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Jazz Jamm Concerts in the Bayview Room at the Mahaffey Theater

Friday, March 21 “Songs In The Key of Love” Rose Bilal Jazz Quintet

featuring

Henry Ashwood, Jr., alto

John Lamb, bass

Kenny Drew, Jr., keyboards

John Jenkins, drums

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February 29, 2008 – 7:30 PM
The Stein Brothers Quintet – “Jersey Jazz” – Asher on alto and big brother Alex on tenor saxophone, the Stein brothers will simply blow you away. Visiting the Tampa Bay area for the very first time, both Asher and Alex are listed in the top twenty of the best young jazz musicians in New Jersey. Joining the Steins will be Kenny Drew Jr. on piano along will be the formidable former Duke Ellington Band member John Lamb on Bass. Assisting in keeping time in this musical adventure will be top Tampa Bay area drummer Tom Carabasi. For you jazz fans, this will surely be an evening you’ll remember for a long, long time. Make your plans to attend this special event - - NOW!

January 18, 2008 – 7:30 PM

The Valerie Gillespie Ensemble
“Ladies’ Night”

Back by Popular Demand!
You’ve got to hear and see her to believe what fans are saying about this multi-talented jazz musician…and vocalist, no less!


Contributing their own extraordinary talents are
Rick Steuart on keyboards and Joe Renda on drums.

Considered by many to be “heavyweights” in the jazz world,
they both play with high-energy and are known to serve the audience continuously with large doses of exciting jazz.

Mark your calendar for an eventful evening of
the best jazz in the Tampa Bay area!

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December 7, 2007 – 7: 30PM

Thomas Carabasi Jazz Quintet

“Jazz In The Present Tense”

Led by Carabasi, considered to be one of the most creative drummers in the Tampa Bay area, this group of musicians are considered to be the jazz elite.

Patrick Bettison on keyboards and harmonica will make evident why he is considered to be the most talented jazz musician in the area;

Perry Childs on alto saxophone
is a master at straight-ahead uptempo tunes or ballads.

LaRue Nicholson brings his special style of guitar playing and is a perfect match for Billy Pillucere, bassist extraordinaire.

Together this is a jazz band that will give you a complete serving of the best in jazz! Note the date of this concert as one you don’t want to miss!

“ A Tribute to Ray Brown & Ella Fitzgerald”

featuring bassist Tom “T-Bone” Hamilton and vocalist Marilyn Freemon.

Hamilton’s bass playing is described as dynamic and entertaining,

while Freemon’s vocal expertise enables her to gracefully handle all styles of music from Gospel to R&B and Jazz.

Lending a hand in this full of life tribute are versatile guitarist

Dan Harris,electrifying keyboardist Mike Aloia,

and the big sounds of drummer Ken Loomer.

You don’t want to miss this concert!

THE JOSÉ VALENTINO-RUIZ JAZZ QUARTET
Friday, April 20, 2007, 7:30PM
Award winning, 19-year old "Flute on Fire" phenomenon
José Valentino-Ruiz performs his broad repertoire of
Latin, funk, and classical jazz, accompanied by a quartet
that includes Alfredo Rodriquez on guitar,
Mauricio Gonzalez on bass, and Tito Ruiz on percussion.

April 19 – The Dan McMillion “High Octane” Jazz Band

CD Release Concert2002 “Grammy-Award” nominee and SeaBreeze recording artist Dan McMillion brings his newest (8-piece) band “HIGH OCTANE” into the Side-Door Jazz Room on April 19.

Playing tunes from their latest CD “high Octane”, these talented jazz musicians will also play tunes from the Ellington, Basie, Kenton and Ferguson songbooks. This is another concert that you do not want to miss!

In addition to the bands’ newest CD “High Octane”, the “Grammy” nominated Dan McMillion Jazz Orchestra CD will be available for purchase.

“SIDE DOOR JAZZ EVENT”

In

The Stavros Room

At

The Palladium Theater

253 Fifth Ave., N

St. Petersburg, FL

Rick Gee’s Jazz Jamm, Inc.

Presents

The Music of Your Life Quintet

Featuring

Lorri Hafer

***

Thursday, September 7, 2006 – 7:30 pm

Vocalist Lorri, husband Mike, piano and son Paul Hafer, bass make up the core of the group. Lorri is a one-of-a-kind singer. She has toured with the Glenn Miller Orchestra and Les Brown’s Band of Renown. Her quintet performs from a selection of the best of the Great American Songbook.

