First Fridays Jazz Night

FFJN 3/1/24 Casey Lipka & Tres Acústicos

Casey Lipka with bass

Marcel Camargo introduced me to Casey Lipka, who will bring her new group, Casey Lipka & Tres Acústicos, to FFJN on March 1. Marcel is one of the Tres. And, though Casey is singing backed by the three nylon stringed guitars, she’ll play a bit of bass with me on my set!

Singer-songwriter and LA Native, Casey Lipka (@caseylipka) has toured as a bassist with rock band CAKE, played on NPR’s Mountain Stage, composed music for ballet and fronted an 18-piece orchestra celebrating the music of Motown legends Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. She’s been described as “an amalgam of pop, folk, and jazz wrapped in a neo-classical vibe, where her ethereal sound exudes both vulnerability and strength.” The guitarists joining her, in addition to Marcel, are Nadav Peled (@peled.guitar) and Dusty Brough (@dustybrough).

JASON LUCKETT  

Date City Venue
First Fridays Jazz with Jason Luckett and Friends Residency
Friday, 05/03/24 Pasadena, CA Lyd & Mo Photography
Time: 8:00pm. Admission: $20 suggested donation. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 27 N Mentor Ave.
Featured Artists:
Jennifer Leigh Warren w/Jason Luckett
Danny Moynahan Trio
Jason Luckett
Related post. Buy Tickets
Short Appearances
Sunday, 05/12/24 Santa Monica Ruskin Group Theatre Co.
Time: 7:00pm. Admission: $20. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 3000 Airport Avenue. Venue phone: (310) 397-3244.

Library Girl Presents: It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding). Deluxe Mother’s Day Night show! Inspired by a Dylan song, not a Dylan tribute! Featuring readings by Karen Croner, Jeff Greenstein, Stephanie Barbé Hammer, Anna Goodman Herrick, O-Lan Jones, Darrell Larson and Maggie Sennish. Featuring music by Jason Luckett. Ruskin Group Theatre, 3000 Airport Ave, Santa Monica 90405. $20 includes dessert and free parking. Get tickets NOW at ruskingrouptheatre.com – Click See a Show and look for Library Girl icon. Cover Photo: Cow Girl from Rite of Passage by Tom Chambers. Library Girl, now in its 15th year, created and curated by Susan Hayden

Related post. Buy Tickets
Sunday, 06/02/24 Burbank, CA The Victory Theatre Center
Time: 7:30pm. Admission: $10. Age restrictions: All Ages. Box office: 818.841.4404. Using the title of a classic stage play or movie as inspiration, storytellers and poets write poems and stories to be read aloud. Writers may pen a personal story inspired by the themes of the play. They may write in the voice of a character from the play and tell his or her back story. Or they may simply riff on the words in the title. Whatever the writer’s approach, BACKSTORY has consistently been a fascinating and eclectic night of theatre. This month the play is “The Color Purple.” Related post. Buy Tickets
First Fridays Jazz with Jason Luckett and Friends Residency
Friday, 06/07/24 Pasadena, CA Lyd & Mo Photography
Time: 8:00pm. Admission: $20 suggested donation. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 27 N Mentor Ave.
Featured Artists:
Alison Lewis
TBA
Jason Luckett
Buy Tickets
Friday, 07/05/24 Pasadena, CA Lyd & Mo Photography
Time: 8:00pm. Admission: $20 suggested donation. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 27 N Mentor Ave.
Featured Artists:
Katie Ferrara
TBA
Jason Luckett
Buy Tickets

Subscribe: RSS | iCal

-->
Posted in Blog, First Fridays Jazz Night

FFJN 3/1/24: Marcel Camargo

Marcel Camargo

Marcel Camargo (@marcelcamargomusic) is a Brazilian guitarist, who’s spent a lot of time as Michael Bublé’s guitarist. He’s an incredible composer and arranger, as well. Recently, he was on tour with Brazilian Legend, Arthur Verocai. (FFJN alum Marcelo Bucater played drums on that tour!) He’s also worked with diverse artists from Herb AlpertSérgio Mendes, and Bebel Gilberto to Tom Harrell and Miguel Atwood-Ferguson to Macy GrayInara George, and Jason Mraz

I met Marcel in the 90s when he was playing a lot with Gretchen Parlato, while both were students at UCLA. When I started this series, he was one of the first people I wanted on it, so I’m so happy that he’s finally able to do it.

