Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts

Free admission! Join us for a fun evening of jazz.

Featuring Chris Cortez on guitar, Walt Hubbard on drums, Doug Mathews on bass, Ed Krout on keyboards, and other special guests. The band will open the night with a concert set, which is then followed by a jazz jam session. Musicians, bring your instruments and your favorite jazz standard and sit in!

A guitar amp, bass amp, drums, and piano are available for use.

To learn more about Chris Cortez and friends, and view photos and videos, visit - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/chris-cortez

This fundraising event is free and open to the public.

Founded by Charlyce Simmons, Michal’s Hope is a not-for-profit, tax exempt organization whose activities are governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees. All programs and services are made possible through contributions from the public.

Michal's Hope's mission is to serve individuals in various stages of renal failure and their families by providing assistance for caregivers, and access to resources throughout the dialysis and transplantation process.

Ella & The Bossa Beat is an international father-daughter duo between the 23-year old 'new rising star of the Bossa Nova generation' singer/pianist Ella Borges, and Grammy-nominated drummer Magrus Borges. They present a modern Bossa Nova/Brazilian Jazz style of music, combined with a soulful jazz influence. This evening features special guests Diogo Brown on bass, and Dan Jordan on flute and sax.

Magrus Borges is a drummer, percussionist, composer, and producer from the Amazon, Brazil. He has played and recorded with many international artists such as: Astrud Gilberto, Bebel Gilberto (Grammy-nominated for her album "Agora"), Shakira, Grace Jones, Tania Maria, Larry Coryell, Caetano Veloso, Luis Melodia, Johnny Alf (one of the fathers of Bossa Nova), among many others. He has recorded six original albums, produced for various artists and is a member of the Recording Academy.

Ella Borges, 'the new rising star of the Bossa nova generation', was born in Miami and raised in Brazil. Ella sings in Portuguese, Spanish, English and French. In addition to singing, she plays piano, guitar, writes lyrics, composes, arranges, and co-produces with her father Magrus Borges. At age twenty-three, she presents a very unique style, with her soulful voice, and a strong influence of 'classic American jazz meets Brazil' when she scatts. In 2020, Ella was awarded 'The Focus Brazil' award for Best Female Singer in Orlando. She is also a graduate from Stetson University with a degree in International Business and Music. Ella is a member of the Recording Academy, and is under the mentorship, taking private classes with NYC jazz pianist Garry Dial.

The up-and-coming duo have been performing a lot in the United States, releasing singles, and doing collaborations with other international artists such as Toco together with Italian record label Schema Records. They have been playing at many jazz venues, festivals, private events, and have a residency at Universal Studios in Orlando FL. After releasing their latest album, they are planning to book shows and tour around Europe, Brazil and Asia for 2023, 2024.

To read more about Ella and Magrus Borges, and view videos, visit - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/ella-the-bossa-beat

Follow Ella & the Bossa Beat on social media - https://linktr.ee/ellaandthebossabeat

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.

Terry Myers is pleased to present the talented and dynamic vocalist Jaimie Roberts! This afternoon will feature jazz standards alongside a selection of Jaimie’s popular material, cabaret numbers, and fresh new songs and surprises! Jaimie is a multi-faceted vocalist and comedienne, who has worked professionally in the Central Florida area for many years. Her repertoire is extensive, and performs across all genres from Big Band jazz, comedy and parody songs, Country, Broadway, and more. If you are not already a fan, prepare to fall in love with Jaimie's larger-than-life stage presence!

The Terry Myers Quintet is: Terry Myers - saxophone, Jaimie Roberts - vocals, Randy Morris - piano, Jay Mueller - bass, and Paul Parker - drums.

Terry has had a storied career in Central Florida, including being a band leader at Walt Disney World's Epcot, the band leader at Rosie O'Grady's Good Time Jazz Emporium, and as an original member of Bill Allred's Classic Jazz Band. Terry is the director of the famed Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, and has appeared at many jazz festivals across the United States, Europe, and Asia. "Terry Myers is undoubtedly one of the best all-around reed players in the country today. His versatility and expertise on the clarinet and saxophone are a treat to the ears." - Buddy Morrow, former leader of the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra.

To read more about Terry, view photos and videos, visit https://bluebambooartcenter.com/terry-myers

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.

Join us for another installment of the JazzPro Series, highlighting local and touring artists of extremely high caliber. These are shows that you won't want to miss!

Jeff Rupert is a Yamaha performing artist, record producer, recording artist, freelance tenor saxophonist, full-time professor, and Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Central Florida. A gifted composer and arranger, Rupert is well heeled in jazz traditions from his many experiences over the years playing with greats like Benny Golson, Maynard Ferguson, and Kevin Mahogany, to name a few.