Rich Hall, tenor saxophone

Lyle Warner, drums

****

Admission: $20.00

Tickets & Info available at The PALLADIUM: (727) 822-3590

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Rick Gee’s Jazz Jamm, Inc. presents its final “Jazz at Saffron’s” concert for the season. . Don’t miss this one; it’s going to be “off the hook”.

Jazz at Saffron’s

featuring

Michael Cerone

and

Theo Valentin & Friends

Sunday, July 16, 2006

Concert Begins: 4 p.m. Cover Charge: $20.00

Saffron’s Caribbean Restaurant

1700 Park Street, North

St. Petersburg, FL 33710

For reservations, call: (727) 343-5410

About the musicians:

Michael Cerone is a musician’s vocalist, who entertains in the “jazz tradition”. Drawing from a myriad of musical influences, Cerone touches his audience personally with his treatment of beautiful, and swinging tunes from Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, Ellington, Jobim, and other great songwriters.

Theo Valentin’s voice thrills, as she draws the audience into the fun and excitement she brings to the stage.

Rita Wilson delights all who hear her sing in her sweet and rangy style, current, pop, and jazz standards.

Richard Jackson is the “Man with the ‘Black Velvet’ voice”, and he can do it all vocally. His sound is like no other!

Kevin Wilder on keyboard creates the perfect musical canvas, suited to each performer’s unique style.

Dennis Mones will be at the drums complimenting the ensemble of vocalists with impeccable rhythmic taste and energy.

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Saffron’s Restaurant offer Rick Gee’s Jazz Event Dinner Specials.

Good Food, Good People & Great Jazz!

JAZZ AT SAFFRON’S
presents
The Music of Your Life Quintet
featuring Lorri Hafer

Sunday: June 25, 2006 Cover: $20.00 3 PM

“The Music of Your Life Quintet” features vocalist Lorri Hafer, husband Mike Hafer, keyboards, and son Paul Hafer, bass. The quintet performs a strong selection of the best of the Great American Songbook, including the music of composers such as George Gershwin and Harry Warren, the swinging songs of the Big Band Era, and loving tributes to great singers like Judy Garland and Billie Holiday. Completing the quintet are Lyle Warner on drums, and Rich Hall playing tenor saxophone.

Come out and join us for a relaxed afternoon of Good Food, Good People & Great Jazz! Drinks & food specials are offered by Saffron’s Caribbean Restaurant. Full bar is available. RSVP: (727) 345-6400.
Or contact: Rick Gee's Jazz Jamm: (727) 866-1844.
- - - - - -
Saffron’s Caribbean Restaurant
1700 Park Street, North
St. Petersburg, Fl 33710

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Jazz at Saffron’s

Featuring
The Dan McMillion Jazz Quintet

Sunday: May 21, 2006 Donation: $20.00 Concert Starts: 3 PM

Good Food, Good People & Great Jazz!

Saffron’s Caribbean Restaurant
1700 Park Street, North
St. Petersburg, FL 33710

Jazz fans! This is going to be a swinging concert – So, be there!

This is the fourth concert of our six-concert season and could very well be titled “Return of the Woody Herman Herd” since piano player Richard Drexler and trumpet player/leader Dan McMillion are Woody Herman alumni. Add to this dynamic duo the fantastic sound of David Moss on tenor, Terry Plumeri on bass, and Glen Bush keeping swing-time on drums you’ve got a winner. These experienced and well-seasoned ‘Lions of Jazz’ will be playing hard-swinging music, including jazz standards you know very well, promising to leave you breathless and exhilarated.

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Jazz Concert Series At Saffron's Caribbean Restaurant

Thomas (Tom) Carabasi is bringing his very swinging samba jazz quintet into Saffron's on April 23, 2006. Joining Tom in this dynamite group are Patrick Bettison, piano, Billy Pillucere, bass, Alvon Griffin, percussion, and Perry Childs, saxophones.

Rick Gee's Jazz Jamm
presents
Jazz At Saffron's
featuring
The Thomas Carabasi Samba Jazz Quintet

Sunday: April 23, 2006 3 PM

Donation: $20

Good Food, Good People & Great Jazz!

