January-FebruaryMarch-AprilMay 2012 2012 2012 Vol.Vol. 27 No. 321 West Michigan azz
www.wmichjazz.orgwww.wmichjazz.org Ann AAllll-V-Volunteerolunteer oOrgrgAaniznizAationtion Society Jazz2012 Musician G ofu thembo Year — Mark Showcase Kahny “ThanksMonday, MomJan.Monday 16 and DadLive…for Music drivingMarch 6:30–8:30 me to piano 19, No seating2012 before 6 pm Thelessons, quartet providing will be lead the byfunds WMJS to studylifetime music, member, listening Chris Bickleyto on saxophones and flute, Mark Kahnyhours ofon keyboard,excruciating Tom practice, Lockwood and on sitting bass, andthrough our 2004 Musician of the year, Tim Froncek on drums.endless Jazz recitals music, and being performances.” the favorite of all of our musical genres, this Gumbo will feature many of the groups’ favorite artists, favorite composers, and favorite selections in an evening titled, “My FavoriteMark Kahny Things”. began playing The the band piano will at age open 6 at histhe great evening grandmother’s with “their” house version of John Coltrane’s classic recordingin Dayton, OH. of Soonthis after,song. he began taking formal private lessons, and at the age of 11 he enrolled in the preparatory department of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music where he remained until embarking on a college career Bachelor of Music degree“My in 1972. Favorite Mom Kahny tells this story: “As a child and adolescent, Mark needed con- stant coaxing to stop practicing piano and go outside to play. He played the piano morning, noon and night! At the age of 9 he Things”borrowed the family library card and walked the 2 miles to the library, returning with stacks of LP’s of Beethoven, Schubert and Rachmaninoff! For hours he would lie on the floor in front of the phonograph and listen.” Mark’s siblings fondly recall the many neighborhood kids Don and Jaclyn Kahny and young Mark that would converge on their house to listen to or take part in the many “garage While in high school, Mark ac- bands” that Mark assembled. Always a tradition, the Kahny house was one con- companied the Oak Hills High School tinuous music party. The current Kahny household still is! concert choir all 4 years and was in considerable demand as an accompa- nist for manyTom of the Lockwood singers, dancers studied at and musical actsBerkeley in the Collegelegendary of “Best music Chris Bickley, a graduate of Oaks Hills”and talent has hisshow. master’s His senior degree of CMU and the Interlochen year in the showin both culminated Woodwind with Perfor his - Arts Academy, has served as own performancemance of and the Composition Mendelssohn from director of jazz at both North- Mark Kahny is originally Tim Froncek is onePiano of the Concerto Western in G Minor,Michigan first University. western Michigan College from Cincinnati, Ohio. Mark regions most sought movement.after He is director of the Kellogg and Central Michigan Uni- studied both Jazz and Clas- performers and educators,While and at theCommunity Conservatory, College he ma jazz- versity. Chris has performed sical piano performance at is always an audience favor- band and is adjunct profes- jored in Classical piano performance with many renowned artists the University of Cincinnati ite. Tim directs and performs sor at Hope, Aquinas and such as Woody Herman, Mel College Conservatory of with the Muskegon based,with minors inGrand organ Valley and art Universities. history. Torme, Louis Belson, and Music. He is one of West “Truth in Jazz Orchestra”Mark studiedBecause four years of underhis versatility, the Jon Faddis. Chris currently Michigan’s most in-demand and the Grand Rapidsdirection Jazz of Georgeskill and ability to perform resides in Traverse City pianists by vocalists and Orchestra. He directsChandler the jazz Mann,exceptionally Herbert Newman well on andalto and is both the founder and combos alike. Equally com- program at Blue LakeJohn Sum Quincy- andBass. tenor His sax, faculty Tom mentors performs director of the Bay Area Big fortable in jazz, cabaret, and mer Festival and givesat theclinics time includedwith many the likeslocal of groups. noted The Band. Chris also founded the solo settings, he has come and lectures on jazz..composer Tim has Scottjazz Huston, group he who