JASON LUCKETT  

Date City Venue
First Fridays Jazz with Jason Luckett and Friends Residency
Friday, 05/03/24 Pasadena, CA Lyd & Mo Photography
Time: 8:00pm. Admission: $20 suggested donation. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 27 N Mentor Ave.
Featured Artists:
Jennifer Leigh Warren w/Jason Luckett
Danny Moynahan Trio
Jason Luckett
Related post. Buy Tickets
Short Appearances
Sunday, 05/12/24 Santa Monica Ruskin Group Theatre Co.
Time: 7:00pm. Admission: $20. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 3000 Airport Avenue. Venue phone: (310) 397-3244.

Library Girl Presents: It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding). Deluxe Mother’s Day Night show! Inspired by a Dylan song, not a Dylan tribute! Featuring readings by Karen Croner, Jeff Greenstein, Stephanie Barbé Hammer, Anna Goodman Herrick, O-Lan Jones, Darrell Larson and Maggie Sennish. Featuring music by Jason Luckett. Ruskin Group Theatre, 3000 Airport Ave, Santa Monica 90405. $20 includes dessert and free parking. Get tickets NOW at ruskingrouptheatre.com – Click See a Show and look for Library Girl icon. Cover Photo: Cow Girl from Rite of Passage by Tom Chambers. Library Girl, now in its 15th year, created and curated by Susan Hayden

Related post. Buy Tickets
Sunday, 06/02/24 Burbank, CA The Victory Theatre Center
Time: 7:30pm. Admission: $10. Age restrictions: All Ages. Box office: 818.841.4404. Using the title of a classic stage play or movie as inspiration, storytellers and poets write poems and stories to be read aloud. Writers may pen a personal story inspired by the themes of the play. They may write in the voice of a character from the play and tell his or her back story. Or they may simply riff on the words in the title. Whatever the writer’s approach, BACKSTORY has consistently been a fascinating and eclectic night of theatre. This month the play is “The Color Purple.” Related post. Buy Tickets
First Fridays Jazz with Jason Luckett and Friends Residency
Friday, 06/07/24 Pasadena, CA Lyd & Mo Photography
Time: 8:00pm. Admission: $20 suggested donation. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 27 N Mentor Ave.
Featured Artists:
Alison Lewis
TBA
Jason Luckett
Buy Tickets
Friday, 07/05/24 Pasadena, CA Lyd & Mo Photography
Time: 8:00pm. Admission: $20 suggested donation. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 27 N Mentor Ave.
Featured Artists:
Katie Ferrara
TBA
Jason Luckett
Buy Tickets

Subscribe: RSS | iCal

-->
Tagged with:
Posted in Blog, First Fridays Jazz Night

FFJN 1/5/24: Megan Shung & Ryan Whyman

Photo of Megan and Ryan

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.

JASON LUCKETT  

Date City Venue
First Fridays Jazz with Jason Luckett and Friends Residency
Friday, 05/03/24 Pasadena, CA Lyd & Mo Photography
Time: 8:00pm. Admission: $20 suggested donation. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 27 N Mentor Ave.
Featured Artists:
Jennifer Leigh Warren w/Jason Luckett
Danny Moynahan Trio
Jason Luckett
Related post. Buy Tickets
Short Appearances
Sunday, 05/12/24 Santa Monica Ruskin Group Theatre Co.
Time: 7:00pm. Admission: $20. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 3000 Airport Avenue. Venue phone: (310) 397-3244.

