11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Salida 2018 Jazz Fest Sponsors
The SteamPlant Event Center will host the first Salida Jazz Festival in Riverside Park on August 25, 2018
featuring Gerry Gibbs Thrasher People Band with special guest Nicholas Payton.
The festival will also include the fireworks show that was planned for this past 4th of July. (weather permitting)
Presented by:
Nicholas Payton
Nicholas Payton is widely considered one of the greatest artists of our time. Hailed as a virtuoso before he was even
out of high school, his unbridled talent has earned him praise and accolades, as well as insured his place in history.
The son of bassist and sousaphonist Walter Payton, he took up the trumpet at the age of four and by age nine was sitting in with the Young Tuxedo Brass Band alongside his father. He began his professional career at ten years old as a member of James Andrews’ All-Star Brass and was given his first steady gig by guitarist Danny Barker at The Famous Door on Bourbon Street. He enrolled at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts and then at the University of New Orleans.
After touring with Marcus Roberts and Elvin Jones in the early ’90s, Payton signed a contract with Verve Records; his first album, From This Moment, appeared in 1995. In 1996 he performed on the soundtrack of the movie Kansas City, and in 1997 received a Grammy Award (Best Instrumental Solo) for his playing on the album Doc Cheatham & Nicholas Payton.
After seven albums on Verve, Payton signed with Warner Bros. Records, releasing Sonic Trance, his first album on the new label, in 2003. Besides his recordings under his own name, other significant collaborations include Trey Anastasio, Ray Brown, Ray Charles, Daniel Lanois, Dr. John, Stanley Jordan, Herbie Hancock, Roy Haynes, Zigaboo Modeliste, Marcus Roberts, Jill Scott, Clark Terry, Allen Toussaint, Nancy Wilson, Dr. Michael White, and Joe Henderson.
In 2004, he became a founding member of the SFJAZZ Collective. In 2008, he joined The Blue Note 7, a septet formed in honor of the 70th anniversary of Blue Note Records. In 2011, he formed a 21-piece big band ensemble called the Television Studio Orchestra. In 2011, he also recorded and released Bitches, a love narrative on which he played every instrument, sang, and wrote all of the music. In 2012 the Czech National Symphony Orchestra commissioned and debuted his first full orchestral work, The Black American Symphony. And in 2013, he formed his own record label, BMF Records, and the same year released two albums, #BAM Live at Bohemian Caverns, where he plays both trumpet and Fender Rhodes, often at once, and Sketches of Spain, which he recorded with the Basel Symphony Orchestra in Switzerland.
From 2011 to 2013, Payton was a Distinguished Artist and Visiting Lecturer at Tulane University and belongs to a growing group of race scholars and activists committed to social justice. Members of this movement suggest that racism is not simply a response to color, but that it additionally describes subtle legal behaviors by which the dominant culture continues to marginalize people in order to sustain a poor, minority class.[citation needed] In the case of American society, evidence of this can be framed as institutionalized racism and white privilege.
Payton’s writings are provocative for other reasons, too. One of his most notable pieces to date, “On Why Jazz isn’t Cool Anymore” describes the effects of cultural colonization on music. The article quickly earned his website 150,000 page views and sparked international press attention and debate.
Gerry Gibbs and Thrasher People
7:00 p.m.
Listen to Gerry Gibbs Thrasher People
Gerry Gibbs is a Grammy nominated Drummer, Producer, Band Leader, Composer & Arranger. As a Solo Artist, Gibbs has released 9 Jazz Recordings. His first, back in 1996, ‘Gerry Gibbs Sextet – The Thrasher’ features Saxophonist Ravi Coltrane with Quincy Jones as Executive Producer, while his last two recordings: ‘Gerry Gibbs & The Thrasher Dream Trio’,’We’re Back’ and “Live In Studio” feature Jazz luminaries Ron Carter & Kenny Barron. In 2014 and 2015, all 3 Trio recordings topped the National Jazz Radio Charts; spending 15 weeks between the three CD’s at #1 while ‘The Thrasher Dream Trio’ received a Grammy Nomination in 2014. Gibbs forthcoming Jazz recording: ‘Live in Studio’ also features the rhythm section of Ron Carter & Kenny Barron throughout while, this time around, added guests include: renowned Trumpeter Roy Hargrove and Award-Winning Vocalist Cassandra Wilson. In November 2015 The Gerry Gibbs “Thrasher Dream Trio” has once again returned to #1 on the JazzWeek Jazz Charts as the most played Jazz CD across the country for 2 weeks. This would be their third #1 CD in a row in less than two years for 15 weeks total. Since the first jazz radio charts started being documented going back 14 years to 2002, only two other artist in 14 years have had three or more #1 consecutive CD’s in a row.
