Romano’s Restaurant Redlands
330 Orange St
909-798-9228
Romano’s Restaurant in Redlands will soon be the location where Inland Empire jazz lovers can experience live jazz performances by premiere industry players in a cozy and comfortable setting.
Longtime Riverside resident and percussionist Dio Saucedo will present “Dio and Friends”, a revolving collection of world-class musicians who are guaranteed to bring exciting, live entertainment and funky jazz beats you won’t have to drive to Los Angeles to hear.
Jazz at Romano’s /Redlands is scheduled to start mid-December, every other Wednesday, with a possible schedule change to weekly after the first of the year depending on the level of attendance. Shows start at 8:30 p.m., and there will be an $8.00 cover charge. The room has 40-50 seats situated directly in front of the stage, and there are another 30-40 seats that are off-center, but which still offer a view of the stage. The inaugural band for this venue will include keyboardist Mark Stephens, bassist Andrew Ford, Land Richards on drums, Dio Saucedo, percussion/vocals and Steve Alaniz on saxophone.
These are all talented, noted musicians on today’s smooth jazz scene with an incredible discography to their credit as well as writing and producing credits. Stephens (keyboards) played with Josh Grobin, Diana Ross, Boney James, and Chaka Khan. Andrew Ford (bass), also an Inland Empire resident, worked with Whitney Houston and Al Jarreau. Drummer Land Richards has worked Gladys Knight, Michael Bolton, Boney James and George Benson. Dio Saucedo toured and recorded with George Benson and also landed gigs with Gerald Albright and Everett Harp. Steve Alaniz (saxophone) recorded with guitarist Sekou Bunch on his release “Next Level”.
Stephens, Ford, Richards and Saucedo are also original members of “Jaspar”, the high-energy, funkified, smooth-jazz band that played at Redlands’ Whiskey Creek in the mid to late ‘80’s. Originally, they played at the old El Gato Gordo Restaurant in Riverside, which was located at the corner of University and Iowa. “Jaspar” functioned as sort of an “incubator band” and several of today’s brightest stars in contemporary jazz came out of “Jaspar”, including Gerald Albright, Norman Brown, James Raymond, and Michael Paulo. “It’s been at least 15 years since we last played in Redlands”, Saucedo said, “as a result, we anticipate an enthusiastic and supportive crowd immediately. So call the restaurant to make your reservations ASAP!”
Local jazz enthusiasts, let’s use this opportunity to support the art form of jazz, the musicians who are committed to performing it, as well as a local business.
Call the restaurant at (909) 798-9228 for complete details, or e-mail Dio at romanosjazz@sbcglobal.net to be added to their mailing list. Dio usually sends an e-blast when shows are scheduled and confirmed. Hope to see you there!
Be sure to check out these videos (1) The Obama campaign's "Stand Up" video featuring keyboardist Mark Stephens with Chaka Khan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6Npkp2VruA; and (2) Dio Saucedo at the 2004 Catalina Jazz Festival playing with Unam www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMozOaQA8Do
Comments
Sounds like Romano's is committed to preserving the arts in the Inland Empire. Good for them!
I was craving some live jazz during the holidays. I am going to have to check this out! Thank you.
Good that jazz is still alive and in the inland impire ,however let his music speek for itself your rambling on about who he's worked with is not needed. Thanks.
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