Jazz Combos

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Parent Q&A

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  • Jazz Day-Time Concerts?

    – May 19, 2022
    (8 replies)

    Hello!

    I am interested in taking my 3 young kids to a jazz performance.  Could be one of those brunchy jazz things nothing too formal.  Anyone know where around Berkeley or the surrounding areas I can go?  

    Most performances take place in the later evening but I'm looking for something either in the day time or earlier evening.

    May 19, 2022

    BHS Spring Jazz concerts are coming up! All concerts will be at the BHS Little Theater and will start at 7:00 p.m and are FREE to all BHS students and staff, and to everyone 18 and under.  $10 admission for all others. No one turned away due to lack of funds. 

    • Wed., May 25:  11:00 Band and 4:00 Band and Combos

    • Thur., May 26:  2:00 Band and 3:00 Band and Combos

    • Fri., May 27:  Jazz Ensemble and Combos

    SF Jazz has family matinees - we attended them a couple of times when our kids were little and they were great. Not sure what the status is during covid but here's their webpage: https://www.sfjazz.org/education/kids-and-family/

    Cheese Board in Berkeley often has jazz performers. It would be hit or miss, but if you live nearby you could take a walk past.

    Oakland Museum is hosting free "Lunchtime Sessions"  outdoors. Looks like a variety of music is scheduled. They have a mailing list. https://museumca.org/2022/lunchtime-sessions-music-dance-and-storytellin...

    Anavivs table or riggers loft 

    My neighbor hosts porch concerts nearly every Sunday afternoon and a lot of the bands have been jazz or jazz-adjacent. https://www.susannaporte.com/gigs. She doesn't post the address online but you can PM me if you want it.

    Ashkenaz (https://www.ashkenaz.com/) is reopening soon and hosts all-ages shows, sometimes jazz. Yerba Buena Gardens (https://yerbabuenagardens.com/events/) in SF (easy BART ride/short walk) used to do free outdoor daytime summer concerts, although it looks like maybe this year isn't happening. They were great for small kids because there's room to run around, explore the fountain, dance, etc.

    The California Jazz Conservatory and Jazzschool at 2087 and 2040 Addison Street in Berkeley has free and ticketed concerts, by both professionals and students at the school.  Many daytime concerts. Both buildings of the CJC are on Addition across from one another.  Easily accessible by BART. https://cjc.edu/concerts/

    Hello I usually perform jazz Latin blues on Fourth St. First Saturdays of the month right at Peet’s plaza. The time of our performances is usually one pm til three pm.  pJay

    If you don't mind going into SF, the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival is perfect for this--both weekday and weekend afternoon and evening free performances of jazz, salsa, and other types of music plus dance and kid-centered shows. It's a short walk from BART but also easy to drive and park nearby, traffic to be expected. Most events are outdoors with plenty of room to stretch out and let your kids dance and play. https://ybgfestival.org/events/

    In addition to some of the other more local suggestions, the UC Botanical Garden had a Thursday evening summertime outdoor concert series pre-pandemic that they intended to bring back this summer, though it's not clear if that is happening yet. They usually had an interesting selection of music, including some jazz. https://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu/summer-concerts-2019

    Finally, though I haven't checked this out yet myself (it's on my list!), Riggers Loft winery in Richmond has live music Friday evenings and Sat/Sun afternoons. Small cover charge, kid friendly, and parents can enjoy a glass of wine/cider/whatever. https://www.riggersloftwine.com/calendar

Parent Reviews

RE: Recommendation for student music ensemble? ()

BHS Jazz Band!! We hired a quartet for an office party last year a they were outstanding! They were the talk of the 100+ people who attended. You can work with them on the size and instrument make up of the group. And they're very reasonable priced. You can contact them at: http://www.bhsjazz.org/hire-a-combo/.

sean

Archived Q&A and Reviews

  • Traditional jazz for small reception

    Traditional jazz for small reception

    July 2001

    Does anyone have a recommendation for a good jazz combo to play at a small reception? Traditional jazz musicians (preferably in the East Bay), rather than the kind of pop-jazz bands that sometimes play at receptions are preferred. I've checked the web site, but didn't find any recommendations of this sort. Any recommendations from jazz afficionados out there are greatly appreciated! Elizabeth

    Try Nancy Boyles Jazz Quartet. I have seen them play in the Mission and they're great! You can reach them at (510) 843 0595. David and Vivienne
    Try the Paterson Schoenwetter jazz duoa guitar and bass husbandandwife team. I think they also play in a jazz trio with a drummer, too. They play all the usual jazz standards, but are not limited to those. Their phone number is 5108430768. Clarisse
    My husband, Mitch Schrift, is a jazz pianist/teacher who performs regularly with jazz combos in various configurations, ranging from a duo (piano and bass) to a full group (piano, bass, drums, saxophone, guitar, vocals, etc.). He's very experienced, and plays with really great musicians. I may be biased, but I think they sound fabulous. Plus they're all the nicest people. He plays (a duo) every Sunday evening at Carta Restaurant in San Francisco at 1760 Market Street if you want to go hear him play. You can also give him a call at 5282827 and talk with him about what you're looking for, or email him at PianoTeacher at mindspring.com. Suzanne
    Lianna My husband is a jazz saxophonist (he plays tenor, alto, and soprano saxophones, flute and clarinet.) He plays lots of weddings and receptions, and can put together whatever size ensemble you need for your event. If you're on a really tight budget, he can also find you a group of good college student musicians from the college groups he teaches. Please contact him directly to discuss your needs, budget, etc. His name is Dave LeFebvre (pronounced LeFay), and his email is DaveLeFebvreJazz at aol.com.