Please join us on Sunday May 13 when Avonova presents Macy Blackman and the Mighty Fines.  The show starts at 4 PM and price of admission is set at $10.  The band consists of Nancy Wright and Ken “Snakebite” Jacobs on saxophones, Jack Dorsey on Drums and Bing Nathan on bass.

Veteran pianist, vocalist and bandleader Macy Blackman has been toiling in the trenches of music his entire life.  Forming his first band while still in high school in the Philly area, he as been performing and touring ever since.  He has been based variously in New York and San Francisco, has a music degree from NYU and has taught music at UC Berkeley.  Mainly, he has acquired his groove and reputation from tireless performing with the best in the business.

The Mighty Fines bring together 5 musicians who know their way around Jazz, Blues, R & B and New Orleans style.  They swing, rock and make dancing imperative.  We think you will enjoy partying with Macy and the Mighty Fines.

Please join us on Saturday, May 12 when Avonova presents vocalist Clara Bellino in concert.  The show starts at 8 PM and the donation is set at $20 or  $15 for 12 and under or 65 and older.  Clara will be joined by  Greg Sankovich on keyboards, Lincoln Adler on Sax, Mike Rinta on trombone, Ken Harrill on guitar, Aaron Germain on bass and Greg Errico on drums.

Clara Bellino  was born in Paris and grew up in a small village of the French Alps. She studied classical piano and guitar in a conservatory where she wrote some of her first songs. “I wanted to perform my own music and in France I felt as if I was stuck. The choices were to become a pop variety artist, or to play classical or jazz.” She moved to California when she was 17, took music classes at Foothill College, started her first group, and played bass in a reggae band. Since 1992 she has worked in many films and commercials, and she has had extensive voiceover work, but music has always been her main passion.  Clara recorded her first solo CD, Flying Monkey and in 2005 she recorded “Come And Stay With Me” for a compilation album (Juxtamusician) put out by a label from Austin, Texas.  The single was also included in her next CD, Embarcadero Love.

Clara Bellino is a delightful singer/songwriter who has an attractive voice, a way with words, and a knack for writing catchable melodies. Her CD, This Is Happiness – Hand In Hand, is notable in a few ways. Her song “This Is Happiness” is quite infectious and will have listeners singing along. “Hand In Hand” is a previously unrecorded song by the legendary Bobby Sharp (best known for “Unchain My Heart”) that has Clara duetting with the 87-year old songwriter. In addition, the enhanced CD has fun videos of both of the songs plus a documentary that is a discussion with Bobby Sharp about his life. Give this CD a listen and a look!”       Scott Yanow, Jazz Journalist and Author

The Johnny Harper show has been cancelled and the date has not been rescheduled.

Johnny Harper & Carnival is a hot new band made up of seasoned pro’s, mixing exciting original songwriting with classic R&B styles and grooves.  The group’s repertoire covers a wide range of blues, soul, funk, and rock’n’roll styles, with a strong emphasis on the spicy sounds and funky rhythms of New Orleans.

You’ll hear compelling lyrics and catchy choruses, gospel-tinged 3-part vocal harmonies, smokin’ guitar and keyboard solos, an irresistibly cooking rhythm section, and surprising, tight arrangements. You’ll hear lots of infectious, instantly memorable new songs – some powerful and passionate, some light-hearted, funny, and just plain fun, and some which strike a spiritual note and speak to issues we all face in our complex and troubled time.  You’ll also hear fresh, lively versions of vintage New Orleans R&B gems by the likes of Dr. John, the Meters/ Neville Brothers, Allen Toussaint, Lee Dorsey, and Huey “Piano” Smith…  and a classic or two from the songbook of The Band.  This is music to reach the heart and the mind, to rock your body if you feel like dancing! – and  also to lift the spirit.
This group continues the fine work singer-guitarist-songwriter Johnny Harper has done with his earlier bands and in solo concerts, here in northern California, over a period of some 30 years.  Johnny has also lived and performed in New Orleans, and has appeared with Louisiana music legends like Willie Tee, Ernie K-Doe, Katie Webster, Joe Krown, Queen Ida, Michael Doucet, and (Dirty Dozen Brass Band founder-sousaphonist) Kirk Joseph.  He has toured as lead guitarist with Maria Muldaur, has worked for 12 years with folk-blues-jazz legend Barbara Dane  and has performed and recorded with many other prominent Bay Area musicians including Kathy Kallick, Laurie Lewis, Bobby Black, Tony Marcus, and Charlie Musselwhite.  Band members David Sobel (keys, vocals) and Patrick McKenna (bass, vocals) are veterans of many well-known local groups, and the band’s exciting drummer Cedric Lee has been known for many years in the Oakland gospel music scene.

Please join us on Sunday April 22 when Avonova presents singer Rocio Guitard.  The show starts at 4 PM and the donation is set at $15, or $10 for under 12 or over 65.  Rocio and her quintet will bring an eclectic mix of Jazz with a pinch of Pop, Latin, and Soul to Avonova. They will perform a mix of selections from her current album, “JazzDance,” and some of their favorite Jazz Standards with arrangements that will move your body and stir your soul.