co-leads wrote inwith- Bay Area Music Foundation to the forefront as a multi- taught in most everycidental major musicSteve for theTalaga famed and Star Rob Trek Smith, which provides scholarships, faceted keyboardist and universities in the stateTV ofseries… pianists“Mind’s Jean Eye”, Kirstein has performed and instruments and educational vocalist. Mark can be seen Michigan. And not onlyDavid does Bar-Ilan… at the choral Montreux director International, Earl opportunities for gifted and performing in any number he play locally but performsRivers… FrankFord/Detroit, Brown, Jazz Flint/King Studies underprivileged children… of piano bars, music festivals internationally with the Cobra and Lansing (MI) jazz Continued on page 2 “Changing Children’s Lives and juke joints all over Western Jazz Quartet. festivals, and has produced Through Music.”AttendanceWest is Michigan. by reservation only, the form is onfour pa recordings.ge 7. director and celebrated trumpeter for and played for the feeder classes of the Orchestra under Cincinnati native, the Woody Herman Thundering Herd. Cincinnati Ballet Company, both Clas- maestro James Levine in performances Throughout his college years and be- sical and Modern styles. He served with of the monumental “Symphony yond, Mark was an esteemed rehearsal famed modern dance instructor, James of a Thousand” of Gustav Mahler pianist for the CCM School of Dance Truitte, a direct protégé of the Martha and Wagner’s “Lohengrin” and Graham Dance Academy in “Tannhauser”. New York. He also accompanied Mark discovered Jazz in his final two dance classes for CBC director years at CCM and directed his study David McClain, classicist Oleg to the art of improvisation. He played Sabline (from the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo), and Frederick Franklin. Always looking for another musical challenge, Mark aligned his accompanying skills with the Musical Theater department and soon became a highly sought-af- ter rehearsal pianist and cabaret accompanist for many musical theater majors, including the Broadway star, Faith Prince. Mark claims that one of his most enjoyable college highlights was singing Bass II in Mark, the May Festival Chorus along Mark performing with Red Buttons at Soaring Eagle Casino bottom left with the Cincinnati Symphony • May 2012 • JAZZ NOTES many clubs and concerts around the Cincinnati area including the famous Playboy Club, and the renowned Foun- tain Square fixture, Loll 43. He eventu- ally took to the road with the Midwest show group “Cops & Robbers”. After travelling extensively over the next several years, he settled in West Michi- gan in 1982 and was immediately hired into the Amway Grand Plaza house big-band. He played many gigs in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel…. Tootsie’s, Cygnus, then newly constructed Am- bassador Ballroom, Garden Court, and the famed Lumber Baron Room. His nearly 30 year affiliation with Mary Rademacher, 15 of which has been with the Rad Pack, has been a most enduring and rewarding musical project; they still perform extensively today. He has performed with a great many West Michigan notables and appears on recordings of Mary Rademacher Reed, Edye Evans Hyde, and the Boogie Woogie Babies, as New Oorleans Nouveau: Tom Lockwood, Mark Kahny, Mike Van Lente, Tom Hagen, Mike Lutley & Dan well as his own group, New Orleans Jacobs Nouveau, and his solo CD “Universe of Two”. Notable local performances headlining the World Class Jazz Tour, In 2001, Mark and Edye Evans Hyde include the Keller-Kooler music series bringing great Jazz and Cabaret to opened for the late great Ray Charles at at the Fredrik Meijer Gardens and Northern Michigan every Summer. Welsh Auditorium in GR. Mark continues to perform all the diverse and varied musical genres he mastered in college and on the road at a wide array of local clubs, piano bars, juke joints and Summer concert series events. He makes his living by explor- ing his diverse range of performance skills, including pop, cabaret, Jazz, Clas- sical, piano bar, church, wedding and corporate events. Mark is married to WMJS director Donna Kahny and their collective ex- tended family includes five children and nine grand-children. “...Thanks Mom and Dad!”
