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SEMJA / KCH Club Series

Three concerts have been scheduled in the SEMJA/KCH Club Series in June and July: Alberto Nacif’s Aguanko group on June 6, a birthday celebration for Joan and Marcus Belgrave on June 21, and a CD release party for Jesse Kramer’s Acacia on July 26.

Nacif’s Aguanko group specializes in jazz infused Son-Salsa and is built around two percussionists: Alberto Nacif’s congas/bongos and Jose Pepe Espinosa’s timbales/percussion. Rick Roe’s piano and Pat Prouty’s bass round out the rhythm section and the frontline consists of Paul Finkbeiner on trumpet, Russ Miller on saxes/flute, and Chris Smith on trombone. This concert starts at 8:00 p.m. on June 6.

Vocalist Joan and trumpeter Marcus Belgrave will have a double birthday celebration accompanied by Mike Malis on piano, Josef Deas on bass, and Gayelynn McKinney on drums at 7:00 p.m. on June 21. The Ann Arbor/Detroit couple always creates excitement wherever they go, so you do not want to miss this special concert.

Drummer Jesse Kramer is one the busiest of the younger musicians in our area and he has just released his first CD, Acacia (see separate article on Recent Recordings, page 3). For his concert at KCH (July 26, 8:00 p.m.) he will bring along some of his peers: trumpeter Kris Johnson, tenorist Marcus Elliot, pianist Glenn Tucker, and bassist Damon Warmack. These musicians frequently appear in various constellations at the hottest jazz spot in Detroit these days, Cliff Bell’s.

As is customary for the Club Series, SEMJA volunteers will be offering wine, beer, and soft drinks at these concerts. Please call the Concert House at 734-769-2999 for reservations or visit the KCH website.