Can’t believe we’re celebrating the 1st Anniversary of First Fridays Jazz Night w/Jason Luckett & Friends! Joining me for full sets are Stefanie Naifeh (of The Underthings) w/Jeff Paris, doing an exploration of early blues and jazz; and Sorcerers of Peace (Jeff Dean, Rober Luis, Aziz Yehia, Hamed Habibpour). Jeff was with us playing in Lula in July and Rober was with Danette Christine on our very first show. I introduced Rober to Jeff, after meeting him that night, so it’s kind of like the band emerged from this community.
Hopefully we’ll have a couple surprises during my set, too!
Can’t wait to celebrate with you!
First Fridays Jazz Night w/ Jason Luckett & Friends Friday, February 2, 2024 8-10:30pm (doors: 7:30) Lyd & Mo Photography Studio & Gallery 27 N Mentor Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106
Performing: Stefanie Naifeh The Sorcerers of Peace Jason Luckett
Hosted by Jason Luckett
Doors: 7:30 Showtime: 8pm
Suggested donation: $20 at the door or online Venmo: @jasonluckett PayPal.me/jasonluckett (100% goes to the musicians).
In Playhouse Village in the heart of Pasadena IG: @firstfridaysjazznight
Megan Shung often described as ‘the 21st Century violinist’, is an international violinist, composer, producer, and educator based in Los Angeles, California. Adept at multiple genres and styles, she has performed/recorded with artists including Anthony Kiedis, Michael Bublé, Seal & Billy Childs. In addition to being an active performer, Megan is also a passionate educator. Currently on the Suzuki and jazz faculty at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music (PCM). In 2023, she became the co-artist director of String Project Los Angeles a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to foster the bowed strings teaching community while celebrating the musical and cultural diversity of the city of LA.
Ryan Whyman is a seasoned pianist and composer from Los Angeles, and has made a living performing and recording with various artists and ensembles over the last decade. As a composer, he writes regularly for film, TV, and video games. Ryan released his debut album, Fantasies & Memories, in 2019.
Time: 9:30pm.Admission: $15.Age restrictions: No Minors.Address:1623 1/2 N. Cahuenga Blvd.Zoe’s a friend who lives up in Northern California and has a great new album called, “Before the Machine.” I’m excited to play guitar for her for the second time this year at Hotel Cafe. We’re also going to be doing some recording while she’s in town! Her music is in the Americana vibe, with some soulful swamp, and she started her career as an acclaimed journalist and memoirist, so her writing is beautifully textured.Related post.Buy TicketsMore information
Time: 9:30pm.Admission: $20.Age restrictions: No Minors.Address:1623 1/2 N. Cahuenga Blvd.It’s Feef’s record release party and she’s asked me to do a set. She plays at 9:30, I play at 10:30, and her Neil Young tribute band plays at 11:30.Related post.Buy TicketsMore information
Known principally as a Jazz singer, Cheryl’s versatility encompasses many musical genres. Singing in four languages, Cheryl has performed around the world (including sharing the stage with J.J. Johnson, Wynton Marsalis, Quincy Jones, and a guest member spot with the world renowned Clara Ward Singers), and has recorded with a score of respected and beloved artists. Her 16 years of Operatic training have brought her to the stage as a featured soloist with the Denver Symphony Orchestra, the Florida Orchestra and the Lawrence University Orchestra in Appleton, Wisconsin. She has toured extensively throughout South America and the Caribbean, nurturing her love for Samba, Bossa Nova, Salsa and the riches of Latin and Afro-Cuban music. Her tours in Europe and Asia enthralled audiences.
A sought-after vocal clinician conducting numerous workshops and clinics across the U.S., she is also a founding member of the Jazz Vocal Coalition and retains an esteemed musical presence in Los Angeles, having been heard on stages ranging from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s prestigious Friday Jazz Series to the Hollywood Bowl to the Hollywood and Las Vegas branches of the House of Blues.
What sets Cheryl apart from others is her incredible voice, which imbues each word she sings with a beauty and clarity all its own, taking the listener along on an extraordinary journey. She opens her soul through her music and aims to make a direct connection with every listener.