The Rad Pack: Mike Lutley, Mary Rademacher, Mark Kahny & Tim Johnson
JAZZ NOTES • May 2012 • JAZZ AT THE ZOO - Begins Monday June 4th! In our ongoing work to promote and support our young jazz musicians, We will feature the award winning East Kentwood Jazz Bands, comprised of two bands and a jazz combo with a total of 51 students. Jazz Band 1 is conducted by Jim Ross, Jazz Band 2 by James at the Sawyer. JAZ These students rehearse outside of the school day, at zero hour, 6:30 a.m. four-five days per week. Z Now that’s dedication! Come out and enjoy our early Summer weather and show your support for these young people! It’s going to be another great Summer of Music! Here is the line up: O JUNE O 11 – THE BELTLINE BIG BAND will officially open our regular season in a BIG way 18 – GROUPO AYE 25 – TOM HAGEN QUARTET featuring RICK REUTHER JULY 2 – MARK KAHNY (Musician of the year 2012) will feature THE BOOGIE WOOGIE BABIES For a special U.S.A. tribute! 9 – PETRA VAN NUIS QUINTET featuring guitarist ANDY BROWN 16 – MARY RADEMACHER REED will be singing with the MIDTOWN HORNS 23 – EDYE EVANS HYDE and the TERRY LOWER QUARTET 30 – EVIDENCE and ORQUESTA TRADICION team up for some hot Latin jazz AUGUST 6 – “THE FAMILY” led by NICK AYOUB 13 – our favorite season closer – “THE GRAND RAPIDS JAZZ ORCHESTRA” lead by TIM FRONCEK April Jazz Gumbo Recap….. Well, she did it again! Mary violin. Chris lent an Rademacher Reed has once more air of sophistication managed to re-invent herself as she to the mix with some debuted her new CD “Whoopee” at of the finest fiddle the April edition of the WMJS Jazz playing I’ve heard Gumbo. Roaring 20’s and Gatsby duds outside of DeVos took center stage…. along with her Hall…. or the Paris totally made-over band. I knew we were metro! The subtlety in for a treat from the moment I heard of the Gatsby Medley the opening strains of Benny Good- and his delicate string man’s delicate and delightful “Tempta- descants in “The Man tion Rag”. Mary’s new recording is a I Love” were an inspiring tour de force Maker for successful hand surgery potpourri of classic time-tested tunes to the livelier selections of the evening. only two weeks prior! Elgin’s solid bass from the 20’s and 30’s, prohibition era, Cherie’s rueful reading of “Melancholy added the grounding to the quartet and tin-pan alley, ragtime…. you name it. Baby” was a tear-jerker, wonderfully he showcased some inspired slapping We heard songs from the epic heroes expressed, and a real crowd-pleaser. bass-fiddle solos! Mary’s eye-catching of this era…. Irving Berlin, Al Jolson, The vocal trio of Mary, Tom & Cherie wardrobe was a highlight as she donned Gershwin, Benny Goodman, Elling- sang Ellington’s sensitive and nuanced several period dresses and flapper ton, Cab Calloway, Eubie Blake, the “Mood Indigo” like I’ve never heard regalia, courtesy of the Barb Keller Boswell Sisters and many other notable it before. And I loved Tom’s “Minnie collection! It is always a treat to see and composer/performers. Pianist Tommy the Moocher”, Mary’s “Shimmy Like hear this group in action and they were Hagen and the band looked dapper in My Sister Kate” and the Helen Kane a fine closer to the Jazz Gumbo season. their sleek period-style garb and they classic “I Wanna Be Loved By You” Pick up Mary’s new CD soon and check all played magnificently. Cherie Hagen, …. boop boop be doo! Lutley was out the cover photo…. Mary’s own drums | Mike Lutley, saxes and clari- truly on his game all evening with his mother Pat posing in a pic from the net | Elgin Vines, acoustic bass and tenor/soprano sax and clarinet solos, 30’s! C’est magnifique! Cheers… guest performer Christopher Martin on even taking time to give thanks to his —Mark Kahny • May 2012 • JAZZ NOTES Get Out your Calendars!
