Michéle Ramo and Susan Chastain in Club Series
Guitarist Michéle Ramo has recently returned from New York with his wife and singer Heidi Hepler. They perform regularly at a number of venues in Detroit, and will bring their best acts to the Kerrytown Concert House in Ann Arbor on July 14 as part of the SEMJA/KCH Club Series.
The Michéle Ramo Ensemble consists of trumpeter Walter White (also recently returned from New York), pianist Mike Malis, bassist extra-ordinaire Ralphe Armstrong, and percussionist Miguel Gutierrez, plus Hepler on vocals. Ramo (above) is an exceptional guitarist who is comfortable in all styles of jazz, but he truly excels in Latin modes. He has played with many notables over the years, including James Carter and Marcus Belgrave.
The second SEMJA/KCH Club Series event of the summer will be on August 4 when Susan Chastain visits Ann Arbor from her home in Florida. Chastain is a singer and former Firefly Club owner who will be joined by two people she hired (and sang with) frequently at the Firefly: bassist Paul Keller and pianist Phil DeGreg from Cincinnati. Chastain started her jazz singing career with the Paul Keller big band at the fabled Bird of Paradise. DeGreg is a versatile and swinging pianist who for 16 years was the house pianist at the Blue Wisp Jazz Club in Cinci. He has played with most big names in modern jazz (www.phildegreg.com).
SEMJA will provide a club atmosphere by serving beer, wine, and other refreshments for the events. Please call KCH at 734-769-2999 to make a reservation.
