Macaroni and cheese. Popcorn and movies. Some things pair naturally together.
Next weekend, the musical planets align and you can experience the fine musical pairing of jazz on Friday night and blues on Saturday night. No need to travel to Seattle to see live music. The jamming happens here in Kitsap county.
COOL JAZZ
Pearl Django combines Gypsy-style jazz with American swing music. Formed in 1994, the group started out in Tacoma and has since become internationally known.
Drawing on influences from jazz-legend Django Reinhardt, the band plays intricate music with their violin, guitars, double bass and accordion.
In 2003, they were voted favorite area jazz band by Seattle Weekly readers. “Pearl Django play(s) gypsy jazz…and they do it with such verve, skill and pleasure that they’re pretty much irresistible to jazz and non-jazz listeners alike,” wrote Seattle Weekly.
Hear their unique style when Pearl Django performs at 7 p.m. on Jan. 14, at the Collective Visions Gallery, 331 Pacific Ave., Bremerton.
Tickets are $20 by calling (360) 377-8327, or $24 at the door. For more information visit: www.collectivevisions.com or www.pearldjango.com.
SING THE BLUES
Join musicians for an evening full of music as they pay tribute to the sound that has rocked the world for more than 50 years: Chicago blues.
“Blues is elemental. It’s essentially telling a truth about life in musical form,” organizer Mark Hoffman said. “It’s great lyric poetry.”
Music from the great blues performers of the past such as Howliln’ Wolf, Muddy Waters and Etta James will be showcased as different acts take the stage.
Headlining the night is Peter Spencer and the Maxwell Street Playboys. Spencer is a finger-picking guitarist, singer and songwriter. He has been called a “guitar wizard” by Victory Music News.
Other musical performers of the night include Mojo Blues Band and Chele’s Kitchen.
Hoffman is tying together great music with a great cause. It’s been almost one year since the devastating earthquake in Haiti and “Howlin’ for Haiti” will raise money for the struggling country. “I feel Haiti has dropped off the map,” Hoffman said. “People are suffering from compassion fatigue. People have forgotten what a serious problem is happening down there,” he said.
“Howlin’ for Haiti” takes place on Jan. 15, from 6 -10 p.m. at the Island Music Center, 10598 Valley Rd., Bainbridge. Admission is $15 and the profits from the night will be shared between the Friends of the Orphans of Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund and Doctors without Borders. Information can be found at www.howlinwolf.com or www.peterspencer.com.
After a weekend of soul-fueling music, your mood will be lighter and you’ll understand why jazz and blues compliment each other the way peanut butter goes with jelly.
