JazzFest Schedule 2010

Tuesday, September 14

"The Joy of Jazz - Sophisticated Swing"

Joy of JazzIt's the 40's at Club Ellington, so we hope to see you lookin' swell in your cocktail or formal attire. Music and Dancing to the Clyde Pound Band with vocalists, Shirley Chauvin, Craig Wilson and Special Guests, The Sunnyaires as The Andrew Sisters and Corrine and Don Gooch. Silent Auction of Festive Events. Cash bar. For your dining convenience, the Arlington dining room will be offering Joy of Jazz specials before Club Ellington opens.

Proceeds from the Joy of Jazz assure the Hot Springs JazzFest’s Saturday outdoor festival remains free and available to all!

  • Dress: Black Tie Optional
  • Time: 7:00 p.m.
  • Location: Arlington Resort Hotel, Conference Center, 239 Central Avenue
  • Tickets: $40 per person or preferred seating for a table of ten is $400
  • Reservations and Information (501) 767-0211

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Wednesday, September 15

Phyllis Emert at Quapaw Baths & Spa

Jazz pianist and Dallas native Phyllis Emert began playing piano at the age of four.  Phyllis leads her own jazz combo and has recorded two jazz albums, three albums of original music and joined in on many recording sessions.  Phyllis will be at the historic bathhouse with Ed Smith on guitar, Bill Huntington on bass and Jay Payette on Drums.  The bathhouse's intimate settings are the perfect for an evening with friends.  Cash bar available.

  • Time: 6:00 p.m.
  • Location: Quapaw Baths & Spa
  • Tickets: $10, includes h'ordourves

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Friday, September 17

Music Workshops by Craftsmen

The Hot Springs Jazz Society for the first time, as part of the annual JazzFest, will be presenting educational instrumental workshop/clinics for students and professional musicians. Open to the public, this will present an opportunity to hear and learn from world class musicians who will be our guests at the 2010 Hot Springs Jazz Festival.

Learning to play music develops a student’s concentration, perseverance, and discipline. Playing music in an ensemble teaches communication and cooperation, while giving voice to our spirits and emotions. The study of music also builds self-confidence, as students at any level learn that performance improves with dedicated practice. Studying jazz is particularly worthwhile, because improvising requires not only instrumental technique, but also collaborative interaction, respect for other musicians and an understanding of harmony and musical form.

There’s no better way to acquire these skills than to learn from musicians at the top of their craft. Hot Springs Jazz Society Workshop has attracted artists and educators of the highest caliber, exciting talents like saxophonist Mel Martin, trombonist Scott Whitfield, guitarist Steve Masakowski and drummer Paul Shaw. (see detailed information about the guest artists below.)

The Workshop experience offers a unique level of access and personal interaction between clinicians and students, and a supportive and welcoming environment where creativity can flourish.

  • Time: 12:00 p.m.
  • Location: Big Event Music, 149 E. Grand Ave.
  • Admission: FREE, Reservations Required - 501-262-1533


Navy Mid-South Big Band at Horner Hall

Navy Band Mid-South is the United States Navy’s premier musical organization in the Mid-South region. Attached to Commander, Navy Personnel Command, this diverse group of 35 professional Navy Musicians is all active duty men and women performing full-time for the Navy.

  • Time: 7:00 p.m.
  • Location: Hot Springs Convention Center’s Horner Hall, 134 Convention Boulevard
  • Admission: FREE - Submit a self addressed stamped envelope with name, address, phone and number of tickets desired (maximum 4 per address) to 118 Earls Pt., Hot Springs, AR 71913.

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Saturday, September 18

University of Arkansas in Monticello Jazz Band

A special presentation of this award winning jazz group directed by Gary Meggs. Reservations are not required.

  • Time: 10:00 a.m.
  • Location: Central Baptist Church, 1035 Central Ave.
  • Admission: FREE - Open Seating, Doors open at 9:30am.


Outdoor Festival on Broadway St.
FREE!

A celebration of jazz music presented beneath the sky bridge of Broadway St and Market St in downtown Hot Springs National Park. Food vendors available and families will enjoy the KidZone tent of Jazzy Crafts.

