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From the GJS Executive Director, Larry Fletcher
As we continue to plan for our annual Jazz-by-the-Bay two-day festival scheduled for 3-4 October, 2020, we are faced with the realization that the CODIV-19 pandemic has interrupted three vital sources of historical funding for the festival:
If you care to help fund our 2020 Jazz-by-the-Bay festival by buying one or more of these collectible T-shirts, please call Larry at 784-2106. I will personally hand-deliver them to your home or any other location you specify. Larry
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MATT McCARTY JAZZ QUARTET
PANAMA CITY DEBUT
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 6:30 pm AT ALICE’S ON BAYVIEW IN HISTORIC ST. ANDREWS
A GULF JAZZ SOCIETY PRODUCTION
The Matt McCarty Jazz Quartet will make its first appearance at Alice’s on Bayview, Tuesday, September 17, at 6:30 pm. Members of the quartet include Matt on tenor and baritone saxophones, George Petropolous on piano, Steve Gilmore on bass, and Jeff Stidham on drums.
Matt is not your ordinary jazz musician. In addition to his musical training, he holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Virginia Tech, and a Masters Degree in Systems Engineering from University of Florida. By day, he works as a systems development and testing engineer for the USAF at Eglin AFB. By night, he is a jazz saxophonist and currently a significant catalyst for jazz in Destin, organizing events and performing at the Funky Blues Shack. Consequently, he is conversant and comfortable with both finite element analysis of aerodynamic structures as well as mixolydian mode and pentatonic scale of jazz musical structure. Matt studied jazz under the heralded jazz saxophonist, Chip McNeil, at Virginia Tech.
Jazz icon, Horace Silver, stated, “I personally do not believe in politics, hatred, or anger in my musical compositions. Music should bring happiness and joy to people and make them forget their troubles”.
The playlist of the Matt McCarty quartet features several of Silver’s compositions plus other tunes embodying equally joyful examples of jazz’s blues and gospel roots, such as those made famous by Cannonball Adderley, Herbie Hancock, Blue Mitchell, and others.
For reservations, call Amy or Larry at 784-2106. But hurry, because seating is limited. Pay at the door. Admission is $10 for GJS members and $12 for others. GJS membership applications will be available.
Alice’s on Bayview at 1000 Bayview offers a full bar and a menu that includes a variety of sandwiches, salads, soups, seafood, and steaks.
JAZZ-BY-THE-BAY JAZZ FESTIVAL
COMING SOON!
The Gulf Jazz Society’s 19th annual jazz festival will take place Friday, Oct 4th and Saturday, Oct 5th 2019 at Oaks-by-the-Bay park in historic St. Andrews. As always, this family-friendly music festival is free to the public. Just remember to bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. This year’s festival features 7 top-rated jazz groups offering 7 distinctive styles of jazz: Dixieland, straight ahead, big band, vocal, bebop, blues-infused, and Latin. Detailed information will be provided as we approach the festival weekend. Do not miss this exciting event! Mark your calendars now.
COMING SOON!
The Gulf Jazz Society’s 19th annual jazz festival will take place Friday, Oct 4th and Saturday, Oct 5th 2019 at Oaks-by-the-Bay park in historic St. Andrews. As always, this family-friendly music festival is free to the public. Just remember to bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. This year’s festival features 7 top-rated jazz groups offering 7 distinctive styles of jazz: Dixieland, straight ahead, big band, vocal, bebop, blues-infused, and Latin. Detailed information will be provided as we approach the festival weekend. Do not miss this exciting event! Mark your calendars now.
Thanks to Innovations Credit Union and their President and CEO, David Southall for their sponsorship of last nights show, starring Giacomo Gates! Giacomo performed in front of a sold out crowd at Alice's on Bayview, and gave us all a night to remember!
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DETAILS ON THE NEXT 2 SHOWS!!
PLEASE NOTE:
There are TWO events attached!
* Tuesday, Aug.13, Camara Kambone, Jazz pianist.
* WEDNESDAY, Aug.21, Giacomo Gates, jazz vocalist.
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JAZZ IN THE JARRETT MODE
FEATURING EMMY-WINNING JAZZ PIANIST, CAMARA KAMBON AND HIS TRIO
TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 6:30pm
AT ALICE’S ON BAYVIEW, IN ST. ANDREWS
A GULF JAZZ SOCIETY PRODUCTION
In 1995, just 23 years of age and not even a year out of college, Camara Kambon took home one of the most coveted awards in the entertainment world, an Emmy, for the music he composed for the HBO film, Sonny Liston, the Mysterious Life and Death of a Champion. But that was just the beginning of his illustrious career. In short order, he added two more Emmy nominations and three Grammy nominations to his accomplishments and shared the stage and/or recording studio with performers ranging from Dizzy Gillespie to symphony orchestras. Starting at the age of 4, Camera developed an interest in piano, composing his first original riffs at age 6. He graduated from Peabody Prep School with honors in musicianship, classical and jazz piano performance, and composition and went on to graduate from the prestigious Berklee college of music in Boston. He currently resides in Pensacola and is active in the Pensacola Jazz Society as a member and performer.
The Camara Kambon Piano Trio consists of Camara (piano), Steve Gilmore (bass), and Charles Pagano (drums), all formidable in their own right. The Jarrett program will be performed next in Mobile in the near future.
Keith Jarrett, like Herbie Hancock and Bill Evans is one of the most influential jazz pianists to emerge after Thelonious Monk. His lengthy and intricate jazz improvisation plumbs the essence of a tune and beyond. He seldom takes a conventional approach to any composition. Jarrett’s top selling 1975 album, The Koln Concerts, best illustrates his unorthodox approach to piano jazz. Camara is one of only a handful of jazz pianists who can emulate the Jarrett style without copying it verbatim. Jazz enthusiasts will delight in the excitement and joy of listening to the work of a creative genius of the jazz idiom captivates audiences with his virtuosity. Camara Kambon has arrived and is still in the ascendancy.
