Category Archives: ALL THAT JAZZ!

JAZZ IT UP WITH THE CARRS

Updated April 2025 (scroll to bottom for chronological listing)

Musical groups/events Mr. C. and I are involved with that I think you might enjoy:

JAZZVOX: If you would enjoy hearing fantastic vocal jazz performances within the intimate and comfortable environment of someone’s home, we warmly recommend visiting the JazzVox website www.jazzvox.com for more information. You will find the musical quality as high as you would experience in a club without the inherent noise and distractions associated with club shows.

We will be hosting two more shows in our Camano home in 2025:

  • Sunday May 18 – Lia Booth (vocal) w/ Jeremy Siskind (piano).
  • Sunday November 16 – Emilie-Claire Barlow.

WHISTLE LAKE JAZZ QUARTET: Mr. C.’s erstwhile piano trio (TimE3 Jazz) has embarked on an exciting new direction with the addition of stellar jazz guitarist Jamie Findlay.  Jamie joins Tim Eslick (bass), Todd Anderson (drums) and what’s-his-name (piano) to bring the music of Pat Metheny, Wes Montgomery and other jazz greats to Anacortes audiences.  For more information visit www.facebook.com/time3jazz.

Upcoming performances:

  • Friday May 2 – Anacortes First Friday Artwalk @ Blackbird Wine Bar & Charcuterie.  6:00 – 7:45 pm.
  • Wednesday May 7 @ Rockfish Grill, Anacortes.  6:00 – 8:45 pm.
  • Wednesday July 2 @ Rockfish Grill, Anacortes.  6:00 – 8:45 pm.
  • Wednesday November 5 @ Rockfish Grill, Anacortes.  6:00 – 8:45 pm.

A’TOWN BIG BAND: Mr. C. plays piano in this excellent 17-piece big band, which performs for swing dances and festivals in the Anacortes area.  For more information visit https://sites.google.com/site/atownbigband/home.

Upcoming performances:

  • Sunday May 18 @ McIntyre Hall, Skagit Valley Community College, Mount Vernon.  A joint concert with Skagit Community Band, featuring a performance of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue”.
  • Saturday June 28 @ Anacortes Senior Center.  Swing dance, free to the public.  3-5 pm.
  • Saturday August 2 @ Anacortes Arts Festival.  2:00 – 3:30 pm.
  • Sunday August 17 @ Bellingham Big Band Bash, on the Fairhaven Green.  An all-day event, with multiple bands (A’Town’s performance time TBD).

HERDING KATS: A “side project” of the Big Band that has morphed into its own ensemble, this nonet (5 horns, 4 rhythm w/ Mr. C. on keys) features brilliant soloists and tight arrangements that focus on the West Coast cool jazz sound.  For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/herdingkatsjazz.

Upcoming performances:

  • Sunday July 27 @ Gilkey Square, La Conner – “La Conner Live” outdoor concert series.  1-4 pm.

JOAN PENNEY:  One of THE top Northwest jazz vocalists, Joan brings to life fresh interpretations of the Great American Songbook, combining her musical chops with a genuine talent for connecting with her audiences.   Mr. C.  has recently had the good fortune to be added to the mix of first-rate musicians who line up to work with Joan.    For more info visit http://www.joansings.com.

Upcoming performances:

  • Sunday August 3 @ Anacortes Arts Festival.  12:00 – 1:30 pm.
  • Wednesday August 6 @ Rockfish Grill, Anacortes.  6:00 – 8:45 pm.
  • Sunday August 10 @ Gilkey Square, La Conner – “La Conner Live” outdoor concert series.  1-4 pm.
  • Wednesday October 2 @ Rockfish Grill, Anacortes.  6:00 – 8:45 pm.
  • Wednesday December 3 @ Rockfish Grill, Anacortes.  6:00 – 8:45 pm.  Joan’s Krazy Christmas show.
  • Friday December 5 @ Revival Lounge, Mount Vernon.  8:00 – 9:30 pm.  Joan’s Krazy Christmas show.
  • Saturday December 6 @ Colby Club, Everett.  8:00 – 9:30 pm.  Joan’s Krazy Christmas show.

SHARP FIVE JAZZ COLLECTIVE: A new (2024) endeavor for Mr. C!  This Bellingham-based group formed from a mutual love of post-bop quintet and sextet jazz from the late 50’s to early 60’s and beyond – artists like Wayne Shorter, Horace Silver, Joe Henderson and others.  Members include Loch Clark (trumpet/flugelhorn), Mark Kelly (saxophone/flute), Mr. C. (piano), Andy Simmons (bass) and Cary Stevens (drums).

