TONIGHT: BETHEL JAZZ PRESENTS
7:00pm Wed June 29
Jazz Outdoors On The Patio (inside if it rains)
At LaZingara 8 Barnum Square, Bethel CT 06801
Veteran of the NYC Jazz scene, Michael Leventhal (Count Basie, Lionel Hampton) has assembled a smokin', unforgetable septet for the evening.


Very Limited Occupancy. Tables seating 2, 4, 5 guests, with tables for 6, 8, 12 available upon request. See The Attached Seating Chart. Admission Is $15.00 - $20.00 Per Person, Ticket prices may be higher for special performances. Tables Of Two = $35., Four = $75., Five = &87.50 Six = $105., Eight = $130, Twelve = $210

Featuring Jazz Heavies:
Michael Leventhal - Tenor and Soprano Saxophone
Jamie Finnegan - Trpt. and Flugelhorn
John Fumasoli - Trombone
Chris Morrison - Guitar
Dave Childs - Piano
Dave Snyder - Bass
Bob Leonard - Drums
NEXT WEEK Thursday July 7
The Other Orchestra
Limited Seating...Get Tix In Advance
The JAZZY, FUNKY Big Band, rockin the house with Tower of Power, Frank Zappa, Brecker Brothers, Jaco Pastorious, Steely Dan, Yellow Jackets....


Very Limited Occupancy. Tables seating 2, 4, 5 guests, with tables for 6, 8, 12 available upon request. See The Attached Seating Chart. Admission Is $15.00 - $20.00 Per Person, Ticket prices may be higher for special performances. Tables Of Two = $35., Four = $75., Five = $87.50 Six = $105., Eight = $130, Twelve = $210

About The "Other Orchestra"

It's a funky Big Band thang, a large jazz ensemble that rocks the house. Playing music from Tower of Power, Frank Zappa, The Brecker Brothers, Jaco Pastorious, Steely Dan, The Yellow Jackets, Bob Berg.....You'll want to see them again and again!

Michael Palin's Other Orchestra draws some of the most talented jazz musicians in the area. Jennifer Guidry, originally from Louisiana, and now a resident of Hartford, often accompanies the orchestra. (Richard Messina, [email protected])

The Other Orchestra, typifies the high caliber of entertainment that's available in Bethel to those willing to search for it. Since March 2011, this feisty, funky big band has been exciting audiences with its tantalizing mix of jazz standards, fusion favorites, and quality rock tunes, under Palin's upbeat leadership. The 64-year-old electric bassist has assembled a diverse and fluid group of outstanding area musicians to join him on the journey.

The 16-piece ensemble opening with a cheery, swinging version of the Beatles' "Blackbird." Young keyboardist Sam Parker engaged in some nimble-fingered exchanges with the leader, who often cedes his own solo time to other band members.

Stevie Wonder's "Too High" followed, driven by the tight grooves of drummer Tim Urso. Trombonist Leroy Loomer and tenor saxophonist Geoff Fitgerald took turns improvising on this 70s funk rock classic. Palin makes sure to feature as many individuals as possible during the band's presentations.
The Other Orchestra truly sounds like no other jazz ensemble in the area. The band is just as likely to delve into Frank Zappa's zany repertoire as it is to take on standards such as Johnny Mandel's lovely "A Time for Love." One moment, the audience will hear a Steely Dan hit, the next it might be something from Weather Report's catalogue.

Palin put together what he refers to as "version 1.0" of the Other Orchestra in 1998, and that group became a regular at Hartford’s 880 Club on Maple Avenue for years. While the current edition of the orchestra doesn't have a long track record, it has already attracted the attention of many of the area's most talented players. Palin hopes to begin featuring special guests with the ensemble in the future. Trumpeter Claudio Roditi and saxophonist Bob Mintzer were among the nationally-recognized artists who sat in with the first edition of the group.
Trombonist, bandleader John Fumasoli returns to LaZingara bringing his 10 piece band The Jones Factor


Very Limited Occupancy. Tables seating 2, 4, 5 guests, with tables for 6, 8, 12 available upon request. See The Attached Seating Chart. Admission Is $15.00 - $20.00 Per Person, Ticket prices may be higher for special performances. Tables Of Two = $35., Four = $75., Five = $87.50 Six = $105., Eight = $130, Twelve = $210