For reservations, call Amy or Larry at 784-2106. But hurry, because seating is limited. Pay at the door. Admission is $10 for GJS members and $12 for others. Membership applications will be available. Half of the net proceeds from this performance will be set aside for an “Oaks-by-the-Bay” Park restoration fund.
Alice’s on Bayview at 1000 Bayview offers a full bar and a menu that includes a variety of sandwiches, salads, soups, seafood, and steaks.
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ACCLAIMED JAZZ VOCALIST, GIACOMO GATES RETURNS TO PANAMA CITY FOR ONE NIGHT ENGAGEMENT ON
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21 AT 6:30 PM AT ALICE'S ON BAYVIEW!
A GULF JAZZ SOCIETY SPECIAL PRODUCTION
SPONSORED BY INNOVATIONS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
Giacomo Gates has appeared at several Gulf Jazz Society events and one Jazz-by-the-Bay festival in the past. But this was before he released eight CDs all of which garnered rave reviews and received heavy airplay time. Since being “discovered” by the jazz world he has been very much in demand, playing major U.S. clubs, jazz festivals, jazz society events, and at countless colleges and universities. He has also performed and conducted clinics in Europe, Russia, and Australia.
Giacomo will appear at Alice’s on Bayview at 1000 Bayview in St. Andrews on Wednesday, August 21, at 6:30 pm accompanied by Robert Orr (guitar) and Steve Gilmore (bass). Notwithstanding Giacomo’s popularity and nearly seamless booking schedule, he contacted his old friends in the Gulf Jazz Society and informed us he was flying down to perform at a sponsored jazz house party in Pensacola on Aug 22 and would be available to perform in Panama City the day before if we cared to have him. Naturally, we said yes. Innovations Federal Credit Union, a generous supporter of education and the arts in this area, subsequently agreed to be a sponsor for this special event. Voice students from Gulf Coast State College have been invited to join us for the evening.
Heavily committed to education, Giacomo teaches at Wesleyan University and Sacred Heart University, and has conducted workshops at many colleges and universities nationwide. However, it is worth noting that prior to his entry into vocal jazz, he was a heavy equipment operator on construction of the Alaska pipeline for 12 years until advised by Sarah Vaughn to become a professional singer after hearing him at a jazz festival in Fairbanks.
In common with seriously committed jazz artists, Giacomo Gates is a student of the music’s rich legacy. Known for his interaction with a live audience through witty patter and informative introductions, every performance becomes a lesson in jazz history. Giacomo’s sheer joy, exuberance, wit, and unlimited creativity make him one of jazz’s most compelling artists.
For reservations, call Amy or Larry at 784-2106. But hurry because seating is limited. Pay at the door. Admission is $10 for GJS members and $12 for others. Membership applications will be available.
Alice’s on Bayview at 1000 Bayview in St. Andrews offers a full bar and a menu that includes a variety of sandwiches, salads, soups, seafood, and steaks.
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A HANDFUL OF STARS – A JAZZ GUITAR HISTORY LESSON AT ALICES ON TUESDAY, JULY 23 AT 6:30 pm
A Gulf Jazz Society Presentation
Robert Orr (guitar) and his quartet will explore the evolution of the guitar as a solo instrument in jazz and the relatively small number of guitarists responsible for the eventual acceptance of this instrument as a major force in jazz.
In addition to Robert Orr on guitar, the other memmbers of the quartet include Victor Payano ((saxophone and flute), Steve Gilmore ( bass) , and Charles Pagano (drums) , an all-star group by any measure. Robert Orr has played professionally for over 30 years including a long stint at the Red Bar in Grayton Beach. Prior to that he was a professor at the University of Northern Michigan and Auburn University in their Jazz Studies programs. He holds degrees from Auburn University and the University of Alabama.
Ludwig Van Beethoven reportedly remarked that “a guitar is a miniature orchestra in itself”. However, the guitar’s eventual rightful role in jazz music came only after travel down a long and winding road with a lot of help from technology and a handful of courageous guitarists (stars). The problem was that the pure acoustic guitar was unable to project sound of sufficient volume to compete with other instruments in early New Orleans jazz bands. Because of this shortfall, guitars were used only in rhythm sections, in many cases being augmented or replaced by the banjo which had a louder, metallic sound. In the early 1930s, The Gibson L-5 archtop with f holes appeared and was soon popularized by guitarist Eddie Lang. The enhanced volume and tone of the L-5 plus the virtuosity and improvisational skill of Lang opened the door for the guitar to move out of the rhythm section and up to a microphone as a full-fledged solo instrument. By 1934, largely due to Lang, the guitar replaced the banjo as a jazz instrument. In France, Django Reinhardt, a young gypsy guitarist also moved to the front as a soloist in Paris with his Hot Club of France quintet playing American Jazz. Then came Charlie Christian, the first person to explore the manifold possibilities created by the newly invented electric guitar. The genie was out of the bottle! The amplified guitar could now be fully heard and appreciated in the jazz idiom. Christian’s breathtaking work with the Benny Goodman orchestra inspired a whole generation of jazz guitarists. Every guitarist since is indebted to him including Barney Kessel, Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, Jim Hall, Tal Farlow, Johnny Smith, Herb Ellis, and many others.
For reservations, call Amy or Larry at 784-2106. But hurry because seating is limited. Pay at the door. Admission is $10 for GJS members and $12 for others. Membership applications will be available. Half of the net proceeds from this performance will be set aside for an “Oaks-by-the-Bay Park restoration fund.
Alice’s on Bayview at 1000 Bayview offers a full bar and a menu that includes a variety of sandwiches, salads, seafood, and steaks.