Upcoming performances:

  • Friday August 1 @ Anacortes Arts Festival.  12:00 – 1:30 pm.

ALICIA DAUBER: A long-time favorite with Bellingham audiences.  Mr. C. enjoys the heck out of teaming up with this jazz vocalist of taste and elegance, with a book chock-full of gem-like tunes.  A hidden treasure whose public performances occur far too infrequently.

Watch this space for upcoming performances!

THE FAT FRIDAYS: “Jazz-infused Rock & Blues” is the motto of this sextet, led by Mark Dodge (guitar/vocals), also including Mr. C. (keyboard), Tom Anastasio (bass), Chris Leighton (drums), Mark Kelly (saxophone/flute), plus an exciting new addition, vocalist Kelly Visten.  The group’s CDs provide the soundtrack for my daily workout!  For more info visit: http://www.thefatfridays.com.

Upcoming performances:

  • Monday May 12 @ Angel of the Winds Casino, Arlington.  11am – 3pm.
  • Saturday May 17 @ Old Edison Inn.  8:00 – 10:15 pm.
  • Monday June 30 @ Angel of the Winds Casino, Arlington.  11am – 3pm.
  • Monday July 14 @ Angel of the Winds Casino, Arlington.  11am – 3pm.
  • Saturday August 9 @ Old Edison Inn.  8:00 – 10:15 pm.
  • Monday August 18 @ Angel of the Winds Casino, Arlington.  11am – 3pm.
  • Monday September 22 @ Angel of the Winds Casino, Arlington.  11am – 3pm.
  • Monday September 29 @ Angel of the Winds Casino, Arlington.  11am – 3pm.
  • Saturday November 15 @ Rockfish Grill, Anacortes.  7:30 – 10:00 pm.

MIKE FAAST: Mr. C. regularly sits in with Mike (a Northwest legend in the genres of Western swing and bluegrass) and his group “The Standards Trio”, swingin’ and singin’ a choice selection from the Great American Songbook.    For more info visit http://www.mikefaastmusic.com.

Upcoming performances:

  • Saturday May 10 @ Volli Sports Bar, Marysville.  7:00 – 9:30 pm.
  • Saturday July 5 @ Volli Sports Bar, Marysville.  7:00 – 9:30 pm.
  • Saturday October 4 @ Volli Sports Bar, Marysville.  7:00 – 9:30 pm.
  • Wednesday October 9 @ Rockfish Grill, Anacortes.  6:00 – 8:45 pm.
  • Saturday October 18 @ Anacortes Depot Arts Center (swing dance).  7-9 pm.

SWINGNUTS JAZZ: A rotating coterie of musicians (Mr. C. on piano) who play original & classic swing, Brazilian, and free-wheelin’ jazz. Led by “head nut” Peggy Wendel (vocals/songwriter), the group includes Mike Edwards (saxophone), Mark Dodge (bass) and Mark Drake (drums).  Visit the “nuts” on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/swingnutsjazz.

Upcoming performances:

  • Wednesday October 16 @ Rockfish Grill, Anacortes.  6:00 – 8:45 pm.
  • Wednesday December 17 @ Rockfish Grill, Anacortes.  6:00 – 8:45 pm.

TANGOHEART: Now in its 25th year, this quintet plays authentic Argentinian tango – the music of Piazzolla, Pugliese, Troilo, direct from Buenos Aires.  The group consists of Bertram Levy (bandoneon), Ruthie Dornfeld (violin), Dorothy Shapiro (viola) and Todd Gowers (double-bass) plus Mr. C on piano.

 

CHRONOLOGICAL LISTING OF EVENTS:

MAY:

    • Friday May 2 – WHISTLE LAKE JAZZ QUARTET – Anacortes First Friday Artwalk @ Blackbird Wine Bar & Charcuterie.  6:00 – 7:45 pm.
    • Wednesday May 7 – WHISTLE LAKE JAZZ QUARTET @ Rockfish Grill, Anacortes.  6:00 – 8:45 pm.
    • Saturday May 10 – MIKE FAAST STANDARDS TRIO @ Volli Sports Bar, Marysville.  7:00 – 9:30 pm.
    • Monday May 12 – THE FAT FRIDAYS @ Angel of the Winds Casino, Arlington.  11am – 3pm.
    • Saturday May 17 – THE FAT FRIDAYS @ Old Edison Inn.  8:00 – 10:15 pm.
    • Sunday May 18 – JAZZVOX House Concert @ Chez Carr Camano – Lia Booth (vocal) w/ Jeremy Siskind (piano).
    • Sunday May 18 – A’TOWN BIG BAND @ McIntyre Hall, Skagit Valley Community College, Mount Vernon.  A joint concert with Skagit Community Band, featuring a performance of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue”.

