Marcel Camargo (@marcelcamargomusic) is a Brazilian guitarist, who’s spent a lot of time as Michael Bublé’s guitarist. He’s an incredible composer and arranger, as well. Recently, he was on tour with Brazilian Legend, Arthur Verocai. (FFJN alum Marcelo Bucater played drums on that tour!) He’s also worked with diverse artists from Herb Alpert, Sérgio Mendes, and Bebel Gilberto to Tom Harrell and Miguel Atwood-Ferguson to Macy Gray, Inara George, and Jason Mraz.
I met Marcel in the 90s when he was playing a lot with Gretchen Parlato, while both were students at UCLA. When I started this series, he was one of the first people I wanted on it, so I’m so happy that he’s finally able to do it.
JASON LUCKETT
Date
City
Venue
Jason Luckett Pasadena Residency: First Fridays Jazz Night w/ JL & Friends
Time: 7:30pm.Admission: $20 suggested donation.Age restrictions: All Ages.Address:638 E. Colorado Blvd. Ste. 301.Venue phone: 626-345-5676.Our new venue, and my annual holiday show, featuring Jami Lula and Phil Parlapiano.Related post.
I’m feeling sunny thinking about the next FFJN on March 1. Marcel Camargo and Casey Lipka & Tres Acústicos will join me.
I met Marcel in the 90s when he was playing a lot with Gretchen Parlato, while both were students at UCLA. When I started this series, he was one of the first people I wanted on it, so I’m so happy that he’s finally able to do it.
Through Marcel, I met Casey, who will bring her new group, Casey Lipka & Tres Acústicos, to the evening. Marcel is one of the Tres. And though Casey is singing backed by the three nylon stringed guitars, she’ll play a bit of bass with me on my set!
Here’s a little more on both artists:
Marcel Camargo (@marcelcamargomusic) is a Brazilian guitarist, who’s spent a lot of time as Michael Bublé’s guitarist. He’s an incredible composer and arranger, as well. Recently, he was on tour with Brazilian Legend, Arthur Verocai. (FFJN alum Marcelo Bucater played drums on that tour!) He’s also worked with diverse artists from Herb Alpert, Sérgio Mendes, and Bebel Gilberto to Tom Harrell and Miguel Atwood-Ferguson to Macy Gray, Inara George, and Jason Mraz.
Singer-songwriter and LA Native, Casey Lipka (@caseylipka) has toured as a bassist with rock band CAKE, played on NPR’s Mountain Stage, composed music for ballet and fronted an 18-piece orchestra celebrating the music of Motown legends Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. She’s been described as “an amalgam of pop, folk, and jazz wrapped in a neo-classical vibe, where her ethereal sound exudes both vulnerability and strength.” The guitarists joining her, in addition to Marcel, are Nadav Peled (@peled.guitar) and Dusty Brough (@dustybrough).
And just for fun, if you’ve forgotten, here’s my brief bio:
Jason Luckett writes, sings, and plays to break down barriers. With a love for jazz, soul, classic singer-songwriters, and Brazilian music he’s performed on stages worldwide from LA Library’s ALOUD series to Glastonbury, SXSW, UCLA’s Royce Hall and Copenhagen Songwriters Festival. He’s also recorded or played with artists as diverse as Kenny Burrell, Russell Ferrante, the Indigo Girls, Melissa Etheridge, and members of Bauhaus, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Ozomatli.
Can’t believe we’re celebrating the 1st Anniversary of First Fridays Jazz Night w/Jason Luckett & Friends! Joining me for full sets are Stefanie Naifeh (of The Underthings) w/Jeff Paris, doing an exploration of early blues and jazz; and Sorcerers of Peace (Jeff Dean, Rober Luis, Aziz Yehia, Hamed Habibpour). Jeff was with us playing in Lula in July and Rober was with Danette Christine on our very first show. I introduced Rober to Jeff, after meeting him that night, so it’s kind of like the band emerged from this community.
Hopefully we’ll have a couple surprises during my set, too!
Can’t wait to celebrate with you!
First Fridays Jazz Night w/ Jason Luckett & Friends Friday, February 2, 2024 8-10:30pm (doors: 7:30) Lyd & Mo Photography Studio & Gallery 27 N Mentor Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106
Performing: Stefanie Naifeh The Sorcerers of Peace Jason Luckett
Hosted by Jason Luckett
Doors: 7:30 Showtime: 8pm
Suggested donation: $20 at the door or online Venmo: @jasonluckett PayPal.me/jasonluckett (100% goes to the musicians).
In Playhouse Village in the heart of Pasadena IG: @firstfridaysjazznight
Megan Shung often described as ‘the 21st Century violinist’, is an international violinist, composer, producer, and educator based in Los Angeles, California. Adept at multiple genres and styles, she has performed/recorded with artists including Anthony Kiedis, Michael Bublé, Seal & Billy Childs. In addition to being an active performer, Megan is also a passionate educator. Currently on the Suzuki and jazz faculty at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music (PCM). In 2023, she became the co-artist director of String Project Los Angeles a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to foster the bowed strings teaching community while celebrating the musical and cultural diversity of the city of LA.
