Sad News . . . My very close friend, Henry Schiro passed away. For many years, Henry was the operations director of the Garden City, where I played. Also, Henry was one of the founders of the San Jose Jazz Society and a founding member of the Steinway Society - the Bay Area. Henry was such a classic gentleman, a great friend to jazz and classical music and all around mensch.
On the Gig Front I have several notable upcoming gigs and concerts, including: Wally's Swing World playing at Tapestry in Talent in San Jose on 9/1; Martan Mann Trio, featuring Mike Strunk, drums and Tom Bockhold, bass playing two gigs - on Saturday, 9/6 at Yamamori's in Scotts Valley and on Sunday, 9/7 at Rossmoor Retirement Community in Walnut Creek; another opportunity for me to play with the wonderful saxophonist, George Young for the Downtown Sounds Concert in San Jose on 9/20; Wally's Swing World playing for the Italian Festival on 9/28 and a special fund raiser show on 10/19 at the elegant Mello Center in Watsonville called "Keep Spirit Alive". Of course, don't forget to join us for the weekly Sunday Santa Cruz Jazz Society's Jam Sesson.
Martan Mann & George Young
Back in April, I was fortunate to perform with the great saxophist, George Young. I just received a DVD of a concert that we performed at Rossmoor Retirement Community in Walnut Creek and have placed a tune from the concert on this newsletter. Hope you enjoy it. To play the video,turn off the music at the top of the newsletter. In fact, I have more new videos from that concert that you can view on YouTube.
Sep 7 Sunday 5 - 6 pm The Martan Mann Trio, featuring bassist, Tom Bochold and drummer, Michael Strunk is performing a concert at this prestigious retirement community in the Fireside Room. We will be joined by special guest, vocalist Antonia Venezia. (Sorry - this concert is by invitation only.) Rossmoor Retirement Community, Walnut Creek
Sep 8, Monday (This time only it's the second Monday)) 8 - 10 pm
w/Todd Clickard's, Clicktrax Jazz Orchestra. We're talking - terrific big band dancing. Drop by - you'll like it. Monterey Live (across from the State Theater on Alvarado St.) Monterey
Sep 12, Friday 7:30 - 11:30 pm
I have an opportunity to work with one of my favorite vocalists - Ann Whittington. We are playing great dance music at one of your favorite hangouts, Severino's. I hope you will join us.
Sep 14, 4 - 8 pm Santa Cruz Jazz Society weekly jam session. This is a great opportunity to "hone your chops", hang with lots of musicians . . . and dance (I will not be there on 8/3, 8/10 & 8/24). Bocci's Cellar, Santa Cruz
Sep 20, Saturday 7 - 9:30 pm
****George Young and Martan Mann Concert****. This is special - mark it in your appointment book! George and I are performing for the Downtown Sounds Concert Series. There will be a reception to follow. Tickets are: General admission $20.00; Children: $10.00 and Seniors/Students $15.00. There is ample parking. First Presbyterian Church, 49 No. 4th St. (between St. James and Santa Clara St.) San Jose
Oct 19 Sunday 2 pm
This is a special event: I am accompanying a show at the Mello Center entitled: "Keeping Spirit Alive". This is a fundraiser for the Pajaro Valley Performing Arts Association. Mello Center, Watsonville
Oct 25, Saturday, 6 - 9 pm
This is a great opportunity to hear the Martan Mann Trio with Michael Strunk, drums and Tom Bockhold, bass and enjoy the best Japanese Cuisine in the Santa Cruz area. Yamamori Sushi Boat & Grill , 5600 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley
Ongoing Fun Gigs:
Every Sunday 4 - 8 pm
I am the house pianist at the Santa Cruz Jazz Society’s weekly Sunday jam session at Bocci's Cellar in Santa Cruz. The atmosphere is delightful for listening, dancing and sitting-in.
First Monday of the month 8 - 10 pm
w/Todd Clickard's, Clicktrax Jazz Orchestra. We're talking - big jazz band dancing. This is one of the best bands in the area. Drop by - you'll like it. Monterey Live (across from the State Theater on Alvarado St.) Monterey.
Mondays from 7:10 - 9:10 pm
I accompanyWally Trindade’s jazz vocal class at Cabrillo College . Join the class for lots of fun and excellent training in jazz singing. If you are interested in signing up for the Fall Class - either contactWally or Cabrillo College . Sign up now!
STEINWAY SOCIETY NEWS
GWENDOLYN MOK
Sun., September 14, 2007 - 7pm
Representing the first concert of the impressive 2008/2009 Piano Series, the Steinway Society presents Gwendolyn Mok. Currently the Coordinator of Keyboard Studies at San Jose State University School of Music and Dance, Gwendolyn began her career at the Juilliard School of Music. She attended Yale University, where she completed her undergraduate studies, and State University of New York at Stony Brook, where she gained her Doctorate. From there she went on to win several piano competitions.
Born in New York, Ms. Mok has appeared in many of the world's leading concert halls including The Barbican, Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Avery Fisher Hall, Alice Tully Hall, and The Hong Kong Performing Arts Center. She is also frequently invited to play and record with major international orchestras most notably The London Symphony, The Philharmonia, The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, The Beijing Philharmonic Orchestra and The Residentie Orkestre of The Hague.
Order your season tickets on the website for the Steinway Society.
SANTA CRUZ JAZZ SOCIETY NEWS
As many of you know, I am a member of the SCJS Board of Directors and also the house band for the SCJS weekly jam sessions at Bocci's Cellar in Santa Cruz every Sunday from 4 - 8 pm. We want to invite jazz players and vocalists to join us and sit-in. There's a large dance floor, too. Check out the SCJS Website for much more information about activities, members and supporting the organization.
TEACHING AND LECTURES
I am currently teaching jazz, classical and improvisation piano lessons at my home in Boulder Creek, CA and also at the West Valley Music Store in Mt. View. I teach piano lessons in jazz and classical to students of all ages.. If you want lessons in Boulder Creek or Mt. View, contact me by e-mail at martan@musicmann.com or by phone at (831) 338-4986.
Lectures, Clinics and Group Classes on the subject of "Jazz Improvisation for the Classical Pianist" are also available.
My books can be ordered off my website, www.musicmann.com and also Lulu.com. My CDs are available on my website and also CD Baby. You can check out some videos at YouTube.
PROJECTS
There are several new projects in the works. I am working on a new book on jazz improvisation. Also, am writing new music for my jazz trio. We are prepared and happy to play new performances for your concert or event. Currently, Contact me at martan@musicmann.com.
GWENDOLYN MOK