Jeff is an endearing host, who gives the audience a bit of American jazz history and personal anecdotes with each piece.

Featuring Jeff Rupert on saxophone, Marty Morell on drums, Ben Kramer on bass, and Richard Drexler on piano.

To read more about Jeff, view photos and videos, visit - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/jeff-rupert-quartet

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.

Free admission! Join us for a fun evening of jazz.

Featuring Chris Cortez on guitar, Walt Hubbard on drums, Doug Mathews on bass, Ed Krout on keyboards, and other special guests. The band will open the night with a concert set, which is then followed by a jazz jam session. Musicians, bring your instruments and your favorite jazz standard and sit in!

A guitar amp, bass amp, drums, and piano are available for use.

To learn more about Chris Cortez and friends, and view photos and videos, visit - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/chris-cortez

Suzy Park is a dynamic vocalist, whose personality shines brightly from the stage between her powerful choruses, and nimble scatting solos. Her programs include innovative and fun arrangements of popular music like you've never heard it before.

Suzy has been a member of the famed Disney’s Voices of Liberty, The Girlfriends at the Hyatt Grand Cypress, and the jazz vocal ensemble American Vybe at EPCOT. She performed with Salsa artist Tito Nieves for many years, and has appeared at numerous jazz clubs and festivals throughout Florida, including the Pleasure Island Jazz Company, Sunfest, the Lynx Jazz Festival, Timpano’s, and the Grand Bohemian.

To read more about Suzy, and view photos and videos, visit - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/suzy-park-quartet

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.

Local favorites Ricky Sylvia & The Buzzcatz present a tribute to the music of the 70s! With the radio hits of James Taylor, America, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, Steely Dan, Gladys Knight, Tina Turner, and more.

The Buzzcatz boast a 20+ year history, with a deep bag full of great nostalgic tunes from the Rat Pack era to the 70s and 80s.

To read more, and view photos and videos, visit - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/ricky-sylvia-and-the-buzzcatz

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.

Featuring timeless classics and Vivacity’s biggest hits from the 20th century! With Heather Thorn on xylophone and vocals, Eddie Metz- drums, Per Danielsson-piano, Greg Zabel-upright bass and Dave Mackenzie- reeds.

Xylophonist Heather Thorn and Vivacity can be heard performing for stage shows, swing dances and jazz festivals across Florida and beyond. The band has a unique neo-vaudeville sound with strong roots in New Orleans music. High-energy and versatile, Vivacity will have you swinging in your seats!

In 2019 and 2022, the band headlined the International I Love Jazz Festival in Brazil, performing for over 5,000 jazz lovers. Vivacity was featured with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra for their Holiday Pops concert in 2021. They have also given notable performances at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, Timucua Arts Foundation, Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts, the Suncoast Jazz Festival, and for many concert series around Florida. Members of Vivacity have performed with a variety of famous groups including the Count Basie Orchestra, the Glenn Miller Orchestra and the Mickey Mouse Club.

To read more, and view photos and videos, visit - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/vivacity

www.vivacitymusic.com

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.

Orilla (O-ree-yah) is a highly creative musical duo co-led by the Catalan-Spanish singer/multi-instrumentalist Ona Kirei and Colombian-American bassist Alejandro Arenas. Their musical philosophy is rooted within the minimalistic instrumentation of voice and bass, allowing great freedom of expression and spontaneity.

Their music touches on a wide variety of styles, and Latino and European roots mix with American culture giving way to a uniquely creative multicultural sound. Tight arrangements and spontaneous improvisation freely coexist in the Orilla musical ecosystem. Orilla captivates audiences with their warm, vibrant, and expressive sound, varied repertoire, and outstanding musical skills.

Visit https://bluebambooartcenter.com/orilla for more about Orilla, and to view photos and videos.

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.

Free admission! Join us for a fun evening of jazz.

Featuring Chris Cortez on guitar, Walt Hubbard on drums, Doug Mathews on bass, Ed Krout on keyboards, and other special guests. The band will open the night with a concert set, which is then followed by a jazz jam session. Musicians, bring your instruments and your favorite jazz standard and sit in!

A guitar amp, bass amp, drums, and piano are available for use.

To learn more about Chris Cortez and friends, and view photos and videos, visit - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/chris-cortez

Join award-winning pianist Dr. Zachary Bartholomew and his trio for an exciting concert featuring all original music inspired by the jazz tradition, Afro-Cuban music, and modern musical influences.