Saffron's Caribbean Restaurant
1700 Park Street, N
St. Petersburg, FL 33710
For information call: (727) 343-5410
or Rick Gee: (727) 866-1844
www.rickgeesjazzjamm.com

ABOUT THE MUSICIAN
Tom has performed and recorded with most of the major jazz musicians in the area, including Nathan Page, Michael Royal, Kenny Soderblum Richard Drexler, Michael Ross Quartet, and Kenny Drew, Jr. He has also done guest performances with the Florida Orchestra (with Manfredo Fest), the Clayton Brothers, Stefon Harris, David "Fathead" Newman and John LaPorta.

Coming into Saffron's, Tom's group will be playing an assortment of Brazilian and jazz standards which you are sure to enjoy. Tom has traveled to Brazil to study the harmonies of bossa nova and the rhythms of samba and "olodum". He has been performing this beautiful mixture of jazz and Brazilian music regularly in the Tampa Bay area.

SEE YOU AT THE CONCERT!

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JAZZ IN THE PARK
Sunday, April 2, 12 - 5 pm
.... at Phillippi Estate Park,
5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

Featuring Mike MacArthur Quartet,
Rose Bilal Quartet,
Jose Valentino's Latin Band,
Andy Jaffe Quartet,
Bobb Tess and the Dixie Chaps.

Bring blankets and chairs.
Food and drink available for purchase; no coolers please.
Tickets: $5; Children under 12 Free.

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Good Food, Good People & Great Jazz!
Rick Gee's Jazz Jamm
presents
JAZZ AT SAFFRON'S
featuring
"Master of the Tenor Saxophone"
The Mike MacArthur Jazz Band



On March 19, 2006 the Mike MacArthur Jazz Band will appear in concert at Saffron's Caribbean Restaurant, St. Petersburg, FL. MacArthur took the tenor sax chair on Maynard Ferguson's Big Bop Nouveau Band in 1998, and toured the world for two years before going out on his own. His solo career has led to two CDs (Paradise Point and Deal Me In) and gigs with Diane Schur, Richard Smith, Jeff Kashiwa, Rick Derringer, Mary Wilson & The Supremees, Roger Waters (Pink Floyd) and many, many more.
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Saffron's Caribbean Restaurant
1700 Park Street, N
St. Petersburg, FL 33710
(727) 343-5410

Sunday: March 19, 2006 3:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Concert Only: $20 Concert & Dinner: $30

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The Palladium Theater and Rick Gee's Jazz Jamm, Inc.
present a
Side Door Jazz Concert
featuring
Songs from "The Sinatra Era"
As sung by: Michael Cerone

Treating you to a magical night of best-loved songs of the one and only Frank Sinatra,
and joined by Special Guests
Theo Valentin, Richard Jackson, Rita Wilson, and Kevin Wilder

When: Thursday, March 9, 2006
Time: 7:30 - 10 pm
Place: The Palladium Theater
253 Fifth Avenue, North
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Donation: $20
Box Office: (727) 822-3590
www.Palladiumtheater.com

The following are a group of uniquely talented musicians. Most of them have performed together for more than 10 years. When in concert this extremely versatile collection of musicians demonstrates their love and devotion to their craft. The assortment and mixture of musical talent blends collectively into one self-contained unit that makes music magic.

Michael Cerone – a vocalist with the sound of Sinatra and the stage presence of Tony Bennett. Cerone delivers a song with words so distinct that you can actually understand what he is singing, so unlike a lot of vocalists out there today. Michael Cerone does not follow the leader but does his own thing in a way this humble, and touches everyone that takes time to listen. Cerone actually demonstrates to his audience that less is more. Originally, Cerone hails from Harlem, NY and the South Bronx. He attended the New York High School of Performing Arts, where he acquired a strong foundation for the music that he sings and loves. One of his unforgettable experiences is being a student of the well-known voice instructor Leola Carter, at the same time she was instructing the ever popular Tony Williams and Herbie Reed of the famous Platters singing group.

Theo Valentin – is the personality and fire of this group of fine performers. She enjoys entertaining and draws the audience into the fun and excitement demonstrated on stage. Her blues and heart wrenching ballads are what her audiences’ request most, while her jazz sets are that of a “Great Songstress”. Theo has been a diva her entire life, however, she has never known it…but it is obvious to all who have seen her perform that she is unconditionally just that …a Diva!