Chairs are Limited - Bring lawn chairs to ensure you have a seat.

  • Time: 11:00am – 6:00 p.m.
  • Location: Under the Sky-Bridge on Broadway St and Market St.
  • Tickets: FREE!

Outdoor Festival Schedule
  • 11:00am - HSJS Scholarship Jazz Ensemble directed by John Jordan of Hot Springs High
  • 11:30am - Happy Tymes Dixieland Band
  • 12:15pm - Arkansas Jazz Orchestra
  • 1:00pm - Astral Project
  • 2:00pm - University of Arkansas at Monticello
  • 2:45pm - Anything That Moves with guests Mel Martin on sax and flute, Scott Whitfield on trombone and Paul Shaw on Drums
  • 3:30pm - Inside Out with Paul Shaw on drums and special guest Rufus Reid on bass
  • 4:30pm - S’Wonderful with Shirley Chauvin and guests Mel Martin on sax and flute, Scott Whitfield on trombone and Paul Shaw on drums
  • 5:00pm - Jam Session with Mel Martin on sax and flute, Scott Whitfield on trombone, Bill Huntington on bass, Jay Payette on drums and invited guests
About The Entertainment

HOT SPRINGS SCHOLARSHIP JAZZ ENSEMBLE
People often refer to jazz as purely American music. Like America, jazz developed from a seed of independence. Following in that very American style, the Jazz Society forges ahead in perpetuation jazz music through sponsoring scholarships to attend the UofA at Monticello Jazz Camp, identifying exceptional students of music in high schools throughout Garland County. John Jordan, Hot Springs High School Band Director, will lead this special group of students along with new students identified following the beginning of the new school year to kick off the traditional out-door festival.
Saturday Out-door Festival @ 11:00am

HAPPY TYMES DIXIELAND BAND
Happy Tymes Dixieland BandThis exciting six-member jazz band features all the traditional Dixieland instruments – Dale Kriner on piano, E.O. Huddleston on trombone, Jack Pritchett on drums, Joe Cripps on tuba and Ron McHone on woodwinds. Happy Tymes has performed at jazz festivals from Sacramento to Tampa. Enjoy all the Dixieland songs from New Orleans, St. Louis, Chicago and beyond. It’s toe-tapping, handclapping fun that has been called one of "Arkansas’s true treasures."
Saturday Out-door Festival @ 11:30am


PHYLLIS EMERT

Jazz pianist, Phyllis Emert, is a native of Dallas, Texas.  She began playing piano at the age of four and was actively involved in music and performing throughout her school years.  She studied music at TCU, NTSU, and UT Austin, and was the first woman to play in North Texas State Jazz Lab Band.    Her career in the music business includes playing jazz/cocktail solo piano, leading her own jazz trio, accompanying vocalists, and playing in dance bands of all sizes.  She has recorded two jazz trio albums, three albums of original music, and played on many recording sessions.   After many years of performing extensively in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.  Phyllis and her husband, bassist Allan Rogers, relocated to Hot Springs, Arkansas.  She is currently playing solo piano in the Venetian Dining Room at the historic Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs, and appearing with her jass trio at various events.
Wednesday, Quapaw Baths @ 6:00pm

ARKANSAS JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Arkansas Jazz OrchestraThe most exciting musical experience around awaits you when you hear the sounds of the Arkansas Jazz Orchestra. Eighteen of the most versatile musicians in any part of the country are ready to give you a concert that will have you on the edge of your seat. Drawing charts from some of the greatest jazz names of yesteryear, such as Basie, Ellington, Kenton, Herman, Rich, and many others, this organization will mesmerize you with subtlety and then blow your socks off. But it doesn't stop there. The AJO also plays hits from current artists such as the Tonight Show Band, Big Phat Band, and the Phil Collins Big Band. These new hits include the toughest and most heart-pounding arrangements to come along in decades. You've got to hear them to believe them.
Saturday Out-door Festival @ 12:15pm


