Fri 1/21 @ 8-10PM
Fri 1/21 @ 10PM
One of the great perks for jazz lovers in Northeast Ohio is that its many college/university jazz programs attract topnotch faculty, who then perform in area venues, giving listeners a chance to hear great jazz.
One of the prime venues for these prime players is the BOP STOP, a room that was designed for listening to jazz (although it’s less stuffy than it was). It hosts everyone from top touring musicians to musicians from high school programs.
This week it’ll be showcasing the Cleveland State University Jazz Faculty Ensemble, a special concert to welcome noted local guitarist and composer Dan Bruce to the CSU faculty. Trained in both classical and jazz guitar, he relocated to Ohio after spending a decade as part of Chicago’s active jazz scene. He’s appeared as a sideman on nearly three dozen albums and has released two under his own name.
He’ll join veteran CSU faculty members, bassist Chris Vance, sax player John Perrine and drummer Bill Ransom. Tickets to the in-person performance are $15. You can only listen online as the show is streamed on the BOP STOP’s Facebook page for free, although donations are encouraged.
One benefit of coming down to hear them in person is that you can stay for the Jazz Jam Session immediately following the show, which for this month only happens on the third Friday of the month instead of the first. You can even bring your instrument and call a tune to perform with the house rhythm section led by drummer Anthony Taddeo. All skills levels are welcome! The jam session is free, but again, you can make a donation to benefit the nonprofit venue if you’re so inclined.