Performing Arts Guide-Jazz, Swing & Big Band

Oct 2 RITZ JAZZ JAMM WITH KIM WATERS The model handsome, soft-spoken and charismatic saxman has built a solid career giving his fans what they want, along the way garnering praise from critics and fans alike and becoming one of the top five best-selling instrumentalists in jazz. 7 & 10 pm, Ritz Theatre and LaVilla Museum, 632-5555, www.ritzlavilla.org

Oct 11 at 7:30 pm DR. MICHAEL BOVENZI, saxophone A UNF faculty recital. Free. UNF Recital Hall, 620-2878, www.unf.edu/coas/music/calendar.html

Oct 14- 15 AMERICAN FUSION The journey begins with some down-home cookin’ and home-spun music. Copland gets the dance going with music from Rodeo. Still’s pioneering work gives a symphonic dimension to the blues, inspired by Dunbar’s dialectic poems. Gershwin incorporates a wealth of blues and jazz idioms into Porgy and Bess, which is considered his finest work. Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, 354-5547, www.jaxsymphony.org

Oct 16 at 7:30 pm JOHN RICCI IN CONCERT JU’s Artist in Residence and winner of the Independent Music Awards, saxophonist John Ricci will perform arrangements by famous jazz composers. He will also perform some of his own original pieces, accompanied by some of the best jazz performers in the region. JU Terry Concert Hall, 256-7345, www.ju.edu/programs/music/events.aspx

Oct 21 at 7:30 pm SCOTTY BARNHART IN A TRIBUTE TO COUNT BASIE J.B. Scott, conductor/artistic director. UNF Robinson Theatre, 620-2878, www.unf.edu/coas/music/calendar.html

Oct 23 at 8 pm AHMAD JAMAL A true-blue American Jazz master/musical legend with six decades of musical validity and still counting. Ritz Theatre and LaVilla Museum, 632-5555, www.ritzlavilla.org

Nov 6 RITZ JAZZ JAMM WITH GERALD VEASLEY World-renowned contemporary jazz bassist, radio host and instructor. 7 & 10 pm. Ritz Theatre and LaVilla Museum, 632-5555, www.ritzlavilla.org.

Nov 12- 13 THE MOTOWN EXPERIENCE This is a versatile quartet radiating the essence of Motown– the soulful sounds, smooth harmonies, suave steps, and of course, the cool-looking suits. Groove to the greatest hits of the Four Tops, the Temptations, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles and more. Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, 354-5547, www.jaxsymphony.org

Nov 17 at 7:30 pm JAZZ IN THE BLACK BOX The event will celebrate the ultimate art of musical communication by small chamber jazz groups, featuring student & faculty jazz ensembles. JU P-19 Studio Theater, 256-7345, www.ju.edu/programs/music/events.aspx

Nov 20- 21 DAVIS & DOW COOL YULE husband and wife duo Julie Davis and Kelly Dow bring to life their unique interpretations of some of your favorite holiday classics along with other tunes. Cool Yule is presented with hot rhythm and sweet grace. Thrasher-Horne Center, Orange Park, 276-6750, www.thcenter.org

Nov 23 JAZZ NIGHT AT DASOTA WITH LAVILLA
Douglas Anderson School Of The Arts, www.da-arts.org

Dec 4 RITZ JAZZ JAMM Artist to be determined. Ritz Theatre and LaVilla Museum, 632-5555, www.ritzlavilla.org.

Dec 5 at 8 pm PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND Under the auspices of current director, Ben Jaffe, Preservation Hall continues with a deep reverence and consciousness of its greatest attributes in the modern day as a venue, band, and record label. Church of the Good Shepherd, 389-6222, www.riversidefinearts.org

Dec 5 at 7 pm UNF JAZZ ENSEMBLE I CHRISTMAS CONCERT J.B. Scott, director. The Plantation at Ponte Vedra, 543-7532, www.unf.edu/coas/music/calendar.html

Dec 31 at 8:30 pm TOAST! TO THE NEW YEAR! Celebrate with music by everyone’s favorite local band, your Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. Start with a concert of great tunes to strike up the festivities and stick around for dancing and live jazz in the Times-Union Center. Stay for the fireworks, or make your way home in plenty of time to watch the ball drop. Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, 354-5547, www.jaxsymphony.org

Jan 22 at 8 pm DRUMLINE LIVE This versatile group of musicians and dancers brings an explosive energy and athleticism to an eclectic mix of sounds. Equally at home with the hottest contemporary hip hop, R&B, classic Motown tunes and the rousing sounds of the great brass tradition, Drumline Live shares the American Marching Band experience with a wider audience. Times-Union Center, Moran Theater, 632-3373 or 1-888-860-BWAY, www.artistseriesjax.org

Jan 27 at 7:30 pm GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA Led by musical director Larry O’Brien, the band remains devoted to the Miller sound, interpreting such standards as ‘String of Pearls,’ ‘Tuxedo Junction,’ ‘Little Brown Jug,’ and of course ‘Pennsylvania 6-5000.’ Wilson Center for the Arts, 632-3373 or 1-888-860-BWAY, www.artistseriesjax.org

Feb 1 at Noon KOGER/MATTESON JAZZ FESTIVAL Dr. Clarence Hines, director. Free. UNF Lazzara Hall, 620-2878, www.unf.edu/coas/music/calendar.html

Feb 3 at 7:30 pm JOHN PIZZARELLI IN A TRIBUTE TO DUKE ELLINGTON Presented by the 23rd Annual Great American Jazz Series. J.B. Scott, conductor / artistic director. UNF Robinson Theater, 620-2878, www.unf.edu/coas/music/calendar.html

Feb 11- 12 VALENTINE’S ROMANCE Often compared to Harry Connick, Jr. and Michael Bublé, singer, pianist and composer Tony DeSare brings his signature sound to the best American pop music from Harold Arlen to Chuck Berry to Prince. He’s got a style all his own with his refreshing interpretations of songs like ‘They Can’t Take That Away From Me’, ‘You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To,’ and ‘Kiss.’ Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, 354-5547, www.jaxsymphony.org

Feb 12 at 7 pm UNF JAZZ ENSEMBLE 1 VALENTINE’S DANCE The Plantation at Ponte Vedra, 543-7532, www.unf.edu/coas/music/calendar.html