The Jones Factor, is a 10 piece little big band. It was formed in 1986 by trombonist and bandleader John Fumasoli. Looking for something smaller than a big band, and larger than his trombone septet, which featured Eddie Bert and a teenager named Joey Calderazzo, Fumasoli decided to embark on a project that can best be described as “front burner/back burner” with the instrumentation of a pared-down big band, and the addition of French horn. Early on the group had a steady Wednesday night gig in Stamford Ct. for nearly two years at a place called Pauline’s, on Atlantic St. and the venue was a great room for musicians and writers including Lonnie Smith and Melvin Sparks. The Jones Factor (at the time called the Jazz Collective) welcomed numerous writers and musicians and was a collective for musicians in the area for performing, writing, and networking. Towards the end of the stint at Pauline's, trumpeter Tony Kadleck brought his original chart to the band “The Jones Factor” hence the name change. Over the years the book has grown to over a hundred charts covering many different styles including Bop, Hard Bop, Latin, Blues, Funk, and Hip Hop. The unique instrumentation allows for a great variety of textures, colors, and sounds and the diversity of its players makes for exciting performances. The Jones Factor has put out two CD’s “Collective Jazz” and “Blast From the Past” and is completing its third recording "The Time is Now".

The Jones Factor, a dynamic performing ensemble that it is, draws its players from diverse musical backgrounds who are equally at home playing just about anything as their credits show. Those credits include; The Village Vanguard Orchestra, Woody Herman Orchestra, Gerry Mulligan, Roland Vasquez, Rufus Reid, Grady Tate, Cornell Dupree, Claudio Roditi, Will Lee, Randy Brecker, Kenwood Dennard, Donald Harrison, Nancy Wilson, B. B. King, Dianne Reeves, Tito Puente, Frank Sinatra, Bill Evans, Jean Luc-Ponty, Kenny Garrett, Tony Bennett, Bobby McFerrin, the Maria Schneider Orchestra, NYC Opera, NYC Ballet, N.J. Symphony, Steely Dan, Elton John, Smokey Robinson, Dianna Ross, and the Average White Band to name a few!

John Fumasoli, Trombone
Trombonist, bandleader, and teacher, John Fumasoli has performed with such artists as; Gerry Mulligan, Tony Bennett, Cab Calloway, John Tropea, The Rippingtons, The Gil Evans Band, Diana Ross, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Johnny Mathis, Sammy Davis Jr., and many others. In addition, Mr. Fumasoli has recorded with; The Average White Band, Bobby Baldwin, Robbie Dupree, Jeff Golub, Marion Meadows, Jose’ Feliciano, Shelby Lynn, Brian Torff’s New Duke, and as a leader with his own group, The Jones Factor. He has over 35 Karaoke albums for Pocket Records to his credit and has done T.V. and radio jingles including; Montel Williams, Westinghouse, Nabisco Air Thins, Comedy Night America, and Connecticut National Bank. Mr. Fumasoli’s teaching experience includes over thirty years in The Fairfield Public Schools as a band director, and in addition, he has been on the faculty of Fairfield University for the past twenty-five years where he teaches jazz history.
Rhythm Section Line Up

Paul Mariconda, Keyboard (1 O'Clock Lab Band, Duke Ellington Orchestra).

Dave Anderson, Bass (Smokey Robinson, Blood Sweat & Tears).
Dave Anderson has toured with Bill Evans, Special EFX, Art Garfunkel, Smokey Robinson, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Regina Carter, Joe Beck, and numerous others. He’s appeared on over seventy-five commercial recordings as a session musician. Dave operates Flying Squirrel recording studio and is currently underway engineering and co-producing new material with The Jones Factor for the band’s upcoming release “The Time is Now”.
Joel Rosenblatt -drums - Joel Rosenblatt is best known as the drummer for Spyro Gyra, one of the most successful pop-jazz groups ever. Joel’s varied early work including Dominican pianist Michel Camilo, bluesman Matt “Guitar” Murphy, jazz artist Paquito D’Rivera, and country-rock band Pure Prairie League, has given him a wide range of experience as well as making him one of the most diverse drummers around. Having toured the world many times over, Joel brings international musical awareness to the music. Currently, the owner and main engineer at world-class CliffSound Productions, Joel is also actively involved in producing and cultivating new artists.

