Sponsors:
‘Music on the Hill’ concert series:
All house concerts take place at LJS HQ.
To request seating, fill out the online form in the ‘Reserve Seats’ tab of this website, or email us at info@livermorejazzsociety.org. Don’t forget to specify the event you wish to attend.
If seating is available, we will respond with an invitation and the concert location.
Check the event calendar below for dates, times, locations and other details…
Livestream audiences: please use
https://youtube.com/channel/UCtSn3OkdvJbXs-PfUnsOnZw/live
and
https://www.facebook.com/livermorejazzsociety/live
to access the streams. For those using Facebook: If you have opened the Facebook page before the stream starts, you will need to refresh the page to see the live image once the stream has started. Likewise, you will need to click the live image thumbnail to actually see the stream.
(YouTube users, please subscribe to our youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtSn3OkdvJbXs-PfUnsOnZw. If we get 100 subscribers, we will then be able to simplify the channel name to something much more recognizable).
Note that all concert times are Pacific Time Zone (Standard or Daylight time, depending on the season). After streaming is complete, performance videos will be edited and archived at https://youtube.com/channel/UCtSn3OkdvJbXs-PfUnsOnZw/videos and https://www.facebook.com/livermorejazzsociety/videos
We compensate all musical performers with a guaranteed fair wage. Primarily for that reason, our expenses are relatively high. We rely on donations for survival; please consider giving a tax-deductible donation whether you are attending our events or not; we are thrilled to receive any donation in any amount…
Jam Sessions:
we host jam sessions at HQ and external venues. Check the event calendar below for dates, times, locations, and other details…
Master Classes, Workshops, and Other Events:
It is the long-term plan of LJS to underwrite master classes, workshops, and concerts at HQ and other venues. We are currently in the process of formulating a funding strategy to accomplish this goal. Check the event calendar below for dates, times, locations and other details…
The Laura Klein Quartet -- "Jazz, She Wrote"
This all-star quartet of Bay Area jazz women originally came together to celebrate Marian McPartland's 100th birthday, with a sold out show at Piedmont Piano. Their first appearance at Livermore Jazz in May 2023 got a wildly enthusiastic reception. The group returns with a different program, performing a wide range of captivating music by brilliant jazz composers, including Carla Bley, Joanne Brackeen, Sara Cassey, Tania Maria, Mary Lou Williams, and many others. Not to be missed!
Mary Fettig - alto saxophone
Laura Klein - piano
Ruth Davies - bass
Kelly Fasman - drums
Jam Session
LJS is hosting a collaborative jam session with Las Positas College on Sunday, 12/1/2024 from 1-4 pm at Longevity Wines, 2271 S. Vasco Road, Livermore CA 94550.
The ‘house band’ will provide a piano, bass amp, and drum kit, as well as mics and sound gear. Attendance is open to all.
Bring your axe!
Las Positas College Jazz Faculty Ensemble
Enjoy the swingin’ sounds of the Las Positas College Jazz Faculty Ensemble!
Personnel:
Andreas Preponis - vocals
Mario Silva - trumpet
Dan Marschak - piano
Cindy Browne Rosefield - bass
Jeff Marrs - drums
The LK Project
The LK Project featuring singer-songwriter trio Mike Lickiss, Chris Carter and Ken Cuozzo, is an acoustic-based musical blend of strong vocal melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Mike and Chris have been writing and performing together for the last 25 years as members of the band Lindy’s Kitchen. Ken, a friend from the earliest days of the group, joined in 2020. Described as the alternative to alternative, their “uncooked” sound comes across as authentic and refreshing to the listener.
Personnel:
Chris Carter — guitar, vocals
Mike Lickiss — guitar, vocals
Ken Cuozzo — bass, vocals
Harvey Wainapel Quartet
Personnel:
Harvey Wainapel — woodwinds
Adam Schulman — piano
Doug Miller — bass
Bryan Bowman — drums
The Tom Reynolds Conspiracy
Personnel:
Erik Jekabson — trumpet, flugelhorn
Tim Devine — tenor sax
Tom Reynolds — vocals, piano
Cindy Browne Rosefield — bass
Jason Lewis — drums
Jam Session
LJS is hosting a collaborative jam session with Las Positas College on Sunday, 11/3/2024 from 1-4 pm at Longevity Wines, 2271 S. Vasco Road, Livermore CA 94550.