Dr. Zachary Bartholomew is a pianist, composer, and music educator who maintains an active performance career as one of the most heavily sought-after pianists, accompanists, and sidemen in Florida. He has headlined national and international jazz festivals, toured across the country, and has placed as a top three finalist in the highly acclaimed Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition on two separate occasions. He is the pianist in the Gulf Coast Symphony’s Jazz Collective, the Lake Wales Jazz Connection, and regularly performs with professional organizations such as the Naples Philharmonic and Sarasota Pops Orchestra. Zach is also a full-time professor at Florida Memorial University and is actively involved in music education and outreach.

To read more, and view photos and videos, visit - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/zachary-bartholomew-trio

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.

Don Soledad presents “Arte y Pasíon” (Art and Passion) – an evening of flamenco.

Join Don Soledad on flamenco guitar and his quartet as they take you on a journey to Southern Spain and beyond. Featuring John Olearchick on piano, Justin Steger on percussion, and flamenco dancer Laura Pirela.

"Arte y Pasíon" features original compositions from Soledad’s albums, compositions by Michel Camilo, Tomatito, Astor Piazzolla, and Chick Corea, as well as other surprises.

Guitarist and recording artist Don Soledad has been a mainstay in the US and Florida talent pool since his move from the San Francisco Bay Area. His dedication to the art of flamenco guitar started under the tutelage of flamenco guitar maestros living in the US, as well as in Andalucia, Spain. Performance highlights include; opening for Jazz guitar legend Larry Coryell, stints at the Versace Mansion in South Beach, and performing for Gloria Estefan’s private parties as well as being the house band for 5 years at the Estefan’s resort Costa d’Este in Vero Beach.

To read more about Don, and view photos and videos, visit - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/don-soledad

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.

The Central Florida Jazz Society Presents Michelle Amato and Suzy Park - The Dynamite Divas! These two powerhouse vocalists are wonderful collaborators, as well as being wonderful friends. Join us for a truly "dynamite" concert!

Michelle Amato has performed and recorded with an incredibly diverse array of artists, including Liza Minelli, Al Green, Sandi Patty, Jon Secada, Donna Summer, Michael McDonald, Ira Sullivan, Jon Hendricks, Celia Cruz, Rita Marley and world renowned composer Yanni. She has also been a featured soloist with The Memphis Symphony, The Sunrise Pops, The Baton Rouge Symphony, The Sarasota Orchestra, The Macon Pops, and The Orlando Philharmonic.

Michelle’s Master’s Degree from the prestigious University of Miami School of Music has created great demand for her expertise as an educator and clinician. She has coached vocalists for Cirque du Soleil and taught private students and directed jazz vocal ensembles at The University of Miami, Miami Dade Community College, The University of Memphis and Rollins College.

Suzy Park joined the famed Disney’s Voices of Liberty in 1990, and has also performed with The Girlfriends at the Hyatt Grand Cypress, and with the jazz vocal ensemble American Vybe at EPCOT. She has performed at numerous jazz clubs and festivals throughout Florida, including the Pleasure Island Jazz Company, Sunfest, the Lynx Jazz Festival, Timpano’s, and the Grand Bohemian. Suzy has performed at Carnegie Hall with Salsa artist Tito Nieves, and at the Hampton Jazz Festival, where she opened for David Sanborn.

She has been a featured vocalist with the Orlando Pops Orchestra and the St. John’s River City Big Band. She has also sung with the Benny Goodman Orchestra and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, as well as local big bands The Orlando Jazz Orchestra, The Phoenix Jazz Orchestra, and The Naples Jazz Orchestra. Suzy has recorded for Warner Brothers, Fox, Walt Disney World, Tupperware, and the Orlando Pops.

To learn more about the Central Florida Jazz Society, visit - https://www.centralfloridajazzsociety.com/

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.

The Hang has moved to TUESDAY

Free admission!

Featuring Chris Cortez on guitar, Walt Hubbard on drums, Doug Mathews on bass, Ed Krout on keyboards, and other special guests. The band will open the night with a concert set, which is then followed by a jazz jam session. Musicians, bring your instruments and your favorite jazz standard and sit in!

A guitar amp, bass amp, drums, and piano are available for use.

To learn more about Chris Cortez and friends, and view photos and videos, visit - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/chris-cortez

Alma Skye headlines at Blue Bamboo Wed. 10/11 through Sat. 10/14.

October 11th features an opening act by Chris Cortez.

