Special to Independent Newsmedia
The Nash, a home for live jazz in downtown Phoenix, has a number of new events scheduled in May.
Since its opening in 2012, The Nash has grown to present more than 300 events annually including jazz performances, jam sessions and educational programs. Events feature students, local and regional musicians, and national and internationally acclaimed jazz artists.
The Nash is located at 110 E. Roosevelt St.
First Friday: Corner Pocket: 7 p.m. Thursday, May 2
Corner Pocket presents a time remembered of the Bill Evans trio, along with Evans’ later works that included the many horn players with whom he worked. Chris Ross (bass), Adam Roberts (saxophone), Dave Henning (piano) and Ryan Anthony (drums) will perform many of the Evans compositions which set the precedent for trio interplay. The free concert coincides with First Friday attractions on Roosevelt Row.
Greg Abate Quartet: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4
Jazz saxophonist, flutist and composer Greg Abate performs 225 days a year around the world. His latest solo release, “Magic Dance,” with Kenny Barron, Dezron Douglas and Johnathan Blake, was on the JazzWeek Charts at No. 1 for seven weeks. Band features Abate (sax/flute), Nick Manson (piano), Dwight Kilian (bass) and Arthur Vint (drums). Tickets: $32-39.
The Nash Education Jazz Showcase: 6 p.m. Sunday, May 5
The Nash Education Showcase Concert celebrates the end of the semester and beginning of summer. Nash students are excited to perform music they've been working on all semester. The Nash Futures 1 & 2: 6-6:45 p.m.; The Nash DivAZ: 7-7:45 p.m.; The Nash Legacy Ensembles: 8-9 p.m. Tickets: $10, $5 for students.
South Mountain Community College Latin Jazz Band with Carmela Ramirez: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 7
South Mountain Latin Jazz Big Band has been under the direction of Eddie Gaona for 12 years. The band focuses on Latin jazz and salsa with rhythms out of Cuba and Puerto Rico fused with Jazz. South Mountain Latin Big Band will have special guest Carmela Ramirez singing. She leads a nine-piece Latin jazz-salsa band. Tickets: $5-15.
Stan Sorenson and M +M = Montgomery & Metheny: 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 10
Stan Sorenson and his group will feature the music of Wes Montgomery and Pat Metheny, plus a few surprises. During Sorenson’s performances blend be-bop, Latin, rock, reggae and today’s contemporary jazz. Band features Sorenson (guitar), Beth Lederman (piano), Sean Brogan (bass) and Buddy Banks (drums). Tickets: $27-35.
“Sinatra My Way Mother's Day Matinee” with Andrew Walesch and His Orchestra: 3 p.m. Sunday, May 12
Singer and pianist Andrew Walesch leads his 10-piece all-star big band for his own jazz-bent Sinatra revue. Tickets: $37-45
Arsen Nalbandian Trio CD release: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18
The local jazz piano trio features Kenji Wagner on bass and Micah Miranda on drums and will perform original arrangements of Great American Songbook standards from their latest album “In Depth,” which will be on all streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp on May 18. CDs also be available at the show. Tickets: $27-35.
Francine Reed with Dennis Rowland: 3 p.m. Sunday, May 19
Hot Dogs & Jazz is a great opportunity for children and families to enjoy a fun program about jazz. Free admission, although reserving seats through thenash.org website is recommended.
Gibson/Holt/Nash Instrumental Jam Session: 8 p.m. every Tuesday
Each Tuesday saxophonist Clark Gibson and bassist Corcoran Holt join forces to present a different kind of jam session. The first set will feature these two performing with a different supporting cast each week. The second set will be open to musicians looking for an opportunity to sit in and play some jazz with a high level of experience and musicianship. Tickets: $5-10.