The ‘house band’ will provide a piano, bass amp, and drum kit, as well as mics and sound gear. Attendance is open to all.
Bring your axe!
Matt Finders & Friends
Matt is bringing three new faces to the LJS stage.
Seasoned veteran performers, Jim Kassis and Geoff Carter, will deftly accompany versatile vocalist, Marina Crouse.
Get ready for Blues, Swing, and Boleros!
Personnel:
Marina Crouse - vocals
Geoff Carter - piano
Jim Kassis - drums
Matt Finders - bass
Jam Session
LJS is hosting a collaborative jam session with Las Positas College on Sunday, 10/6/2024 from 1-4 pm at Longevity Wines, 2271 S. Vasco Road, Livermore CA 94550.
The ‘house band’ will provide a piano, bass amp, and drum kit, as well as mics and sound gear. Attendance is open to all.
Bring your axe!
Berkeley Choro Ensemble
The Berkeley Choro Ensemble (pronounced "shoro"), is a group of world-class musicians from the SF Bay Area that made its debut in January, 2010, at the Berkeley Public Library. The group celebrates the music, culture and history of Brazil, with a special emphasis on the Choro genre, a style of music which emerged in the 1800's in Brazil, fusing the music of Brazil's European immigrants and the native music of Brazil's indigenous and African-Brazilian population. In particular, the choro sound is somewhat akin to a combination of European classical music, ragtime, and blues. Historically, the choro style influenced Brazil's most famous classical composer, Heitor Villa Lobos, to compose some of the world's most hauntingly beautiful music, the Bachianas Brasileiras. Their repertoire also includes samba, bossa nova, jazz, and the music of Northeast Brazil.
Jane Lenoir - flute
Harvey Wainapel - clarinet
Ricardo Peixoto - guitar
Brian Rice - percussion
Jam Session
LJS is hosting a collaborative jam session with Las Positas College on Sunday, 9/1/2024 from 1-4 pm at Longevity Wines, 2271 S. Vasco Road, Livermore CA 94550.
The ‘house band’ will provide a piano, bass amp, and drum kit, as well as mics and sound gear. Attendance is open to all.
Bring your axe!
Tom Rose and A Family Affair
Join the Rosefield clan for an afternoon mix of blues, rock and jazz. Tom and Cindy have toured extensively around the world playing with a variety of bands and styles. By special request, we 'got the band back together' for this special LJS house concert!
Personnel:
Tom Rose - guitars, vocals
Cindy Browne Rosefield - bass
Claire Rosefield - vocals
Matt Rosefield - drums
Jam Session
LJS is hosting a jam session on 7/29/2024 6-9 pm
There is a house piano, bass amp, and drum kit, as well as mics and sound gear. Attendance is open to all.
If interested in attending, please send us an email at: info@livermorejazzsociety.org, and we will reply with the address.
Grace Clark & Swingitude
Grace Clark & Swingitude perform Western and Western Swing music “with attitude." They create a playful mix of standard and original songs - including tender love ballads, exciting swing dance music, yodeling, and humorous songs. Their latest recording, “Grace Clark, Dancin’ with Swingitude,” was named a "Finalist for 2023 Cowboy Swing Album of the Year" by the International Western Music Association.
Personnel:
• Grace Clark - Guitar and lead vocals
• Lisa Burns - Bass fiddle and vocals
• Billy Wilson - Steel guitar
• Steven Strauss - Ukelele and vocals
Luke Clingerman & Friends
Luke Clingerman and Friends is an ensemble that mixes a variety of influences including jazz, film music, rock and funk. Taking influence from Bill Evans, Joshua Redman, The Bad Plus, Charles Mingus and Radiohead. This show will showcase classic jazz standards as well as original compositions and new arrangements of old tunes!
Personnel:
Luke Clingerman - bass
Adam Torres - alto sax
Will Shannon - trombone
Helen Orzel - piano
Kyle Tom - drums
The Tom Reynolds Conspiracy
The Tom Reynolds Conspiracy will present a diverse musical program featuring several new arrangements. Tom has programmed an eclectic mix of songs from various genres, including jazz, rock, pop, folk, Brazilian MPB, bossa nova, and samba. A few originals are in the mix, but most are ‘reimaginations’ of familiar standards and not-so-familiar gems.