Brass Section:

John Fumasoli - leader, trombone

Jason Polise - alto sax, flute

Bill Harris - tenor sax, flute

Janet Lantz - french horn

Max Darche - trumpet, flugel horn

Scott Wendholt - trumpet, flugel horn

Don Hayward - bass trombone
Renard and Friends play a mashup of funk, jazz, and blues with a touch of reggae, and a dash of Zydeco for zest!



Very Limited Occupancy. Tables seating 2, 4, 5 guests, with tables for 6, 8, 12 available upon request. See The Attached Seating Chart. Admission Is $15.00 - $20.00 Per Person, Ticket prices may be higher for special performances. Tables Of Two = $35., Four = $75., Five = &87.50 Six = $105., Eight = $130, Twelve = $210

Renard Boissiere & Friends

New Orleans native Renard Boissiere breaks all boundaries whether he hits the stage with his eclectic, electric band, Nardy Boy, or as an acoustic act trotting out the live acoustic vibe. Always doing it right with a mix of music both old, new and original too, the songs reflect his love for good music regardless the singer, songwriter or sensibility. It could be a jazzed-up take on a country favorite, or a bossa'd-up rendition of a reggae classic, there’s more than a few surprises up his sleeve.

Leading the band with those funky N’Awlin’s rhythms and downright soulful singing, Renard and Nardy Boy play a danceable mashup of funk, jazz, and blues with a touch of reggae, a dash of rock and a sprinkle of zydeco for zest. You’ll think you got left smack in the middle of Oak St. at the Maple Leaf on a Saturday night!

Renard has performed live with the Neville Brothers and Delfeayo Marsalis, recorded with Rock-n-Roll Hall of Famers Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz of the Talking Heads, recorded and performed with Mystic Bowie and his Talking Dreads project, and opened for acts as varied as Odetta, the TomTom Club, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Porter, Batiste & Stolz (PBS), and the Psychedelic Furs.

Mike Tepper, Bassist, and Mike Paolucci, Drummer/Percussionist, are seasoned CT-based musicians who’ve worked with Renard for over ten (10) years. They also work with New Haven-based collective Dr. Caterwaul’s Cadre of Clairvoyant Claptraps, a fanciful but serious assortment of musicians living both stateside and abroad who perform a wide variety of complex musical styles.

Both Mike and Mike have accompanied Renard and former Universal Music India recording artist Mehnaz Hooseinn in their world music mashup, Neela, in the northeast and New Orleans. Neela was given the wonderful honor of performing the final show at Pizzeria Lauretano in Bethel in August 2017.

Joe Strasser's All-Star Quintet feat: Organist Akiko Tsuruga, Trombonist Steve Davis, Saxophonist Kris Jensen & Joshua Bruneau on Trumpet


Very Limited Occupancy. Tables seating 2, 4, 5 guests, with tables for 6, 8, 12 available upon request. See The Attached Seating Chart. Admission Is $15.00 - $20.00 Per Person, Ticket prices may be higher for special performances. Tables Of Two = $35., Four = $75., Five = &87.50 Six = $105., Eight = $130, Twelve = $210

Joe Strasser Drummer / Percussionist Joe Strasser, is a native son of Bethel , CT. He is a “one of a kind stylist”, with his own take on jazz drumming… his own sound. A colorist, who is mindful of the effect of each stroke on the musicians around him as a whole, Strasser mines the rest of the components of the drum kit with equal parts of efficiency and artistry. Everything is very meticulous and everything is musical. He's tremendously versatile and traditional in the sense that he's got a real foundation. Strasser says his idol was Jimmy Cobb first and then Philly Joe Jones - the classic bebop drummers who were also great percussionists. Strasser has played and recorded with musicians such as: Trumpet player Joe Magnarelli, Guitarist Peter Bernstein, and with groups such as Full House, Planet Jazz, The Omer Avital Group, Yves Brouqui Trio.