GRandJazzFest will be a FREE one-day event on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2012, from noon until 10 p.m., featuring jazz artists who are Michigan-based. It brings together notable jazz perform- ers as well as highlights up-and-coming artists for diverse audiences. GRand- JazzFest is being held at Rosa Parks Circle, a central location in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, where attendees can enjoy music, support local businesses and visit other Grand Rapids attractions. It has collaborated with the West Michigan Jazz Society (WMJS), May 13th-The Grand Lady Riverboat is hosting a Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch. which is the 501(c)3 fiduciary organiza- Tom and Cherie Hagen will provide the music on Sunday from 11 am to 1 pm. tion for the festival. More information The Grand Lady’s new launch site is at the Steamboat Landing near the River- at www.grandjazzfest.org. view Airport, 775 Taylor St., Jenison. Please make your reservations by calling “We hope this new event will be- 616.457.4837, Check out the Lady’s website at www.grandlady.info come a permanent event on the Grand Rapids arts and festivals calendar,” West May 21st, on Monday the Circle Theater will be presenting their Cabaret Michigan Jazz Society President Craig Performance Series this summer with concerts at The Aquinas Performing Arts Benjamin said. “The WMJS Board is Center. To kick off their series, The River City Jazz Ensemble will be presenting proud to be associated with GRand- an entertaining show, “In The Mood”, featuring vocalists Larry Young and Cassan- JazzFest, and we look forward to a long dra Caye. Join us for an evening of fun, 7:00 PM at Aquinas PAC. and successful collaboration in support For more information regarding tickets, etc. please visit: http://circletheatre. of America’s own original art form.” org/custom_content/c_243562_cabaret_performance_series.html March Jazz Gumbo Recap: The March Jazz Gumbo saw the and intimate vocal return of WMJS life-member Chris reading of Jobim’s Bickley to the GR area as he pre- “Corcovado” and sented his musical theme, “My Favorite later in the second Things”, a collection of his favorite set, “My One and tunes, along with his favorite musicians Only Love” set a to help perform them! Mr. Bickley is an romantic tone that exceptional and versatile multi-instru- enticed the danc- mentalist who performed on tenor, alto ers. Second set and soprano saxes as well as flute…. included some de- and the exotic alto flute. Chris was sup- lightful but rarely past Gumbo. Tim’s ever tasteful and ported by the very capable keyboardist/ played gems…. Pat Metheny’s “James” bombastic, almost “tribal” drum solos vocalist Mark Kahny, Tim Froncek on and Gerry Niewood’s legendary “Joy”. punctuated the night’s performance. drums & antics, and Tom Lockwood Without as much as a single rehearsal Tom’s bass was the glue that held it all on acoustic bass. The first set estab- these polished musicians fed off each together, along with some very inspired lished the tone for the evening with two musical idea presented with introspect bass solos. This thrilling evening of Coltrane classics, “My Favorite Things” and swagger and they clearly enjoyed timeless Jazz “favorites” and camarade- and “Impressions”. A tilt toward the being in each other’s company on stage. rie came to a conclusion with a rousing more contemporary genre featured Chris displayed unparalleled virtuosity ovation lévité! Spyro Gyra’s “Shaker Song” and Chick and mastery of his instruments that Corea’s “Spain”. Mark Kahny’s earthy rarely, if ever has been presented at a JAZZ NOTES • May 2012 • SUPPORT membership Lifetime LIVE MUSIC! Tom Winchell Patron Randy Marsh FOUNDERS, 235 Grandville Ave SW Frank Bozek @ HOPCAT Jazz Jam 25 Ionia SW, (616) 776-2182) David & Anne Lise Whitescarver Sundays, 7–10:30 pm (616.451.4677) 1st & 3rd Sundays each month feature (sit ins encouraged to join 2nd set) the GR Jazz Orchestra Donor MAY 6 - Terry Lower & Sam Weber Mike & Jan Bennett MAY 13 - Matt Clifford NOTOS, 28th St (616-493-6686) John & Sharon Cromartie & Paul Lesinski Every Wednesday 7–10 Jack & Pat Krause MAY 20 - Robin Connell Tom Hagen Trio featuring Rick John & Linda Ranney & Matt Brewer Reuther John Townsend & Janet Solberg Ronald Vierheilig MAY 19 - First United Methodist WHAT NOT INN, Bob & Barbara Vos Church w/ Robin Connell, M 89, Fennville (269.543.3341) Renewals Paul & Matt Brewer Saturday 7pm–11pm David & Janice Bailey & Sunday 6pm-10pm Monte & Nanci Czuhai Mary Rademacher Reed May 5 - Entyce Rafael Diaz (maryrad.com) May 6 - Dr. John & Christy John & Jan Heerspink MAY 26 - Debut with the May 12 - Mary Rademacher Marilyn Holmes Lazy Blue Tunas & Mark Kahny Bob & Shirley Kirk @ MARN E. WALKERS May 13 - Christy & Velvet Jim & Joyce Rogers 4422 Rememberence Rd NW May 26 - Mike Raleigh Jim & Terri Sloma & The Blue Stars Bob Porter Edye Evans Hyde May 27 - Mark Kahny New (edyeevanshyde.com) & Bob Thompson Matt Boon MAY 31 w/ and Terry Lower Every Monday Night Jazz Jam Warren Butler @ CLARA’S ON THE RIVER in & Open Mic Night James Craig Battle Creek. Glenn Eberhardt OTTAWA TAVERN,151 John & Jan English Ottawa Ave @ Pearl Lee Engstrom & Jim Bleeker Mark Kahny - (616.451.8000) Wed.&Thurs 6-9pm, Jeanne Farrer (markkahny.blogspot.com) Fri-Sat 8-12 pm Doug Hannink & Jocelyn Shaw @ SHEPARD’S GRILL & May 4 - Fred Knapp Becky & Ken Hershberger TAVERN, 6246 28th St. SE, 7-11 w/ the Ben Jansson Quartet Curtis & Constance Jones (616.350.9604) Thurs 7-10, Fri & May 12 - Fred Knapp Karl & Jane Killman Sat 8-11 MAY 4, 5, 11, 18 w/ the Jake Reichbart Trio Kerry Kupers & Lorna Powell MAY 26 @ PORTO BELLO, May 19 - Libby York w/ Mark Kahny Jackie Middleton & Leo Boot Grand Haven May 25 - Randy Marsh Irving Miller w/ the Paul Vornhagen Quartet Jerry Nelson & Carol Dykema MANGIAMOS 1033 Lake Dr. Herman & Kathleen Saettler SE Wed-Sat 7-10pm GILLY’S @ THE B.O.B. Peg TenHoopen MAY 2, 10 - Greg Miller John VanDenBerg 20 Monroe NW MAY 3, 17, 23, 30 - Mark Kahny Gene & Barbara VanDongen (616.356.2000) 6:30-9:30pm MAY 4, 12 - Robin Connell Thursday’s are Jazz Nights MAY 5, 19, 31- Bob VanStee & Kathy La Mar MAY 9, 24 - Bill Davidson MAY 10, 25 - Greg Miller MAY 11, 16 - Steve Talaga SUPPORT MAY 18 - Nick Ayoub LIVE MUSIC! • May 2012 • JAZZ NOTES WMJS Annual Musician of the Year Banquet Honoring Mark Kahny
Dinner Choices Mediterranean Salmon— Grilled Atlantic salmon with pesto cream sauce, served with Mediterranean hash of artichoke hearts, Yukon roasted potatoes, Roma tomatoes, and kalamata olives. Slow Roasted Pot Roast— Thursday, May 24 House made braised pot roast with wild mushroom sauce. Watermark Country Club Napoleon Vegetables— 5500 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 Vegetarian Entrée-Grilled Cash Bar Opens at 6:00 PM Portobello mushroom with roasted vegetables, goat cheese Plated Dinner Served at 6:30 PM puree of Yukon Gold mashed Awards Presentation Music & Dancing potatoes served in a pool of roasted wild mushroom sauce $30 per person and garnished with truffled Reservations only, required by Thursday May 17 diced tomatoes.