ASTRAL PROJECT
Astral ProjectAstral Project, New Orleans’ premier contemporary jazz group, has celebrated its 32nd anniversary. In 1978, Tony Dagradi gathered together the brightest, most energetic young players in the Crescent City and started out on a path that would help shape the modern jazz scene for years to come. A devoted student of Eastern philosophy, Dagradi coined the band name as a reflection of the group’s quest for a higher plane of experience. As everyone who has seen the band in concert knows, each performance finds the band members reaching for the stars. Master drummer John Vidacovich continues to direct the rhythmic ebb and flow of the music as only he can. A brilliant soloist and highly sensitive accompanist, he plays with a command of dynamics, distinctive melodic accents and effervescent swing. On bass, James Singleton is a conduit of pure energy. His solo rhythmic concept and harmonic sense are the foundation of this innovative group’s improvisational strength. Steve Masakowski has long been regarded as one of the most awe-inspiring guitarists and composers in contemporary music. His technique on the unique seven string instrument which he designed has influenced a generation of guitarists. Performing on tenor and soprano saxophones, Tony Dagradi brings an emotional urgency to each solo. His huge tone and soaring lines speak of the entire tradition of jazz and constantly push the energy of the band forward.
Saturday Out-door Festival @ 1:00pm

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT MONTICELLO
Astral ProjectUAM's premiere Jazz Band directed by Gary Meggs. Meggs has performed with well-known musical groups and performers such as the Four Tops, The Temptations, Barbara Eden, Don Rickles, the Lennon Sisters, Lew Soloff, Tom Bones Malone, Conway Twitty, and Mickey Gilley gave Gary the opportunity to continue to pursue his dream of becoming a professional musician. This experience, along with being the featured saxophonist with the 106th Army Band, 531st Air Force Band, and many public school and college jazz bands has allowed Gary to build up a base of supporters that have grown to love and enjoy his musical talent.   Notably, Gary spent most of 2009 touring with the World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra. During this time Meggs performed all over the USA, Canada and completed the tour with 24 concerts in Japan.

Saturday Out-door Festival @ 2:00pm


ANYTHING THAT MOVES
Anything That Moves(with guests MEL MARTIN on sax/flute, SCOTT WHITFIELD on trombone and PAUL SHAW on drums). ATM is a specialty band made up of some of Arkansas’ finest musicians. Led by music director/arranger/pianist Clyde Pound, the mid-sized seven to eleven member ensemble plays a wide variety of music ranging from swing to jazz to rock. Moving to Arkansas after an impressive career in San Francisco as band leader at the Hungry i nightclub and as music contractor and recording producer in Hawaii, Clyde has now formed ATM to showcase his extensive combo dance library and Big Band jazz/rock/swing music archive.

See below for information on Mel Martin, Scott Whitfield and Paul Shaw.
Saturday Out-door Festival @ 2:45pm


S’WONDERFUL
S'Wonderful(with SHIRLEY CHAUVIN and guests MEL MARTIN on sax/flute, SCOTT WHITFIELD on trombone and PAUL SHAW on drums). Shirley Chauvin and the new little big band S’Wonderful bring you a swingin’ musical experience with emphasis on the songs made famous by the great big band vocalists of the 1940s through the 1970s such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Peggy Lee and Billie Holiday. Shirley also features tunes recorded by the new sensation, Diana Krall. S’Wonderful has grown to include trumpet, saxophone and trombone to perform with the rhythm section and create a big band ambiance in support of the arrangements of this dynamic musical era. Shirley and S’Wonderful perform for concerts, festivals and special events.

See below for information on Mel Martin, Scott Whitfield and Paul Shaw.
Saturday Out-door Festival @ 4:30pm


NAVY MID-SOUTH BIG BAND
S'WonderfulNavy Band Mid-South is the United States Navy’s premier musical organization in the Mid-South region. Attached to Commander, Navy Personnel Command, this diverse group of 35 professional Navy Musicians is all active duty men and women performing full-time for the Navy. A dynamic jazz group performing music ranging from traditional jazz standards and bebop to smooth jazz and latin.  Submit a self addressed stamped envelope with name, address, phone and number of tickets desired (maximum 4 per address) to 118 Earls Pt., Hot Springs, AR 71913

Friday, Hot Springs Convention Center's Horner Hall @ 7pm


INSIDE OUT
Inside Out(with PAUL SHAW on drums and with special guest RUFUS REID)

Inside Out features a unique blend of music - merging familiar straight ahead tunes of yesterday with present day original compositions, all set in original arrangements - exhibiting the ever-expansive palette of jazz.  The group has been in existence since 1997 and has continued to gain notoriety with performances in various parts of the country as well as European venues.