Personnel:
Erik Jekabson - trumpet, flugelhorn
Tim Devine - tenor saxophone
Tom Reynolds - vocals, piano
Cindy Browne Rosefield - bass
Jason Lewis - drums
Spruce Ritual with Lucian Kano Balmer
Experience Spruce Ritual, a musical exploration of two great traditions: eastern Hindustani music and western classical music. Through sublime melodies, intricate compositions, and occasional improvisation, they take the listener on a heartfelt musical journey.
Led by composer, violinist, and vocalist Lucian Kano Balmer, Spruce Ritual released their debut album to great acclaim in February of 2023. "Spruce Ritual: The Way The Evening Speaks is a wonderfully original, musically masterful and evocative album. Lucian Kano Balmer has united skillful playing with soulful longing, and the results speak volumes." - Rebecca Cullen, stereostickman.com
Personnel:
Lucian Kano Balmer - violin, vocals
Charith Premawardhana - viola
Nazan Aktas - cello
Will Marsh - sitar, guitar
Josh Mellinger - tabla
Jam Session
LJS is hosting a jam session on 4/15/2023 6-9 pm
There is a house piano, bass amp, and drum kit, as well as mics and sound gear. Attendance is open to all.
If interested in attending, please send us an email at: info@livermorejazzsociety.org, and we will reply with the address.
The LK Project
The LK Project featuring singer-songwriter trio Mike Lickiss, Chris Carter and Ken Cuozzo, is an acoustic-based musical blend of strong vocal melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Mike and Chris have been writing and performing together for the last 25 years as members of the band Lindy’s Kitchen. Ken, a friend from the earliest days of the group, joined in 2020. Described as the alternative to alternative, their “uncooked” sound comes across as authentic and refreshing to the listener.
Personnel:
Chris Carter — guitar, vocals
Mike Lickiss — guitar, vocals
Ken Cuozzo — bass, vocals
The Dave Green Group
Come join guitarist Dave Green and his collective of local musicians as they serve up jazz standards from the likes of Clifford Brown and Charlie Parker but with a uniquely different sound. This string-heavy quintet features Alan Lin on violin, Ruben Green on piano, Jonny Kaminek on upright bass and Chris Horgan on drums. Together they will be playing some of jazz's most classic tunes with a delivery that is both energetic and whimsical. Topping things off will be the captivating voice and guest appearance of Bay Area singer Teresa Tam. Not to be missed!
Personnel:
Alan Lin — violin
Dave Green — guitar
Ruben Green — piano
Johnny Kaminek — bass
Chris Hogan — drums
The Mason Razavi Quartet, Sunday, Jan 21, 2024, 2-4 pm
The Mason Razavi Quartet performs the guitarist’s originals as well as choice standards. Razavi released two albums of quartet and nonet music that were warmly received by jazz radio - Quartet Plus (on First Orbit Sounds) and Quartet Plus Volume 2 (on Origin/OA2 records).
"Evocative storytelling is the hallmark of Razavi's music."
personnel:
Mason Razavi, guitar
Bennett Roth-Newell, piano
Aaron Germain, bass
Jason Lewis, drums
Live audience / Livestream
Details on the LJS website: https://livermorejazzsociety.org
To request a seat, email us at info@livermorejazzsociety.org, or use the web form at:
https://www.livermorejazzsociety.org/reserve-seats
If seats are available, we will email you a written invitation with the concert address
Seating capacity is limited, so advance notice is highly recommended
For Livestream info, refer to the 'Events' page of our website listed above
Suggested donation: $20 per person
Jazz Jam Session
LJS is hosting a jam session on 1/15/2023 4-7 pm
There is a house piano, bass amp, and drum kit, as well as mics and sound gear. Attendance is open to all.
If interested in attending, please send us an email at: info@livermorejazzsociety.org, and we will reply with the address.