Ryan Whyman is a seasoned pianist and composer from Los Angeles, and has made a living performing and recording with various artists and ensembles over the last decade. As a composer, he writes regularly for film, TV, and video games. Ryan released his debut album, Fantasies & Memories, in 2019.
JASON LUCKETT
Date
City
Venue
Jason Luckett Pasadena Residency: First Fridays Jazz Night w/ JL & Friends
Time: 7:30pm.Admission: $20 suggested donation.Age restrictions: All Ages.Address:638 E. Colorado Blvd. Ste. 301.Venue phone: 626-345-5676.Our new venue, and my annual holiday show, featuring Jami Lula and Phil Parlapiano.Related post.
Known principally as a Jazz singer, Cheryl’s versatility encompasses many musical genres. Singing in four languages, Cheryl has performed around the world (including sharing the stage with J.J. Johnson, Wynton Marsalis, Quincy Jones, and a guest member spot with the world renowned Clara Ward Singers), and has recorded with a score of respected and beloved artists. Her 16 years of Operatic training have brought her to the stage as a featured soloist with the Denver Symphony Orchestra, the Florida Orchestra and the Lawrence University Orchestra in Appleton, Wisconsin. She has toured extensively throughout South America and the Caribbean, nurturing her love for Samba, Bossa Nova, Salsa and the riches of Latin and Afro-Cuban music. Her tours in Europe and Asia enthralled audiences.
A sought-after vocal clinician conducting numerous workshops and clinics across the U.S., she is also a founding member of the Jazz Vocal Coalition and retains an esteemed musical presence in Los Angeles, having been heard on stages ranging from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s prestigious Friday Jazz Series to the Hollywood Bowl to the Hollywood and Las Vegas branches of the House of Blues.
What sets Cheryl apart from others is her incredible voice, which imbues each word she sings with a beauty and clarity all its own, taking the listener along on an extraordinary journey. She opens her soul through her music and aims to make a direct connection with every listener.
She has created and performed a one woman show on the life of the great singer/dancer/actress Ethel Waters and has produced and participated in numerous recording projects. Her most recent is entitled LISTEN TO THIS. It features a remarkable cast of players including John Beasley, Rahn Coleman(Producer), Brandon Fields, John Hammond, Rickey Minor and, most notably, her husband and esteemed keyboardist/arranger, Phillip Cabasso, M.D.
Cheryl D. Barnes brings a singular warmth and empathy to every line she sings, engaging listeners from a purr to a power belt. Beloved around the world as a captivating live performer, she is one artist not to be missed.
Visit Cheryl’s website for more in-depth reviews and information. www.cheryldbarnes.com
PHILLIP CABASSO….Jazz Piano, Arranger, Composer
Beginning at age 5, Phillip Cabasso began a life long musical journey. Piano lessons, music in school, studying arranging and composition and performing on piano and trombone…all culminating in a 30 year collaboration with his wife, jazz singer Cheryl Barnes. Their group, usually a trio with piano, bass and drums, performs regularly and wows audiences with their precision playing and artful renditions of jazz standards, R and B, Brazilian, as well as original compositions. This career taking place throughout university and medical school studies, and as a respected full time internal medicine physician. He considers himself extremely fortunate to play with some of the greatest musicians in the world, not to mention, to be the musical director for the fabulous Ms Barnes!
JASON LUCKETT
Date
City
Venue
Jason Luckett Pasadena Residency: First Fridays Jazz Night w/ JL & Friends
Time: 7:30pm.Admission: $20 suggested donation.Age restrictions: All Ages.Address:638 E. Colorado Blvd. Ste. 301.Venue phone: 626-345-5676.Our new venue, and my annual holiday show, featuring Jami Lula and Phil Parlapiano.Related post.
Ooh Baby! Songwriters at Play celebrates the music of Smokey Robinson and Aretha Franklin at the High Roller Tiki Lounge in Solvang on Saturday Jan. 13. The concert includes local and touring artists doing such favorites as You Really Got a Hold on Me, Respect, Natural Woman, Tracks of My Tears, and many more. Reserved seats for the 2pm concert are $20, available at my805tix.com
The lineup of performers includes Bay Area balladeers Zoe FitzGerald Carter, Aireene Espiritu, and Jesse Loren Strickman; SoCal singers Pi Jacobs, Jason Luckett, and Jeanne Newhall; Santa Barbara’s Will Breman, and California Valley’s Holly Ann Lewis.
The concert is produced by Songwriters at Play, husband-wife team, Steve Key and Bonnie Nelson-Key. They produced many tributes at SoHo in Santa Barbara, and various venues in the San Luis Obispo. Their events have covered the music of Chuck Berry, Sam Cooke, Leonard Cohen, James Taylor, Carole King, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, and Bob Dylan. They also host monthly song contests at High Roller Tiki Lounge; the winners of their 10-part series will compete for the $1,000 grand prize next April. www.songwritersatplay.com
Ooh Baby! Songwriters at Play celebrates the music of Smokey Robinson and Aretha Franklin at the High Roller Tiki Lounge in Solvang on Saturday Jan. 13. The concert includes local and touring artists doing such favorites as You Really Got a Hold on Me, Respect, Natural Woman, Tracks of My Tears, and many more. Reserved seats for the 2pm concert are $20, available at my805tix.com
The lineup of performers includes Bay Area balladeers Zoe FitzGerald Carter, Aireene Espiritu, and Jesse Loren Strickman; SoCal singers Pi Jacobs, Jason Luckett, and Jeanne Newhall; Santa Barbara’s Will Breman, and California Valley’s Holly Ann Lewis.
