Drummer Dickinson leaves Wednesday gig

For over twenty years, drummer Dick Dickinson has held down a Wednesday night gig at the Chatterbox Jazz Club, giving fledgling jazz musicians a chance to hone their skills under his steady hand.

Wednesday, April 23, Chatterbox owner David Andrichik will throw a retirement party for Dickinson, giving friends and fans a chance to say goodbye to the drummer. The event will also mark the transition to the group taking over Dickinson’s spot: Jesse Wittman’s Trio will take the stage at 7 p.m. and play out the evening. Dickinson says he’s excited about the party. He’s looking forward to it because he will be able to see musicians and friends from way back.

Later this week at the Chatterbox, Friday, April 25, Larry Green’s hip vocal stylings on jazz and blues will fill the room when he’s joined by his Friends.

And Saturday, April 26, Goldie & Exquisitely Yours will perform in a set featuring Robert Coleman’s expressive guitar work as support for Goldie’s vocals, which draw on R&B, jazz and just a touch of country.

Performances Friday and Saturday run from 10:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. with a $5 cover.

IAJE bankrupt

The International Association of Jazz Educators filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy Friday, April 18. The IAJE is the largest advocacy organization for jazz education, holding regional and international jazz conferences every January.

“IAJE’s expenditures and dependence on its annual major conference for income led to accumulative debt and declining cash flow,” IAJE Board President Chuck Owen said.

The 2009 IAJE conference slated for Seattle, Wash. has been cancelled. The IAJE website is still up and functioning at www.iaje.org.

JAM

The Artsgarden continues to host shows celebrating Jazz Appreciation Month this week.

Thursday, April 24, the Jack Gilfoy Quartet will play classic jazz at 12:15 p.m.

Friday, April 25, The Sounds of Essence will play smooth jazz at 12:15 p.m.

Sunday, April 27, Monika Herzig’s Trio will play acoustic jazz at 2 p.m.

Tuesday, April 29, JRW Jazz Trio will play bebop and jazz standards at 12:15 p.m.

IIFF & jazz

A documentary about the life and career of legendary trumpeter Jack Sheldon will be featured at the Indianapolis International Film Festival. Trying To Get Good will be shown at Keystone Art Cinema (8702 Keystone Crossing) Friday, April 25 at 12 p.m. and Sunday, April 27 at 2 p.m. Sheldon scored the documentary. Also appearing are Chris Botti, Terry Gibbs, Tierney Sutton, Johnny Mandel, Clint Eastwood and Billy Crystal.

Also this week, the Jazz Kitchen has fiery tenor saxophonist Rob Dixon and his Quartet Friday, April 25, while guitarist Bill Lancton and The Coalition Horns will offer new sounds Saturday, April 26. Performances both nights are at 8 and 10 p.m. with a cover charge.

Thursday, April 24, Sangiovese Restaurant will feature Chris Rutkowski on piano, Frank Smith on bass and Heather Ramsey on vocals from 7-10 p.m.