Andrew Tinch Jazz Quartet
Appearing at Alice’s on Bayview in St. Andrews - Tuesday, July 9, 6:30 PM
Since its inception in 1997, the Gulf Jazz Society has showcased young jazz talent in both our sponsored monthly events and our annual Jazz-by-the-Bay Festival.
On July 9, at Alice’s on Bayside, we are particularly proud to feature a jazz quartet consisting of a local gifted high school graduate and an FSU sophomore, accompanied by the Gulf Jazz Society’s Music Director and Grammy-winning bassist, Steve Gilmore together with a superb jazz saxophonist, Bob Maksymkow, from Pensacola.
Andrew Tinch, a recent graduate of Mosley High School, began private guitar lessons at the age of eleven with former U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors guitarist, Steve Cosper. His progress was almost immediate. Since then, Andrew has received numerous local, state, and regional awards. He was actively recruited by several prestigious college music schools, recently accepting a full scholarship to University of Miami. Andrew has performed with his own band and with other top-notch jazz groups in the area for more than two years. He is currently teaching prospective Salvation Army band members the essentials of music and brass instruments.
Nygel Anderson, a sophomore at FSU, is the son of Leon Anderson, a world-class jazz drummer, on the faculty of the FSU School of Music. Nigel is following in his father’s footsteps and is already a “first-call” drummer in Tallahassee.
Steve Gilmore, the bassist in this quartet, is a musician of perpetual youth –with a splash of vermouth. His Grammy-winning credentials should not be held against him.
Another veteran jazz musician in this quartet is saxophonist, Bob Maksymkow, educated at Juillard and served in numerous Air Force music ensembles during his career. He is now employed as a college professor in Pensacola.
For reservations, call Amy or Larry at 784-2106. But hurry because seating is limited. Pay at the door. Admission is $10 for GJS members and $12 for others. Membership applications will be available. Half the net proceeds from this performance will be set aside for an “Oaks-by-the-Bay Park restoration fund.
Alices’s on Bayview at 1000 Bayview offers a full bar and a menu that includes a variety of sandwiches, salads, seafood, and steaks.
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THE FABULOUS WOFSEYs!
APPEARING AT ALICES ON TUESDAY, JUNE 18 AT 6:30 pm
A Gulf Jazz Society Presentation
A swinging and exciting jazz quartet will perform a program of jazz standards at Alice’s on Bayview at 1000 Bayview in St. Andrews on Tuesday, June 18 at 6:30 pm.
The ensemble will feature noted flutist Dr. Jill Wofsey, and Gary Wofsey, trumpet and flugelhorn artist, with Steve Gilmore on bass, and Charles Pagano on drums.
Dr. Jill Wofsey is a professional flutist, pianist, bassist, teacher, and clinician. She received a Doctor of Arts degree from the University of Northern Colorado, and degrees from the University of Minnesota and Eastman School of Music.
Dr. Wofsey is bassist and co-leader of the Gary Wofsey Jazz Orchestra. A Yamaha Performing Artist, she was voted into the 67th annual Downbeat Reader’s Poll and has served as chairman of the National Flute Association Jazz Committee.
Brass player Gary Wofsey, also a Yamaha Performing Artist, has toured with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra. Originally from Connecticut, he attended Berklee College of Music in Boston and later settled in New York. In New York he formed a 13-piece jazz orchestra featuring some of the best jazz musicians in the city. Wofsey is known for his unique ability to play trumpet and flugelhorn simultaneously.
Bassist Steve Gilmore, a three-time Grammy award winner, is regarded as one of the finest jazz bassists in the world. He was Tony Bennett’s bassist for five years; and has toured internationally and recorded with many jazz icons.
Drummer Charles Pagano is in reality a gifted percussionist who adds to the excitement of any performance and stimulates creativity in the improvising members of the group.
For reservations, call John at 785-6360 or Amy/Larry at 784-2106. But don’t wait too long because seating is limited. Pay at the door. Admission is $10 for GJS members and $12 for others. Membership applications will be available to enroll new members. 50% of the net proceeds from this event will be set aside for an “Oaks-by-the-Bay Park restoration fund”.
Alice’s on Bayview at 1000 Bayview offers a full bar and a menu that includes a variety of sandwiches, soups, salads, seafood, and steaks.
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CHRIS MONDAK JAZZ QUINTET
Performs at Alice’s on Bayview on Tuesday, June 4 at 6:30 pm
A Gulf Jazz Society Presentation
The Chris Mondak Jazz Quintet is appearing in Panama City during their spring tour of selected Florida and Alabama venues. Their latest CD, Eternal Youth, was released on May 1, 2019. If there ever was any doubt that today’s young musicians are willing and able to perform jazz music at a high level, this group will definitely dispel any doubts of that nature.
The makeup of the quintet is both youthful and international. Three members are students at the prestigious New England Conservatory in Boston and another will be an entering freshman there in the fall. One member is a senior at the University of Illinois. Two members of the quintet are foreign students, an indication that jazz music has a worldwide audience. Members of the Chris Mondak Jazz Quintet include the following:
Alice’s on Bayview at 1000 Bayview offers a full bar and a menu that includes a variety of sandwiches, sauces, salads, seafood, and steaks.
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DETAILS ON THE NEXT 2 SHOWS!!
PLEASE NOTE:
There are TWO events attached!
* Tuesday, Aug.13, Camara Kambone, Jazz pianist.
* WEDNESDAY, Aug.21, Giacomo Gates, jazz vocalist.