JUNE:

  • Saturday June 28 – A’TOWN BIG BAND @ Anacortes Senior Center.  Swing dance, free to the public.  3-5 pm.
  • Monday June 30 – THE FAT FRIDAYS @ Angel of the Winds Casino, Arlington. 11am – 3pm.

JULY:

  • Wednesday July 2 – WHISTLE LAKE JAZZ QUARTET @ Rockfish Grill, Anacortes.  6:00 – 8:45 pm.
  • Saturday July 5 – MIKE FAAST STANDARDS TRIO @ Volli Sports Bar, Marysville.  7:00 – 9:30 pm.
  • Monday July 14 – THE FAT FRIDAYS @ Angel of the Winds Casino, Arlington.  11am – 3pm.
  • Sunday July 27 – HERDING KATS @ Gilkey Square, La Conner – “La Conner Live” outdoor concert series.  1-4 pm.

AUGUST:

  • Friday August 1 – SHARP 5 JAZZ COLLECTIVE @ Anacortes Arts Festival.  12:00 – 1:30 pm.
  • Saturday August 2 – A’TOWN BIG BAND @ Anacortes Arts Festival.  2:00 – 3:30 pm.
  • Sunday August 3 – JOAN PENNEY QUINTET @ Anacortes Arts Festival.  12:00 – 1:30 pm.
  • Wednesday August 6 – JOAN PENNEY QUINTET @ Rockfish Grill, Anacortes.  6:00 – 8:45 pm.
  • Saturday August 9 – THE FAT FRIDAYS @ Old Edison Inn.  8:00 – 10:15 pm.
  • Sunday August 10- JOAN PENNEY QUINTET @ Gilkey Square, La Conner – “La Conner Live” outdoor concert series.  1-4 pm.
  • Sunday August 17 – A’TOWN BIG BAND @ Bellingham Big Band Bash, on the Fairhaven Green.  An all-day event, with multiple bands (A’Town’s performance time TBD).
  • Monday August 18 – THE FAT FRIDAYS @ Angel of the Winds Casino, Arlington.  11am – 3pm.

SEPTEMBER:

  • Monday September 22 – THE FAT FRIDAYS @ Angel of the Winds Casino, Arlington.  11am – 3pm.
  • Monday September 29 – THE FAT FRIDAYS @ Angel of the Winds Casino, Arlington.  11am – 3pm.

OCTOBER:

  • Wednesday October 2 – JOAN PENNEY QUINTET @ Rockfish Grill, Anacortes.  6:00 – 8:45 pm.
  • Saturday October 5 – MIKE FAAST STANDARDS TRIO @ Volli Sports Bar, Marysville.  7:00 – 9:30 pm.
  • Wednesday October 9 – MIKE FAAST STANDARDS QUARTET @ Rockfish Grill, Anacortes.  6:00 – 8:45 pm.
  • Wednesday October 16 – SWINGNUTS JAZZ @ Rockfish Grill, Anacortes.  6:00 – 8:45 pm.
  • Saturday October 18 – MIKE FAAST STANDARDS QUARTET @ Anacortes Depot Arts Center  (swing dance).  7-9 pm.

NOVEMBER:

  • Wednesday November 5 – WHISTLE LAKE JAZZ QUARTET @ Rockfish Grill, Anacortes.  6:00 – 8:45 pm.
  • Saturday November 15 – THE FAT FRIDAYS @ Rockfish Grill, Anacortes.  7:30 – 10:00 pm.
  • Sunday November 16 – JAZZVOX House Concert @ Chez Carr Camano – Emilie-Claire Barlow (vocal) w/ Jeremy Siskind (piano).

DECEMBER:

  • Wednesday December 3 – JOAN PENNEY QUINTET @ Rockfish Grill, Anacortes.  6:00 – 8:45 pm.  Joan’s Krazy Christmas show.
  • Friday December 5 – JOAN PENNEY TRIO @ Revival Lounge, Mount Vernon.  8:00 – 9:30 pm.  Joan’s Krazy Christmas show.
  • Saturday December 6 – JOAN PENNEY TRIO @ Colby Club, Everett.  8:00 – 9:30 pm.  Joan’s Krazy Christmas show.
  • Wednesday December 17 – SWINGNUTS JAZZ @ Rockfish Grill, Anacortes.  6:00 – 8:45 pm.