4/1/04    Thursday    Kate Pittard Trio   8 & 10 pm
 

Female Saxophonist & Vocalist.  "Virtuosity with both sax and voice" – Rob Morse, SF Chronicle.

Jazz Female Vocalist. "The first time I heard Opie Bellas sing, I demanded to know where she had been all my life. With a sophisticated, honey-warm jazz sound like Bellas—and phrasing that would have made Ella nod in admiration—why had I never heard of this woman? A year from now, If you're left out of all the Opie Bellas buzz, you'll have only yourself to blame." — Stephanie Salter, SF Chronicle

10 am to 2 pm Wine Tasting Brunch w/ Ricardo Scales Internationally renowned jazz pianist.

6 to 8 pm Dinner Set w/ Ricardo Scales "The black Liberace," Ricardo Scales' nickname, only tells part of the pianist's story. Like the real Liberace, he wears flashy attire on-stage when he launches into a set that showcases his incredible versatility. What the nickname doesn't tell you is that the pianist has a determination as tough as steel, and he needed every ounce of it to ever make it to the stage in the first place. Everything from his performance to his flash makes Scales' piano playing look fun and easy. And if you believed that, you'd be missing an inspiring story.

8 & 10 pm Opie Bellas "The first time I heard Opie Bellas sing, I demanded to know where she had been all my life. With a sophisticated, honey-warm jazz sound like Bellas—and phrasing that would have made Ella nod in admiration—why had I never heard of this woman? A year from now, If you're left out of all the Opie Bellas buzz, you'll have only yourself to blame." -- Stephanie Salter, SF Chronicle

4/4/04    Sunday

10 am to 2 pm Jazz Sunday Brunch w/ Rob Hart Trio An exciting blend of traditional jazz, Latin, funk, fusion, reggae, rock and experimental grooves, along with high-powered, on-the-edge, improvisations.

5 to 7 pm Gospel Supper w/ Pamela Bluford Her name is synonymous, a native Californian, Ms. Bluford brings an electrifying demeanor on stage. She redefines the meaning of having true intimacy with God, through her ministry of song. As an Anointed psalmist, she celebrates life through her music and ministers to everyone who are broken hearted, discouraged and feel abandoned. She delivers the message of hope, encouragement and the bountiful blessings of God through song.

8 & 10 pm Tamika Williams Clark Not since the legendary sounds of Philadelphia and Detroit has a female singer captured the soulful sounds of music like Tamika Williams-Clark. Born and raised in the Bay Area, it wasn't until after she finished college that she began to develop her gift as a vocalist.

4/5/04    Monday    Boca Vocal Showcase & Open Mic  
                                  6:30 & 10:30 pm
 

Hosted by Jazz R&B vocalist talent agent: Jack Pollard. Featuring special guest showcase vocalists: Vicki Burns and Ace Washington. Open Mic vocalists welcome -- Come and sing and get a free demo.

4/6/04    Tuesday    Freddie Williams Quartet   8 & 10 pm
 

Jazz Quartet.

4/7/04    Wednesday    Aria Firewalker   8 & 10 pm
 

Female Jazz Vocalist.

4/8/04    Thursday    Sonata Pi   8 & 10 pm
 

R&B Group.

Blues Group.

10 am to 2 pm Wine Tasting Brunch w/ Gail Dobson Gail Dobson Sextet covers the whole musical and emotional palette with songs from her new CD, Gail Dobson-Parallel Reflections, including the music of Antonio Carlos Jobim, Wayne Shorter, Smith Dobson, Harold Arlen, Nat Adderley, and others.

2 pm to 4 pm "Milk, Cookies & Jazz" w/ Gail Dobson The Gail Dobson Vocal / Percussion Workshop begins with a performance ­ voice, guitar, bass & drums ­ how the music intertwines and blends. The style of music includes jazz, swing, ballads and Latin. The young audience is invited to participate, even someone just "young at heart" ­ to play rhythm instruments the band provides, such as shakers, clavés, and tambourines. Then a hands-on workshop begins. Gail and the trio instruct the children in the art of playing percussion. The new band will now learn the art of vocal scat by call & response. All this happens in a controlled, fun, relaxed atmosphere, as the musicians share their love of music with the children. People of all ages respond immediately to Gail, and her band, because of their friendly, encouraging, and nurturing nature.

6 to 8 pm Dinner Set w/ Ricardo Scales "The black Liberace," Ricardo Scales' nickname, only tells part of the pianist's story. Like the real Liberace, he wears flashy attire on-stage when he launches into a set that showcases his incredible versatility. What the nickname doesn't tell you is that the pianist has a determination as tough as steel, and he needed every ounce of it to ever make it to the stage in the first place. Everything from his performance to his flash makes Scales' piano playing look fun and easy. And if you believed that, you'd be missing an inspiring story.