Akiko Tsuruga-Organist She’s “Sweet and Funky,” she’s “Cute and Bad”, Composer, A Performer extraordinaire.
The legendary Dr. Lonnie Smith describes her this way: “Akiko's playing is like watching a flower blooming, a bird spreading her wings in the music world. Akiko is here to stay.” Raised in Osaka, Japan, this talented musician began studying the organ at the age of three, at the famed Yamaha Music School. After discovering her passion for jazz very early on in her musical journey, Akiko launched her career immediately after graduating from the Osaka College of Music.

While living and playing in Osaka, she had many opportunities to perform with world-renowned jazz musicians from the United States. Meeting Grady Tate, in particular, was a life-changing event for Akiko. ‘

After landing in the mecca for jazz, New York City, it didn’t take long for Akiko to make her mark - It was during these early years that she had the great pleasure of sitting in, playing gigs, and eventually recording with jazz greats such as Frank Wess, Jimmy Cobb, Grady Tate, and other top NY musicians. Her reputation ultimately drew the attention of Lou Donaldson as he chose her in 2006 as his quartet’s organist.

But it was the meeting of organ legend Dr. Lonnie Smith that proved to have the greatest impact on Akiko’s musical development and career. He became an important mentor to Akiko, and she considers him her greatest influence. She flourished and continued to be a constant draw on the NY jazz scene.
Akiko has ten albums as a leader to her credit. Her debut album in the U.S., “Sweet and Funky” ,was selected as a “Best album of 2007” in DOWNBEAT Magazine. Akiko has been a regular in the DOWNBEAT polls since 2008 - culminating this year with the 65th Annual Critics Poll, coming in at #2 in the “Rising Star - Organ” category. Hot House Magazine has just named her 'Best Organ" in the 2017 Readers Poll. Her albums have constantly placed in the top ten on the National Radio Jazz Chart.

Steve Davis - Trombone is widely regarded as one of today's leading voices on the trombone. After graduating from The Hartt School's Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz ('89), Davis first gained widespread recognition in 1990 upon joining Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. As the last to join the Jazz Messengers, Steve’s first record dates would be Blakey's last, including the composition One For All (A&M), penned by Davis. 

Over the years since, Davis has worked with a broad range of jazz luminaries such as his first mentor Jackie McLean, Chick Corea, Benny Golson, Cecil Payne, Harold Mabern, Larry Willis, Freddie Hubbard & The New Jazz Composers Octet, Horace Silver, Cedar Walton, Hank Jones, Roy Hargrove & Willie Jones III. Raised in Binghamton, New York, Steve has performed at major venues around the world including appearances on The Jimmy Fallon Show with Stevie Wonder and at The White House Tribute to Ray Charles (PBS). Davis appears on over 150 recordings, including 20 as a leader. Davis' 2019 release, Correlations (Smoke Sessions) features rising stars Joshua Bruneau & Jonathan Barber, as well as renowned veteran, stars Xavier Davis, Wayne Escoffery & Dezron Douglas. Correlations have garnered rave reviews and spent months atop the JazzWeek Radio Charts. The CD features an exciting collection of original compositions and time-honored classics. Other notable releases include Think Ahead & Say When: Celebrating J.J. Johnson (Smoke Sessions), For Real, and Gettin’ It Done (Positone). In 2019, in addition to performing with his own Correlations Band, Steve appears on Chick Corea's My Spanish Heart Band CD, "Antidote" and toured Europe with the group in July. Davis also continues to work regularly with the collectively-led sextet One For All (feat. Eric Alexander, Jim Rotondi, David Hazeltine, John Webber & Joe Farnsworth), bassist Nat Reeves' Quintet, as well as playing with John Lee's Dizzy Gillespie All-Stars, Jimmy Heath, Ron Carter, and Christian McBride big bands. Steve’s original composition, “Optimism” appears on the McBride Big Band’s Grammy Award-winning release Bringin' It (2018). Davis plans to record with both his son, guitarist Tony Davis and his wife, vocalist Abena Koomson-Davis. As always, Steve maintains an active presence on the vibrant local CT jazz scene & appears on bassist Matt Dwonzsyk's Wonderful World CD. A long-time educator, Steve has guided a broad range of emerging musicians at the Hartt School's Jackie McLean Jazz Studies Division, University of Hartford, CT where he was recently honored for over 25 years of service. Other ongoing prestigious educational endeavors include joining the San Francisco Conservatory's RJAM faculty, Jamey Aebersold’s Summer Jazz Workshops, Skidmore Jazz Workshop, Jazz

