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This Week: Frank Sinatra with Lou Armagno, Baldwin Wallace Musical Theater, Bill Cunliffe and more....

Nighttown Cleveland by Nighttown / Jim Wadsworth Productions

great dining | great music

12387 Cedar Road (top of Cedar Hill)Cleveland Heights, OH

216-795-0550

www.nighttowncleveland.comMap to Nighttown

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New Shows Recently Added

12/18 Fareed Haque Electric Trio @ Heights Music Shop (notNighttown)

Vanessa Rubin on "Cleveland Jazz History"

Tune into "Cleveland Jazz History" with host Joe Mosbrook onWCPN 90.3FM on Mon 12/14 & Mon 12/21 at 10:00PM forlive interviews with jazz vocalist Vanessa Rubin.

Then come out and hear Vanessa live in concert at Nighttownon Sun 12/27 & Mon 12/28.

Vanessa Rubin is a native of Cleveland, OH and hasperformed all around the world, and recorded for RCA and

Telarc Records.

"Late Night at Nighttown" ** Every Week **Fridays Dennis Lewin on piano 10:30PM - 1:00AM No coverSaturdays Jackie Warren on piano 10:30PM - 1:00AM No cover

Nighttown Newsletter

Click here to sign up for the Nighttown newsletter. Subscribers receiveadvance notice and discounts to many of the shows.

Nighttown Tickets and Seating Policy

To purchase tickets click here, Do not make anadditional table reservation - it is already included withyour purchased tickets. All seats are General Admission. All seating is based on the time that you arrive for theshow and based on how many people are in your partyand where we have tables of that size. You may besharing a table with other people.

Nighttown Student Discount PolicyStudents up to age 26 are 1/2 off the regular price. Student priced tickets are only available the night of theshow, are available only at the door, and are subject toavailability. Students must have a photo ID from agenerally-recognized high school, college or university. Full-paying ticket holders get priority on admission andseating. Certain select shows have no discount based onarrangements with the artist. On evenings when thereare two shows (i.e. shows at 7 & 9PM), the discount isonly good for the second show. Students under the age of18 must be accompanied by an adult paying full price inorder to be eligible for the discount.

BALDWIN WALLACE MUSICAL THEATERPROGRAM $10.00 Wednesday 12/09 7:00 pm Buy Tickets

Baldwin Wallace Musical Theater Department presents...theJunior Class !! Next generation of Broadway Stars hit the stageat Nighttown!Here's another stellar presentation from one of the best musical theater schools inthe U.S., returning to Nighttown to present "Gold Standards" -- it's a concert ofmusical theater from Broadway's Golden Age. The concert will feature highlightsfrom The Music Man, Brigadoon and Oklahoma.

This nationally recognized program was recently named one of the top ten MusicTheatre programs in the country. Under the helm of Victoria Bussert, BWMT hasrisen over the past twenty years to produce a showcase in NYC that attractshundreds of talent scouts from around the country. This year's performanceincludes recognizable tunes, along with some of the newest songs from the stage.

Click here for Plain Dealer article "Baldwin Wallace University's Victoria Bussert hasmolded talent, lighted the way for Broadway-bound actors"

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LOU ARMAGNO "SINATRA SELECTS"$20.00 Thursday 12/10 8:30 pm Buy Tickets

Returning to our stage for a Special 100th Birthday Tribute to “Ol’ Blue Eyes,”is Lou Armagno & SINATRA SELECTS! Come out and get your leg-a-shakin’ andyour toe-a-tappin’ with “The Closest You’ll Ever Come” to the sounds ofSinatra. The Band will visit those classic Sinatra covers we all love, as well asselections for their November 2015 CD: “NEVER BEFORE”.

Featuring: Mike Elkins—Piano; Marc Paige—Saxophones & Clarinet; Jim Mass—Bass; & Ricky Exton—Drums. Come celebrate a Legend—Sinatra!

Lou Armagno Lou began his musical career in 2005 performing in HonoluluHawaii and now in and around Cleveland since moving back 2 years ago. Hedeputed his first CD—“FLYIN’ HIGH” right here on our Nighttown stage May 2014. What sets Lou apart from other Rat Packer’s is his remarkable similarity in soundand delivery to “The Man” himself…“You won’t believe your ears”!