Shanna Carlson / Larry Smith & Friends
An exciting quintet with two vocalists:
SHANNA CARLSON:
With a warm, slightly husky and intimate voice, Shanna Carlson delivers a lyric invested with her love of song. A natural balladeer, who also swings like mad and has a playful side. A native San Franciscan, she played piano from a young age and later became a songwriter and band-leader.
Shanna has two of her own CD's as well as two compilations. Her vocals have been heard on radio stations both nationally and internationally, as well as in movies, television shows and most recently her title song from her latest CD, “Lost in Your Eyes”, as a promo for a theater company in Olympia, WA.
An educator at heart, she loves to relay tales of a song’s origins or a golden nugget of information about the writers and/or lyricists. Shanna also coaches privately and, for 14 years, accompanied and taught at Jazz Camp West (now Living Jazz)in La Honda, California. Giving back is something that comes naturally and she enjoys working with Young At Heart Project, an organization that brings professional musicians into senior facilities. Shanna has played on some of the most respected stages in jazz: Yoshi’s, Dizzy's, Enrico's, The Stanford Jazz Vocal Series, The Topeka Jazz Workshop, and the San Jose Jazz Festival, to name but a few. She performs on the West Coast as well as England, Sweden and Switzerland.
LARRY SMITH:
A rich, elegant voice that will stir your soul and melt your cares.
Larry is a singer of great feeling and depth with no fear of going to his impish side - anything can happen and usually does - and judging from the sold-out houses he has played to, the audience loves every minute of it,
A native of Berkeley, Larry was immersed in the dance world for many years, but always sang. He studied voice with Esther Hughes and Mary Cobb-Hill. His local mentors were Faye Carol, Martha Young and Sheila Smith. He has performed in Nagoya, Japan, and other local clubs. He has sold out house concerts in Oakland (Bird's Nest Jazz) and in Sacramento.
Personnel:
Shanna Carlson — vocals
Larry Smith — vocals
Lee Bloom — piano
Matt FInders — bass
David Rokeach — drums
Lisa B
The Lisa B Swingin' Band Presents Poems & Tunes:
Book Launch for God in Her Ruffled Dress
plus Original Songs and Holiday Favorites
Don't miss this return to performance by singer and poet Lisa B (Lisa Bernstein) and her Bay Area all-star band after a two-year break! The occasion is the launch of her second poetry collection, "God in Her Ruffled Dress" (What Books Press). Lisa B will perform poems from the book solo and with music. Then she and her band will offer selections from her seven albums, including some holiday-season favorites.
Personnel:
Lisa B (Lisa Bernstein) - vocals and spoken verse
Ben Flint - keyboard and background vocals
Fred Randolph - basses
Julian Hogan - drums
A recording of a recent performance may be found at:
Advance praise for the new book:
“A dazzling lyrical demonstration... She takes us on a journey through ecstasy and pain: from the highs of great jazz performance to the zen of blood testing for diabetes. ”
—Lawrence R. Smith, editor of Caliban
“This collection reverberates with the noise and joys of others, a series of divine pleasures transcribed faithfully by a skilled musician and writer. Brava, Lisa.”
—D.A. Powell, author of Useless Landscape, or A Guide for Boys and Repast: Tea, Lunch, and Cocktails
Praise for previous records and publications:
“Seductive, clever, whimsical, provocative but always heartfelt verse backed by the imaginative accompaniment of Bay Area musicians....truly riveting.”
—Jonathan Widran, The JW Vibe, on the record Reverberant: Poems & Music
“An inventive and often haunting set...Listeners who like spoken word albums will enjoy this colorful effort.”
—Scott Yanow, L.A. Jazz Scene, on the record Reverberant: Poems & Music
“An extraordinary album that takes songs from the American songbook and adds bold poetry, an unexpected taste of rap, richly emotional singing, and exotic moods… a new standard for the 21st century.”
—Hiroshi Ogawa, Jazz Life Japan, on the record I Get A Kick: Cole Porter Reimagined
“B brings her poet's incisive ear to uncover the roiling emotions beneath Cole Porter's glittering confections.”
—Andrew Gilbert, Berkeleyside, on the record I Get A Kick: Cole Porter Reimagined
Reserve Seats
Matt Finders & Friends
Matt Finders and Friends has been swinging together for nearly ten years. Come check out the magic!