Kris Jensen - Saxophonist/multi-winds artist, composer/arranger, and educator. Kris Jensen is a versatile musician who has forged a diverse musical career with many well-known artists. A veteran sideman to legends for nearly two decades now, Jensen has performed and/or recorded with many prominent artists in jazz and rock including “The Allman Brothers Band” and its individual members’ bands (Gregg Allman, Dickey Betts, and Jaimoe respectively) trumpet legend Maynard Ferguson and a host of others. Jensen studied jazz/African-American music at the University of Hartford under the auspices of the legendary jazz saxophonist Jackie McLean and would later teach there. Currently, Jensen keeps an active free-lance performing schedule in addition to touring regularly with “Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band” with whom he can be seen monthly at the famous “Iridium” jazz nightclub in New York City and at festivals and venues across the U.S. and beyond. He also serves on the music faculties of the Indian Mountain School, The Salisbury School, The Millbrook School, and in Hartford with The Bushnell “Jazzicians” student scholar program. He has appeared on New Jersey Public Television with Maynard Ferguson, on “Late Night with David Letterman” with “Gregg Allman & Friends” and on stage with “The Allman Brothers Band”, “The Dave Matthews Band” and with “Warren Haynes and Govt. Mule”. Jensen was a semi-finalist in the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition in 1996. 

Joshua Bruneau - Trumpet was born June 23, 1988 in Waterbury Center, Vermont. While growing up, Josh was frequently found on the baseball field. After seeing a Time-Life commercial, he was instantly drawn to classical music. Josh asked for classical tapes and records by composers like Bach, Mozart, and Chopin. His life took a dramatic turn when he was introduced to the trumpet and subsequently, jazz. Josh began to study the art of music and took trumpet lessons when he was 10 years old. These formative years proved very important as Josh discovered many recordings of musicians such as John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Dizzy Gillespie, and Charlie Parker. He immediately fell in love with these musicians and made a conscious decision to try to emulate these people’s playing. He started forming his own groups and playing locally from a young age. He was soon traveling with a local big band. He honed his skills all through high school at Harwood Union High School in Duxbury, Vermont. In the fall of 2006, Josh began his studies at the Jackie McLean Institute at The Hartt School. Josh was introduced to his two most important mentors, Nat Reeves and Steve Davis. He immediately started gigging around the Hartford area with local musicians and fellow students. Josh received the opportunity to travel to Ireland with Nat in his freshman year. Ever since, Josh has been playing with his instructors, Nat and Steve, on a regular basis. That same year he played with Nat, Steve, Eric McPherson, Alan Palmer, and Jovan Alexandre opening for Dionne Warwick. Because of his established relationship with his two mentors, Josh now frequents New York City to perform at world-famous Jazz clubs such as Smoke and Smalls. In September 2011 he played at the Detroit Jazz festival with another of his great mentors, Curtis Fuller. He has also shared the stage with artists such as Harold Mabern, Mike LeDonne, Eric Alexander, Joe Farnsworth, Carl Allen, John Webber, Ken Fowser, and Larry Willis to name a few. Now with the 2014 release of his debut album as a leader, Bright Idea (Cellar Live), Josh continues to look forward musically and push himself and his colleagues further. 

Very Limited Occupancy. Tables seating 2, 4, 5 guests, with tables for 6, 8, 12 available upon request. See The Attached Seating Chart. Admission Is $15.00 - $20.00 Per Person, Ticket prices may be higher for special performances. Tables Of Two = $35., Four = $75., Five = &87.50 Six = $105., Eight = $130, Twelve = $210

Jazz trumpeter and singer Jumaane Smith trained at the Juilliard School of Music 2001-2005 with Wynton Marsalis as his primary teacher. Jumaane's credits include performances on 5 Grammy Award-winning albums, an Emmy Award nomination, performances at The White House, on the Grammy Awards with Stevie Wonder, on the Today Show, Tonight Show, The Oprah Show, Good Morning America, and American Idol. Albums featuring Jumaane have sold more than 40 million copies. Jumaane has also collaborated with Quincy Jones, and Herbie Hancock, Aretha Franklin, and many others. Since 2005 Jumaane has toured and recorded extensively with Michael Bublé and currently performs with Harry Connick Jr.’s band on the syndicated daytime TV show "Harry". In 2013 Smith toured as guest soloist for Jackie Evancho’s, “Songs of the Silver Screen” world tour.