Mike Elkins Mike Elkins is a pianist, music director, and arranger. He is a veteranof several area big bands and currently the pianist for the Dan Zola Orchestra. Hehas worked in regional musical theater productions as a pit orchestra member andmusic director at Beck Center, Huntington Playhouse, Clague Playhouse and theformer Berea Summer Theater at Baldwin Wallace University. Mike is one half ofthe singing duo, Mike and Mary, in which he plays keyboards, sings, and arranges. Mike is employed as a software engineer and lives in Berea with his wife, Linda.

Marc Paige Marc has been playing clarinet and saxophone for over 55 years. Hehas performed with many rock, blues and jazz groups, along with most ofCleveland's big bands. Additionally, he is a member of the Solon PhilharmonicOrchestra. Marc and his family live in Solon.

Jim Mass Jim is a Cleveland native with a diverse musical background spanningmore than 40 years. Being equally comfortable on both Acoustic and Electric bass,he has played in most every musical genre, including Jazz, Pop, Rock, Big Band,Classical, Country, Bluegrass, Shows and Plays, Christian and Ethnic. His musical

Classical, Country, Bluegrass, Shows and Plays, Christian and Ethnic. His musicalfoundation makes him a quick study, and a first call on many sub lists in the area.Groups (to name a few) he has played with include the NEO Jazz Orchestra, Skyline,Swing City Big Band, The Juice Band, Jazz Connection, Johnny Baron Quintet, theTom Fries Orchestra, Summit Jazz, Cleveland Philharmonic, Hermit Club andChagrin Studio Orchestras, Rob Michaels, and Josephine Venuti.

Ricky Exton Drummer, recording artist, composer, arranger, and producer, Rickyhas been active in the music community for over 2 decades. At an early age,Ricky's talents emerged as one of the Cleveland Tri C All Stars. He continued hiscareer in music at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass., where he earneda Baccalaureate in Professional Music. His performance venues include jazzfestivals, concerts, television appearances, and private and corporate events. Hehas performed with Lou Rawls, Wynton Marsalis, Rufus Reid, Cyrus Chestnut,Joanne Brackeen, Kim Nazarian, Linda Presgrave, and international guitar virtuosoNeil Zaza. In addition, Ricky is an active session musician recording in studios fromthe east coast to the west coast.

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BILL CUNLIFFE TRIO$20.00 Friday 12/11 8:30 pm Buy Tickets

Jazz Pianist extraordinaire leads All-Star Trio featuring: Bill Cunliffe-piano,Martin Wind-acoustic bass, & Joe LaBarbera-drums.

Jazz pianist, composer and Grammy Award-winning arranger Bill Cunliffe is knownfor his innovative and swinging recordings and compositions. Bill began his careeras pianist and arranger with the Buddy Rich Big Band and worked with FrankSinatra, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Benny Golson and James Moody. He hassince established himself as a solo artist and bandleader, with more than a dozenalbums under his name.

Bill currently plays with his trio; his big band; his Latin band, Imaginación; and hisclassical-jazz ensemble, Trimotif. He performs in the U.S. and around the world asa leader and sideman as well as a soloist with symphony orchestras.

His latest recording is the Bill Cunliffe Trio album “River Edge, New Jersey,” withbassist Martin Wind and drummer Tim Horner, released in April by Azica Records.

Other recent releases include his Overture, Waltz and Rondo for jazz piano,trumpet and orchestra (BCM+D Records, 2012). Bill performed the work withtrumpeter Terell Stafford and the Temple University Symphony Orchestra,conducted by Luis Biava. The recording won Bill his fifth Grammy nomination, inthe Best Instrumental Composition category.

Bill wrote the score for the film “On the Shoulders of Giants,” Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s homage to the Harlem Rens basketball team of the 1920s and ’30s. Themovie recently received an NAACP Image Award for Best Documentary. Bill’ssoundtrack was nominated for Best Album.

He recently completed scoring a film noir by Singaporean director Ying J. Tan andis producing a jazz album for singer Freda Payne.

Bill’s books “Jazz Keyboard Toolbox” and “Jazz Inventions for Keyboard” (AlfredMusic Publishing) have become standard reference works. His most recentpublications are “Uniquely Christmas” (2012), a book of arrangements inspired by

publications are “Uniquely Christmas” (2012), a book of arrangements inspired byhis CD “That Time of Year,” and “Uniquely Familiar: Standards for Advanced SoloPiano” (2010).