Vocalist Rocio Guitard is a classically trained export from the European jazz scene. Dubbed “breathlessly agile, wonderful, and brilliant” by the German press, she moved to the Bay Area in 1998 to expand her musical horizons. Since her arrival she has recorded 3 solo albums, had guest appearances on numerous recordings, freelanced with several Bay Area groups in multiple genres (Jazz, Soul/R&B, Salsa, and Pop/Rock), become a highly demanded studio session vocalist/arranger/producer, and built one of the most successful voice training studios in the Bay Area. She is currently promoting her latest CD, “JazzDance,” which is generating a strong buzz on national radio airplay. Rocio is not afraid to take risks, and is inspired by any chance to make a leap of creative musical association. Not attached to outcome, she does naturally what the best improvisational musicians strive for – create music out of spontaneity of thought, context, melody/rhythm, and emotion. “Rocio Guitard is an extremely creative and exciting vocalist on the jazz scene today. Her innovative arrangements and wide spectrum of expression stand heads above the army of typical jazz interpreters.” -Jeffrey Wood, Fantasy Studios

Greg Sankovich (keyboards) has studied with the finest jazz and latin pianists and educators in the San Francisco area including Al Zulaica, Mark Levine, and Art Lande. He lived in Tokyo for over ten years, performing with a long list of top Japanese artists. Greg has contributed his sound to an eclectic range of musical talent from jazz to R&B, hiphop to pop. He has performed and recorded music on over 25 record labels, and has produced music for TV, radio, and film. Currently, Greg performs regularly in the SF Bay Area with Rocio Guitard, his 6+ year jazz-funk project Times 4, and many other musically diverse freelance projects.

Lincoln Adler (sax) developed his sound playing in Bay Area bands and refined his abilities at the University of California, Berkeley as a member of the UC Jazz Ensembles. He studied with some great teachers, including legendary saxophonist Joe Henderson and local hero Hal Stein. In Los Angeles he became an in-demand session player and composer/producer for TV and film. He released five albums  under his own name as well as one with the L.A. based Rain-bo Tribe, and three with Times 4. Lincoln has performed and recorded with many artists including actor/pianist Jeff Goldblum, The Jets, kd lang, and Olivia Newton John.  Lincoln is also a member of jazz-funk group Times 4, including multiple appearances at both Yoshi’s Nightspots.

Carlos Almeida (drums) is an experienced musician and bandleader in his own right, seasoned by years of performing locally and abroad. He has toured Europe with the Mike Cohen Sextet, as well as recorded with the Black Tie Jazz Orchestra for the movie “Swing”. His bands have opened for Natalie Cole and Tony Bennett. He has also been drumming for the legendary Carol Channing.

Jerry Burdick (bass) has over 20 years of experience as a professional musician. He’s played everything from R&B, Rock, and Country, to Blues, Disco, Latin, and Jazz. Currently he can be heard performing with Rocio Guitard, Hip Affair, Silicon Vibe, Jazz By Design, and a number of small jazz ensembles throughout the Bay Area.

Please join us on Saturday April 21 when vocalists Julie Cohn and Felice York present their Tribute to  Shirley Horn and Charlie Parker.  The show starts at 8 PM and the donation at the door is $15 – 18 sliding scale.  They will be joined by special guests Adam Blankman and J Allen Taylor.  Musical accompaniment will include pianist Walter Bankovitch, bassists Seward McCain and drummer John Hains

Please join us on Sunday, April 15 when Avonova presents Lou-Lou and the Gypsy Jivers.  The show starts at 3 PM and the donation is a sliding scale, $12 – $20.  Composed of guitarist Louis “Lou Lou” Matthee, Joe Kyle Jr. on bass, Tom Griesser on sax, and Ralph Carney,  the group  takes music lovers on a musical and geographical journey through South Africa. Music lovers will first visit a swinging 60′s Soweto township shebeen (pub) as in “De Makeba” or a Ghoema (the traditional Cape Town style of music)-inspired celebration in “New Year’s in Cape Town.” Then they will see a majestic giraffe swaying and galloping along to the groove in “Geris Gallop.” Throughout the entire experience, music lovers will have a front seat beside the gypsy musician as he travels from town to town, playing a nomadic travel diary of sound throughout South Africa.

While growing up in South Africa, Lou Lou was surrounded by the eclectic tapestry of sounds in South Africa. As a Gypsy Jazz instructor, soloist and rhythm expert, Lou Lou has performed at Iceland DjangoFest, DjangoFest Northwest, and many other concert events across the United States. Early on, Lou Lou recognized that South African Jazz and Gypsy Jazz have the same lively, bustling energy. Sensing a unique challenge and opportunity to do something fresh, Lou Lou led the band to forge this vivacious vintage sound at Myles Boisen Studios in Oakland using 16-track analog tape. Lou Lou and the Gypsy Jivers recommend playing this music loud with dancing shoes on, as the rhythms and sounds are simply infectious!

