Opening the Folly Jazz Series on Friday, September 18th, is the Bobby Watson Quartet, featuring Curtis Lundy. A saxophonist, composer, arranger and educator, Bobby Watson has collaborated and worked with some of the world’s best jazz artists, including a stint as the musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. Watson and his Quartet, featuring bassist Lundy are known for their intelligent, sensitive and well-thought out music, which has contributed to the modern-day jazz lexicon.
The Julian Lage Trio performs on Saturday, November 21st. They are an improvising ensemble featuring electric guitar, acoustic bass and drums. Playing original music as well as standards of the American jazz and folk traditions, the Trio draws influence from modern jazz guitar hero Jim Hall as well as operating as sonic laboratory for exploring the integration of acoustic and electric instruments in an improvising context.
Celebrate the holidays on Friday, December 18th, when the Folly presents the David Benoit Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown with special guest Jane Monheit. For three decades, GRAMMY® award winning pianist, composer and arranger, David Benoit has reigned supreme as one of the founding fathers of contemporary jazz. Benoit collaborated with Jane Monheit, a lyrical cool-toned chanteuse who was a finalist in the Thelonious Monk International Vocalist Competition. Together, they create a beautiful Christmas Jazz Program that is a tribute to Charlie Brown!
This years “Spotlight Artist”, Alicia Olatuja, performs with her quintet on Friday, March 11th. Although still making a name for herself, Alicia Olatuja has performed at the 2013 Presidential Inauguration, and with acclaimed bassist Christian McBride. With her strong, lustrous tone, the native of St. Louis has a voice that has been described as “breathtaking” by those who have heard her perform. This will be her first performance in Kansas City.
On Saturday, April 9th, the Christian McBride Trio returns to the Folly stage. It is not simply his abundant virtuosity that has made Christian McBride the most in-demand bassist of his generation, but also the fact that McBride consistently combines his deft musicianship with an innate ability to communicate his enthusiasm to an audience – a warm showmanship that transforms his own passion into infectious joy.
For the final concert of this year’s Jazz Series, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Irvin Mayfield with the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra will perform on Saturday, May 21st. Dee Dee’s new release features the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra under the Musical direction of Irvin Mayfield, and was recorded in celebration of New Orleans and its Resilience in rebuilding after Katrina. Dee Dee’s career started in the early 70’s as lead vocalist for Thad Jones- Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, and through the years, has become a three-time Grammy® Award winner, as well as a Tony Award-winning stage actress, singer-songwriter.
Don’t miss “JazzTalk” at 7pm with local celebrity interviewers and the artist. Performances begin at 8pm.
Historic Folly Theater, 300 West 12th Street in downtown Kansas City, Missouri Single tickets are now on sale for all performances.
For additional information, contact Folly Theater at 816‐474‐4444 or www.follytheater.org
–Brittney McGinley
