Summertiiiiiiiiiime....

...and the jazz is easy! I know. Corny. But, there is just SO much jazz happening in June that I don't even know where to start. So I am only going to list a few shows here but if you are interested in other jazzy happenings please respond to this post or email me and we can certainly do more!

But first... Jazz Page 6. I have heard SO MUCH GOOD MUSIC lately that I had to cyber-yell. I just got a CD by Evan Stone (and by the way, if you google him, throw "drums" in there because apparently he has a pornographic namesake) and man, is it good. Tight arrangements, interesting interpretations, and just plain old fun to listen to (the drummer, not the porn star, as far as I know). You should get a copy. And I'll be sure to fill y'all in if I hear of him performing anytime soon.

I have also been a faithful Hammy and made it to Orange County twice this past weekend to hear the Jeff Hamilton Trio. Lots of folks came along and we really had a fabulous time, hearing some amazing music and hanging out with some of the most fun folks in Southern California. I'm still kind of floaty over it all!

There's so much more that I could share, but in the interest of keeping your attention, allow me to introduce:

PAM'S PICKS FOR JUNE

(exciting, huh?)

Now, remember that there are about a BILLION more shows than this, so if you are interested in doing something on a night that I haven't mentioned, reach out and let me know and I can certainly help find someting or even tag along.

Saturday, June 9: Graham Dechter Trio at the Native Cafe, Calabasas. Graham is a 20-year-old guitar virtuoso whose sensitive playing rivals 22 and 23 year olds. But seriously folks, if you're in the area do yourselves a favor and check him out - he's absolutely fantastic!!

Sunday, June 10: Vibraphone Summit XIV, Musician's Union, Hollywood. 13 vibraphone players. Me selling raffle tickets. My sister Kim drinking Terry Lloyd's screwdrivers. I cannot imagine a tastier recipe for good times on a Sunday afternoon. DON'T MISS IT!

Sunday, June 10: Carol Robbins at Vibrato, Bel Air. OK, so if an afternoon of vibes wasn't enough, how about finishing up the day with a jazz harpist? Yes, friends, you heard it here first. How could you NOT be at least a little curious???

Wednesday, June 13: Chuck Berghofer and the Midnight Jazz Band, Spazio, Studio City. If I've said it once, I've said it 3 times. This is textbook straight-ahead jazz and a great show to hear.

Saturday, June 16: Diana Krall with the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra at the Las Vegas Hilton, Las Vegas. Yes, folks - I am seriously doing a weekend in Vegas and checking out this show while I'm there! I could do a separate blog outlining the perils of Vegas with Pam but I think some things are better left unsaid. In the meantime, wouldn't it be loverly to hear Mrs. Costello in Sin City?

Sunday, June 17: Kathleen Grace Band at The Jazz Bakery, Culver City. If I have some steam (and money!) left after Vegas, I might try to stop by on my way home from the airport! I heard Kathleen a couple of months ago and bookmarked her - great vocals and lovely personality!

Friday, June 22: Charles Owens Quartet at Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Mid-Wilshire. Charles Owens is a wonderful tenor sax player and an absolutely delightful human being. As this show is less than a mile from Tramp House II, there is a possibility that I could be tempted to entertain a small group of folks after the show (it goes from 6-8pm). If you are interested, be sure to let me know!

Saturday, June 23: Dave Ameele Sextet at Cafe 322, Sierra Madre. I missed Dave's birthday show in February and a quick calendar check shows that I might have to miss this show too, but the last one had guest appearances by some of the finest musicians in LA. Be sure to stop in and support this group and venue - Dave has some really fantastic arrangements and a stellar horn section!

Tuesday, June 26: John Beasley Circle at Charlie O's, Van Nuys. It's been a while since I've heard John as a bandleader so this show has a little gold star by it in my calendar. (Actually, I still keep a paper calendar so it has a pencilled in asterisk by it.) Anyway, I'll definitely be at this show and hope you will too!!

OK, so I fibbed. It's more than just a few shows but it's the tip of the June jazz iceberg. Step right up and come on out - you'll have such a good time!