8 & 10 pm Avotcja Avotcja is a sound junkie A storyteller/musician A weaver of magical cloth A gatherer of poetic wisdom and musical medicine and definitely Somebody not to be missed -- Rafaela Ocasio Spoken Word Poet.

4/11/04    Sunday

10 am to 2 pm Jazz Sunday Brunch w/ Pulse Mondiale Pulse Mondiale is a musical travelogue - a sonic voyage through a myriad of the world’s rhythms and melodies. An important element to their sound is the use of sampling of rhythmic loops live which allow the two musicians to produce a lush, polyrhythmic sound. Their musical style is all encompassing, embracing Latin Jazz, Caribbean, New Orleans Mambo, Reggae, Flamenco and African Hilife.

5 to 7 pm Gospel Supper w/ Margie Baker Gospel Jazz Vocalist.

7:30 & 9:30 pm The Hot Club of San Francisco Taking a break from their national tour, members of The Hot Club of San Francisco jet home for a special concert and "BE THAT WAY" CD release party, featuring the latest collection of original tunes by guitar virtuoso, Paul Mehling. Take some time off from the monotony of multitasking and savor this musical sabbatical for the senses. Inspired by and reminiscent of the music popularized by Django Reinhardt in the 1930's & 1940's, the Bay Area's own Hot Club group, led by Paul Mehling of Oakland, features arrangements that are intricate, yet upbeat, with romantic overtones. The all-acoustic string troupe of violin, string bass and guitars performs traditional jazz, swing, bebop, Brazilian, tangos and original compositions. Hailed internationally for its authentic gypsy jazz interpretations, The Hot Club of San Francisco members were invited to perform at the prestigious 2000 Festival de Django Reinhardt - Samois-sur-Sienne, France. The HCSF has performed in national concert halls and at several San Francisco and Sacramento Jazz Festivals.

4/12/04    Monday    Dick Fregulia's Good Vibes Quartet  
                                     8 & 10 pm
 

Jazz Quartet.

4/13/04    Tuesday    Freddie Williams Quartet   8 & 10 pm
 

Jazz Quartet.

4/14/04    Wednesday    Miss Rickey Nero featuring
                                            Larry Van Trio   8 & 10 pm
 

Rickey's music contains beautiful standards done in a unique and wholly engaging style.

4/15/04    Thursday    Carlos Godinez   8 & 10 pm
 

Carlos is a guitarist supreme. He has a warm, rich guitar sound which can be sultry but also frenetic & exciting when the number calls for it. Carlos also has a unique "Latin" vocal sound with Spanish & English lyrics, that combined with his guitar make him one of the most exciting musical visitors to our shores.

He is a charismatic performer who combines the influence of Marvin Gaye, Prince and Michael Jackson into his own unique musical statement. Randy’s solo career as an R&B, Soul-songwriter/balladeer is destined to make a major impact on today’s music scene.

10 am to 2 pm Wine Tasting Brunch w/ Carl Garrett Quartet Jazz Quartet.

6 to 8 pm Dinner Set w/ Ricardo Scales Internationally renowned jazz pianist.

8 & 10 pm Ricardo Scales "The black Liberace," Ricardo Scales' nickname, only tells part of the pianist's story. Like the real Liberace, he wears flashy attire on-stage when he launches into a set that showcases his incredible versatility. What the nickname doesn't tell you is that the pianist has a determination as tough as steel, and he needed every ounce of it to ever make it to the stage in the first place. Everything from his performance to his flash makes Scales' piano playing look fun and easy. And if you believed that, you'd be missing an inspiring story.

4/18/04    Sunday

10 am to 2 pm Jazz Sunday Brunch w/ Rob Hart Trio The Rob Hart Trio is an exciting blend of traditional jazz, Latin, funk, fusion, reggae, rock and experimental grooves, along with high-powered, on-the-edge, improvisations.

5 to 7 pm Gospel Supper w/ Anthony Saunders Gospel Jazz Vocalist.

8 & 10 pm Safari Safari is one of the Bay Area's best-kept secrets. With sounds honed out of the S.F. Mission District and lead by timbalero Victor Nalasco, Safari fuses 1970s Latin rock with the flavors of New York City Salsa.

4/19/04    Monday    Dick Fregulia's Good Vibes Quartet  
                                     7, 8:30 & 10 pm
 

Jazz Quartet.

4/20/04    Tuesday    Freddie Williams Quartet   7, 8:30 & 10 pm
 

Jazz Quartet.

4/21/04    Wednesday    Cecilia Long & Ben Marcato  
                                            8 & 10 pm
 

Invitational Musicians Showcase (IMS) Contestants. Cecilia Long: Catch this DC native as she continues to cast her spell on the Bay Area jazz scene. Cecilia's voice is not for the faint of heart-- her power and presence forge an uncommon, otherworldly intensity. If hearing is believing, you'll definitely believe in Cecilia Long after this experience. Don't miss out!

