche performs re-creations from some of the Big Band genre’s most prolific artists and composers. This group has been called “elegantly irreverent.” The entire Band’s list of credits reads like a “who’s who” from decades of America’s most popular artists and groups. Regular members of the group include; Craig Boche/vocals, Rod Pierson-Eddie McKinley-Peter Hart-Jeff Shafer/saxes, Randy Grabowski-Al Naylor-Steve King/trumpets, Rich Medd-Mike McMann/trombones, Steve Shanley-Jon Schwabe-Jim Dreier/Rhythm.

4:00-5:30 Brent Sandy Quartet –

Trumpeter Brent Sandy, born and raised in Indianola, Iowa, is a composer/arranger, educator and Fulbright Scholar. Besides being an adjunct associate professor on the University of Iowa jazz faculty, Brent has worked extensively performing/recording with such notables as Paul Smoker, Kenny Wheeler, Bobby Shew, Steven Bernstein, Billy Higgins, Matt Wilson, Carla Bley, Steve Swallow and Kim Richmond. The Brent Sandy Quartet is the next step in a 14 year musical relationship trumpeter Brent Sandy has had with Iowa City based guitarist Steve Grismore. Brent and Steve are joined by electric bassist Greg Mazunik and drummer Justin LeDuc.

6:00-7:30 Jenny Scheinman -

Originally from Northern California, violinist/composer Jenny Scheinman has been performing since she was a teenager. She has recorded with Bill Frisell, Norah Jones, Vinicius Cantuaria, Nels Cline, Marc Ribot, Myra Melford and Ron Miles. Her work has earned her the #1 Rising Star Violinist in both the 2004 and 2003 Downbeat Critics’ Polls. Ms Scheinman has released several recordings of original music, including: “Live at Yoshi’s” (Avant), “The Rabbi’s Lover” (Tzadik), and “Shalagaster” (Tzadik). The New York Times has written, “Ms. Scheinman is a killer player. She has the street musician’s trick of getting attention with the pure power of a single, perfect note.”

8:00-9:30 Joshua Redman Trio -

Tenor saxophonist and composer Joshua Redman has been described by The New York Times as “a remarkably fluid improviser.” At the Jazz Festival he will play in an acoustic trio setting much like his most recent recording, “Back East.” This represents a recent departure from the funk-infused, electrified Elastic Band, but this sax-bass-drums format harkens back to the Berkeley, California-based artist’s early days as a performer. In this setting, Redman incorporates a stunningly wide range of ideas, experiences and influences, creating a multi-layered self-portrait. Redman says, there is “a sense of return to a style I associate with the east coast, a return to playing-for lack of a better description-modern, swing-based, acoustic jazz. This was and is my musical bread and butter, the core of what I do.”

Dale Lee Distributing Local Stage

Friday,July 4

5:30 & 7:30 Grooveship –

GrooveShip was born in 1994 but matured in 2005. Since then, the “Ship” has played all over the state of Iowa including Ragbrai and the 2006 Jazz Fest. Made up of veteran jazz and blues musicians, GrooveShip’s mission has been to embody the funk and blues elements of New Orleans Music. Band members are: Marcus Perkins bass/vocals, Saul Lubaroff saxophones/vocals, Thomas Ott guitar, Seth May keys/vocals and Brian Cooper drums.

Saturday, July 5^th

1:30 & 3:30 The Dave Altemeier Group -

Based in Des Moines, this Group blends many styles and grooves, such as Funk, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, R+B, and jazz standards. The ensemble features the most seasoned and experienced musicians in central Iowa including: Dave Rezek-trumpet, Sam Salomone-keyboards, Tim Crumley-drums, and Dave Altemeier-bass/leader.

5:30 & 7:30 Checker & the Blue Tones -

Checker and the Bluetones is one of the top bands in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area. The main thrust of the band is 60’s-80’s rock with jazz, big band and fusion thrown in. Featuring Jovita Long on vocals the band is known for having 4 lead vocalists with plenty of back-up harmony. Mike Michalicek- Keyboards and Vocals, John Baskerville- Bass and Vocals, Steve Mark – Percussion, John Thomson-Guitar and Vocals, Tom Barry- Saxophones, and Jovita Long- Vocals.

Sunday, July 6^th

1:30 & 3:30 Katie Roche and the Dioramas –

Katie Roche and The Diorama consists of Chicago drummer Marc Gratama, Cedar Rapids pianist Tim Daugherty, and Iowa City bass player Scott Barnum. Playing a selection of raucous politically inspired standards and like-minded originals, raspy vocalist Katie Roche sings against the war, in favor of love and features songs off of her album, “Hell’s Heavy Gates”.

5:30 & 7:30 Local Clamor -

Local Clamor is an Iowa City based music collective organized by drummer Paul Kresowik and may include 3-6 members. The band plays original music that embraces the rhythms of funk music and the spontaneity of jazz. This performance will feature Iowa City tenor superstar John Rhodes and master of the trumpet Steven Wheeler.

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics College Stage

Friday, July 4^th

5:30 & 7:30 Koplant No -

A quartet of Iowa City students which formed in early 2008, Koplant No progressively combines acoustic instrumentation with electronic methods, effect pedals and samples. Their personnel are Drew Morton (bass), Brian Lewis Smith (trumpet), Joel Vanderheyden (saxophones), and Rob Baner (drums).