As a composer, Smith has scored music for the films, “Handsome Harry” and “Being In The World”. Jumaane released his critically acclaimed debut album, "I Only Have Eyes For You" in 2014, features special guests Michael Bublé, Jackie Evancho, and Naturally 7.

"Jumaane is a very special artist, a guy who is managing to be a unique and irresistibly creative voice at a time when most players are simply trying to imitate their favorite…” Don Heckman (LA Times, Downbeat Magazine)
“A terrific and prodigious trumpeter.” - Will Friedwald (Wall Street Journal)

Pat Bianchi, Grammy-nominated organist, winner of Downbeat Magazine’s 2016 rising star poll, and Hot House magazine’s 2019 poll, Pat Bianchi has established himself as one of the premier organists on the international scene today. His command of the instrument, harmonic prowess, rhythmic intensity, and versatility are rivaled by few. Bianchi has had the honor of being a long-time member of the jazz guitar icon, Pat Martino’s trio, and also performed with NEA Jazz Master and saxophone legend, LouDonaldson’s quartet for a number of years as well.

Born in Rochester New York, Bianchi comes from a musically gifted family. He began playing the organ at the age of 7 and was playing his first professional gigs by the age of 11. While in grade school, he enrolled in The Eastman School of Music’s preparatory program for piano and music theory while at the same time being mentored by numerous musicians in the Rochester music scene. Bianchi continued his studies at Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA) and is now a member of the faculty at this prestigious college.

While having the honor to perform with such greats as: Red Holloway, Terell Stafford, Peter Bernstein, Chuck Loeb, Dakota Staton, RalphPeterson, Tim Warfield, George Benson, and many others, Bianchi has released six CD's as a leader and is also a featured artist on over 30recordings. His newest release, "In The Moment” rose to #1 on the Jazz Week Radio Charts and features an array of guests including PatMartino, Kevin Mahogany, Joe Locke, Peter Bernstein, Paul Bollenback, Byron Landham, Carmen Intorre, Jr.

David Rosenthal is a guitarist/artist/producer/educator based in NYC. He has worked and recorded with Anthony Hamilton, Ledisi, Sevyn Streeter, Tori Kelly, ChuckHarmony, Claude Kelly, Marvin Winans, Christian McBride, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr., Kenny Latimore, Ky Mani Marley, Wes Morgan, Bilal, Goapele, Alicia Olatuja, Leona Lewis, ABIAH, and Jon B. He is a multi-instrumentalist and plays a variety of styles including R&B, Jazz, Funk, and Blues. He released his latest album "Family" in 2014. He is also a D'Angelico Guitars artist.

"For me, sharing love through music, and seeing the joy in people's faces when they hear the sounds, is why I'm passionate about what I do." - David Rosenthal

Carmen Intorre Jr. developed an early interest in music and began playing drums at age five. He has performed and recorded with numerous musicians such as George Benson, Larry Coryell, Wynton Marsalis, Monty Alexander, George Coleman, Eric Alexander, George Cables, Benny Golson, Richie Cole, Joe Locke, Lew Tabackin, Bobby Watson, Ira Sullivan, Bucky Pizzarelli, and many others. Carmen currently holds down the drum chair with legendary jazz guitarist Pat Martino, touring extensively throughout the world with the guitarist's organ trio and quintet.

A 2011 GRAMMY® nominee for his co-producer credit on the critically acclaimed album by Joey DeFrancesco entitled Never Can Say Goodbye: The Music of Michael Jackson, Intorre also had the pleasure of performing alongside DeFrancesco and Dr. Lonnie Smith on the PBS show Legends of Jazz, hosted by Ramsey Lewis.

Receiving both his BM and MM degrees from Juilliard Intorre is always eager to uncover the latest information about music and drumming and to share that information with others. He states, "This is my job. I have to give back what I was given a chance to do." He goes on to explain, "Music is an opportunity for me to give up my soul, while in the process connecting with the audiences' souls as well. I want the musicians on the bandstand and the members of the audience to feel uplifted after a performance, to feel great about themselves through the experience that they encountered.”