She has created and performed a one woman show on the life of the great singer/dancer/actress Ethel Waters and has produced and participated in numerous recording projects. Her most recent is entitled LISTEN TO THIS. It features a remarkable cast of players including John Beasley, Rahn Coleman(Producer), Brandon Fields, John Hammond, Rickey Minor and, most notably, her husband and esteemed keyboardist/arranger, Phillip Cabasso, M.D.
Cheryl D. Barnes brings a singular warmth and empathy to every line she sings, engaging listeners from a purr to a power belt. Beloved around the world as a captivating live performer, she is one artist not to be missed.
Visit Cheryl’s website for more in-depth reviews and information. www.cheryldbarnes.com
PHILLIP CABASSO….Jazz Piano, Arranger, Composer
Beginning at age 5, Phillip Cabasso began a life long musical journey. Piano lessons, music in school, studying arranging and composition and performing on piano and trombone…all culminating in a 30 year collaboration with his wife, jazz singer Cheryl Barnes. Their group, usually a trio with piano, bass and drums, performs regularly and wows audiences with their precision playing and artful renditions of jazz standards, R and B, Brazilian, as well as original compositions. This career taking place throughout university and medical school studies, and as a respected full time internal medicine physician. He considers himself extremely fortunate to play with some of the greatest musicians in the world, not to mention, to be the musical director for the fabulous Ms Barnes!
Time: 9:30pm.Admission: $15.Age restrictions: No Minors.Address:1623 1/2 N. Cahuenga Blvd.Zoe’s a friend who lives up in Northern California and has a great new album called, “Before the Machine.” I’m excited to play guitar for her for the second time this year at Hotel Cafe. We’re also going to be doing some recording while she’s in town! Her music is in the Americana vibe, with some soulful swamp, and she started her career as an acclaimed journalist and memoirist, so her writing is beautifully textured.Related post.Buy TicketsMore information
Time: 9:30pm.Admission: $20.Age restrictions: No Minors.Address:1623 1/2 N. Cahuenga Blvd.It’s Feef’s record release party and she’s asked me to do a set. She plays at 9:30, I play at 10:30, and her Neil Young tribute band plays at 11:30.Related post.Buy TicketsMore information
Ooh Baby! Songwriters at Play celebrates the music of Smokey Robinson and Aretha Franklin at the High Roller Tiki Lounge in Solvang on Saturday Jan. 13. The concert includes local and touring artists doing such favorites as You Really Got a Hold on Me, Respect, Natural Woman, Tracks of My Tears, and many more. Reserved seats for the 2pm concert are $20, available at my805tix.com
The lineup of performers includes Bay Area balladeers Zoe FitzGerald Carter, Aireene Espiritu, and Jesse Loren Strickman; SoCal singers Pi Jacobs, Jason Luckett, and Jeanne Newhall; Santa Barbara’s Will Breman, and California Valley’s Holly Ann Lewis.
The concert is produced by Songwriters at Play, husband-wife team, Steve Key and Bonnie Nelson-Key. They produced many tributes at SoHo in Santa Barbara, and various venues in the San Luis Obispo. Their events have covered the music of Chuck Berry, Sam Cooke, Leonard Cohen, James Taylor, Carole King, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, and Bob Dylan. They also host monthly song contests at High Roller Tiki Lounge; the winners of their 10-part series will compete for the $1,000 grand prize next April. www.songwritersatplay.com
Ooh Baby! Songwriters at Play celebrates the music of Smokey Robinson and Aretha Franklin at the High Roller Tiki Lounge in Solvang on Saturday Jan. 13. The concert includes local and touring artists doing such favorites as You Really Got a Hold on Me, Respect, Natural Woman, Tracks of My Tears, and many more. Reserved seats for the 2pm concert are $20, available at my805tix.com
The lineup of performers includes Bay Area balladeers Zoe FitzGerald Carter, Aireene Espiritu, and Jesse Loren Strickman; SoCal singers Pi Jacobs, Jason Luckett, and Jeanne Newhall; Santa Barbara’s Will Breman, and California Valley’s Holly Ann Lewis.
