"Jazzing Up" Brunch, Philly Style

Hi Friends,

So, it is Sunday, and while admittedly past the hours that are generally acceptable for "brunch," I can't help but think of brunch on Sundays.  Sitting down to a nice brunch is probably one of my favorite activities, particularly on an early Sunday afternoon, when the weather is something like it was yesterday--around 80 degrees, abundant sunshine, with a nice breeze.  So how does this tie into music, you might be wondering?

Well, by now, one thing you should have learned about me is that I also love jazz.  In fact, jazz is arguably my favorite type of music to listen to.  Combine this with my affinity for brunch, and you  have pretty much the best date this girl could ask for: Jazz Brunch.

I recently heard about a few spots offering live jazz during Sunday brunch, so I thought I would share:

• Estia, located at 1405-07 Locust St, an upscale Greek and Mediterranean restaurant, features a live jazz band during Sunday brunch from 12 pm - 3 pm.  
• Nodding Head Brewery, located at 1516 Sansom Street, features not only unique micro-brews on tap, but also jazz brunch on Sundays from 10 am - 1 pm.  
• Manayunk Brewery on Main Street in Manayunk has a live jazz brunch buffet on Sundays from 10:30 am - 2 pm.   
• It has also been rumored that "Mar Bar" (upstairs at the Marathon Grill) at 40th & Walnut Streets in University City features jazz brunch on Sundays, although I was unable to find any details online.

I unfortunately have not attended any of the aforementioned jazz brunches, so you'll have to rely on Yelp for reviews on any of these for the time being.  I do hope to check out one of these spots soon, however, so "stay 'tuned'"!

~Tina

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

Jump City Jazz Orchestra at Le Cochon Noir!

Hi Friends!

Happy Hump Day!  I know I am particularly happy that tomorrow is Thursday already, in part because I am on vacation next week (yay!), but also because Jump City Jazz Orchestra (also featured in my last post) is playing at Le Cochon Noir tomorrow night!

Located at 5070 Parkside Avenue in Philadelphia, Le Cochon Noir is Philly's newest "hotspot" for jazz and blues, and evidently, upscale BBQ as well!  I, for one, am extremely pleased to see such a venue spring up in Philly, especially after the devastating closing of Ortlieb's Jazz Haus.  I am also excited to report that the elite, 18-piece big band, Jump City Jazz Orchestra, has landed a regular gig at this new venue; the band is scheduled to perform the last Thursday of every month for "Big Band Thursdays"!  So come out if you can to enjoy some good food and quality big band music!

Hope to see you there tomorrow night!
Tina

Jump City Music and Keith Spencer Present "Too Darn Hot - an evening with Cole Porter and friends"

Hello, friends!

As the weekend comes to a close, I wanted to let you all know about a "hip" production currently running at the Bristol Riverside Theater, "Too Darn Hot - an evening with Cole Porter and friends."  The performance runs through June 27th, and features friends and members of Jump City Jazz Orchestra! 

A brief description from the production's website:

"Hip...witty...sophisticated...timeless.

These were the feelings that described his songs when Cole Porter electrified Broadway.  Opening our summer concerts, smooth-voiced baritone Keith Spencer brings back the era when everyone hummed the melodies of “Night and Day,” “Begin the Beguine,” “Love For Sale” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” and danced to their undulating beat.

In this special presentation, Keith Baker, in partnership with Jump City Music, Philadelphia's elite jazz performance organization, has assembled the area's best musicians to bring a true big band experience to the BRT stage.

Combine the enduring songs of Cole Porter, the jazziest of ensembles, the magical voice of Keith Spencer and guest vocalist Jessica Edwards, and your summer will be Too Darn Hot!"

Remaining performance dates/times:
Wed. June 23 - 2:00 pm
Fri. June 25 - 8:00 pm
Sat. June 26 - 3:00 pm AND 8:00 pm
Sun. June 27 - 3:00 pm

Visit the production's webiste to purchase tickets!  Tickets are $31 or $10 for those of you who are 25 and under with student ID!

Enjoy!
Tina

Music Shoot with Eileen Cicutti!

Hello again and Happy Tuesday, everyone!

As many of you may have noticed :), I have recently been working more actively to promote myself as a freelance musician and also piano and clarinet instructor.  As part of these efforts, I wanted to have a professional photo shoot performed, the photos from which I plan on using in future marketing materials, such as business cards, postcards, etc. 

In March of this year, I had the pleasure of working with Eileen Cicutti to complete this shoot, and was delighted with the finished product!  I have included just a few of the photographs from the shoot, below, but you can view the rest on my Facebook Page, "Tina D Music."

Thanks again to Eileen for doing a wonderful job on this project!  She was a joy to work with and worked hard on this project for several weeks, resulting in quality photographs! 

And thanks to all my friends and family for your support in my musical efforts!  Thanks to your support, I continue to have the drive necessary to achieve my goals and pursue my passion that is MUSIC!

Musically yours,
Tina