Saturday, July 5^th

1:30 & 3:30 Executive Lunch -

This trio formed in late 2006 at the University of Northern Iowa. This reed, trombone and drum combo focuses heavily on improvisation outside the traditional contexts. Executive Lunch has performed throughout Iowa while developing its unique approach to trio jazz. Executive Lunch is: Evan Smith – reeds, Mike Conrad – trombone, and Jacob Davis – drums.

5:30 & 7:30 Fresh Heir -

With the uncommon combination of bass keys, organ, saxophone, trumpet, guitar and drums, Fresh Heir should keep listeners moving to the groove. This group fuses improvisation, lyricism, soul/hip-hop, rock, gospel, jazz, and reggae. Fresh Heir is Ben Roig-guitar, Desi Reichold-trumpet, Ryan Marquez-organ and bass keys, Nick Savage-drums, and Eirik Cheverud/Tim Siskey-reeds.

Sunday, July 6^th

1:30 & 3:30 3 Page 5’s -

Three Page Five’s is a quartet based in Iowa City, and is comprised of Brian Lewis Smith (trumpet), Drew Morton (bass), David Gugliano (drums) and Thomas Ott (guitar). The group focuses on playing original compositions, and the music of contemporary jazz masters such as Kurt Rosenwinkel, Dave Holland, and Dave Douglas.

5:30 & 7:30 Group X -

Group X was founded in 2006 when the members were attending the University of Northern Iowa. Since then, the group has performed extensively and released their first album; “Kick the Can.” Group X mixes jazz, rock, funk and hip hop to create a sound and style of their own.

West Music Youth Stage

Friday, July 4^th

5:30 & 7:30 The Midwest Jazz Collective -

This quintet of jazz musicians in their teens was organized by trumpeter Gabe Medd. The group performs a mixture of jazz standards and original compositions. They have performed together in the Gibson/Baldwin Grammy Jazz Ensemble and the Monterey Jazz Festival Next Generation Orchestra. Personnel include: Gabe Medd, trumpet; Adam Larson, Tenor Sax, who will attend the Manhattan School of Music this Fall; Bryan Carter, Drums, who will attend the Julliard School of Music this Fall; Adam Kromelow, who attends The Manhattan School of Music, and Sam Selinger, who attends NYU.

Saturday, July 5^th

1:30 & 3:30 Joey Is Just An Alias -

Joey is just an Alias is comprised of young musicians from the Des Moines area. They performed at the Iowa City Jazz Festival for the first time in 2007. Most of the band will be high school juniors next year. The band was started by triplets Chris Oatts (Alto Sax and Flute), Eric Oatts (Tenor Sax), Jeff Oatts (Drums), and also features the talents of Brendon Cunningham (Keyboards), JT Minor (Guitar), and Jordon Leckband (Bass).

5:30 & 7:30 The Jazz St. Louis All Stars-Keyhole Students -

This student ensemble consists of high school students who are chosen in St. Louis-wide auditions. These talented musicians receive coaching and training from artists of national and international stature who perform at Jazz at the Bistro in St. Louis. The All-Stars also serve as cultural ambassadors, representing Jazz St. Louis at numerous area arts events and weekend performing as part of Jazz at the Bistro’s Spotlight Series.

Sunday, July 6^th

1:30 & 3:30 Silver Swing Band –

The Silver Swing, under the direction of UI music education student Brett Messenger, plays the repertoire of the big band and swing era. With a wide variety of backgrounds, the band, originally formed in 1997, is comprised of retired citizens of Johnson County. “Retired,” however, cannot describe a group with the amount of energy, excitement and “youth” that the Silver Swing displays.

5:30 & 7:30 Washington High Combo –

At Washington High School, Steve Shanley directs this fine seven-piece ensemble which has participated annually in the Sate Jazz Band Festival, the UNI Tallcorn Jazz Festival and in the Iowa Jazz Championships. The group consists of Michael Jarvey, piano, Ian Draves, bass, Michael Olson, drums, Jack Kohn, Trumpet, Roland Hart, saxophone, Madeline Young, saxophone and Toby Ziemer, trombone.

Friday Night Concert Series

Founded in 1991, The Friday Night Concert Series is a FREE, family-friendly event held on the Pedestrian Mall in downtown Iowa City. The event features live music performed by local bands each and every Friday night from the middle of May to early September (excluding the first…

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Saturday Night Free Movies

Founded in 2005, The Saturday Night Free Movie Series is a FREE, family-friendly event held in downtown Iowa City. The event features musical entertainment or special activities, short films by local filmmakers and a feature movie on the University of Iowa Pentacrest.

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Iowa Arts Festival

Schedule

The Iowa Arts Festival is a weekend-long, free community celebration featuring over 115 visual artists, a music festival, a culinary expo, and a variety of creative and educational activities. Voted "Favorite Festival" by the Iowa Press Citizen.

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Iowa City Jazz Festival

Schedule

Founded in 1991, The Iowa City Jazz Festival is a FREE, family-friendly event held in downtown Iowa City. The event features live music performed by both local bands and internationally acclaimed recording artists. The festival has won numerous awards throughout the years...

Don Byron