Matt Finders & Friends is:
Karen Marguth — vocals
John R Burr — piano
Matt Finders — bass
Kelly Fasman — drums
The Erik Jekabson Quartet
The Erik Jekabson Quartet, Sunday, Oct 08, 2023, 2-4pm
Erik Jekabson plays melodic and bebop-influenced trumpet and flugelhorn with a warm sound and has been described as "A cutting edge jazz player and writer"- (Jazztimes) and "A cerebral player known for his sophisticated jazz chops" (Allmusic Guide); he writes his own music and crafts interesting arrangements of standards as well. He brings in a killer band of some of the most in-demand players in the Bay Area.
Personnel:
Erik Jekabson -- trumpet
Matt Clark -- piano
Dan Feiszli -- bass
Brian Fishler -- drums
Here is a recent video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLXzZuoHIMc
Editor's note:
"...In my salad days, I was a jazz trumpeter, and my heroes were such lyrical players as Tom Harrell, Woody Shaw, Kenny Dorham, Freddie Hubbard, Chet Baker, etc. When I put my own band together in 2019, I chose Erik to play the trumpet parts -- he is the perfect synthesis of my heroes from the jazz diaspora -- and yet he has his own voice -- unique among trumpeters. Although there is no lack of intellectual reward in his work, the real prize is his deep emotional connection to the music..."
Tom Reynolds -- pianist, vocalist, arranger/composer, President and founder of Livermore Jazz Society
Live audience / Livestream
Details on the LJS web site: https://livermorejazzsociety.org
To request a seat, email us at info@livermorejazzsociety.org, or use the web form at:
https://www.livermorejazzsociety.org/reserve-seats
If seats are available, we will email you a written invitation with the concert address
Seating capacity is limited, so advance notice is highly recommended
For Livestream info, refer to the 'Events' page of our website listed above
Suggested donation: $20 per person
Reserve Seats
Las Positas College Jazz Faculty Ensemble (canceled)
The Las Positas Jazz Faculty Ensemble, an eclectic group of professionals with diverse backgrounds, presents a show that showcases the talent pool available at Livermore's local community college.
This set of phenomenal players and educators will rock the house for you!
Expect crafty wizardry over originals and standards.
Personnel:
Grant Leimbach — woodwinds
Ryan Pate — guitar
Dan Marschak — piano
Cindy Browne Rosefield — bass
Jeff Marrs — drums
The Tom Rose Blues Band (Canceled)
The Tom Rose Blues Band is:
Tom Rose — guitars, vocals
Cindy Browne — bass
Tim Devine — sax
Tom Rose has performed across the United States and in over twenty countries around the world at events like the Montreux Jazz Festival, Glastonbury Music and Arts Fest, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Fest, Australia’s East Coast Blues Festival and the Fourth of July Celebration at the National Mall. Over the years of touring he was fortunate enough to perform and/or record with Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Steve Cropper, Bo Diddley, Buddy Guy, Matt “Guitar” Murphy, Scotty Moore, Ike Turner and Joe Louis Walker. He has shared bills with B.B. King, Robert Cray, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Johnny Winter, George Thorogood and many more. He has recorded for BBC One Radio London, ZDF Television (Germany), Radio France, House of Blues Radio Network and CBC Radio Canada as well as Verve, Blue Thumb and House of Blues Records and the Smithsonian.
Saravá
Saravá is a Brazilian Jazz Quartet that combines the Brazilian songbook with an American jazz sensibility. The group visits different corners of Brazilian music, including bossa nova and samba, as well as styles from the Brazilian Northeast. The group also takes some of the American songbook on a trip to Brazil. The pairing of Brazilian grooves with instrumental improvisation makes the Saravá musical experience both lively and intriguing. And it just might get you dancing.
Personnel:
Dave Salvator — sax, keyboard
Tony Corman — guitar
Richard Lindsey — bass
David Rokeach — drums
A recent recording may be found at: https://www.facebook.com/SaravaGroove/videos
Reserve Seats
Laura Klein — “Jazz She Wrote” (sold out)
The Laura Klein Trio with Mary Fettig:
“Jazz, She Wrote”
This all-star quartet of Bay Area jazz women originally came together to celebrate Marian McPartland's 100th birthday, with a sold-out show at Piedmont Piano. This time, the group will perform a wide range of captivating music by of a host of brilliant jazz composers, including Melba Liston, Tia Fuller, Emily Remler, Anat Cohen, Blossom Dearie, Mary Lou Williams, Laura Nyro, and others. Not to be missed!