Singer/songwriter Alma Skye effortlessly blends the soulful melodies of Jazz, the infectious rhythms of R&B/Soul, and the vibrant flavors of Latin music. With her captivating voice, Skye takes her audience on a musical journey that transcends boundaries and genres. Whether you're a fan of jazz, R&B, Soul, or Latin music, her performances promise to leave you uplifted and craving for more. Get ready to be captivated by the enchanting melodies, powerful vocals, and infectious rhythms of Alma Skye!

To read more about Alma, and view photos and videos, visit - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/alma-skye-quartet

Chris Cortez, guitarist and vocalist, presents an eclectic mix of vocals and instrumentals, featuring original jazz and his unique arrangements of popular tunes and standards.

This ticket link is only for Wednesday 10/11 at 8 PM

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.

Alma Skye headlines at Blue Bamboo Wed. 10/11 through Sat. 10/14.

October 12th-14th features an opening act by pianist John Redfield.

Singer/songwriter Alma Skye effortlessly blends the soulful melodies of Jazz, the infectious rhythms of R&B/Soul, and the vibrant flavors of Latin music. With her captivating voice, Skye takes her audience on a musical journey that transcends boundaries and genres. Whether you're a fan of jazz, R&B, Soul, or Latin music, her performances promise to leave you uplifted and craving for more. Get ready to be captivated by the enchanting melodies, powerful vocals, and infectious rhythms of Alma Skye!

To read more about Alma, and view photos and videos, visit - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/alma-skye-quartet

John Redfield is an innovative pianist, with a dazzling rapid-fire technique. In John’s playing you can hear the influences of masters like Oscar Peterson and Wynton Kelly, and also stride piano legends like Art Tatum. Visit https://bluebambooartcenter.com/john-redfield-trio for more about John.

This ticket link is only for Thursday 10/12 at 8 PM

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.

Alma Skye headlines at Blue Bamboo Wed. 10/11 through Sat. 10/14.

October 12th-14th features an opening act by pianist John Redfield.

Singer/songwriter Alma Skye effortlessly blends the soulful melodies of Jazz, the infectious rhythms of R&B/Soul, and the vibrant flavors of Latin music. With her captivating voice, Skye takes her audience on a musical journey that transcends boundaries and genres. Whether you're a fan of jazz, R&B, Soul, or Latin music, her performances promise to leave you uplifted and craving for more. Get ready to be captivated by the enchanting melodies, powerful vocals, and infectious rhythms of Alma Skye!

To read more about Alma, and view photos and videos, visit - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/alma-skye-quartet

John Redfield is an innovative pianist, with a dazzling rapid-fire technique. In John’s playing you can hear the influences of masters like Oscar Peterson and Wynton Kelly, and also stride piano legends like Art Tatum. Visit https://bluebambooartcenter.com/john-redfield-trio for more about John.

This ticket link is only for Friday 10/13 at 8 PM

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.

Alma Skye headlines at Blue Bamboo Wed. 10/11 through Sat. 10/14.

October 12th-14th features an opening act by pianist John Redfield.

Singer/songwriter Alma Skye effortlessly blends the soulful melodies of Jazz, the infectious rhythms of R&B/Soul, and the vibrant flavors of Latin music. With her captivating voice, Skye takes her audience on a musical journey that transcends boundaries and genres. Whether you're a fan of jazz, R&B, Soul, or Latin music, her performances promise to leave you uplifted and craving for more. Get ready to be captivated by the enchanting melodies, powerful vocals, and infectious rhythms of Alma Skye!

To read more about Alma, and view photos and videos, visit - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/alma-skye-quartet

John Redfield is an innovative pianist, with a dazzling rapid-fire technique. In John’s playing you can hear the influences of masters like Oscar Peterson and Wynton Kelly, and also stride piano legends like Art Tatum. Visit https://bluebambooartcenter.com/john-redfield-trio for more about John.

This ticket link is only for Saturday 10/14 at 8 PM

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.

Join us as trumpeter John DePaola and saxophonist/arranger Dave MacKenzie present another fabulous show at Blue Bamboo! The duo's off the cuff interactions and playful improvisations will be on full display in this “Unscripted” program.

With Bob Thornton on piano, Charlie Silva on bass, and Walt Hubbard on drums.

Program note from Chris Cortez - CEO Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts

"John DePaola and Dave Mackenzie are well known to Blue Bamboo audiences. Separately or together, they are first call for anyone needing the best horn section anywhere. We have featured their classic front line duo of trumpet and sax many times, always in the company of a fabulous rhythm section. For this "Unscripted" show, I challenged John and Dave to perform their favorite classic songs without either of them using sheet music... I know it will be amazing, and I can’t wait."

To learn more about John and the group, view photos and videos, please click here - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/john-depaola-quintet

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.