Week 11 Jazz Preview

Every once in a while a week comes along that is filled to the brim with opportunities to check out great live music in Richmond. Even if it is impossible to attend absolutely everything (although I dare you to try), the thought of having so many different shows and types of music to choose from is exciting.

March 16, 2010; 12:00 PM • by Dean Christesen

Every once in a while a week comes along that is filled to the brim with opportunities to check out great live music in Richmond (see past week previews). Even if it is impossible to attend absolutely everything (although I dare you to try), the thought of having so many different shows and types of music to choose from is exciting. So plan your entertainment for the week ahead and keep in mind: if you wait until the weekend, you’re missing out.

Tuesday

BopNation continues their weekly jazz/fusion gig on the southside at Milestone Restaurant & Jazz Lounge in Midlothian. (event)

Brian Jones Quintet’s monthly gig hits The Camel, again with saxophonist J.C. Kuhl, trumpeter Marcus Tenney, bassist Randall Pharr, and pianist Wells Hanley. Just like last month? Doubt it. (event)

Miramar brings the Puerto Rican romance and “anti-romance” back to Balliceaux with their own style of the traditional Latin American bolero. (event)

Wednesday

Enjoy some jazz standards over dinner at The Fan’s long-standing establishment Robin Inn with Fred Ostrow & Friends. (event)

Word has it that The Belvidere at Broad is one of Richmond’s best new hangs. Check out the food and beer selection and entertainment by sax/guitar duo Roger Carroll & Alan Parker. (event)

The monthly VCU Jazz at The Camel series continues with jazz by Connor Thompson Trio and jazz/funk/improv group 3rd District, which describes itself as focusing on “strong melodies, propelled by picturesque grooves, aiming at peaks and valleys of intensity.” (event)

Is May here yet?? The long wait for the release of Fight the Big Bull’s new album continues, but until then we get to hang with them in person at Balliceaux every other week. (event)

Beast Wellington is throwing down hard (when don’t they?) for St. Patrick’s Day at Bogart’s. (event)

Zevious is an oddball for this calendar, but this progressive rock trio did start out as a jazz group and eventually expanded their horizons to other types of music they loved — specifically angular metal and free improv. They’ll be at The Triple. (event)

Thursday

Russ Helm Quartet plays at Church Hill’s favorite (I declare) coffee shop, GlobeHopper Coffee. I mean, two of their baristas did just compete in the U.S. Barista Championships. But about the music: it’ll be Helm on drums, saxophonist Jason Scott, bassist Brian Sulser, and guitarist Alan Parker. (event)

The lovable Chez Roue, fronted by saxophonist and singer Roger Carroll, hold down their Thursday night residency at Bogart’s, Richmond’s “best little speakeasy.” (event)

Friday

Guitarists Connor Thompson and Chris Norred — together called High Maintenance — play happy hour at the Tobacco Company. (event)

CMP (named for the group’s bassist Chris Harrison, saxophonist Marcus Tenney, and guitarist Paul Willson) plays Rev It Up! Coffee in the colorful Uptown stretch of W. Main St. Show up and help keep jazz alive at this cozy new venue. (event)

Saxophonist James “Saxsmo” Gates begins a two-night residency at Milestone Restaurant & Jazz Lounge to celebrate the venue’s grand re-opening. How can you go wrong with a name like that? The Richmond native has been around and has the chops and musicality to show for it. (event)

Of course, Doc Branch hosts the weekly jam at Emilio’s downtown location with his Key Notes. (event)

Saturday

Carol Covell & Stan Smith provide jazz entertainment over dinner at Skillagalee Restaurant at Broad & Glenside. (event)

Big band swing hits the east end when The Central Virginia Jazz Orchestra plays the Henrico Theatre in Highland Springs. (event)

James “Saxsmo” Gates returns for night two at Milestone. (event)

Joe Enroughty And His Royal Virginians hope you bring your dancing shoes to The Camel for an evening of swing era big band jazz. (event)

If you’re in the mood for some experimental music or if you want to check out something different, solo percussionist Tatsuya Nakatani plays Ghostprint Gallery. A video of his show there in November may tell you what you can expect. (event)

Samba Trio features two members of the Brazilian ensemble Quatro na Bossa and is playing at Emilio’s Short Pump location. (event)

Modern Groove Syndicate lays it down heavily in their own funky style at Bogart’s. (event)

Sunday

It’s more expensive than the other choices, but your $55 gets you dinner by Acacia chef Dale Reitzer at Postive Vibe Cafe’s “Guest Chef Nite.” Carol Covell & Stan Smith Duo provide the entertainment. (event)

Russ Hanchin’s Bossa Brasil plays an early show at Balliceaux. Bossas and sambas on a Sunday evening at Balliceaux sounds just right. (event)

Butterbean Jazz Quartet plays their weekly gig at Bottoms Up Pizza. Bring your axe and sit in, or just relax to Terri Simpson’s gorgeous voice. (event)

Another oddball to this calendar is Afro-Brazilian funk ensemble Dendê & Hãhãhães, by way of Brooklyn. They’re playing at LuLu’s, which means your cover gets you a family-style buffet and great tunes. For the sake of diversity (and because it sounds awesome), we include it here. (event)

Photo: smlp.co.uk