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JAZZ IN THE JARRETT MODE
FEATURING EMMY-WINNING JAZZ PIANIST, CAMARA KAMBON AND HIS TRIO
TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 6:30pm
AT ALICE’S ON BAYVIEW, IN ST. ANDREWS
A GULF JAZZ SOCIETY PRODUCTION
In 1995, just 23 years of age and not even a year out of college, Camara Kambon took home one of the most coveted awards in the entertainment world, an Emmy, for the music he composed for the HBO film, Sonny Liston, the Mysterious Life and Death of a Champion. But that was just the beginning of his illustrious career. In short order, he added two more Emmy nominations and three Grammy nominations to his accomplishments and shared the stage and/or recording studio with performers ranging from Dizzy Gillespie to symphony orchestras. Starting at the age of 4, Camera developed an interest in piano, composing his first original riffs at age 6. He graduated from Peabody Prep School with honors in musicianship, classical and jazz piano performance, and composition and went on to graduate from the prestigious Berklee college of music in Boston. He currently resides in Pensacola and is active in the Pensacola Jazz Society as a member and performer.
The Camara Kambon Piano Trio consists of Camara (piano), Steve Gilmore (bass), and Charles Pagano (drums), all formidable in their own right. The Jarrett program will be performed next in Mobile in the near future.
Keith Jarrett, like Herbie Hancock and Bill Evans is one of the most influential jazz pianists to emerge after Thelonious Monk. His lengthy and intricate jazz improvisation plumbs the essence of a tune and beyond. He seldom takes a conventional approach to any composition. Jarrett’s top selling 1975 album, The Koln Concerts, best illustrates his unorthodox approach to piano jazz. Camara is one of only a handful of jazz pianists who can emulate the Jarrett style without copying it verbatim. Jazz enthusiasts will delight in the excitement and joy of listening to the work of a creative genius of the jazz idiom captivates audiences with his virtuosity. Camara Kambon has arrived and is still in the ascendancy.
For reservations, call Amy or Larry at 784-2106. But hurry, because seating is limited. Pay at the door. Admission is $10 for GJS members and $12 for others. Membership applications will be available. Half of the net proceeds from this performance will be set aside for an “Oaks-by-the-Bay” Park restoration fund.
Alice’s on Bayview at 1000 Bayview offers a full bar and a menu that includes a variety of sandwiches, salads, soups, seafood, and steaks.
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ACCLAIMED JAZZ VOCALIST, GIACOMO GATES RETURNS TO PANAMA CITY FOR ONE NIGHT ENGAGEMENT ON
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21 AT 6:30 PM AT ALICE'S ON BAYVIEW!
A GULF JAZZ SOCIETY SPECIAL PRODUCTION
SPONSORED BY INNOVATIONS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
Giacomo Gates has appeared at several Gulf Jazz Society events and one Jazz-by-the-Bay festival in the past. But this was before he released eight CDs all of which garnered rave reviews and received heavy airplay time. Since being “discovered” by the jazz world he has been very much in demand, playing major U.S. clubs, jazz festivals, jazz society events, and at countless colleges and universities. He has also performed and conducted clinics in Europe, Russia, and Australia.
Giacomo will appear at Alice’s on Bayview at 1000 Bayview in St. Andrews on Wednesday, August 21, at 6:30 pm accompanied by Robert Orr (guitar) and Steve Gilmore (bass). Notwithstanding Giacomo’s popularity and nearly seamless booking schedule, he contacted his old friends in the Gulf Jazz Society and informed us he was flying down to perform at a sponsored jazz house party in Pensacola on Aug 22 and would be available to perform in Panama City the day before if we cared to have him. Naturally, we said yes. Innovations Federal Credit Union, a generous supporter of education and the arts in this area, subsequently agreed to be a sponsor for this special event. Voice students from Gulf Coast State College have been invited to join us for the evening.
Heavily committed to education, Giacomo teaches at Wesleyan University and Sacred Heart University, and has conducted workshops at many colleges and universities nationwide. However, it is worth noting that prior to his entry into vocal jazz, he was a heavy equipment operator on construction of the Alaska pipeline for 12 years until advised by Sarah Vaughn to become a professional singer after hearing him at a jazz festival in Fairbanks.
In common with seriously committed jazz artists, Giacomo Gates is a student of the music’s rich legacy. Known for his interaction with a live audience through witty patter and informative introductions, every performance becomes a lesson in jazz history. Giacomo’s sheer joy, exuberance, wit, and unlimited creativity make him one of jazz’s most compelling artists.
For reservations, call Amy or Larry at 784-2106. But hurry because seating is limited. Pay at the door. Admission is $10 for GJS members and $12 for others. Membership applications will be available.
Alice’s on Bayview at 1000 Bayview in St. Andrews offers a full bar and a menu that includes a variety of sandwiches, salads, soups, seafood, and steaks.
***********************************************************************************************************************************
A HANDFUL OF STARS – A JAZZ GUITAR HISTORY LESSON AT ALICES ON TUESDAY, JULY 23 AT 6:30 pm
A Gulf Jazz Society Presentation
Robert Orr (guitar) and his quartet will explore the evolution of the guitar as a solo instrument in jazz and the relatively small number of guitarists responsible for the eventual acceptance of this instrument as a major force in jazz.
In addition to Robert Orr on guitar, the other memmbers of the quartet include Victor Payano ((saxophone and flute), Steve Gilmore ( bass) , and Charles Pagano (drums) , an all-star group by any measure. Robert Orr has played professionally for over 30 years including a long stint at the Red Bar in Grayton Beach. Prior to that he was a professor at the University of Northern Michigan and Auburn University in their Jazz Studies programs. He holds degrees from Auburn University and the University of Alabama.