See below for information on Rufus Reid and Paul Shaw
Saturday Out-door Festival @ 3:30pm


JAM SESSION

Mel Martin on sax and flute, Scott Whitfield on trombone, Bill Huntington on bass, Jay Payette on drums and invited guests.

Saturday Out-door Festival @ 5:00pm

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SPECIAL GUESTS

Craig O'Neil from Today's THV
Craig O'NeilCraig O’Neill’s face and voice are among the most recognizable in Arkansas. Craig first joined Today’s THV as sports director in 2000 after entertaining Arkansans for 30 years as one of the states most famous and humorous radio personalities. In the summer of 2008, Craig made the move to news anchor.

Throughout the years, Craig has given his time and talents to help many organizations including The American Cancer Society, Big Brothers / Big Sisters, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Arkansas Children’s Theatre, Arkansas Arts Center, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Ballet of Arkansas, Easter Seals, Florence Crittenton Home, American Heart Association, Hope Lodge, VIPS, and Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Craig is married to his college sweetheart, Jane. They have two grown children, Abby and Thomas, two grandchildren, Bella and Amelia.

Guest Emcee on Saturday, 11am - 2pm

John Cain from KABF
Steve MasakowskiJohn Cain brings his deep magic speaking voice as co- Emcee of the JazzFest. Currently the program director at KABF, Cain has an extensive background in radio and community organizing. His strong production and editing skills for radio networks and strong knowledge of the radio industry amounts to 42 years of experience in radio broadcasting and other media affiliations. Cain’s complete understanding of the Jazz, Blues and Gospel genre has benefitted the listeners of KABF for 22 years and his service with KUAR as Radio Host of Fifty-Second Street Jazz program lasted for 24 years.

Cain’s professional activities and community organizing include Founder and President of the Arkansas Jazz Venue Society, Black Fire Community Theatre in Birmingham and is the current Executive director of the Mosaic Templars Preservation Society, an organization to historically preserve the ninety-one year old African-American building in the heart of downtown Little Rock.

Guest Emcee on Saturday, 2pm - 6:30pm


Steve Masakowski from New Orleans, LA on Guitar
Steve MasakowskiRegarded as one of the most awe-inspiring guitarists and composers in contemporary music, Steve plays unique seven-string guitars of his own design that are hand-made by New Orleans luthier Sal Giardina. Steve is a major voice whose extraordinary musicality has been welcomed in concert with such jazz greats as Woody Shaw, Carl Fontana, Dave Liebman, Jimmy Smith, Sam Rivers and, most recently, Dianne Reeves, Bennie Wallace and Rick Margitza. Among the awards and honors that he has garnered are two National Endowment For The Arts fellowships, several grants from The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation and one from the Louisiana Division of The Arts. Steve"s own recordings include: "What It Was" (Blue Note), "Direct AXEcess" (Blue Note), "Mars" (Nebula), "Friends" (Nebula), "For Joe" (Compass) and Moon and Sand. His dynamic solo work can also be heard on recordings by Reeves, Mose Allison, Alvin "Red" Tyler and Margitza.

Clinician at Friday Workshop @ Big Event Music beginning 12 noon
With Astral Project at Saturday’s Out-door Festival @ 1:00pm


Rufus Reid from Teaneck, New Jersey on Double Bass
Rufus ReidRufus Reid’s major professional career began in Chicago and continues since 1976 in New Your City. His extensive jazz background and discography reads literally like a Who’s Who in jazz. He has traveled, performed and recorded with many of the great Jazz Masters. He was privileged to share many musical moments with many jazz giants, including Stan Getz, Eddie Harris, Bill Evans, Lee Konitz, Nancy Wilson, Marvin Stamm as well as his own group, The Rufus Reid Quintet.