The concert is produced by Songwriters at Play, husband-wife team, Steve Key and Bonnie Nelson-Key. They produced many tributes at SoHo in Santa Barbara, and various venues in the San Luis Obispo. Their events have covered the music of Chuck Berry, Sam Cooke, Leonard Cohen, James Taylor, Carole King, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, and Bob Dylan. They also host monthly song contests at High Roller Tiki Lounge; the winners of their 10-part series will compete for the $1,000 grand prize next April. www.songwritersatplay.com
Ooh Baby! Songwriters at Play celebrates the music of Smokey Robinson and Aretha Franklin at CCAT on Sunday Jan. 14. The concert includes local and touring artists doing such favorites as You Really Got a Hold on Me, Respect, Natural Woman, Tracks of My Tears, and many more.
The lineup of performers includes Bay Area balladeers Zoe FitzGerald Carter, Aireene Espiritu, and Jesse Loren Strickman; SoCal singers Pi Jacobs, Jason Luckett, and Jeanne Newhall; Santa Barbara’s Will Breman, and Central Coast artists The Taproots, and Holly Ann Lewis.
Pi Jacobs, Will Breman, and Aireene Espiritu played CCAT in last January’s tribute to Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson. The Taproots and Zoe FitzGerald Carter were in the Nov. 2022 tribute to Joni Mitchell. Jeanne Newhall has played many Songwriters at Play events, including this year’s tribute to Joan Baez. Jason Luckett and Holly Ann Lewis make their CCAT debuts in this show.
The concert is produced by Songwriters at Play, husband-wife team, Steve Key and Bonnie Nelson-Key. Their tributes at CCAT have included the music of James Taylor, Carole King, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, and Bob Dylan. They also host monthly song contests at Schooners in Cayucos; the winners of their 10-part series come to CCAT next April 14. www.songwritersatplay.com
Admission:Reserved seats $25.00 CCA Members: $20.00
Age restrictions:All Ages
Notes:
Ooh Baby! Songwriters at Play celebrates the music of Smokey Robinson and Aretha Franklin at CCAT on Sunday Jan. 14. The concert includes local and touring artists doing such favorites as You Really Got a Hold on Me, Respect, Natural Woman, Tracks of My Tears, and many more.
The lineup of performers includes Bay Area balladeers Zoe FitzGerald Carter, Aireene Espiritu, and Jesse Loren Strickman; SoCal singers Pi Jacobs, Jason Luckett, and Jeanne Newhall; Santa Barbara’s Will Breman, and Central Coast artists The Taproots, and Holly Ann Lewis.
Pi Jacobs, Will Breman, and Aireene Espiritu played CCAT in last January’s tribute to Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson. The Taproots and Zoe FitzGerald Carter were in the Nov. 2022 tribute to Joni Mitchell. Jeanne Newhall has played many Songwriters at Play events, including this year’s tribute to Joan Baez. Jason Luckett and Holly Ann Lewis make their CCAT debuts in this show.
The concert is produced by Songwriters at Play, husband-wife team, Steve Key and Bonnie Nelson-Key. Their tributes at CCAT have included the music of James Taylor, Carole King, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, and Bob Dylan. They also host monthly song contests at Schooners in Cayucos; the winners of their 10-part series come to CCAT next April 14. www.songwritersatplay.com
The first Friday of the month is December 1st, so we’ll be doing The Holiday Edition of First Fridays Jazz Night w/ Jason Luckett & Friends. I’ll be joined by the Brothers Figaro (last time we were on a bill together was last century!!), and Dorothy Coleman Pincus, one of my secret vocal stars!
The Brothers Figaro are Phil Parlapiano and Bill Bonk. These guys made a huge impression on me as young artist when I’d open for them at Molly Malone’s. Their songwriting, singing and musicianship were so energetic and encompassed such a wide variety of sounds that it helped me to believe that so much was possible. I’m thrilled that they are going to bring their Old Time Christmas show to us on the 1st.
And Dorothy Coleman Pincus, has a résumé from Aretha Franklin to Barry Manilow, Stevie Wonder to Tupac Shakur. In fact, California knows how to party, in part, because of her vocals on that legendary collaboration “California Love” by Shakur and Dr. Dre (with Roger Troutman of Zapp fame — anyone ever slow dance to “I Want to be Your Man”? But I digress…). She’s sung with me and recorded over at my studio many times over the past couple decades. I’m going to accompany her on some holiday favorites. She always brings the love! Albeit, this evening, from a jazzier perspective!