Ludwig Van Beethoven reportedly remarked that “a guitar is a miniature orchestra in itself”. However, the guitar’s eventual rightful role in jazz music came only after travel down a long and winding road with a lot of help from technology and a handful of courageous guitarists (stars). The problem was that the pure acoustic guitar was unable to project sound of sufficient volume to compete with other instruments in early New Orleans jazz bands. Because of this shortfall, guitars were used only in rhythm sections, in many cases being augmented or replaced by the banjo which had a louder, metallic sound. In the early 1930s, The Gibson L-5 archtop with f holes appeared and was soon popularized by guitarist Eddie Lang. The enhanced volume and tone of the L-5 plus the virtuosity and improvisational skill of Lang opened the door for the guitar to move out of the rhythm section and up to a microphone as a full-fledged solo instrument. By 1934, largely due to Lang, the guitar replaced the banjo as a jazz instrument. In France, Django Reinhardt, a young gypsy guitarist also moved to the front as a soloist in Paris with his Hot Club of France quintet playing American Jazz. Then came Charlie Christian, the first person to explore the manifold possibilities created by the newly invented electric guitar. The genie was out of the bottle! The amplified guitar could now be fully heard and appreciated in the jazz idiom. Christian’s breathtaking work with the Benny Goodman orchestra inspired a whole generation of jazz guitarists. Every guitarist since is indebted to him including Barney Kessel, Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, Jim Hall, Tal Farlow, Johnny Smith, Herb Ellis, and many others.
For reservations, call Amy or Larry at 784-2106. But hurry because seating is limited. Pay at the door. Admission is $10 for GJS members and $12 for others. Membership applications will be available. Half of the net proceeds from this performance will be set aside for an “Oaks-by-the-Bay Park restoration fund.
Alice’s on Bayview at 1000 Bayview offers a full bar and a menu that includes a variety of sandwiches, salads, seafood, and steaks.
Andrew Tinch Jazz Quartet
Appearing at Alice’s on Bayview in St. Andrews - Tuesday, July 9, 6:30 PM
Since its inception in 1997, the Gulf Jazz Society has showcased young jazz talent in both our sponsored monthly events and our annual Jazz-by-the-Bay Festival.
On July 9, at Alice’s on Bayside, we are particularly proud to feature a jazz quartet consisting of a local gifted high school graduate and an FSU sophomore, accompanied by the Gulf Jazz Society’s Music Director and Grammy-winning bassist, Steve Gilmore together with a superb jazz saxophonist, Bob Maksymkow, from Pensacola.
Andrew Tinch, a recent graduate of Mosley High School, began private guitar lessons at the age of eleven with former U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors guitarist, Steve Cosper. His progress was almost immediate. Since then, Andrew has received numerous local, state, and regional awards. He was actively recruited by several prestigious college music schools, recently accepting a full scholarship to University of Miami. Andrew has performed with his own band and with other top-notch jazz groups in the area for more than two years. He is currently teaching prospective Salvation Army band members the essentials of music and brass instruments.
Nygel Anderson, a sophomore at FSU, is the son of Leon Anderson, a world-class jazz drummer, on the faculty of the FSU School of Music. Nigel is following in his father’s footsteps and is already a “first-call” drummer in Tallahassee.
Steve Gilmore, the bassist in this quartet, is a musician of perpetual youth –with a splash of vermouth. His Grammy-winning credentials should not be held against him.
Another veteran jazz musician in this quartet is saxophonist, Bob Maksymkow, educated at Juillard and served in numerous Air Force music ensembles during his career. He is now employed as a college professor in Pensacola.
For reservations, call Amy or Larry at 784-2106. But hurry because seating is limited. Pay at the door. Admission is $10 for GJS members and $12 for others. Membership applications will be available. Half the net proceeds from this performance will be set aside for an “Oaks-by-the-Bay Park restoration fund.
Alices’s on Bayview at 1000 Bayview offers a full bar and a menu that includes a variety of sandwiches, salads, seafood, and steaks.
****************************************************************************************************************************
THE FABULOUS WOFSEYs!
APPEARING AT ALICES ON TUESDAY, JUNE 18 AT 6:30 pm
A Gulf Jazz Society Presentation
A swinging and exciting jazz quartet will perform a program of jazz standards at Alice’s on Bayview at 1000 Bayview in St. Andrews on Tuesday, June 18 at 6:30 pm.
The ensemble will feature noted flutist Dr. Jill Wofsey, and Gary Wofsey, trumpet and flugelhorn artist, with Steve Gilmore on bass, and Charles Pagano on drums.
Dr. Jill Wofsey is a professional flutist, pianist, bassist, teacher, and clinician. She received a Doctor of Arts degree from the University of Northern Colorado, and degrees from the University of Minnesota and Eastman School of Music.
Dr. Wofsey is bassist and co-leader of the Gary Wofsey Jazz Orchestra. A Yamaha Performing Artist, she was voted into the 67th annual Downbeat Reader’s Poll and has served as chairman of the National Flute Association Jazz Committee.
Brass player Gary Wofsey, also a Yamaha Performing Artist, has toured with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra. Originally from Connecticut, he attended Berklee College of Music in Boston and later settled in New York. In New York he formed a 13-piece jazz orchestra featuring some of the best jazz musicians in the city. Wofsey is known for his unique ability to play trumpet and flugelhorn simultaneously.
Bassist Steve Gilmore, a three-time Grammy award winner, is regarded as one of the finest jazz bassists in the world. He was Tony Bennett’s bassist for five years; and has toured internationally and recorded with many jazz icons.
Drummer Charles Pagano is in reality a gifted percussionist who adds to the excitement of any performance and stimulates creativity in the improvising members of the group.
For reservations, call John at 785-6360 or Amy/Larry at 784-2106. But don’t wait too long because seating is limited. Pay at the door. Admission is $10 for GJS members and $12 for others. Membership applications will be available to enroll new members. 50% of the net proceeds from this event will be set aside for an “Oaks-by-the-Bay Park restoration fund”.
Alice’s on Bayview at 1000 Bayview offers a full bar and a menu that includes a variety of sandwiches, soups, salads, seafood, and steaks.
