Hot Summer Shows! (but wait - it's still Spring!)

Boys and grills, ladies and germs, I am officially too hot to write a lot right now. Yes indeed, the spring heat wave of '07 is what it takes to silence my nonstop mouth (or fingers, as the case may be). However, my ears are working really well so I wanted to give you all a heads up on some upcoming shows! As always, I'm hoping to make at least a few of these so if you'd like to come with, say the word!

Here's what's on tap for May:

Wednesday, May 9: Bruce Forman Trio at the Jazz Bakery, Culver City. Bruce, Kristin Korb and Bob Leatherbarrow are presenting a jazz libretto and it sounds uber interesting, especially since I had to wiki "libretto" to make sure knew what one was (I was close, thanks to having friends in the opera biz). If I get my work done in time tomorrow I'm totally checking it out.

Thursday, May 10: Tamir Hendelman Trio at the Crowne Plaza, LAX. OK, I'll say it again. Tamir's awesome. And apparently not above bribery, as I have it on good authority that he will play my sister Kesha's favorite tune in exchange for dessert. In his defense, I'm sure he would have played it (and had dessert) anyway, but still.

Monday, May 14: John Belzaguy with John Beasley at Spazio, Studio City. I haven't been to Spazio since my favorite bartender left, so it might be time for me to hiss at the new bartender and check out two fabulous musicians!

Wednesday, May 16: Janis Mann Quartet at Catalina Jazz Club, Hollywood. Catalina and the Jazz Bakery are practically in my backyard now. I'd do a disservice to jazz not to make it out.

Thursday, May 17: Bill Cunliffe at The Vic, Santa Monica. Come on out and help Bill a) celebrate his birthday (have a happy!) and b) show off his virtuosity as he performs one set leading a straight-ahead trio and another set as the leader of a six piece Latin jazz band!

Sunday, May 20: Bill Green Mentorship Program, Giannelli Square, Northridge. DO NOT MISS THIS! Here's your chance to see the Los Angeles Jazz Society at work! Students in the Bill Green Mentorship Program will perform, as well as their mentors, and if last year's event is any indication it'll be entertaining and inspirational!

Tuesday, May 22: Guitar Night with Anthony Wilson at Spazio, Studio City. If I don't hate the new bartender, and if I actually DO make it out on May 14, I'll be back to hear Anthony Wilson tear up the guitar (I mean that in the most complimentary fashion possible). Great artist. You'll love him.

Thursday, May 24: Jackie Ryan's CD Release Party at the Vic, Santa Monica. I've heard on at least a handful of occasions that I should hear Jackie Ryan perform. Here's my chance!

Tuesday, May 29: Guitar Night with Ron Eschete at Spazio, Studio City. Third time's a charm! Great guitar player at Spazio once again.

So I lied - I managed to be pretty verbose despite the heat. To reward you for hanging in there, here's a photo of me with two of the cutest jazz fans on the planet!!!