Perhaps one word best describes Carmen Intorre and his music: Joy. Reminiscent of Billy Higgins, Intorre brings a palpable swing and drive to virtually every bandstand he performs on.
Akiko Tsuruga heads up this smokin' Organ & Guitar Jazz Trio featuring: Charlie Sigler of guitar and Joe Strasser on drums.


Very Limited Occupancy. Tables seating 2, 4, 5 guests, with tables for 6, 8, 12 available upon request See The Attached Seating Chart. Admission Is $15.00 - $20.00 Per Person, Ticket prices may be higher for special performances. Tables Of Two = $35., Four = $75., Five = 87.50 Six = $105., Eight = $130, Twelve = $210

Akiko Tsuruga - Organist  She’s “Sweet and Funky,” she’s “Cute and Bad”, Composer, A Performer extraordinaire. Check out a few minutes of Akiko, and then here too

The legendary Dr. Lonnie Smith describes her this way: “Akiko's playing is like watching a flower blooming, a bird spreading her wings in the music world. Akiko is here to stay.” Raised in Osaka, Japan, this talented musician began studying the organ at the age of three, at the famed Yamaha Music School. After discovering her passion for jazz very early on in her musical journey, Akiko launched her career immediately after graduating from the Osaka College of Music.

While living and playing in Osaka, she had many opportunities to perform with world- renowned jazz musicians from the United States. Meeting Grady Tate, in particular, was a life-changing event for Akiko.

After landing in the mecca for jazz, New York City, it didn’t take long for Akiko to make her mark - It was during these early years that she had the great pleasure of sitting in, playing gigs, and eventually recording with jazz greats such as Frank Wess, Jimmy Cobb, Grady Tate and other top NY musicians. Her reputation ultimately drew attention of Lou Donaldson as he chose her in 2006 as his quartet’s organist.

But it was the meeting of organ legend Dr. Lonnie Smith that proved to have the greatest impact on Akiko’s musical development and career. He became an important mentor to Akiko, and she considers him her greatest influence. She flourished and continued to be a constant draw on the NY jazz scene.
Akiko has ten albums as a leader to her credit. Her debut album in the U.S., “Sweet and Funky” ,was selected as a “Best album of 2007” in DOWNBEAT Magazine. Akiko has been a regular in the DOWNBEAT polls since 2008 - culminating this year with the 65th Annual Critics Poll, coming in at #2 in the “Rising Star - Organ” category. Hot House Magazine has just named her 'Best Organ" in the 2017 Readers Poll. Her albums have constantly placed in the top ten on the National Radio Jazz Chart.

Charlie Sigler - Guitar. Guitarist Charlie Sigler has been active member of the music community since his high school years studying and performing in the Baltimore/Washington D.C. area. A recent graduate of William Paterson University with a B.A. in Jazz Performance, Charlie has performed with many greats of the music including Winard Harper, Harold Mabern, Eric Alexander, Myron Walden, Akiko Tsurga, Pat Bianci, Jared Gold, Vince Ector, Bruce Williams, Radam Schwartz, Kyle Koehler and Dave Stryker among others. He has performed at clubs and festivals throughout the region including the Montclair Jazz Festival, Litchfield Jazz Festival, Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival, AFRAM and the Berks Jazz Festival. Currently residing in Bloomfield, NJ, Charlie maintains a busy schedule of performances, recording and teaching.

Joe Strasser Drummer / Percussionist Joe Strasser, is a native son of Bethel , CT. He is a “one of a kind stylist”, with his own take on jazz drumming… his own sound. A colorist, who is mindful of the effect of each stroke on the musicians around him as a whole, Strasser mines the rest of the components of the drum kit with equal parts of efficiency and artistry. Everything is very meticulous and everything is musical. He's tremendously versatile and traditional in the sense that he's got a real foundation. Strasser says his idol was Jimmy Cobb first and then Philly Joe Jones - the classic bebop drummers who were also great percussionists. Strasser has played and recorded with musicians such as: Trumpet player Joe Magnarelli, Guitarist Peter Bernstein, and with groups such as Full House, Planet Jazz, The Omer Avital Group, Yves Brouqui Trio.