School’s back in session, and your choices for jazz tonight are reflective of that. This just in: The John Winn-tet is playing a free concert tonight at the Henrico Theatre from 7 to 9. The theatre requests you call in advance to reserve your seat. Check out some details below, courtesy Adam Larrabee:

We’ll be playing all kinds of jazz-oriented music, some singing, some swinging, some funk, some ballads, and maybe a surprise or two. Also a couple of funny, and poignant songs. The band will be:

John Winn: Sax & Vocals
Adam Larrabee: guitar
Randall Pharr: bass
Brian Caputo: drums.

There is a strong possibility that Daniel Clarke will drop in to play some piano as well (if his plane gets in from Minneapolis in time).

View event details

Also tonight: Hotel X • 6.00pm; Wine Tasting featuring Carol Covell & Stan Smith Duo • 6.30pm; BopNation • 8.00pm; Jason Jenkins Trio • 8.00pm; Roger D. Carroll & Chez Roue • 9.00pm; No BS! Brass • 9.30pm.

Along with the expected Jazz Orchestra I and II concerts, this fall at VCU will see concerts by guest trombonist Jim Pugh and Jazz Artist in Residence John D’earth. Check the list below, mark your calendar, and watch the events list at the top of this page for more details when the time comes.

W 9/15, 8p—The Tony Martucci Quartet, featuring John D’earth (trumpet), Marc Copland (piano), Tom Baldwin (bass), and Tony Martucci (drums). Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Singleton Center. $5 General Public; free with VCU student ID. VCU’s Faculty Jazz Drum Set Prof. Tony Martucci brings his quartet to our stage, fresh from a performance the previous night at Blues Alley in D.C. and leading to a studio recording to follow. VCU Jazz Artist in Residence, John D’earth joins renowned pianist Marc Copland and bassist Tom Baldwin in a performance of straight-ahead jazz.

TH 10/14, 8p—Fall Jazz Festival: VCU Jazz Orchestra I & II, VCU Jazz Faculty, and guest trombonist Jim Pugh, Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Singleton Center. $5 General Public; free with VCU student ID. A VCU BrassFest event.

TH 11/11, 8p—VCU Jazz Orchestra I, Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Singleton Center. $5 General Public; free with VCU student ID.

M 11/29, 8p—VCU Small Jazz Ensembles, Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Singleton Center. $5 General Public; free with VCU student ID.

T 11/30, 8p—VCU Jazz Orchestra II, Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Singleton Center. $5 General Public; free with VCU student ID.

F 12/10, 8p—VCU Holiday Music Gala, including Jazz Orchestra II, Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Singleton Center. $5 minimum donation requested.

Visit vcujazz.org for more info

The Richmond Jazz Festival is over, and so is our coverage of it. Back to our regularly scheduled programming…

Like this. It’s pianist Steve Kessler’s birthday, and on Tuesday night he’ll be celebrating with a CD pre-release party and a performance by his trio. His eccentric style is one of a kind, and it seems that his methods of releasing an album are just as unique. While there won’t be CDs for sale, you’ll be able to listen to the band that made it as well as Brian Jones Percussion Ensemble. Pianist and experimental musician Marty McCavitt will perform during set break.

View event details