The further you travel into the East Bay’s interior the rarer the opportunity to catch top-flight jazz. That’s why it’s vitally important to underscore those opportunities when they do arise.
Case in point is the Firehouse Arts Center, a fairly-new performing arts venue a block off Main Street in downtown Pleasanton. State-of-the-art and yet intimate, the Firehouse is hosting Ravi Coltrane (February 10), Larry Carlton (March 22) and Wesla Whitfield (April 1). Tickets run $12-$45.
I found an item on sfnoir.org that intrigues. It regards the Oakland Jazz Brunch, set for 11 a.m.-2 p.m. February 28.
“Come and enjoy a leisurely Sunday at two of Oakland’s premier establishments – Hibiscus and Miss Pearl’s Jam House,” it reads. “Listen to the sounds of live jazz, Latin, soul and urban funk while you enjoy the amazing flavors of Caribbean, soul food and Southern-inspired cooking by Sarah Kirnon and Peter Jackson.”
It seems Miss Pearl’s in Jack London Square is recovering from water damage but a note on the restaurant’s website suggest it should be open for business by the end of February.
February brings another intriguing jazz event, this time in Napa. “One Night in Paris,” a 1920s Gypsy jazz and Musette show, is set for 7:30 p.m. February 13 at the Sebastiani Theatre.
“Musicians from the prominent Gypsy jazz bands Rue Manouche, Jazz Hot and Duo Gadgo play in the style of Gypsy jazz or Gypsy swing made famous by Jean "Django" Reinhardt in the 1930s,” the press release trumpets. The lineup includes Michel Saga (vocals), Jeff Magidson (guitar), Isabelle Fontaine (guitar, vocals), Paul Mehling (bass), Julian Smedley (violin) and David Miotke (accordion).
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