Bud Gordon Unconventional Wisdom
5:00 p.m.
Unconventional Wisdom Jazz is Funky, Latin-tinged Improvisational Music that applies today’s musical sensibilities to Classic Pop and Jazz hits, New Standards, and Original Compositions.
Bud Gordon – Trumpet/Flugelhorn
Bud toured as Lead Trumpet with legendary Singer and Pianist Ray Charles as part of The Ray Charles Orchestra in 1978/1979. He followed that with several years freelancing in the varied Los Angeles music scene. After moving to Colorado Springs, Bud joined the Springs Contemporary Jazz Big Band, sharing the stage with Chuck Findley, Carl Fontana, and Pete Christlieb. .He performed in musical productions at the FAC’s Repertory Theater including “Oklahoma!”, “42nd Street”, Sondheim‘s “Assassins” and Andrew Lloyd Weber‘s “Evita”. He performed the musical “Chicago” and with Frank Sinatra tribute artist Steve Lippia at the Pikes Peak Center, and with drummer and percussionist Dennis Bueno, Bud co-founded Colorado Springs Salsa band Orquesta Sabroso. Bud was also an integral member of Phil Allen’s Thin Air Jazz during its highly successful Colorado run.
Bob Songster – Bass
Bob Songster is a freelance bassist based in Denver, Colorado. He has been working as a professional performer and educator for the past ten years along Colorado’s Front Range Mountains.
As a leader, Bob has co-led the group Spherio along with pianist Tenia Nelson and drummer Andreas Schmid. Spherio has performed for the 2017 Five Points Jazz Festival and was a featured artist in 2016 for the Gift of Jazz series. Their December 2016 album “Vol. 1” receives regular airplay on KUVO 89.3FM. Spherio performes regularly at Denver’s best listening rooms, including Dazzle, The Crimson Room and La Cour.
As a sideman, Bob has had the opportunity to play with a wide variety of ensembles and genres. Recent highlights include performing or recording with Jeff Jenkins, Venus Cruz, Robert Johnson, Mike Marlier, Hugh Ragin, Damien Hines, Danny Meyer and Vince Wiggins.
As a versatile performer, Bob has also worked regularly with La Pompe Jazz (gypsy jazz), William and the Romantics (big band), Odessa Rose (western swing), Joe Smith and the Spicy Pickles (swing), Zion Baptist Church (gospel), David Booker (blues), Jubilingo (southern rock), Washington Park United Church of Christ (gospel), St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church (traditional), Irie Still (reggae) and Ignatius Reilly (classic rock).
Geoff Cleveland – Piano, Organ, Synthesizer
For the last 25 years, keyboardist Geoff Cleveland had been centered in Denver and was a regular at El Chapultepec, performing with Billy Tolles, Hugh Ragin, Freddy Rodriguez and others. Other sideman work includes Jack Walrath, Lew Tabackin, Ron Miles and Ginger Baker.
As a leader/composer, Geoff led Westword’s Best Jazz Band 1998 (The Emergency Broadcast Players) and the cult favorite jazz-metal-fusion band Hate Camels (2006-08). Bandmembers have gone on to many great things, such as the two EBPlayers who later formed Kneebody.
Geoff has many influences and studied under Dr. Billy Taylor, Yusef Lateef and his mentor Jaki Byard. He is now composer-in-residence at his own house on Ute Pass.
Randy Bowen – Drums
A fantastic drummer. He plays all kinds of music and he’s a great guy
David Musante – Guitar
David Musante is a jazz/fusion/funk guitar player from Colorado Springs. David studied music, and jazz guitar at the Colorado Springs Conservatory for 14 years. He has shared the stage with many fantastic names including, Del The Funky Homosapien, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, and Avi Buffalo.