***********************************************************************************************
CHRIS MONDAK JAZZ QUINTET
Performs at Alice’s on Bayview on Tuesday, June 4 at 6:30 pm
A Gulf Jazz Society Presentation
The Chris Mondak Jazz Quintet is appearing in Panama City during their spring tour of selected Florida and Alabama venues. Their latest CD, Eternal Youth, was released on May 1, 2019. If there ever was any doubt that today’s young musicians are willing and able to perform jazz music at a high level, this group will definitely dispel any doubts of that nature.
The makeup of the quintet is both youthful and international. Three members are students at the prestigious New England Conservatory in Boston and another will be an entering freshman there in the fall. One member is a senior at the University of Illinois. Two members of the quintet are foreign students, an indication that jazz music has a worldwide audience. Members of the Chris Mondak Jazz Quintet include the following:
- Chris Mondak (bass) -- born in Venezuela, raised in Illinois and studied with great jazz bassists including Cecil McBee, Dave Holland, and Larry Gray. Toured the U.S. with the Jazz Band of America and his own jazz combo, “West of Staley”. Chris has also performed in Australia and Mexico, and has toured throughout China as a member of the Nextgen Quartet. He is a senior at the New England Conservatory.
- Max Hubbard (alto sax) – recently completed high school in Champaign, Illinois. At 17, Max is the youngest member of the quintet. Two-time Downbeat winner, winner of several Essentially Ellington Awards, two-time Young Arts winner, and former member of the Grammy Camp Jazz Band. He will enroll as a freshman at the New England Conservatory in the fall.
- David Counter (drums) – from Illinois, David is an experienced jazz drummer who has performed with Chris Mondak for 11 years. He is a senior at the University of Illinois.
- Haoran Li (trombone) – from China, Haoran is a student at the New England Conservatory and an outstanding jazz trombonist.
- Carlos Heredia (guitar) – from Ecuador, Carlos is a virtuoso jazz and classical guitarist.
Alice’s on Bayview at 1000 Bayview offers a full bar and a menu that includes a variety of sandwiches, sauces, salads, seafood, and steaks.
Welcome back to the Gulf Jazz Society, Sean Dietrich
Jazz pianist, vocalist Sean Dietrich heads jazz trio in tribute to Mose Allison at Alice’s on Bayview, May 21 at 6:30 pm
A Gulf Jazz Society Special Event
Santa Rosa Beach jazz pianist and vocalist will head a jazz trio in performance of the music of legendary blues and jazz artist, Mose Allison who died in November, 2016. The performance will be held at Alice’s on Bayview in St. Andrews on May 21 at 6:30 pm.
Mose Allison, jazz pianist, vocalist, and song writer, had a unique style and sound that set him apart from all the others. He was a social critic before Bob Dylan and a music satirist before Randy Newman. However, in the 1950s, before forming his own group, he was a straight ahead jazz pianist in groups led by top jazz musicians such as Stan Getz, Zoot Sims, Al Cohn, Gerry Mulligan, and Phil Woods. Later, with his own group, Allison’s performances were described as being “delivered in a casual conversational manner with a melodic southern accented tone that has a pitch and range ideally suited to his idiosyncratic phrasing, laconic approach, and ironic sense of humor”. In 2013, at Lincoln Center, NYC, he was named a Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts, the nation’s highest honor for a jazz musician.
Sean Dietrich is one of a handful of jazz pianist/blues singers able to capture the essence of Mose Allison’s piano and vocal styles. A Kansas City native, Sean grew up playing and singing Gospel music in the church from as early as he can remember. He wasn’t born in the South but he got here as quickly as he could, eventually marrying a sweet Alabama woman.
Sean has received national recognition for his musical and vocal talents, placing in the Phillips National Jazz Piano Competition, performing on NPR, PBS, and other prominent venues with some of the finest musicians in the country and has become a well - established favorite of the Gulf Jazz Society. Possessing talent without limits, Shawn is also a best - selling story - teller and author with over two dozen books in print. As “Sean of the South”, he writes lovingly and positively of ordinary southern people, always stressing their self-worth and importance to the social fabric of the region.
Joining Dietrich for this performance will be Steve Gilmore on bass and Charles Pagano on drums. Steve was Mose Allison’s bassist for an extended period during his career as a first call bassist in NYC.
For reservations, call Amy or Larry at 784-2106. Since Sean is a favorite of many of our GJS members, we recommend calling as early as possible for reservations. Pay at the door. Admission is $10 for GJS members and $12 for others. Membership applications will be available to enroll new member. 50% of the net proceeds from this event will be set aside for an “Oaks-by-the-Bay Park restoration fund”.
Alice’s on Bayview at 1000 Bayview in St Andrews offers a full bar and a menu that includes a variety of sandwiches, salads, seafood, and steaks. Do not overlook the wonderful she-crab soup and daily specials.
A Gulf Jazz Society Special Event
Santa Rosa Beach jazz pianist and vocalist will head a jazz trio in performance of the music of legendary blues and jazz artist, Mose Allison who died in November, 2016. The performance will be held at Alice’s on Bayview in St. Andrews on May 21 at 6:30 pm.
Mose Allison, jazz pianist, vocalist, and song writer, had a unique style and sound that set him apart from all the others. He was a social critic before Bob Dylan and a music satirist before Randy Newman. However, in the 1950s, before forming his own group, he was a straight ahead jazz pianist in groups led by top jazz musicians such as Stan Getz, Zoot Sims, Al Cohn, Gerry Mulligan, and Phil Woods. Later, with his own group, Allison’s performances were described as being “delivered in a casual conversational manner with a melodic southern accented tone that has a pitch and range ideally suited to his idiosyncratic phrasing, laconic approach, and ironic sense of humor”. In 2013, at Lincoln Center, NYC, he was named a Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts, the nation’s highest honor for a jazz musician.