Mary Fettig - alto saxophone
Laura Klein - piano
Ruth Davies - bass
Kelly Fasman - drums
In-person attendance is sold out — but the Livestream is available (instructions at https://www.livermorejazzsociety.org/events )
Reserve Seats
The Tom Reynolds Conspiracy
The Tom Reynolds Conspiracy will present a diverse musical program including multiple group configurations, vocals, instrumentals, originals and standards. This show is celebrating the January 2023 release of a couple of new CDs which the group recorded in June of 2022.
Personnel:
Erik Jekabson - trumpet, flugelhorn
Tim Devine - tenor saxophone
Tom Reynolds - vocals, piano
Cindy Browne Rosefield - bass
Jason Lewis - drums
Editor's note:
"...For this show, I've written several vocal arrangements, including songs by Michel Legrand, Sammy Fain, and three Brazilian songs I will sing in Portuguese..."
Tom Reynolds -- pianist, vocalist, arranger/composer, President and founder of Livermore Jazz Society
The Luis Peralta Trio
Luis Peralta is a 20-year-old pianist from Oakland, California. He began playing piano at seven, embarking quickly on a serious study of European Classical and American Classical Music (Jazz). In 2017 he performed Alex Conde’s Concierto Para Piano Flamenco y Orquesta as a soloist with the Oakland Youth Orchestra. In 2019, Luis was awarded a full scholarship to study piano at the New School in New York City. He has studied with and performed with Bay Area figures such as Howard Wiley and Marcus Shelby. Currently, he studies with NYC pianist Sullivan Fortner and SF Conservatory of Music piano professor John McCarthy.
Personnel:
Luis Peralta - piano
Brian Juarez - bass
Ben Esposito - drums
A recent video may be found at:
Editor's note:
"...I had the good fortune to hear Luis perform at the All Steinway Gala at Las Positas College last September. He brings an uncanny degree of historical depth and maturity to his playing, referencing more stylistic material from the past 100 years than I typically hear among jazz pianists today..."
Tom Reynolds -- pianist, vocalist, arranger/composer, President and founder of Livermore Jazz Society
The Chris Bradley Band
Chris Bradley’s Traditional Jazz Band is a New Orleans-style jazz band, and they also play music from the 1920’s and 1930’s. The band features well-known musicians from the bay area and entertains fans from all ages with real, traditional jazz. They play happy music for today's and yesterday's jazz fans.
Personnel:
Rich Owens: Piano/Vocals
Mike Ross: Drums/Vocals
Guido Fazio: Reeds
Steve Doherty: Bass
Chris Bradley: Cornet/Vocals
Live audience / Livestream
Details on the LJS web site: https://livermorejazzsociety.org
To request a seat, email us at info@livermorejazzsociety.org, or use the web form at:
https://www.livermorejazzsociety.org/reserve-seats
If seats are available, we will email you a written invitation with the concert address
Seating capacity is limited, so advance notice is highly recommended
For Livestream info, refer to the 'Events' page of our website listed above
Suggested donation: $20 per person
The Kurt Ribak Band
For two decades, singer/songwriter/bassist Kurt Ribak has been writing originals and performing them with his band at venues ranging from house concerts to SF Jazz and Yoshi’s. His songs come mostly from the jazz idiom, but have eclectic influences (R&B, blues, gospel, etc). Groove-centric original compositions, described as "Mingus meets the Meters"; Kurt has brought his band to Yoshi's and SF Jazz.
The Kurt Ribak Band is:
Kurt Ribak - Bass, Vocals
Greg Sankovich - Piano
Lincoln Adler - Tenor Saxophone
Carrie Jahde - Drums
The Dan Marschak Trio with Danielle Perez
This mix of Las Positas College faculty and alums with shake it up for you to close out the 2022 concert season with a mix of originals and standards.
Danielle Perez - Vocals
Dan Marschak - Piano
Cindy Browne Rosefield - Bass
Ian Sylvester - Drums