4/22/04    Thursday    Sonata Pi   8 & 10 pm
 

San Francisco's best kept music secret is the amazing singing sensation, SONATA PI. They can sing Manhattan Transfer four part harmony even better then Manhattan Transfer, and everyone just dances a storm when they perform.

8 & 10 pm Mary Stallings "Perhaps the best jazz singer alive today is a woman almost everybody seems to have missed. Her name is Mary Stallings..." – New York Times   Female Jazz Vocalist.

Midnight to 2 am Late Jazz Session w/ Dayna Sean Stephens Dayna's grandfather playing the saxophone inspired him to do the same. He also performed with Herbie Hancock and Dave Grusin.

10 am to 2 pm Wine Tasting Brunch w/ Rob Hart Trio The Rob Hart Trio is an exciting blend of traditional jazz, Latin, funk, fusion, reggae, rock and experimental grooves, along with high-powered, on-the-edge, improvisations.

2 pm to 4 pm "Milk, Cookies & Jazz" w/ Rob Hart Drums. Rob Hart plays an exciting blend of traditional jazz, Latin, funk, fusion, reggae, rock and experimental grooves, along with high-powered, on-the-edge, improvisations.

6 to 8 pm Dinner Set w/ Ricardo Scales "The black Liberace," Ricardo Scales' nickname, only tells part of the pianist's story. Like the real Liberace, he wears flashy attire on-stage when he launches into a set that showcases his incredible versatility. What the nickname doesn't tell you is that the pianist has a determination as tough as steel, and he needed every ounce of it to ever make it to the stage in the first place. Everything from his performance to his flash makes Scales' piano playing look fun and easy. And if you believed that, you'd be missing an inspiring story.

8 & 10 pm Mary Stallings "Perhaps the best jazz singer alive today is a woman almost everybody seems to have missed. Her name is Mary Stallings..." – New York Times

Midnight to 2 am Late Jazz Session w/ Dayna Sean Stephens Dayna's grandfather playing the saxophone inspired him to do the same. He also performed with Herbie Hancock and Dave Grusin.

4/25/04    Sunday

10 am to 2 pm Jazz Sunday Brunch w/ Sami Kaneda "Kaneda is a most unusual jazz vocalist from Japan, was discovered by Crusaders drummer Stix Hooper... Kaneda turns traditional Japanese folk songs into swinging jazz numbers" - Scott Robinson, Los Angeles Times.

6 to 7:15 pm Gospel Supper w/ Sister Lee Gospel Vocal Duo.

8 & 10 pm Kamal Abdul Alim and SpirEnergy Afro Cuban Jazz.

4/26/04    Monday    Dick Fregulia's Good Vibes Quartet  
                                     7, 8:30 & 10 pm
 

Jazz Quartet.

4/27/04    Tuesday    Freddy Williams Trio   7, 8:30 & 10 pm
 

Jazz Quartet.

4/28/04    Wednesday    Gail Dobson Sextet   8 & 10 pm
 

Gail Dobson Sextet covers the whole musical and emotional palette with songs from her new CD, Gail Dobson-Parallel Reflections, including the music of Antonio Carlos Jobim, Wayne Shorter, Smith Dobson, Harold Arlen, Nat Adderley, and others. Band Members: Gail Dobson (vocals), Scott Sorkin (guitar), Dan Robbins (bass), Smith Dobson (V-drums), Mas Koga (flute & saxophone), Kristen Strom (flute & saxophone).

4/29/04    Thursday    Greg Abate w/ Vince Latiano   8 & 10 pm
 

Saxophonist / Flutist / Composer / Arranger / Recording Artist. "Multi-saxophonist Greg Abate is a prime example of the 'rear back and blow' school of contemporary bop-based players. The tunes he writes or chooses are based on the kinds of changes that harmony-oriented jazz-men have favored since the beginning and he swings through them with an eager and easy virtuosity." -- David Franklin, Jazz Times Greg Abate is widely considered among jazz writers and aficionados to be one of the "best post bebop alto players out there today."

8 & 10 pm Jazz'll Dazzle II: Billy Higgins Legacy Band featuring Arthur Blythe Join Music in Schools Today for a benefit, "Jazz'll Dazzle II," at Club Jazz Nouveau on 4/30 & 5/1, with the Billy Higgins Legacy Band, with special guest Arthur Blythe. Band members: Arthur Blythe, alto saxophone; Mike Greensill, piano; Dave Ellis, tenor saxophone; John Wiitala, acoustic bass; and Myron Cohen, drums. Additional info on Arthur Blythe: A singularly distinctive and uniquely distinguishable stylist, he is considered one of the greatest alto saxaphonist's of his generation. Blythe's beautiful, passionate and expressive sound validate his reputation as one of the most significant jazz musicians of our times. Shows will be at 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Midnight to 2 am Late Jazz Session w/ Dayna Sean Stephens Dayna's grandfather playing the saxophone inspired him to do the same. He also performed with Herbie Hancock and Dave Grusin.