This Week at Ace’s – June 5 – 9, 2019 – The Music, The Artists & More
Ace Gillett’s Musical Happenings – Week of 6.05.19
Greetings, Jazz Fans! Ace Gillett’s Music Director John Olson here to let you know what we have cued up for the first full week of June:
Jazz Jam Session
Wednesday, 6/5 – 7:00 to 11:00 pm
Tonight we’re back to our weekly Jazz Jam Session, hosted by Spencer Zweifel, Seth Lewis and myself. Drums, Piano, Bass and a Vocal mic are all provided. As always, we ask that interested performers follow our musician’s dress code of suit and tie for men and cocktail attire for women. All playing levels are welcome and encouraged to attend. Now that we’re on a weekly schedule, I’m hoping our jam will be a destination location for jazz musicians to meet and network with like-minded players. Drummers – if you didn’t have a chance to try out the Canopus Club Kit, it’s back for another round tonight!
Jenna McLean
Thursday, 6/6 – 7:00 to 11:00 pm
the Subterraneans welcome vocalist Jenna McLean, accompanied by Ben Markley, Seth Lewis and myself. It’s appropriate to have Ben Markley join us for this Thursday – I first heard Jenna sing when she used to come sit in on Saturday nights with the Ben Markley Trio. She did her under-grad work at the University of Wyoming, where Ben is the Director of Jazz Studies. Jenna is currently working on her Doctorate at UNC and she had a nice surprise last month when she learned she was chosen for two Downbeat Jazz Magazine Student awards. One for an Outstanding Arrangement and as the winner for the Vocal Jazz Soloist category. In addition to the awards, Jenna was on the cover of the inside section of the magazine that presents all of the awards! We’re super proud of Jenna and all of the UNC students and faculty that won awards this year and have also contributed their talent to performances at Ace Gillett’s. Here’s a shout out to Spencer Zweifel, Marc Schwartz, Daniel Thompson, Julian Cary, Kerry Marsh and Jim White. Ace Gillett’s relies heavily on the talented faculty and students from UNC and we congratulate you on these prestigious awards!
Alyson Agemy & Teague Bechtel
Friday, 6/7 – 8:00 to Midnight
the Subterraneans welcome Alyson Agemy on baritone sax, along with Teague Bechtel on guitar, accompanied by Seth Lewis and myself. Alyson and Teague are both former UNC students that recently moved to Denver. Teague has released a new album “Back at the Roadhouse,” and I’m sure we’ll play some tracks from that. I’ve played with Alyson and Teague at our weekly Jazz Jam Session, but this will be the first time we’ve played together with this quartet for a full night and I’m really looking forward to it!
Tom Amend
Saturday, 6/8 – 8:00 to Midnight
the Subterraneans welcome Tom Amend on piano, accompanied by Seth Lewis and myself. Tom has been performing at Ace Gillett’s for years but it’s not often that we get to feature him in a Trio setting. Tom recently performed at Ace Gillett’s for the release of his new album “Frontier Justice” alongside guitarist Steve Kovalcheck and legendary jazz drummer Jeff Hamilton. It’s an incredible CD and he’ll have copies for sale on Saturday.
Mark Sloniker
Sunday, 6/9– 7:00 to 11:00 pm
Mark Sloniker is back playing solo piano in the Lounge from 7:00 to 11:00 pm. Mark is a weekly favorite at Ace Gillett’s and is usually joined by family and friends for his second and third sets. He has earned his status as a local legend, having undoubtably played more nights of live music in Fort Collins than anyone else on record!
As you may have already heard, renovations for Ace Gillett’s are on hold for the time being. Spread the word that we’ll continue featuring your favorite food, cocktails and Live Jazz Wednesday through Sunday nights until further notice. If you haven’t had a chance to see the renovations at the Armstrong, come on down and admire the transformation!
As always, Thank You for supporting Live Jazz at Ace Gillett’s – I hope to see you there soon!
John Olson
Music Director
Ace Gillett’s Lounge
