Jazz Series to start in Price Hill

There is a strong sense of pride in the residence base of East Price Hill. This area is home to one of the most beautiful parks in Cincinnati – Mt. Echo. It’s also home to the East Price Hill Improvement Association (EPHIA).

The EPHIA has established an initiative to promote their neighborhood and its diversity, by offering a new and free jazz series in Mt. Echo. The series begins on September 4th with the Wade Baker Jazz Collaboration and the Young Jazz Messengers. The show starts at 3:00pm and goes until 6:00pm.

Come and experience the pride of East Price Hill, and their celebration of diversity, with jazz music.

Mt. Echo is located at 381 Elberon Ave., Cincinnati, Oh 45205.

- jh

Smooth as Satin

What do you get when have 5 young, extremely talented musicians from XU? You get the Black Satin Quintet. In addition to talented, these cats are very ambitious; stretching and flexing their musical muscles to deliver, as they say, “A jazztacular sound that satisfies all types’ of musical palettes…catering to its audiences’ selection”.

The quintet consists of William Washington on Trombone, Jorge Rostro Jr. on Bass, Richard Notter on Tenor, Joe Carriere on Piano, and Murphy Robinson on Drums.
Last June, these recent XU Alums were invited to perform at the Jazz Festival in Columbia, South America. Talk about a young Cincinnati Jazz group putting themselves on the map! What an opportunity! To hear about their international debut, visit their facebook page.

In the coming months, there’s no doubt we’ll see these guys playing on a regular basis closer to home. Take time to learn more about BSQ – visit their website, www.blacksatinquintet.com.

The Jazz Half will also keep you up to date on BSQ’s upcoming shows.

- jh

Hard Boppin' with the Jazz Prophets

International Jazz Trumpeter, Composer, and Educator Derrick Gardner has performed with the likes of Tony Bennett, Dizzy Gillespie, George Benson, and countless others. He has toured with Harry Connick Jr. and recorded with the Count Basie Orchestra.

On Thursday the 19th, Derrick is bringing his Jazz Prophets to "It's Commonly Jazz" in Eden Park. I highly suggest you stop down to hear these guys and their signature sound of Hard Bop. The Jazz Half talked with Derrick Gardner on growing up in a musical family household, his latest release "Echoes of Ethnicity", and more.

Have a listen to the exclusive interview.

On July 23rd, Lousiville Jazz Saxophonist Ron Jones brought his quartet to the Blue Wisp. Between the first and second set, the Jazz Half was able to chat with Ron on the art of the Jazz Duo, dressing to impress, and more.

Check out the exclusive interview.

Tia Fuller returns to the Queen City

Tia Fuller is an extraordinary musician, composer, and educator who recently released her 3rd CD, "Decisive Steps". She's also a member of Beyonce's all-female band, and has toured the world with the R&B star. Last week, Tia and her quartet performed at the "It's Commonly Jazz" series in Eden Park. Before the show, ...The Jazz Half caught up with Tia to talk about the meaning of "Decisive Steps", and more.

Click here to listen to the exclusive interview!

"It's Commonly Jazz": 25 years young and 25 years strong

It's Commonly Jazz is celebrating its 25th year of presenting quality, and free jazz performances to the community!

Over the years, this wonderful event has featured some of the most accomplished jazz musicians around the world. It's Commonly Jazz is an environmentally-friendly event; with T-Shirts and other promotional items made with organic and recycled materials. The Metro bus Route #1 will be available for park and rides from downtown to Eden Park. The organizers and sponsors of It's Commonly Jazz are extremely passionate about the sustainable efforts to help preserve the earth.

In addition to our love of the earth, comes our love of the music, with a magnificent lineup:

- August 5th: The William Menefield Trio

- August 12th: The Tia Fuller Quartet

- August 19th: Derrick Gardner & The Jazz Prophets

- August 26th: Jada, featuring Mike Wade, Josh Atkins, Marc Fields, Art Gore, Mike Sharfe, and Dan Karlsberg

Each show runs from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. For more information, visit www.itscommonlyjazz.com then come to the Seasongood Pavillion to hear some outstanding jazz music!

The Jazz Half shot video from last years' performances. For a glimpse into the fun, visit the Jazz Half YouTube Channel

The Jazz Half would like to send a special thanks to the following for sponsoring this extraordinary event every year:

- Fifth-Third
- Cintas
- Jazz Alive
- LAG Productions
- The Urban League of Cincinnati
- The Fine Arts Fund
- CityBeat
- Springhill Suites
- The Cincinnati Herald
- Cincinnati Playhouse
- Cincinnati Parks
- African American Chamber of Commerce
- The Perfect Brew
- DrumBeat Communications

- jh