Reid’s book, The Evolving Bassist, Published since 1974, continues to be recognized as the industry standard as the definitive bass method. The Millennium Edition combined both of his book, The Evolving Bassist and Evolving Upward, with added material.

In presenting Reid with the 2005 Mellon Jazz Living Legacy Award, the Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation saluted him as “an American treasure with the vision to make a difference and turn possibilities into results.” Fittingly, Reid’s life as consummate musician, educator and author exemplifies this tribute.

Hearing Rufus Reid in concert is the ultimate experience in jazz bass performances. His rare performance in Arkansas must not be missed.

Special Guest at Saturday’s Out-door Festival with Inside Out @ 3:15pm


Mel Martin from San Francisco, California on Saxophone and Flute
Mel MartinMel Martin is a composer, arranger, bandleader, saxophonist and flute player - one of the most versatile and creative musicians to ever emerge from the San Francisco Bay Area. In his long career, he’s played a part in many of the innovative movements that have come out of that creative community. He sat in with Wes Montgomery and his brothers while he was still a teenager, played in John Handy’s Freedom Band in 1962 upon moving to San Francisco, worked and recorded with many of the progressive rock and Latin rock bands of the late 60s and early 70s including The Loading Zone, Cold Blood, Santana, Azteca and Boz Scaggs. He founded the award winning Listen, one of the early West Coast jazz-fusion bands in 1976. He’s currently artistic director of Bebop and Beyond, a group he founded in 1983, as well as leading the Mel Martin Band, The Tenor Conclave, the Mel Martin Big Band and the Benny Carter All Star Tribute Band.

Clinician at Friday Workshop @ Big Event Music beginning 12noon

Guest at Saturday’s Out-door Festival with ATM @ 2:30pm & S’Wonderful @ 4:45pm


Scott Whitfield from Los Angeles, California on Trombone
Scott WhitfieldScott Whitfield (trombonist, arranger and vocalist) is internationally recognized for his work with many contemporary big bands, including the Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra and the new edition of Johnny Griffin’s Big Soul Band, as well as his own Scott Whitfield Jazz Orchestras (East and West.)

Whitfield’s discography includes 7 recordings as leader and more than 50 recordings with other artists. In addition to his own recordings, his compositions and arrangements have been performed and recorded by such artists as Diva, Maurice Hines, The Pied Pipers, Bill Allred’s classic Jazz Band and Pete Petersen’s 23-strong Collection Jazz Orchestra.

A clinician and guest artist for Bach Stradivarius trombones, Whitfield has appeared throughout the world, from Australia to Zurich, sharing his expertise on trombone technique, improvisation, composition, arranging and jazz history. He was featured as guest soloist with the United States Army Blues Jazz Ensemble at the 2007 Eastern Trombone Workshop.

Whitfield is a master performer and in demand around the world. His inspiring solo work will be remembered for many years.

Clinician at Friday Workshop @ Big Event Music beginning 12noon

Guest at Saturday’s Out-door Festival with ATM @ 2:30pm & S’Wonderful @ 4:45pm


Paul Shaw from Mellville, New Jersey on Drums
Paul ShawPaul began playing music when he was five years old. He grew up in Millville, NJ and studied jazz drumming at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. He is a very active member of the St. Louis jazz and rock music scenes. He has toured the world playing jazz as an active duty Air Force musician. He fell in love with the guitar as a second instrument in December 2005 and has been writing his own songs ever since.

Clinician at Friday Workshop @ Big Event Music beginning 12noon

With Inside Out at Saturday's Out-door Festival @ 3:15pm

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Sunday, September 19

St. Luke Episcopal Church’s Jazz Mass

Join St. Luke’s Episcopal Church at a very special Sunday Service with life jazz music.

  • Time: 10:45 p.m.
  • Location: . Luke’s Episcopal Church, 228 Spring Street, (501) 623-1653

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