Again this year, the True Blue Jazz Series runs concurrent (and competing) with the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival; this weekend - October 14-17. The series continues to grow, featuring local and national acts, including headliner Diane Schuur on Friday night. For Saturday night's closing event, Geoff Gallante returns to join the Eddie Sherman Show for 2 concerts at 7:30 and 9:30pm. I'll be in the rhythm section, along with Bob Thomas and Mike McShane for these, in addition to the (free!) Rehoboth Beach Bandstand performance in the afternoon. Always look forward to performing with Geoff.
Click here for info and tickets.
In addition to the ticketed shows presented by both True Blue Series and the Rehoboth Beach Festival, many of the local restrauants offer jazz on the menu this weeekend. Just think of the entire town as a jazz club, and your expectations won't be far off the mark. For my part in the "trenches" I will be at the Cultured Pearl on Thursday (10/15) from 7-10 and Friday (10/16) from 4-7 with the Mike McShane Trio, featuring Dave Schiff on sax. Hope to see you there!
For more info on these and other performance dates, check the schedule.
Over the weekend of March 11-13, 2016, The Inn at Huntingfield Creek and I are partnering to offer a special event package "Weekend with Joe." Enjoy this wonderful Eastern Shore resort, and let me play piano for you while you're here!
This is an opportunity for those who don't live on Maryland's beautiful Eastern Shore (and
even for those who do) to spend a unique and memorable weekend.
The weekend features:
All the comfort and amenities of a stay at the Inn at Huntingfield Creek. Innkeeper Joanne Rich elaborates:"We offer top notch lodging in a dynamic yet Zen setting. This 70 acre estate features over-the-top luxuries in a variety of accommodations including 5 Inn House Rooms and 7 swank Cottages. Add Joe's music offerings to Inn's comfort and hospitality, and guests are assured of nurturing mind, body and soul!"
The weekend schedule includes:
Friday evening
A meet and greet cocktail reception, including choice wines with delectable cocktail-hour taste temptations from the Inn at Huntingfield Creek Kitchen. Meet your hosts Jim and Joanne Rich. I'll be the pianist ;)
Saturday morning
The Inn's famous full country breakfast, with piano accompaniment.
Saturday afternoon
"Conversations in Music"
An informal, interactive session. The conversation can be about music, or with music. For all who play piano, I'll invite you to join me in an "Intuitive Improvisation" duet. Open to all levels. I sat at the piano bench (pictured above) with Joanne Rich recently, who describes the "intuitive improvisation" experience:
"This was such a liberating, fun (and semi-scary) exercise into to the realm of musical possibilities."
Whether you play music yourself, or just enjoy being around it, you can look forward to a fun and memorable afternoon.
Saturday evening
I asked "Chef Joanne" for the menu. Okay, maybe I'm asking a bit too soon ;)
"Don't ask me now, Joe! I need to be inspired by the season and the offerings...but I promise you'll love it!"
You can count on an interesting selection including a fish and meat entree and perhaps one of her renowned pastas, along with the best available veggies, something that incorporates ancient grains, the Inn's special fresh Corn Spoonbread and a decadent dessert or two. I've seen Jim and Joanne in the kitchen, many times, preparing meals and serving an Inn full of guests. You are in good hands.
Following dinner: A private concert living room concert (on the piano pictured above).
Sunday morning
"Sunday Morning Stride"
The Inn's Sunday breakfasts are always a little over the top. The same full-country style with some special extras, accompanied by stride/classic jazz piano classics including spirituals and Gospel favorites from the New Orleans and Blues traditions.
Pricing:
Inn House Rooms- $675. + appl. taxes & 10% service chg. (selection 1st come, 1st serve)
Cottages- $825. + appl.taxes & 10% service chg. (selection 1st come, 1st serve)
Weekend includes- 2 nights stay, breakfasts, unlimited wine/beer & beverages, Fri. welcome cocktail party, Sat. gourmet dinner, and all music sessions/entertainment.
Contact the Inn for more info, and to book your room.
