Jazz Cafe Concert

Relax, unwind and forget about the stress of the holidays at our December 19th,  Jazz Café concert.

This special December concert features popular local musicians Mike Davis, Jack Dryden and Ron Getz. Also appearing is well-known flutist Nancy Stagnitta. The foursome will perform a repertoire of Jazz classics along with a sprinkling of holiday music.

An avid performer and local favorite, Mike Davis plays saxophone, flute and is also an outstanding vocalist. He performs classical and jazz music regularly in the Grand Traverse area and is the founder of the Northwestern College Jazz Ensemble where he has also taught Jazz History, Jazz Improvisation, and private woodwind instruction. Mike studied music at Ball State University.

Ron Getz, guitarist and composer, studied at Berkeley College of Music and the New England Conservatory of Music. His CD release Ego State received critical acclaim in Jazz Times and Down Beat. He has recorded and produced numerous CD projects under his own name and with other Jazz artists. Ron has performed with a variety of jazz greats, including Arthur Blythe, Billy Hart, John Scofield, Steve Grossman, Bill Evans, Branford Marsalis and Marvin “Smitty” Smith (from the Jay Leno Tonight Show Band).

Jack Dryden, has a bachelor of music degree in composition from the Berklee College of Music and a master of music in double bass performance from Wayne State University. In the jazz world he has played with Pat Metheny, Bob James, Bill Frisell, Joe Morello, Red Rodney, Mel Lewis, Dave Valentin, and many other jazz greats. He has also recorded with Aretha Franklin, The Four Tops, and Anita Baker.

Praised for her “brilliance and beauty of tone” by the Baltimore Sun, flutist Nancy Stagnitta appears frequently as soloist and teaching artist in the United States and abroad. As concerto soloist, Ms. Stagnitta has appeared with the National Gallery Orchestra in Washington, D.C. and with the Traverse Symphony Orchestra, where she is also principal flutist. She has recorded the music of contemporary American women composers for Capstone records, and also released a jazz recording with Chamber Music America Jazz Composition Award winner Rob Levit. Ms. Stagnitta currently serves as Instructor of Flute and Chamber Music at the Interlochen Arts Academy.

Wine, brandy, draught cider and specialty Black Star Farms’ cocktails are available from the bar as well as bistro style small plates. $15 tickets are available at the door or online and include entertainment.  Please call 231-944-1251 to make a reservation.