The concert is produced by Songwriters at Play, husband-wife team, Steve Key and Bonnie Nelson-Key. They produced many tributes at SoHo in Santa Barbara, and various venues in the San Luis Obispo. Their events have covered the music of Chuck Berry, Sam Cooke, Leonard Cohen, James Taylor, Carole King, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, and Bob Dylan. They also host monthly song contests at High Roller Tiki Lounge; the winners of their 10-part series will compete for the $1,000 grand prize next April. www.songwritersatplay.com
Ooh Baby! Songwriters at Play celebrates the music of Smokey Robinson and Aretha Franklin at CCAT on Sunday Jan. 14. The concert includes local and touring artists doing such favorites as You Really Got a Hold on Me, Respect, Natural Woman, Tracks of My Tears, and many more.
The lineup of performers includes Bay Area balladeers Zoe FitzGerald Carter, Aireene Espiritu, and Jesse Loren Strickman; SoCal singers Pi Jacobs, Jason Luckett, and Jeanne Newhall; Santa Barbara’s Will Breman, and Central Coast artists The Taproots, and Holly Ann Lewis.
Pi Jacobs, Will Breman, and Aireene Espiritu played CCAT in last January’s tribute to Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson. The Taproots and Zoe FitzGerald Carter were in the Nov. 2022 tribute to Joni Mitchell. Jeanne Newhall has played many Songwriters at Play events, including this year’s tribute to Joan Baez. Jason Luckett and Holly Ann Lewis make their CCAT debuts in this show.
The concert is produced by Songwriters at Play, husband-wife team, Steve Key and Bonnie Nelson-Key. Their tributes at CCAT have included the music of James Taylor, Carole King, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, and Bob Dylan. They also host monthly song contests at Schooners in Cayucos; the winners of their 10-part series come to CCAT next April 14. www.songwritersatplay.com
Admission:Reserved seats $25.00 CCA Members: $20.00
Age restrictions:All Ages
Notes:
Ooh Baby! Songwriters at Play celebrates the music of Smokey Robinson and Aretha Franklin at CCAT on Sunday Jan. 14. The concert includes local and touring artists doing such favorites as You Really Got a Hold on Me, Respect, Natural Woman, Tracks of My Tears, and many more.
The lineup of performers includes Bay Area balladeers Zoe FitzGerald Carter, Aireene Espiritu, and Jesse Loren Strickman; SoCal singers Pi Jacobs, Jason Luckett, and Jeanne Newhall; Santa Barbara’s Will Breman, and Central Coast artists The Taproots, and Holly Ann Lewis.
Pi Jacobs, Will Breman, and Aireene Espiritu played CCAT in last January’s tribute to Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson. The Taproots and Zoe FitzGerald Carter were in the Nov. 2022 tribute to Joni Mitchell. Jeanne Newhall has played many Songwriters at Play events, including this year’s tribute to Joan Baez. Jason Luckett and Holly Ann Lewis make their CCAT debuts in this show.
The concert is produced by Songwriters at Play, husband-wife team, Steve Key and Bonnie Nelson-Key. Their tributes at CCAT have included the music of James Taylor, Carole King, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, and Bob Dylan. They also host monthly song contests at Schooners in Cayucos; the winners of their 10-part series come to CCAT next April 14. www.songwritersatplay.com
The first Friday of the month is December 1st, so we’ll be doing The Holiday Edition of First Fridays Jazz Night w/ Jason Luckett & Friends. I’ll be joined by the Brothers Figaro (last time we were on a bill together was last century!!), and Dorothy Coleman Pincus, one of my secret vocal stars!
The Brothers Figaro are Phil Parlapiano and Bill Bonk. These guys made a huge impression on me as young artist when I’d open for them at Molly Malone’s. Their songwriting, singing and musicianship were so energetic and encompassed such a wide variety of sounds that it helped me to believe that so much was possible. I’m thrilled that they are going to bring their Old Time Christmas show to us on the 1st.
And Dorothy Coleman Pincus, has a résumé from Aretha Franklin to Barry Manilow, Stevie Wonder to Tupac Shakur. In fact, California knows how to party, in part, because of her vocals on that legendary collaboration “California Love” by Shakur and Dr. Dre (with Roger Troutman of Zapp fame — anyone ever slow dance to “I Want to be Your Man”? But I digress…). She’s sung with me and recorded over at my studio many times over the past couple decades. I’m going to accompany her on some holiday favorites. She always brings the love! Albeit, this evening, from a jazzier perspective!
So happy to announce that you can now stream the 2022 live album on all the usual streaming music platforms. Please add it and enjoy! Happy Thanksgiving!