Bill was awarded a Grammy for Best Instrumental Arrangement for “West SideStory Medley,” on the album “Resonance Big Band Plays Tribute to OscarPeterson” (Resonance Records, 2009). In addition to receiving five Grammynominations, he is a two-time Emmy nominee.

The Los Angeles Jazz Society honored Bill in 2010 with its Composer/ArrangerAward. That year he was also named a Distinguished Faculty Member of theCollege of the Arts at Cal State Fullerton, where he is a jazz studies professor. Healso teaches at the Skidmore Jazz Institute and the Vail Jazz Workshop.

Bill grew up in Andover, Mass. He studied jazz at Duke University with pianist MaryLou Williams and received his master’s degree from the Eastman School of Music.He was the 1989 winner of the Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition.

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CEDAR-FAIRMOUNT HOLIDAY STROLL$0.00 Saturday 12/12 1:00 pm FREE

Saturday, December 12th Cedar Fairmount Merchants arehosting open houses and specials in their stores andrestaurants. Stroll this charming, historic district and its storesdecorated for the holidays with greenery and lights. You cansign up for a gift basket at participating merchants. Adults and children alike can decorate gingerbread cookies at Luna's Cafe andBakery.

Wes Airgood, jewelry designer, of Wanderlust Jewelers will host an Open House. This new Cedar Fairmount Business is located above Starbucks at 12429 CedarSuite 25. Wes specializes in custom jewelry. Many of his customers bring inheirloom pieces for redesign.

Jewelry designer, Gena Page will be at Appletree Books beginning at 3 pm. Genaworks with a variety of materials to create unique pieces of jewelry.

Cedar Fairmount is offering a free movie, "The Santa Clause" with Tim Allen at theAlcazar at 1:00 pm.

Roxboro Elementary PTA will be offering a Gift Wrapping Center from noon to 4pm at 12433 Cedar Road between Howard Hanna Realty and Ten ThousandVillages. Donations will benefit the programs of the Roxboro Elementary PTA.

Cleveland Heights Church Carolers will be strolling the sidewalks in song at 2 pm.

The day’s activities will culminate with free rides on Lolly the Trolley from 4:00 -8:00 pm between Cedar Fairmount, Coventry, and the Cedar Lee BusinessDistricts. Pick up stop is at Luna Cafe & Bakery with drop off at Buffalo Wild Wings.

Restaurants will be offering evening specials for the Holiday Walk.

Cedar Fairmount offers a holiday atmosphere to shop and take a respite forthe stress of holiday shopping!!

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BILL RUDMAN'S "A CHRISTMASCABARET"$21.00 - $45.00 Sunday 12/13 7:00 pm For Tickets Call (216) 245-8687

10th Anniversary of The Musical Theater Projects ChristmasCabaret. Featuring: Bill Rudman, Nancy Maier, Scott Posey, &Sandra Simon.

Tickets available only through TMTP’s Box Office.Call 216-245-8687 or visit MusicalTheaterProject.org.As our beloved Mame says, “haul out the holly!” Now in its tenth-annualproduction, The Musical Theater Projects knows why audiences keep coming backto "A Christmas Cabaret" ....... it's the songs.

This show mixes well-known classics and hidden gems, touching on the history ofall of them in a way only TMTP can. What else should audiences expect? Itwouldn’t be a Christmas concert without a few sing-alongs!

Vocalist Sandra Simon says, “it’s the nostalgia that hooks me. For people of myage – the 1960s boomer babies – these are the songs I grew up hearing. We allhad Christmas traditions when we were young. I believe our cabaret can becomea new tradition for families – and for many, it already is.” Joining Simon and new toA Christmas Cabaret is vocalist Scott Posey. TMTP audiences will remember Poseyfrom last season’s “Behind the Musical: Fiddler on the Roof.”

And there’s something about a cabaret setting that’s perfect for the holidayseason.

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ROBERT CASSIDY $10.00 Monday 12/14 7:00 pm Buy Tickets

Solo Classical Piano from former Cleveland resident now living inCalifornia. Playing compositions by Bach, Debussy, Schubert, &more!Pianist, Robert Cassidy, has received critical acclaim for his performances andrecordings of both solo piano repertoire and chamber music. He received hisBachelors and Masters degrees in Piano Performance from the Manhattan Schoolof Music, where he studied with Solomon Mikowsky, Constance Keene, and MarcSilverman. Subsequent studies followed with the legendary pianist MenahemPressler at Indiana University. Dr. Cassidy holds a Doctor of Arts degree in PianoChamber Music and Accompanying/ Piano Performance from Ball State University,where he studied with Robert Palmer.