David studied jazz guitar with Joe Pass’ protege Frank Potenza for a year at the University of Southern California after which time, he returned to his hometown of Colorado Springs to work as a professional musician. Upon returning to Colorado in 2014, David spent 2 years playing and touring full time with funk group “The Charlie Milo Trio”.
Currently David is a Mentor at the Colorado Springs Conservatory where enjoys teaching guitar, electric bass, jazz studies, and music theory. When he is not teaching, David enjoys a rigorous playing schedule that includes a residency with The Tavern Orchestra at the Broadmoor Hotel and Sunday brunches at Motif Jazz Club.
Dick Cunico and 21/30
3:30 p.m.
21/3 (Twenty-One over Three) released their debut CD on the Portal Records Label in July of 2003. The CD is entitled “A question of time”. The compact disc received airplay on over 20 radio stations throughout Colorado and reached #3 on the play list at KRCC in Colorado Springs. The ensemble has opened for Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at the Colorado Springs Jazz Festival, jazz guitarist extraordinaire Stanley Jordan and the New York based jazz group “The Bad Plus” at the popular Colorado Springs concert venue 32 Bleu. The ensemble released their 2nd CD entitled “In the Nick of Time” in June of 2005 on the Portal Records Label. This release has been heard on airwaves in Europe, Australia, Japan, Canada and throughout the United States.
As this rhythmic and melodic instrumental group improvises over uncharted territory authentically original music is unveiled. These inspired melodies are geared to expand the music vocabulary of its participants with songs that animate and enliven the listening experience. The Jazz-rock influences of Weather Report, The Yellowjackets, Frank Zappa and Chick Corea can be heard in the interweaving labyrinth of musical textures created by the group.
Dick Cunico
Dick’s original music & groups have performed at many prestigious festivals and have been featured on an episode of the hit T.V. program Northern Exposure. Concert experience includes performances at over 900 cities in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Europe and The Philippines. His Motion Picture experience includes The Beverly Hillbillies Movie (20th Century Fox) performing with Dolly Parton, The Thing Called Love (Paramount) performing with River Phoenix, Debbie Allen and Jimmy Dale Gilmore, When A Man Loves A Woman (Touchstone), Brain Donners (Paramount), Thirty Something (Aaron/Spelling) and Burkes Law (Aaron/Spelling)
Louise Wilson – Trombone
Louise is an accomplished musician, her Jazz studies began in Los Angles with well-known Jazz Trombonist Ashley Alexander. Later she studied at Texas Christian University, where she played lead in the #1 Jazz Ensemble. Louise has performed with jazz groups in California, Texas, Florida and most recently in Colorado.
Equinox
2:00 p.m.
Equinox is a jazz quartet from Buena Vista, Colorado featuring Bob Rheam on trumpet, John Lusk on guitar, “Fat” Bob Songster on bass, and Brian Pence on drums. For JazzFest Equinox will include special guest saxophonist Brad Eastin.
Bob Songster – Bass
Bob Songster is a freelance bassist based in Denver, Colorado. He has been working as a professional performer and educator for the past ten years along Colorado’s Front Range Mountains.
As a leader, Bob has co-led the group Spherio along with pianist Tenia Nelson and drummer Andreas Schmid. Spherio has performed for the 2017 Five Points Jazz Festival and was a featured artist in 2016 for the Gift of Jazz series. Their December 2016 album “Vol. 1” receives regular airplay on KUVO 89.3FM. Spherio performs regularly at Denver’s best listening rooms, including Dazzle, The Crimson Room and La Cour.
As a sideman, Bob has had the opportunity to play with a wide variety of ensembles and genres. Recent highlights include performing or recording with Jeff Jenkins, Venus Cruz, Robert Johnson, Mike Marlier, Hugh Ragin, Damien Hines, Danny Meyer, Bud Gordon and Vince Wiggins.
As a versatile performer, Bob has also worked regularly with La Pompe Jazz (gypsy jazz), William and the Romantics (big band), Odessa Rose (western swing), Joe Smith and the Spicy Pickles (swing), Zion Baptist Church (gospel), David Booker (blues), Jubilingo (southern rock), Washington Park United Church of Christ (gospel), St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church (traditional), Irie Still (reggae) and Ignatius Reilly (classic rock).