Sean Dietrich is one of a handful of jazz pianist/blues singers able to capture the essence of Mose Allison’s piano and vocal styles. A Kansas City native, Sean grew up playing and singing Gospel music in the church from as early as he can remember. He wasn’t born in the South but he got here as quickly as he could, eventually marrying a sweet Alabama woman.
Sean has received national recognition for his musical and vocal talents, placing in the Phillips National Jazz Piano Competition, performing on NPR, PBS, and other prominent venues with some of the finest musicians in the country and has become a well - established favorite of the Gulf Jazz Society. Possessing talent without limits, Shawn is also a best - selling story - teller and author with over two dozen books in print. As “Sean of the South”, he writes lovingly and positively of ordinary southern people, always stressing their self-worth and importance to the social fabric of the region.
Joining Dietrich for this performance will be Steve Gilmore on bass and Charles Pagano on drums. Steve was Mose Allison’s bassist for an extended period during his career as a first call bassist in NYC.
For reservations, call Amy or Larry at 784-2106. Since Sean is a favorite of many of our GJS members, we recommend calling as early as possible for reservations. Pay at the door. Admission is $10 for GJS members and $12 for others. Membership applications will be available to enroll new member. 50% of the net proceeds from this event will be set aside for an “Oaks-by-the-Bay Park restoration fund”.
Alice’s on Bayview at 1000 Bayview in St Andrews offers a full bar and a menu that includes a variety of sandwiches, salads, seafood, and steaks. Do not overlook the wonderful she-crab soup and daily specials.
Photos From The 2015 Jazz By The Bay Festival
Here are a few photos from the 2015 Jazz By The Bay festival.
If you have any you'd like to share, we'd love to add them to this slideshow, so please send them our way!
If you have any you'd like to share, we'd love to add them to this slideshow, so please send them our way!
JAZZ FEST 2014 WAS A WONDERFUL TIME!
Well, the 2014 Jazz By The Bay is over and it was quite possibly our best yet! Below is a slideshow of photos from the festival, please feel free to send us yours if you took some. We'll be adding more as we get them. Thank you to everyone who came out and enjoyed the music. A special thank you to the family of Dr. Ralph Peterson, this year's festival was dedicated to him! His spirit will always be with the Gulf Jazz Society.
THE BAILSMEN RETURN TO PANAMA CITY, TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 6:30 pm, AT ALICE’S ON BAYVIEW IN ST. ANDREWS
“We are extremely fortunate that we fit the Bailsmen touring schedule”, said Steve Gilmore, Gulf Jazz Society music director. “They are top-notch exponents of the “gypsy jazz style”. Direct from an appearance in New Orleans, headed to Huntsville, Ala for a House Concert and Swing Dance, the group has scheduled a one-night performance in Panama City on April 2, 6:30 pm, at Alice’s in St. Andrews sponsored by the GJS.
The quartet, well-known throughout the New York area, has built an ever-increasing fan base since coming on the scene in 2011 and currently performs over 200 events and concerts a year. Fun and upbeat, the Bailsmen’s sound is straight from New York by way of New Orleans and Paris, nodding to Django Reinhardt, Sidney Bechet, Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington. Members of the Bailsmen include Abraham Pollack (bass), Brandon Vetrano (guitar), Charlie Castelluzzo (guitar), and Gabriel Yonkler (sax). Their previous appearance in Panama City over a year ago was an unmitigated hit and sell out!
For reservations, call Amy or Larry at 784-2106. But don’t wait too long because seating is limited. Pay at the door. Admission is $10 for GJS members and $12 for others. Membership applications will be available to enroll new members. 50% of the net proceeds from this event will be set aside for an “Oaks-by-the-Bay Park restoration fund”.
Alice’s on Bayview at 1000 Bayview offers a full bar and a menu that includes a variety of sandwiches, salads, seafood, and steaks. If you’re a fan of jazz and good food, put Alice’s at the top of your list of places to visit.
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WOW.......The future of jazz is in good hands based on the show put on by high schoolers Andrew Tinch (Guitar), Roo Alden (Trombone) and FSU freshman, Nigel Anderson (drums) on Tuesday, March 5!
Here's whats next:
TUESDAY, MARCH 19:
ALL-STAR LATIN-JAZZ QUINTET EXPLORES AFRO-CUBAN JAZZ ROOTS AT ALICE’S ON BAYVIEW, TUES. MARCH 19, 6:30 PM
A GULF JAZZ SOCIETY PRESENTATION
The exact origin of any movement, musical or otherwise, is always difficult to precisely identify, because of the many factors and successive approximations leading up to the final creation. Afro-Cuban jazz, the forerunner of what we now call “Latin Jazz”, came into bloom in 1940’s New York City when a Cuban trumpet player named Mario Bauza living in New York wrote the first true Afro-Cuban jazz tune, Tanga’. This tune blended American jazz with the Cuban clave polyrhythm style, in which multiple rhythms exist simultaneously in a 5 beat pattern (usually 3-2 or 2-3). Dizzy Gillespie, the great bebop trumpet player, always searching for a new sound and new directions for jazz, immediately appreciated the potential appeal of Afro-Cuban jazz and hired Chano Pozo, a Cuban conguero (conga) virtuoso for his band. The first two Afro-Cuban Jazz classics, “Manteca” and “Tin Tin Deo” were jointly written by Pozo and Gillespie. As the “New Sound” evolved, it led to what is now known as Latin Jazz.
The key percussion instruments used in Afro-Cuban jazz are conga, timbale (simulated on drum set), guiro (gourd played with a stick), bongos, and claves (originally hard wooden dowels used in shipbuilding).