So happy to announce that you can now stream the 2022 live album on all the usual streaming music platforms. Please add it and enjoy! Happy Thanksgiving!
The next First Fridays Jazz Night w/Jason Luckett & Friends is on December 1, 2023. It’s the Holiday Edition!
Joining me for the show are the Brothers Figaro Orchestra doing an Old Time Christmas, Dorothy Coleman Pincus bringing her love, my annual holiday revue (after a long hiatus) and hopefully more surprises.
First Fridays Jazz Night w/ Jason Luckett & Friends Friday, December 1, 2023 8-10:30pm (doors: 7:30) Lyd & Mo Photography Studio & Gallery 27 N Mentor Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106
The Brothers Figaro Orchestra Dorothy Coleman Pincus Jason Luckett & more!
Hosted by Jason Luckett Doors: 7:30 Showtime: 8pm
Suggested donation: $20 at the door or online PayPal.me/jasonluckett Venmo: @jasonluckett (100% goes to the musicians).
In Playhouse Village in the heart of Pasadena IG: @firstfridaysjazznight
DETAILS:
Artist:JASON LUCKETT
Jason Luckett Pasadena Residency: First Fridays Jazz Night w/ JL & Friends
Kristi Callan and I know each other through the indie pop music scene and Harry Nilsson fandom. I love close vocal harmonies and at the last Nilsson birthday tribute we got to talking and she told me she was part of a group called the Roswell Sisters. I thought they’d be great addition to our eclectic First Fridays Jazz Night.
Check out this résumé!
A captivating close-harmony group from Los Angeles, modeled loosely on the legendary jazzy New Orleans 30s band the Boswell Sisters, but bringing unexpected, eccentric, and occasionally even glam rock touches to that vintage vocal style. Group leader Justin Tanner has a special gift for arranging songs from the 20s and 30s straight through to originals by Roswells pianist Kristian Hoffman in classic “old tyme” tight, dense harmonies, dazzling in their complexity. Justin (tenor) is a noted Los Angeles playwright (“Zombie Attack,” “Pot Mom,” “Day Drinkers”) and a classically trained pianist. Lisa Jenio (alto), lead singer and songwriter for L.A. pop band Candypants, has also collaborated with the Negro Problem and Ronnie Spector. Kristi Callan uses her varied experience working with a wide range of artists from David Gray to Dave Davies to her own alt-country band, Dime Box and 80s girl group Wednesday Week, to inform her role as the emotive soprano in the group.
The Roswell Sisters are backed by Kristian Hoffman (Ann Magnuson, Prince Poppycock, Rufus Wainwright, Mumps, Klaus Nomi) on piano and Pierre Smith (El Vez, Ann Magnuson, New Marines, Human Hands) on guitar. The response to this young combo has been wildly enthusiastic, and audiences have been transfixed by the gorgeous harmonies the Roswells bring to classic 30s songs like “Shuffle Off to Buffalo” and modern pop gems like the Mumps’ “Just Look, Don’t Touch.”
From their show-stopping version of “42nd Street” to their spectacular original “Imaginary Friend,” the group delivers a mesmerizing performance every time. The Roswells have played eclectic venues all over the greater Los Angeles area and are currently in the studio recording their debut.
Time: 9:30pm.Admission: $15.Age restrictions: No Minors.Address:1623 1/2 N. Cahuenga Blvd.Zoe’s a friend who lives up in Northern California and has a great new album called, “Before the Machine.” I’m excited to play guitar for her for the second time this year at Hotel Cafe. We’re also going to be doing some recording while she’s in town! Her music is in the Americana vibe, with some soulful swamp, and she started her career as an acclaimed journalist and memoirist, so her writing is beautifully textured.Related post.Buy TicketsMore information
Time: 9:30pm.Admission: $20.Age restrictions: No Minors.Address:1623 1/2 N. Cahuenga Blvd.It’s Feef’s record release party and she’s asked me to do a set. She plays at 9:30, I play at 10:30, and her Neil Young tribute band plays at 11:30.Related post.Buy TicketsMore information
