Still "Time" & Place for Jazz in Philly

Hi Friends!

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of spending a few hours at Time, a combination restaurant, whiskey bar and tap room, and Bohemian Absinthe Lounge (yes, you read that correctly--Absinthe).  This sophisticated yet casual restaurant and bar touts on its website the spot's uniqueness as "Three concepts, one address."  Time is probably best known for its extensive whiskey list, and you can enjoy live music there each Wednesday through Saturday during happy hour.

My primary purpose for going last night was to check out a jazz trio that plays on Wednesday evenings during happy hour (from 5 pm - 8 pm, to be exact).  I know the bass player--the very talented Brian Howell--who strongly recommended I check it out.  So, I gathered a couple of friends and went on over.  We were not disappointed!  Last night's trio featured Brian on bass, Peter Gaudioso on drums, and Tim Wendel on guitar.  The trio perfectly accompanied the dimly lit, elegant atmosphere of the bar, and my glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.  :)  

Speaking of wine, while my friends and I were there, we took advantage of the Center City Sips specials that are offered at various bars and restaurants throughout Center City every Wednesday during the summer, from 5pm - 7 pm.  Time participates in "Sips," and its specials include:

$2 Straub Drafts & Miller High Life Bottles

$3 House Red & House White

$4 Presbyterians & Philadelphia Collins

$4 Seasonal Risotto Balls or Sweet & Sour Meatballs 

As for my review of the food, I tried an order of each of the "balls", and they were both fabulous.  In fact, the Risotto Balls in particular were so delicious, I ordered them twice!  What can I say?  I can eat!

My overall impression of Time was a positive one, and I would highly recommend checking it out next Wednesday if you can.  Even the music playing as you peruse the website gets you in the groove!  Seriously, you could listen to it all day.  Try it.    

1315 Sansom St

Philadelphia, PA 19107 (Directions)

(215) 985-4800

As a side note, Brian also performs at Chris' Jazz Cafe on Tuesday nights from 10 pm - 2 am with the Victor North Quartet, for the Jazz Jam session.  Admission is only $3, and Chris' website states this about the North and the Jam Session: "This versatile side man is so awesome on the tenor saxophone it earned him a place in Chris' Jazz Hall of Fame.  Come experience this jazz phenom from Alaska - he's so hot, he's cool."  

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Tina

P.S. Don't forget to check out Jump City Jazz tonight at Le Cochon Noir! 

Big Band Thursdays feat. Jump City Jazz Orchestra!

Hello all!

Just wanted to post a quick note that Jump City Jazz Orchestra will be featured once again tomorrow night at Le Cochon Noir, the newest hotspot for jazz (and excellent BBQ food)!  They will play two sets, between 8 pm and 10 pm, and yours truly will be sitting in on this one, on Alto Sax.  So... you should definitely be there!

This is a great opportunity to check out some live jazz, enjoy an excellent meal (I recommend trying the ribs!), and enjoy the company of friends.  Don't forget to bring a bottle of wine, because it's BYO!

Sincerely hope to see all you "swingin' cats" out tomorrow night!
~Tina

2010 Holiday POPS!

Hi Friends!

So, I just returned from a lovely week's vacation in sunny Brigantine, NJ, and am now suffering through the intense heatwave in Philadelphia, but for some reason all I can think of is the holidays!  And no, it has nothing to do with "Christmas in July," for those of you who might be wondering!

I recently received my letter from the Philly POPS inviting me back to sing with the 2010 POPS Festival Chorus, a chorus that performs with Peter Nero and The Philly POPS at the Kimmel Center for its ten Holiday POPS concerts each December.  This will be my fourth year singing with the POPS Festival Chorus, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in this Philadelphia holiday season tradition for another year!

This year, the ten concerts will fall between December 4, and December 22, 2010.  And as in previous years, we are looking to recruit some new voices to join the chorus, and always, we especially need more male voices.  That said, if you are interested in singing with the Festival Chorus, and have a good voice and decent music reading skills, please contact the POPS office (215-875-7699) to schedule an audition!  The next set of auditions will be held on Tuesday, July 20, from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm in the Merriam Building.  For more details about audition, rehearsal, and show times, click here!

Participating in the Festival Chorus is certainly a big time commitment, but if you are able to swing it, I can promise you it will be well worth your time!  It is an honor to be able to say I have performed with the legendary Peter Nero in Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center, and I hope that of my many talented family members and friends, at least a few of you will be able to participate with me this year!

Cheers!
Tina