Phil Sims: Jazz Happenings

Hello everyone,

I hope everyone enjoyed what proved to be our first real 72-hour, spring-like weekend. Motorcycles on the road, saw a couple convertible tops down, flip flops...oh, and that was in February! You gotta love Buffalo. we are professional-grade season pushers!

There is a plethora of great jazz on tap for April and very late April, also known as the first week of May. Highlights include Internationally known saxophonist, Bruce Johnstone on 4/14 (flyer attached), and a great quintet near the end of the month featuring Buffalo's leading "Mr. and Mrs. jazz", trombonist, John Hassleback and pianist, Lisa Hassleback on 4/28. 

I'll say my thanks and farewells now, and let you take in this amazing lineup of jazz in April. We all enjoy seeing you whenever you can make it out, and thanks. Cindy and I and all the bands hope to see you very soon!

Wednesday April 10 and 24, the Buffalo Brass at Milkie's Elmwood Lounge

(at Utica) 7:15 to 9:15PM

An odd time slot, but trying to fit things in to help out the folks who take over after the Buffalo Brass rehearsal (Milkie's never sleeps!). We're heading back into the truly adventurous big band material now!

Thursdays, 4/11, 18, and 25 The Carol McLaughlin Big Band at the 

historic Colored Musicians Club (Broadway and Michigan) 8:30 to 10:30PM

I join Carol and his band every Thursday for open rehearsal. ring the buzzer, come on up, enjoy a nice beverage and have some fun.

Friday, April 12 the Katy Miner Quartet at the historic Roycroft Inn, 

(Grove St, E. Aurora) 7:30 to 10:30

Katy Miner, vocals, Phil Sims, piano and trombone, Jack Kulp bass, Tom Kasperek drums. Katy possesses an incredibly smooth sound in any style of jazz.

Sunday 4/14 International saxophone recording artist, Bruce Johnstone, with the Phil Sims Quartet at Milkie's Elmwood Lounge 5:30 to 8:30PM ($5 cover)

This is a don't miss. One shot deal. Bruce is one of the world's great baritone saxophonists, and has the credentials and chops to back it up!

Friday 4/19 the Joanna Batt Quartet at Milos (Main st. Williamsville) 

7:30 to 10:30PM

Joanna Batt, vocals, Phil Sims, piano and trombone, Jack Kulp, bass, Tom Kasperek, drums. Joanna soars over the great American songbook collection, and loves to put her touch on Sinatra's greatest hits.

Saturday, 4/20 the Heather Holden Quartet at Lebros (Campbell and Dodge) 

8:00 to 11:00PM

Heather Holden, vocals, Phil Sims, piano and trombone, Jack Kulp, bass, Tom Kasperek, drums. Fresh off her Buffalo Brass big band work, Heather settles in with great jazz classics in an intimate setting.

4/21 The New Phil Sims Jazz Quartet at Milkie's Elmwood Lounge 

5:30 to 8:30PM (Dinners available!)

Featuring our open jazz jam!

Friday 4/26 The New Phil Sims Jazz Quartet at the historic Roycroft Inn 7:30 to 10:30PM

This is a truly warm and cozy environment!

Saturday, 4/27 the Katy Miner Quartet at Lebros 8:00 to 11:00PM

In addition to listening to Katy's incredible vocals with the band, you might try a great meal to go along with the great sounds. Lee, owner of Lebros offers quite a nice menu!

Sunday 4/28 John and Lisa Hassleback quintet at Milkie's Elmwood Lounge. 5:30 to 8:30PM $5 cover

John is a great jazz trombonist and Lisa is a brilliant jazz pianist. Both will join me to present a two trombones extravaganza!

Friday 5/3 the Katy Miner Quartet at Coco (888 Main near Virginia) 

7:30 to 10:30PM

888 Main is back open as "Coco" and is a beautiful fine dining establishment with an awesome menu and a great bar. Owner, Maura has just kicked off her music offerings with "Chanteuse-days" every Tuesday night featuring great female artists, and jazz on Fridays.

Enjoy!
~Phil Sims