Rita Wilson – as the old saying goes, “Good things come in small packages” truly hits the mark when describing Rita’s talents and persona. Having been born and raised in the “Big Apple”, where competitive artistry abounds, obviously contributed to her musical skills and overall readiness. Audiences’ often compare her high-pitch vocal tones to other popular artists, but she owns a unique style that commands attention and admiration. This classy and charming lady delights all who witness her on stage, and she consistently delivers a pure and professional performance for band members and patrons. Your first encounter with Rita in concert will be a sheer delight and memorable event.

Richard Jackson – How does one unveil or introduce a talent of this magnitude? Do you count 5…4…3…2…1…Lift off! This very humble man does it all. Richard can sing, period! He sings the high notes, low notes, scats, and improvises. You name it, he can do it. Uniquely talented, Richard has a mesmerizing flavor that astonishes audiences. He will render you speechless after routinely singing “Happy Birthday”. Mr. Jackson has an awesome flair for elaborating on a theme, and whether he’s singing jazz standards or R&B, Richard truly magnifies an already escalating experience.

Kevin Wilder – is a musical mastermind, interpreting songs to suit the performer. He plays keyboard and keyboard bass for the vocalists. With his left hand playing bass and his right playing chords to move your soul, Kevin contributes a wide range of styles of music from traditional jazz to the blues, R& B, Funk and pop. Kevin’s’ talent is unsurpassed as he arranges and composes on the spot, providing the instrumentation that enables us to soar beyond expectations. Kevin has worked with such artists as Branford Marsalis, Kirk Whalum, Roy Ayers, John Clayton and many others. It is to these wonderful musicians that he attributes his continued growth as a musician. However, it is from the education received from his parents that he has learned to be more importantly, an honest and loving human being.

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Tribute to Lillette Jenkins-Wisner

February 16, 2006

PALLADIUM AND RICK GEE’S JAZZ JAMM, INC.
TO HOST TRIBUTE CONCERT TO LILLETTE JENKINS-WISNER

St. Petersburg, FL – The Palladium Theater and Rick Gee’s Jazz Jamm, Inc. will

present a Jazz Tribute and Standing Ovation concert to internationally renowned concert

pianist and vocalist, Lillette Jenkins-Wisner, on Thursday, February 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Ms. Jenkins-Wisner has been entertaining devoted fans around the world, including the

Tampa Bay area for close to three-quarters of a century. This tribute is an opportunity for

friends and fellow musicians to demonstrate their appreciation for her efforts in “Keeping

Jazz Alive” and her many other contributions to the Jazz and Religious communities.

Honoring Ms. Jenkins-Wisner with their musical performances at the Tribute will

be many of her jazz friends, including: Arbra Tawwab, Katt Hefner, Andy Foertsch, Henry

Ashwood, Jr., Lori Hafer, Mike Hafer, Paul Hafer, Rose Bilal, Ed Walker, John Tschirhart,

Scott Murley, Michael Cerone, John Lamb, the Al Secen Jazz Workshop, Stan Hunter,

Vincent Sims, Karen Benjey, Ron Gregg, and many more.

Tickets are $20 General Admission and are available at the Palladium Box Office, 727.822.3590, or on-line at

www.palladiumtheater.com.

Ms. Jenkins-Wisner was initially trained as a classical pianist, but subsequently

developed and maintained a strong interest in gospel, ragtime and traditional Jazz. At the

age of 82 years, she continues to meet a demanding schedule of concerts, shows, around-

the-world cruises and club performances. She has performed in concert at Carnegie Hall,

the Lorraine Hansberry Concert Series, European Jazz Festivals, in addition to numerous

concerts up and down the Gulf Coast, and has affiliated her music with the Jazz Club of

Sarasota.

“This Jazz Tribute is part two of a three-part tribute series with the Palladium

Theater and Rick Gee’s Jazz Jamm, Inc.,” said Rick Gee, President of Rick Gee’s Jazz

Jamm, Inc. “It is an honor to be able to demonstrate our sincere appreciation and

recognize the above and beyond efforts made by these special musicians to “Keep Jazz

Alive”. Former Duke Ellington jazz bassist John Lamb was honored last December 2005,

and on Saturday, March 18, 2006, a tribute to the Manzy Harris/Rey Davis Bands will be held.