Please join us on Saturday, April 14 when Avonova presents the Resonance Jazz Ensemble and their Spring Concert.  The show starts at 8 PM and the donation is $10

This singularly unique jazz octet is the only one in the Bay area with this kind of unusual instrumentation. The octet performs various original standards by Steve McQuarry, Bandleader, and includes deliciously creative arrangements of jazz standards, pop music and classical favorites with woodwinds, strings and a rhythm section that includes piano, double-bass and drums.

Coupling jazz and classical musicians, this ensemble captivates its audiences with their lush sound of winds and strings punctuated by driving rhythms and improvised solos!

Members of Resonance Jazz have a collectively rich history of performing with legendary artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Louie Bellson, Clare Fischer, Dave Anderson Quartet, Terrence Brewer, Joe Lovano, Jethro Tull, Oakland Jazz Choir, Mingus Amungus, Gloria Estefan, as well as the Marin and Berkeley Symphonies, Woodminster Theatre Orchestra, and the California Pops Orchestra.

Please join us on Saturday, March 24 when Avonova presents vocalist Tomas Jay.  The show starts at 8 PM and the admission is $10.  He will be accompanied by The Benny Watson Trio. His program will include a mixture of jazz infused contemporary music comprised of originals, new arrangements of jazz standards and pop/ soul classics.
San Francisco based vocalist Tomas Jay has a voice that can be described as soulful and virtuosic. Tomas Jay is also a composer, lyricist, and arranger. Tomas invokes through song the ability to make you “feel” the emotional journey of each performance as a listener. Tomas approaches the lyric from an honest improvisatory perspective driven from personal experience relatable to all. Tomas Jay quotes, “I am no musician’s musician. I am a musician for the people”. Tomas is an alumni of the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music and The San Francisco School of the Performing Arts. Tomas has performed a wide range of musical styles such as Gospel, Jazz, R&B/ Soul, Pop classics, Musical Theatre, and even Classical. Tomas performances has ranged from tribute to the late great Max Roach as part of the San Francisco Jazz Festival, “On top of the hill” Jazz Festival sponsored by 91.1 KCSM the Bay area Jazz station, A featured solo performance on a PBS special broadcast by WBGH which aired nationwide, a performance with the Boston Pops, Thomas A. Dorsey Gospel Jubilee in Boston, House of Blues in Cambridge, 13th Annual Bayard Rustin Breakfast at the JFK library and Museum, KGO’s annual “Cure a thon 2008″ for Leukemia to name a few. Tomas continues to perform at various venues throughout the east and west coast. Music to Tomas is a form of Healing.

Please join us on Saturday, March 17 at 8 PM when Avonova presents vocalist and composer Molly Holm.  The show starts at 8 PM and the donation is set at $22.  She will be joined by Frank Martin, piano; Jeff Chambers, acoustic bass; Deszon Claiborne, drums and Melecio Magdaluyo, saxophones and flute.

Molly Holm is an unconventional singer and composer who blends jazz, improvisation, and North Indian Raga, reflecting her studies with master vocalist Pandit Pran Nath. For eight years plus, Molly was a key member of Bobby McFerrin’s original Voicestra, a group that toured internationally with numerous television appearances and recordings. She has also performed with minimalist composer Terry Riley (Khayal); tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain (Rapt, No Strings); choreographer June Watanabe (E.O. 9066); and the avant-garde George Coates Performance Works (Actual Sho). Molly has been strongly influenced by African-American Roots Music vocalist, Linda Tillery, through collaborations on multiple ensemble projects (Voicestra, SoVoSó, Vocal Front, Jukebox). More recently, her compositions for Marcus Gardley’s multi-racial plays, Love is A Dream House in Lorin and This World In a Womanʼs Hands, garnered outstanding reviews. Other credits include writing the lyrics to saxophonist George Brooks’ composition, The Light Never Leaves Your Eyes, which Molly recorded on his CD, Night Spinner.

Molly’s own solo CD, Permission—produced by pianist/arranger Frank Martin and scheduled for release this year—is infused with the creative talents of drummer Famoudou Don Moye, saxophonist Larry Schneider, and bassist Jeff Chambers, as well as special guests Wayne Wallace, Bill Bell, Eddie Marshall, Deszon Claiborne, Marc van Wageningen, Paul van Wageningen, Antonia Minnecola and David Frazier.

Please note that the Holly Near show on Sunday, March 11 has been sold out and there are no seats available.

Join Holly Near and her musicians for an Open Rehearsal in preparation for the recording of a new CD.  Observe the creative process as well as hear the new music of one of the most talented social change artists in our peace and justice community.  

Holly Near is a unique combination of entertainer, teacher, and activist. An immense vocal talent, Near’s career as a singer has been defined by an unwillingness to separate her passion for music from her passion for human dignity. She is a skilled performer and an outspoken ambassador for peace who brings to the stage an integration of world consciousness, spiritual discovery, and theatricality.