Piano and Bass employ a Latin-tinged jazz style. Saxophone, flute, or trumpet are used for melody and improvisation.
The All-Star Latin Jazz Quintet selected for this session consists of some of the finest musicians in the state of Florida and beyond:
Victor Payano (sax & flute) – A native of Puerto Rico, Victor fronts his own band (VIP) and has performed at jazz festivals in the U.S. and the annual Heineken Jazz Festival in Puerto Rico.
Jimmy Medina (conga) – From New York City. Steeped in jazz conga
fundamentals from an early age. Many years of experience.
Mike Levine (keyboard) – Veteran Latin Jazz pianist from Miami. Fronts his own band in and around Miami, frequently touring elsewhere in the U.S.
Charles Pagano (drums) – Spent many years in Los Angeles playing in Latin and jazz groups. Currently a “first call” drummer in Panama City. Appears in many Gulf Jazz Society events.
Steve Gilmore (bass) – World class, Grammy winning, jazz bassist. Serves as music director of the Gulf Jazz Society.
For reservations, call Larry or Amy at 784-2106. But hurry because seating is limited. Pay at the door. Admission is $10 for GJS members and $12 for others. Membership applications will be available to enroll new members. 50% of the net proceeds from this performance will be set aside for an “Oaks-by-the-Bay Park restoration fund”.
Alice’s on Bayview at 1000 Bayview offers a full bar and a menu that includes a variety of sandwiches, salads, seafood, and steaks. Tonight, Cuban specialties will be added to the menu.
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THIS SHOW IS SOLD OUT. PLEASE KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS ABOUT OUR EXCITING MARCH SHOWS!
TUESDAY, 2/26/19 - CHERYL JONES!
Join the Gulf Jazz Society as we welcome back Dr. Cheryl Jones to our next jazz event. Dr. Jones, Destin vocalist and keyboardist, weaves a marvelous tapestry through many jazz related styles, including RB and soul, culminating in an innovative and soul stirring presentation. Her show in the summer of 2018 was sold out, so call for your reservations today! She will be joined by Grammy award winning bassist Steve Gilmore as well as the very gifted Charles Pagano on drums!
The show starts at 6:30 pm and ends around 8:30 pm. Arrive early for a delicious dinner and cocktails at the new Dinner & Jazz venue of the Gulf Jazz Society:
ALICE'S ON BAYVIEW.....1000 Bayview Ave., Panama City, Fl.
FOR SHOW RESERVATIONS - $10.00 FOR GULF JAZZ SOCIETY MEMBERS AND
$12.00 FOR ALL OTHERS - CALL LARRY OR AMY AT (850) 784-2106.
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LAST NIGHT'S SHOW WAS AMAZING AND A COMPLETE SELL OUT!!!
Twins, Peter and Will Anderson, acclaimed Saxophone and Clarinet virtuosos, will be performing at ALICE'S on BAYVIEW starting at 6:30 pm. Their performance marks a return visit to Panama City, who thrilled our audience last time with their dazzling sounds, technique and song selection!
Check out their website for details!
peterandwillanderson.com
This exciting show will be held at the new Gulf Jazz Society music/restaurant venue:
ALICE'S ON BAYVIEW - 1000 Bayview Ave. - St. Andrews!For reservations - $10.00 for Gulf Jazz Society members and $12.00 for all others, call Larry or Amy at (850) 784-2106.
2019 - Our First Jazz Show!
The Gulf Jazz Society is pleased to announce our first jazz show of 2019. The show, titled "A jazz reminiscence of the golden decade (1957-1967) of Blue Note Records" *, features a stellar line-up of jazz talent including MIKE LEVINE from Miami, on keyboard, (Mike, an experienced and versatile multi instrumentalist musician has performed at the Aruba Jazz Festival, the Detroit Jazz Festival, the Hollywood jazz festival, just to name a few). GEORGE PETROPOULOS on trumpet, (George hails from NYC where he excelled in the NYC jazz scene for several years before relocating to Pensacola). STEVE GILMORE on bass (Steve is a three time Grammy winner whose resume would fill the boot of a Rolls Royce) and CHARLES PAGANO on drums (Charles moved here from LA a few years ago and is a "first call" drummer with impeccable taste and blinding technique).
We are thrilled to kick off our jazz series at a new venue ....
ALICE'S on BAYVIEW, located at 1000 Bayview Ave. in historic St. Andrews.
We are grateful for the opportunity to be at Alice's because it is an ideal jazz room setting. (The Place is still under repair following the storm). Alice's offers a full bar and menu that includes a variety of sandwiches, salads, seafood and steaks. Arrive early and enjoy dinner in quiet comfort prior to the performance.
Seating and check-in starts at 5:00 pm (when drinks and dinner can be ordered) with the show starting at 6:30 pm.
For reservations, call Larry or Amy at (850) 784-2106. Pay at the door. Admission is $10.00 for GJS members and $12.00 for others. Membership applications will be available.
Hope to see you at our first GJS event......the first of many wonderful jazz events throughout the year!
* The Golden Decade of Blue Note Jazz occurred from 1957 to 1967. It was no accident but a deliberate effort to achieve a near perfect mix of music selection, artist selection and combination, visual impact and recording technique. Blue Note vinyl LP's had a look and sound that attracted (and still does) a universe of jazz lovers. The outstanding players selected for the recording sessions were well served by the production staff that included Alfred Lion (Producer), Francis Wolff (photographer), Reid Miles (design) and Rudy Van Gelder (engineering).
A list of jazz artists who are featured on Blue Note records on the "Decade" includes musicians who defined jazz in their time. Just a few include Cannonball Adderly, Horace Silver, Art Blakey, Lee Morgan, McCoy Tyner, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Clifford Brown and John Coltrane. The quartet will perform many of the instantly recognizable tunes of this ten year segment of jazz history.
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