Library Girl Presents: It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding). Deluxe Mother’s Day Night show! Inspired by a Dylan song, not a Dylan tribute! Featuring readings by Karen Croner, Jeff Greenstein, Stephanie Barbé Hammer, Anna Goodman Herrick, O-Lan Jones, Darrell Larson and Maggie Sennish. Featuring music by Jason Luckett. Ruskin Group Theatre, 3000 Airport Ave, Santa Monica 90405. $20 includes dessert and free parking. Get tickets NOW at ruskingrouptheatre.com – Click See a Show and look for Library Girl icon. Cover Photo: Cow Girl from Rite of Passage by Tom Chambers. Library Girl, now in its 15th year, created and curated by Susan Hayden

Related post. Buy Tickets
Sunday, 06/02/24 Burbank, CA The Victory Theatre Center
Time: 7:30pm. Admission: $10. Age restrictions: All Ages. Box office: 818.841.4404. Using the title of a classic stage play or movie as inspiration, storytellers and poets write poems and stories to be read aloud. Writers may pen a personal story inspired by the themes of the play. They may write in the voice of a character from the play and tell his or her back story. Or they may simply riff on the words in the title. Whatever the writer’s approach, BACKSTORY has consistently been a fascinating and eclectic night of theatre. This month the play is “The Color Purple.” Related post. Buy Tickets
First Fridays Jazz with Jason Luckett and Friends Residency
Friday, 06/07/24 Pasadena, CA Lyd & Mo Photography
Time: 8:00pm. Admission: $20 suggested donation. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 27 N Mentor Ave.
Featured Artists:
Alison Lewis
TBA
Jason Luckett
Buy Tickets
Friday, 07/05/24 Pasadena, CA Lyd & Mo Photography
Time: 8:00pm. Admission: $20 suggested donation. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 27 N Mentor Ave.
Featured Artists:
Katie Ferrara
TBA
Jason Luckett
Buy Tickets

Subscribe: RSS | iCal

-->
Tagged with: ,
Posted in First Fridays Jazz Night

FFJN 1/5/24: Cheryl Barnes & Phil Cabasso

CHERYL D. BARNES,  SINGER

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!

JASON LUCKETT  

Date City Venue
First Fridays Jazz with Jason Luckett and Friends Residency
Friday, 05/03/24 Pasadena, CA Lyd & Mo Photography
Time: 8:00pm. Admission: $20 suggested donation. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 27 N Mentor Ave.
Featured Artists:
Jennifer Leigh Warren w/Jason Luckett
Danny Moynahan Trio
Jason Luckett
Related post. Buy Tickets
Short Appearances
Sunday, 05/12/24 Santa Monica Ruskin Group Theatre Co.
Time: 7:00pm. Admission: $20. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 3000 Airport Avenue. Venue phone: (310) 397-3244.

Library Girl Presents: It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding). Deluxe Mother’s Day Night show! Inspired by a Dylan song, not a Dylan tribute! Featuring readings by Karen Croner, Jeff Greenstein, Stephanie Barbé Hammer, Anna Goodman Herrick, O-Lan Jones, Darrell Larson and Maggie Sennish. Featuring music by Jason Luckett. Ruskin Group Theatre, 3000 Airport Ave, Santa Monica 90405. $20 includes dessert and free parking. Get tickets NOW at ruskingrouptheatre.com – Click See a Show and look for Library Girl icon. Cover Photo: Cow Girl from Rite of Passage by Tom Chambers. Library Girl, now in its 15th year, created and curated by Susan Hayden

Related post. Buy Tickets
Sunday, 06/02/24 Burbank, CA The Victory Theatre Center
Time: 7:30pm. Admission: $10. Age restrictions: All Ages. Box office: 818.841.4404. Using the title of a classic stage play or movie as inspiration, storytellers and poets write poems and stories to be read aloud. Writers may pen a personal story inspired by the themes of the play. They may write in the voice of a character from the play and tell his or her back story. Or they may simply riff on the words in the title. Whatever the writer’s approach, BACKSTORY has consistently been a fascinating and eclectic night of theatre. This month the play is “The Color Purple.” Related post. Buy Tickets
First Fridays Jazz with Jason Luckett and Friends Residency
Friday, 06/07/24 Pasadena, CA Lyd & Mo Photography
Time: 8:00pm. Admission: $20 suggested donation. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 27 N Mentor Ave.
Featured Artists:
Alison Lewis
TBA
Jason Luckett
Buy Tickets
Friday, 07/05/24 Pasadena, CA Lyd & Mo Photography
Time: 8:00pm. Admission: $20 suggested donation. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 27 N Mentor Ave.
Featured Artists:
Katie Ferrara
TBA
Jason Luckett
Buy Tickets

Subscribe: RSS | iCal

-->
Tagged with: ,
Posted in First Fridays Jazz Night