A Rare Opportunity...

Good Evening Everyone,

Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear a master percussionist! Jose Rosa is from Puerto Rico (now based in Orlando) and will be at the Blue Wisp, 318 E. 8th Street at 8:30pm!

There will also be performances from outstanding Cincinnati Latin Jazz performers such as Sonia and Jaime Morales!

Poco Loco will open the show with their 9-piece Latin Jazz band consisting of a full rhythm section, three horns, vibes and guitar.

In between performances and free dance lessons by Salsa Underground. It's a night not to be missed and won't be repeated!

Jazz at Jaspers

Here we are, on the threshold of the first weekend in October. Or maybe you're like me, and prefer to start the weekend early (despite the fact I'm still working on Friday).

As my closest friends know, Friday is my favourite day of the week. Due to this fact, I tend to start the weekend on Thursday nights. This time, I rang in the weekend with a visit to Jaspers on Mt. Lookout Square. My first time there, I was intrigued with the openess of this former theater. Bruce Menefield was performing with his ensemble - Mike Sharfe on Bass, Anthony "T" Lee on Drums, and of course, Bruce on Tenor and Alto. These guys "took it to the house" with such standards as "In a Sentimental Mood" and Herbie Hancock's "Cantaloup". In my first experience seeing Bruce perform, I sat there with my glass of water kicking myself for forgetting my camera to share a few pics with everyone. But that, of course, doesn't keep me from sharing what I have observed.

Throughout the month of October, Jaspers will feature performances on alternate Thursdays between Bruce Menefield and jazz pianist Steve Schmidt. And you know something? I am here to tell you - Jaspers is an extraordinary venue for attending Jazz events. The high, curved ceilings lend itself to dynamic acoustics. The openess & layout of the inside invites comfort for everyone who walks through the entrance. This includes unobstructed views of the stage from literally ANY perspective, thanks to preserving the traditional, Theater-Style slanted floor, leading down to the stage, at the foot of what used to be the cinema screen.

Jaspers is a place with a lot of character. The inside reminds me of a venue from the 1930's or 40's that could easily accommodate a Count Basie or Duke Ellington's Orchestra. So my recommendation for Thursday night jazz in October is to take a short drive to Jaspers, 3187 Linwood Ave. What better way to start the weekend early? For more information on Jaspers, visit http://www.jaspersmtlookout.com/. Cheers!

- jh