The Band Members- All Prior Musicians of the Year—Dick Reynolds–(2009) keyboard, Tim Froncek–(2004) drums, Elgin Vines–(2005) bass, Tom Hagen–(2007) guitar and clarinet Reservation Form for Mark Kahny, Musician of the Year Banquet, May 24 Name Phone No. of reservations x $30 = Tables of 8. Please list names in your group; if reserving table in your name, include yourself. For parties less than 8, list who you wish to be seated with you.
Your plated entrée selection (indicate number of each) must be made at this time (Deadline, Thursday, May 17).
____ Mediterranean Salmon Mail to: 4144 Bulrush NW Questions? ____ Slow Roasted Pot Roast Grand Rapids, MI 49534 Call Dona at (616) 735- 4744, Make check payable to: or email at: ____ Napoleon Vegetables West Michigan Jazz Society [email protected] JAZZ NOTES • May 2012 • WestWest Michigan Michigan Jazz Jazz Society Society Board Board Members Members Board Meeting: Tues., May 29, 7 pm at Watermark Grill %RDUG0HHWLQJ 7XHV6HSWSPDW*UHDW/DNHV6WHDN+RXVH Craig Benjamin - President...... 233-9829 &UDLJ%HQMDPLQ3UHVLGHQW John Miller - Vice President...... 949-7633 SeptemberMay 2012 2011 -RKQ0LOOHU9LFH3UHVLGHQW Articles, photos and comments are welcome! Send Dona Raymer - Executive Manager....735-4744 $UWLFOHVSKRWRVDQGFRPPHQWVDUHZHOFRPH6HQG 'RQD5D\PHU([HFXWLYH0DQDJHU before the 15th of the month to: Mary Rademacher...... 822-1592 Jim Reed...... 942-0239 EHIRUHWKHWKRIWKHPRQWKWR 0DU\5DGHPDFKHU -LP5HHG Jazz Notes co-editors Marilyn Tyree...... 363-7322 Darryl Hofstra...... 648-5489 0DULO\Q7\UHH 'DUU\O+RIVWUD Donna Kahny-D]]1RWHV(GLWRU%HWW\)RUUHVW at [email protected] or 745-5962 Pete Proli...... 866-0147 James Sawyer...... 460-4433 [email protected]#KRWPDLOFRP or (616) 735-4744 Jack3HWH3UROL Morrison...... 949-6339 Donna-DPHV6DZ\HU Kahny...... 745-5962 RU Barb-DFN0RUULVRQ Keller...... 949-7633 Candice'RQQD.DKQ\ Cullen...... 970-3607 Information from another publication used in JAZZ %DUE.HOOHU ,QIRUPDWLRQIURPDQRWKHUSXEOLFDWLRQXVHGLQ-$==NOTES approved by the publisher and credited. Address and e-mail changes: Dona Raymer at 735-4744 or [email protected] 127(6DSSURYHGE\WKHSXEOLVKHUDQGFUHGLWHG Address and e-mail changes:'RQD5D\PHUDWRUGRQDPUD\PHU#JPDLOFRP JAZZ NOTES is the -$==127(6LVVHQWWR Student $10 newsletter for members Student $10 ® ofDOOPHPEHUVRIWKH:HVW the West Michigan Single $25 ® NameName ______Jazz0LFKLJDQ-D]]6RFLHW\WR Society. Single $25 LQIRUPPHPEHUVRIDUHD CoupleCouple $35 ® YourMD]]DQGWRSURPRWHMD]] contributions are tax deductible. Donor $50 ® AddressAddress ______LQJHQHUDO Donor $50 JAZZ NOTES Staff: Donna PatronPatron $100 ® Kahny, Consulting)RUUHVW LLC *UDQG5DSLGV0, Grand Rapids MI 49534 MI Rapids Grand 4144 Bulrush NW Bulrush 4144 %XOUXVK1: Society Society PERMIT #953 PERMIT azz azz GRAND RAPIDS, MI RAPIDS, GRAND Michigan Michigan PERMIT NO. 953 NO. PERMIT P A I D I A P GRAND RAPIDS, MI. RAPIDS, GRAND est est W W U.S. POSTAGE U.S. PAID ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE U.S. NON-PROFIT NON-PROFIT ORG. NON-PROFIT