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Riffs: Music news from out and about

Riffs: Music news from out and about

By Patricia Myers

There’ll be no dearth of sizzling jazz and hot blues this month, notably starting with the 7 p.m Tuesday June 7 concert by teenage members of Young Sounds of Arizona. The ability level and cohesive sounds of these youth ensembles has thrilled and amazed audiences ever since the organization’s 1971 inception by and support of the Phoenix Musicians Union.

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Ken Wain Celebration of Life: Rhythm Room

Ken Wain Celebration of Life: Rhythm Room

By Patricia Myers

A celebration of life jam session for longtime Arizona musician Ken Wain will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 26, with many local musicians, including opening selections by the Gentlemen of Jazz trio led by drummer Bob McKeon with Santo Maglio-keys and Ray Carter-bass + vocalist Margo McKeon. Doors open at 6 p.m. at the Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix 85004, free admission and parking.

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Riffs: Music news from out and about

Riffs: Music news from out and about

By Patricia Myers

Jazz and blues fans are a-buzz with the news that Francine Reed has returned to live again in the Phoenix area. Many who have missed her in clubs since her relocation 24 years ago to Atlanta were among the SRO crowd at the March 12 release party in Scottsdale for her new CD, “Wild-Hearted Woman.”

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5th International Jazz Day is April 30 at Phoenix CityScape Park

5th International Jazz Day is April 30 at Phoenix CityScape Park

By Patricia Myers

“Jazz is really about the spirit of life; the more creative you are with it, the better it is. Jazz has the ability to take the worst of circumstances and struggles and turn them into something creative and constructive.” So says William “Doc” Jones, producer of the annual International Jazz Day Arizona from 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at CityScape Park, One E. Washington St., Phoenix 85004.

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Larry Reed Tribute-Fundraiser

Larry Reed Tribute-Fundraiser

Larry Reed, a veteran Phoenix musician who has suffered a stroke, will be celebrated by the Arizona music community with a lineup of diverse talent from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 26, at the Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix 85014,

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Riffs: Music News from Out and About

Riffs: Music News from Out and About

By Patricia Myers

The jazzy month of March kicks off with two great free concerts, the first is March 1 when flutist Joe Corral and pianist Armand Boatman and Friends perform at 7:30 pm at the Musicians Union Hall in Phoenix (donation for snacks-beverages, AFM Local 586 Musicians Hall, 1202 E. Oak St., Phoenix 85006, 602-254-8838.) Soon after will be the March 3 free concert by Young Sounds of Arizona (multiple bands) at 7 p.m. at the Phoenix Center for the Arts, 1202 N. Third St., Phoenix 85004, 602-254-3100. The metro-Phoenix high-school-student bands have been sponsored and supported since 1971 by the Phoenix Musicians Union, Local 586 AFM.

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