Dr. Cassidy often appears as a soloist and chamber musician. He has also beenpresented on radio stations WFMT in Chicago (Dame Myra Hess Series), WRUW,WCLV and WCPN in Cleveland, WKSU in Kent, Ohio, and WNYC in New York (AroundNew York). Dr. Cassidy has premiered solo piano works by the Americancomposers David Noon and Keith Fitch. He is the pianist in the Cleveland-based,

composers David Noon and Keith Fitch. He is the pianist in the Cleveland-based,Almeda Trio (www.almedatrio.com) and regularly performs chamber music withmembers of The Cleveland Orchestra.

A extremely active and highly sought-after teacher and chamber music coach, Dr.Cassidy is in demand for master classes, workshops and lectures, private teaching,and adjudication. He maintains a studio at the Music Academy of the West in SantaBarbara, CA.

Robert Cassidy's "Lent et grave (...Danseuses de Delphes)" (mp3 sample) Robert Cassidy's "Modere (dons un rythme sons rigeur et coressant)" (mp3 sample) Robert Cassidy's "Modere (harmonieux et souple)" (mp3 sample)

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BILL RUDMAN'S "A CHRISTMASCABARET"$21.00 - $45.00 Tuesday 12/15 7:00 pm For Tickets Call (216) 245-8687

Wednesday 12/16 7:00 pm For Tickets Call (216) 245-8687

10th Anniversary of The Musical Theater Projects ChristmasCabaret. Featuring: Bill Rudman, Nancy Maier, Scott Posey, &Sandra Simon.

Tickets available only through TMTP’s Box Office.Call 216-245-8687 or visit MusicalTheaterProject.org.As our beloved Mame says, “haul out the holly!” Now in its tenth-annualproduction, The Musical Theater Projects knows why audiences keep coming backto "A Christmas Cabaret" ....... it's the songs.

This show mixes well-known classics and hidden gems, touching on the history ofall of them in a way only TMTP can. What else should audiences expect? Itwouldn’t be a Christmas concert without a few sing-alongs!

Vocalist Sandra Simon says, “it’s the nostalgia that hooks me. For people of myage – the 1960s boomer babies – these are the songs I grew up hearing. We allhad Christmas traditions when we were young. I believe our cabaret can becomea new tradition for families – and for many, it already is.” Joining Simon and new toA Christmas Cabaret is vocalist Scott Posey. TMTP audiences will remember Poseyfrom last season’s “Behind the Musical: Fiddler on the Roof.”

And there’s something about a cabaret setting that’s perfect for the holidayseason.

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FAREED HAQUE ELECTRIC TRIO$20.00 - $35.00 Friday 12/18 8:00 pm Tickets available at Heights MusicShop

This concert is at the brand new Heights Music Shop located 2174 Lee Road in

This concert is at the brand new Heights Music Shop located 2174 Lee Road inCleveland Heights.

Tickets are available in advance only at the store, or at the door on the night ofthe concert.

Master Guitarist from Chicago plays special show at brand newHeights Music Shop.Featuring: Fareed Haque-Guitar & Moogtar, Alex Austin-electricupright bass, & GregFundis-drums.Concert Friday 8PM $20Clinic Saturday morning 10:00AM $25Clinic & Concert $35

Fareed Haque

Fareed Haque is a modern guitar virtuoso. Steeped in classical and jazz traditions,his unique command of the guitar and different musical styles inspire his musicalventures with tradition and fearless innovation.

World renowned guitar virtuoso Fareed Haque, recently returned from interstellarpan-dimensional time travel to bring ‘jazztronica’ to earth .

Featuring The Moogtar – an innovative analog future-guitar developed by thelegendary Moog corporation, Custom Jazz and Sitar guitars, Fareed and his trio willtransport you thru visuals. electronica into the Grungiiverse. Featuring Greg Fundis[Old Shoe, Tony Monaco Trio] on drums and electronic percussion and Alex Austin[Mathgames] on electric-upright bass.

