Marcel Camargo introduced me to Casey Lipka, who will bring her new group, Casey Lipka & Tres Acústicos, to FFJN on March 1. 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!
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).
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.
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.
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.
