Tales from Inside the Bandstand

Musicians, especially those in jazz, encounter outrageous and humorous situations. Here is another "Tales from Inside the Bandstand" as related by bandleader/trumpeter Tom Mullinix.

"Bill said, "Oh man, that"s terrible. Just give me a pint of that whiskey up there." Then, Bill says to me, "Come on, let"s go across the street to that cafe and have a little nip and some breakfast." We got outside and it was winter time and he slipped on the ice and broke his pint."

Jazz in retrospect

Monika Herzig held a release party for her latest CD Melody With Harmony at the Indiana Historical Society March 23. Trumpeter Pat Harbison, like Herzig, is a faculty member in the IU School of Music jazz studies program. Rounding out Herzig"s acoustic project was Steve Dokken on bass and Jack Gilfoy on drums, with guest Cathy Morris on violin. It was an interesting evening of new music from composer and performer Herzig.

Opening was "A Blue Guitarist on the Porch" that featured Harbison"s rangy trumpet in a lyrical solo and Herzig, building a solo with block chords. Morris and Harbison also teamed on the ballad "If I Should Lose You," with Harbison"s glistening trumpet interweaving around the melody with the rich sonority of Morris" violin, giving the tune a neo-classical feel. Herzig continues to show that she"s a spirited player with depth and her composing abilities show that she has mastered melody with harmony.

Jazz happenings

It"s definitely spring, so get in the swing and drop those winter blahs.

Downtown

The Chatterbox brings back the classic jazz sax of "Pookie" Johnson & The Indy All Stars Friday, April 4. It"s the hot Cuban/African/Latin sounds of Urbanos Saturday, April 5. Sets both nights are from 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.

April is Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM). Jack Gilfoy"s Quintet will lead the celebration at the Interim Central Library, 202 N. Alabama, Sunday, April 6 in a free concert at 2 p.m.

Indiana Historical Society will present the IUPUI Jazz Ensemble, directed by Jack Gilfoy, in concert Thursday, April 3 at 7:30 p.m. performing "The Music of Indiana Jazz Legends."

Circle City Bar & Grille in the Marriott has Beverly Dunlap playing for "Wine Tasting" Wednesday, April 2 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Alto saxophonist Jason Curry plays April 9. Beverly Dunlap performs Friday, April 4, followed by Conga Jazz on Saturday, April 5. Music goes from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

St. Elmo"s features the sultry jazz/pop vocals of Cynthia Layne Wednesday, April 3 and Thursday, April 4, performing at 7 p.m.

Nicky Blaine"s trumpeter Tom Mullinix"s Jazz Quartet jams away every Wednesday and Thursday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The Elbow Room swings with the soft jazz of Tom Sullivan"s guitar and Duncan Putman"s bass for the Sunday Jazz Brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Indiana State Museum has the classy jazz, blues and soulful vocals of Mary Moss with the Carl Hines Quintet Sunday, April 6, playing 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Northside

The Jazz Kitchen will debut the Brubeck Brothers Quartet Friday, April 4 for two sets at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. It"s the ninth anniversary of the Jazz Kitchen bringing exceptionally high quality jazz to Indy and Saturday, April 5, you can celebrate the occasion with the swinging Steve Allee Big Band for two shows at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Renowned jazz guitarist John Schofield"s Quartet will play Monday, April 7 for two shows at 8 and 10 p.m.

New Fountain Lounge will feature Mary Moss with the Jason Curry Quartet Wednesday, April 9 from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Clowes Hall presents a stellar jazz concert Friday, April 4, with the legendary saxophonist/composer Wayne Shorter Quartet featuring the all-star lineup of Brian Blades, John Patitucci and Danilo Perez.

Northwest

Gregory"s, 2160 W. 86th St., offers vocalist Everett Greene with Carl Hines on Fridays and Mary Moss and Alan "Turk" Burke on Saturdays; performances both nights are from 8 to 11 p.m.

Eastside

Sangiovese Restaurant has dynamic vocalist Brenda Williams backed up with David Meeks on keyboards and Frank Smith on bass on Wednesdays. Shannon Forsell sings with Ray Larman on keyboards on Thursdays. Music both nights is from 7 to 10 p.m.

Lulu"s at the Fashion Commons Mall hosts vocalist Mary Moss backed up by Carl Hines and Mingo Jones from 8 to 11 p.m.

Peterson"s in Fishers has the smooth jazz and pop vocals and keyboards of Lisa Baldwin on Thursdays performing 7 to 10 p.m.

Chuck Workman is the producer/host of the Sunday Morning Jazz Show at 107.9 WTPI.