Clinic Saturday 10:00AM

The Jazz Rock Workshop is a good clinic because it gets folks who can play thebasic pentatonic scale into using it in many different ways..very quickly gets eminto playing jazz, funk and other cool world music sounds…

Fareed Haque's Jazz Rock Workshop Video

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RAMSEY LEWIS TRIO$60.00 Saturday 12/19 7:00 pm Sold Out 9:00 pm Buy Tickets

Sunday 12/20 5:00 pm Buy Tickets 7:00 pm Buy Tickets

Jazz Piano Legend, and three-time Grammy Winner in rare clubappearance live at Nighttown!!!Ramsey Lewis has been an iconic leader in the contemporary jazz movement for over 50years with an unforgettable sound and outgoing personality that has allowed him to crossover to the pop and R&B charts.

The Ramsey Lewis Trio, with bassist Eldee Young and percussionist Redd Holt, became afixture on the Chicago jazz scene, releasing their debut album, Ramsey Lewis & HisGentlemen of Jazz, back in 1956. Lewis earned his first gold record, as well as a Grammyaward for Best Jazz Performance, for their swinging version of Dobie Gray’s hit “The InCrowd.” He returned to the pop charts in 1966 with versions of “Hang On Sloopy” and“Wade In The Water.” Throughout the years, Lewis’ trio has undergone membershipchanges, all the while staying true to Lewis’ high musical standards.

After Young and Holt left Lewis’ trio to form their own group, the pianist hired a new

After Young and Holt left Lewis’ trio to form their own group, the pianist hired a newrhythm section with Cleveland Eaton on bass and Maurice White on drums. When Whiteleft the band to form Earth, Wind & Fire, Morris Jennings signed on as the trio’s newpercussionist. White returned to produce Lewis’ 1974 smash album entitled Sun Goddess,in which Lewis first experimented with electronic keyboards and featured Earth, Wind &Fire on the album. In 1983, Lewis returned to the studio with Young and Holt for thealbum Reunion.

Throughout his illustrious career, Lewis who is a NEA Jazz Master, has also joined forceswith countless other artists to create new and innovative music. In 1984, he collaboratedwith Nancy Wilson on The Two of Us; in 1988, he recorded with London’s PhilharmonicOrchestra for the album A Classic Encounter; and in 1989, Lewis and Dr. Billy Taylor cut aset of piano duets in We Meet Again. In 1995, Lewis launched the side project UrbanKnights, in which he collaborated with a handful of successful crossover jazz stars,including Grover Washington, Jr., Earl Klugh, and Dave Koz. In 1997, Lewis added discjockey to his resume, hosting a popular show on Chicago’s WNUA-FM that ran until 2009. A new show was syndicated in 2006 under the name Legends of Jazz with Ramsey Lewisand was broadcast on jazz radio stations across the country. In 2006, a well-received 13-episode Legends of Jazz television series hosted by Lewis was broadcast by PBS. Latelyhe has been touring with Philip Bailey (Earth, Wind & Fire), John Pizzarelli and Dee DeeBridgewater as well as doing dates in celebration of the 50th anniversary of "The 'In'Crowd".

After having played mostly in an acoustic trio for the last fifteen years, Lewis’ latestendeavor has him returning to his electric roots. The three time Grammy® winner willrelease his new CD Taking Another Look – Deluxe Edition on July 24, 2015, featuring anew electric quintet with Henry Johnson on guitar, Michael Logan on keys, Joshua Ramoson bass and Charles Heath on drums. On the CD, Lewis rekindles his 1974 career-definingalbum “Sun Goddess”.

The CD also features three bonus tracks. First, the legendary Dr. John serves up someCajun style funk with his rendition of “Jungle Strut”. Then up and comers and jazz fusionfunksters Kung Fu turn in a mesmerizing version of “Tambura”. Finally, TAUK delivers anamazing take on “Sharing Her Journey” that clearly establishes them as a band to watch.

"I've recorded maybe 70-80 albums, and this album is definitely among the top five" saidLewis.

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CURTIS TAYLOR QUARTET $15.00 Wednesday 12/23 7:00 pm Buy Tickets

Dynamic Trumpeter leads Quarter in holiday show at Nighttown.

Featuring: Curtis Taylor-trumpet; Phil Jones-piano; Dean Hulett-bass; RobertHubbard-drums

Grammy Award winning trumpeter Curtis Taylor’s lyrical and melodicimprovisational style displays a level of maturity far beyond his counterparts. Hisunique blend of soulfulness, harmonic sensibilities and rhythm melt together for anunforgettable sound that directly connects with the soul of the listener.

