By IGGY FEDOROFF
On Sunday, December 22, The Famous Jazz Artist Series at The Harmony Café (824 Main Street) presents its annual tribute to the music of George and Ira Gershwin. Classic as well as not well-known Gershwin songs will be performed by accomplished Central Coast musicians: Karl Welz on tenor saxophone, Madison Scott on piano, Dylan Johnson on bass and Darrell Voss on drums, joined by series producers Charlie and Sandi Shoemake on vibes and vocals.
The following Sunday, December 29, the Central Coast Jazz Institute will feature the songs of Sammy Cahn also at The Harmony Cafe, with Karl Welz on tenor sax, Luther Hughes on bass, and Darrell Voss on drums. Joining them will of course be Charlie and Sandi Shoemake. Cahn wrote such memorable songs as “Three Coins in the Fountain” and “Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!”
A single performance is planned for the two December concerts, from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person with a $20 minimum food and beverage charge.
On Sunday, January 12, the Famous Jazz Artist Series will offer a concert by outstanding New York City pianist Bill Mays and his trio at the Woodlands Concert Hall (formerly Painted Sky Recording Studio) at 715 Main Street. Mays has been an accompanist to singers Al Jarreau, Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan and Dionne Warwick and also worked with the artists Don Ellis, Mel Lewis, Barry Manilow, Gerry Mulligan, Art Pepper, Bud Shank, Sonny Stitt, Paul Winter, Phil Woods, and Frank Zappa.
Tickets for this concert are $30, and refreshments will be available for purchase. The concert will take place from 5 to 7 p.m., and reservations for all three concerts can be made by calling Charlie at (805) 935-9007 or by email at: charlie@talsanmusic.com.