Bob Rheam – Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Bob has played or toured with Glenn Miller Orchestra, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey Big Bands, The O’Jays, Temptations, Jay and The Americans and Vic Damone. When younger, he lived in NYC and played with various Latin bands and big bands (Hector Rivera, Bill Watrous etc.) and did shows. He then played shows in the Catskills and Pocono mountain resorts and also lived and played in Boston, MA.
In 1980 Bob moved to Santa Fe, NM where he played in various big and small jazz bands and did shows. He had a 10 piece soul band, and then moved to Colorado in 2000. He currently plays with local bands Equinox and the CMC big band, the Phat Horn Doctors, the Springs Contemporary Big Band in Colorado Springs and The King Stan Band in Denver.
John Lusk – Guitar
Brian Pence – Drums
Brad Eastin – Saxophone
Originally from Melbourne Florida, Brad Eastin has lived in Colorado Springs since 1985. He was awarded a Masters in Music from The University of South Florida in 1979. After graduation he worked as a professional musician in the Tampa and Orlando area, he performed on Tenor and Soprano Saxophone as well as Flute for four years with The Dick Rivers Group. He also worked with Frankie Lane, Cab Calloway, Rosemary Clooney, Frank Gorshin and James Darrin as well as performing at the Kool Jazz Festival in Orlando Florida in 1982. He joined the US Air Force Band at Robins AFB Georgia in 1983. He moved to Colorado Springs in 1985 after auditioning and winning a position at USAF Academy Band. He became a member of the Premier Jazz Ensemble “The Falconaires” playing with Randy Brecker, Bob Mintzer, Ed Shaunessey, Louie Belson, Jon Hendricks and Diane Schurr. During this period the Falconaires performed at the Wichita, UNC Greeley and Fullerton College Jazz Festivals. They were also invited to play at the International Association of Jazz Educators Convention as well a Music-Fest Canada. In 1996 Brad became leader of USAF Academy Band group “Blue Steel” designing and implementing a “Stay in School Show” aimed at high school and middle school students. He produced this show for over 124,000 students nation-wide. He retired from the USAF Academy Band in August of 2003 and joined the faculty at CSU-Pueblo in 2004 teaching saxophone, clarinet and jazz studies. Brad continues to perform in the Colorado Front Range area with his own jazz quartet, trio, The Colorado Springs Contemporary Big Band, George Whitesell and His All Stars, Orchestro Sabaroso as well as many other artists and performers.
Ostevetto Jazz Quartet
12:30 p.m.
Ostevetto started as a duo, Piano and Bass in 1991. When the venue calls for it sax and drums are added. The four have been playing in various bands and combinations for 25 years or so.
Ostevetto’s style is more or less straight ahead jazz but they also look to the past and to the future. The main tenant of the band is to have a deep sense of enjoyment of the music and each other. Improvisation is key.
Otto Koch – Jazz Pianist
Otto received his BA from the Berklee College of Music in 1970 and was active in the Boston area 1965 to 1971 various bands and teaching music.
He moved to Boulder 1971 and taught piano from 1971 to 1979. Otto has been active from 1971 to present playing in a variety of styles primarily Jazz but also blues rock and roll and funk. He has performed at the telluride Jazz festival and telluride blue grass festival, composed music and performed with the Helander Dance Theatre.
Steve Johnson – Bassist
Steve has been a local fixture in Boulder’s music scene for over 30 years. He began as an electric bassist with the New Orleans funk band Mombo Combo and soon after migrated to acoustic bass – playing both jazz and alt-grass/world music. His influences include Bill Evans, Scott LaFarro, Miles Davis, Edgar Meyer and Eddie Gomez.
Phil Scheuer – Drummer
Phil received his Ba of music education at UNC Greeley in 1970. Phil has a sensitive yet forceful way of playing and is well respected in many styles in the Boulder Denver area. He continues to teach music at summer camps and as substitute teacher in the Boulder county school system.
Philip “Fly” McClard – Saxophones
Fly…Born the same year that Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier, started honking on clarinet and sax tubes in the Denver Public schools…then on to CU…and then to New York to study with Lee Konitz. “Fly” worked briefly with Blues Guy, Albert King. He spent many years with Chris Daniels and the Kings as well as a lot of free-lance work in Metro area. Then on to Otto and the Boys. What a trip and plumb tickled to still be blowing on tubes.
CMC Jazz Project Big Band
11:00 a.m.