The Palladium Theater is a state-of-the-art venue located in downtown St.

Petersburg at Fifth Avenue, North & Third Street, North.

For more information, contact the

Palladium Theater, 727-822-3590.

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Tribute to John Lamb
December 8, 2005

Contact: Mark Spano
Executive Director, Palladium Theater
727-822-2590, Ext. 5#

For Immediate Release

PALLADIUM AND RICK GEE’S JAZZ JAMM TO
HOST TRIBUTE CONCERT TO JOHN LAMB

St. Petersburg, FL – The Palladium Theater and Rick Gee’s JazzJamm will present a jazz tribute and standing ovation concert to former Duke Ellington jazz bassist, John Lamb, on Thursday, December 8 at 7:30 p.m. Lamb, who has entertained audiences in the Tampa Bay area for more than 30 years, will be honored by friends and fellow musicians Pepper & Fine Thyme, Ernie Calhoun, Kenny Drew, Jr., the Lorri Hafer Group, Henry Ashwood, Jr., Stan Hunter, the Nate Najar Trio, Ron Gregg, Lillette Jenkins-Wisner, Rose Bilal and Buster Cooper. Tickets are $12 - $18 and are available at the Palladium Box Office, 727-822-3590, or on-line at www.palladiumtheater.com.

Lamb, whose extensive and impressive musical career has been focused in jazz for many years, plays a number of instruments, but at most times he plays string bass. He is at home with classical music or jazz in any format including Swing, Traditional, Bebop or Dixieland. Lamb resided in Boston, Massachusetts for a brief period and in 1952, he and the famous jazz pianist Red Garland performed as a jazz duo. During his tenure with Garland, he had the opportunity to sit-in and play with such jazz notables as Count Basie and Miles Davis. In 1964, he joined the legendary jazz artist Duke Ellington’s Orchestra where he played along side such outstanding jazz artists as Sam Woodyard and Louis Bellsom.

“This extraordinary jazz offering is part one of a three-part tribute series with the Palladium Theater and Rick Gee’s JazzJamm,” said Mark Spano, the theater’s executive director. “We’re honored to be part of this amazing program and we know our audiences will be delighted with the event.” Also featured in the series is a tribute to Lillette Jenkins-Wisner on Thursday, February 16, and a tribute to the Manzy Harris/Rey Davis bands on Saturday, March 18.
The Palladium Theater is a state-of-the-art venue located in downtown St. Petersburg at Fifth Avenue North & Third Street North. For more information, contact the Palladium Theater, 727-822-3590.

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The Palladium Theater and Rick Gee's Jazz Jamm present

Monthly Side Door Cabaret Jam Session
featuring
The Hamilton Harris Project

with SPECIAL GUEST PIANIST
Maurice Fontaine

Friday November 18th, 2005
- Stavros Great Room -
3rd Street - North Entrance
"Cabaret Setting" - Free Buffet & Cash Bar
7 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Jazz Fans Meet & Greet
7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Jazz Concert: The HHP
8:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. - "Spoken Word" Kenneth Casebier
8:45 p.m. - 11 p.m. "JAM SESSION"

Free Admission: All Jazz Musicians & Vocalists Who Come To Jam!
Doors Open: 7 p.m. - General Admission: $20.00
The Palladium Theater
253 Fifth Avenue, North
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Box Office: (727) 822-3590
www.palladiumtheater.com

Click HERE for a PDF Flier of the SideDoor Gig

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The Palladium Theater and Rick Gee's Jazz Jamm present

Monthly Side Door Cabaret Jam Session
featuring
The Hamilton Harris Project

with SPECIAL GUEST VOCALIST FROM NEW ORLEANS
SAMIRAH EVANS

Thursday October 13th, 2005
- Stavros Great Room -
3rd Street - North Entrance
"Cabaret Setting" - Free Buffet & Cash Bar
7 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Jazz Fans Meet & Greet
7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Jazz Concert: The HHP
8:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. - "Spoken Word" Wes Springer
8:45 p.m. - 11 p.m. "JAM SESSION"

Free Admission: All Jazz Musicians & Vocalists Who Come To Jam!
Doors Open: 7 p.m. - General Admission: $20.00
The Palladium Theater
253 Fifth Avenue, North
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Box Office: (727) 822-3590

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