Taylor grew up in Bedford, Ohio, where his interest in music was piqued. At 10years old, he took up the trumpet and got involved with the school’s band program.Shawn Nichols, the school’s band director, took notice and encouraged him to getinvolved in the jazz ensemble. In addition, Nichols also took Taylor to severalconcerts around the city where he got his first real taste of jazz. One night afterseeing a great concert featuring trumpeters Jon Faddis and Steve Enos, Taylor wasso inspired that he decided then and there that he wanted a career in music.

Soon after that experience the accolades began piling up for the budding youngmusician – no doubt it’s because the talented trumpeter has studied andperformed with some of the most renowned jazz musicians and educators. In 2007,Taylor completed his B.A. in Jazz Studies at Michigan State University, where hestudied with Derrick Gardner, Wess Anderson and Rodney Whitaker. Two years

studied with Derrick Gardner, Wess Anderson and Rodney Whitaker. Two yearslater he went on to attain his Master’s at Rutgers University where he studied withthe late William “Prof” Fielder. Fielder was a legendary educator who taught manyjazz notables such as Wynton Marsalis, Terence Blanchard, Sean Jones and TerrellStafford.

Taylor has shared the stage with jazz luminaries Winard Harper, Rodney Whitaker,Antonio Hart and great gospel luminaries Karen Clark-Sheard, Kierra Sheard andthe Singletons. More extensively Taylor’s stint with jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnutincluded a notable concert performance at Kennedy Center recorded for NPR’sJazzset, an appearance at the Spoleto Jazz Festival, and a week long engagementat Dizzy’s Club in NYC. In addition, Taylor had the great opportunity to tourinternationally with virtuosic saxophonist James Carter’s Quintet, performing in:Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Canada, and Austria.

In more recent years, Taylor has had the wonderful opportunity to perform andrecord with rising Jazz star Gregory Porter. Taylor’s trumpet can be heard onGregory Porter’s debut album Water and on his junior release (Blue Note records)Liquid Spirit. Both albums were nominated for Grammys. Liquid Spirit won theGrammy in the Best Jazz Vocal Album category for 2013.

Today, Taylor continues to perform nationally as band-leader and sideman. Hisperforming group is a quartet that features his original music and somearrangements of standard Jazz, R&B and Neo-soul repertoire.

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JOE HUNTER & FRIENDS $15.00 Saturday 12/26 8:30 pm Buy Tickets

Jazz piano virtuoso leads All-Star Ensemble with Several Special Guests forHoliday Celebration at Nighttown!

Nighttown favorite Joe Hunter has released two popular CD's in recent years. Hunter is the pianist of choice in the Northeast Ohio area. He can be heardfrequently in the Fat Tuesday Big Band, Swing City, and backing big name artists. He has backed many, including the legendary Tito Puente, and saxophonist DavidSanborn, At Nighttown Hunter has backed some several top guns includingclarenetist Ken Peplowski, and saxophonists David "Fathead" Newman, and ScottHamilton. Joe Hunter is also on the faculty at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C),one of the top jazz programs in the country.

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VANESSA RUBIN$25.00 Sunday 12/27 7:00 pm Buy Tickets

Monday 12/28 7:00 pm Buy Tickets

World Class vocalist and Cleveland Native present Holiday Shows with All-StarQuartet at Nighttown!

Featuring: Vanessa Rubin-vocals, Bill Heid-Hammond B-3 organ, Perry Hughes-guitar, & Jerome Jennings-drums.

Endowed with the kind of liquid phrasing and sheer wisdom that comes from depthof experience on the jazz performance campaign trail, Vanessa Rubin is an ever-evolving classic singer in the making. The development of a true jazz singer is along-range prospect, laden with learning experiences that forge the voice into atrue instrument, rich with passion, deeply invested in living through life’s joys andperils; such is the journey of Vanessa Rubin, jazz singer extraordinaire. Capable ofemploying the gamut of emotions, the mature Ms. Rubin can range from whisperto shout in the blink of an eye; from honey-laden ballads purring like a kitten, to uptempo swinging and scatting like a fluent saxophone, she delivers the goods.

One of the surest tests of a jazz singer is her acceptance by skilled players; therelationship between instrumentalist and vocalist is so often fraught with distrust. Vanessa Rubin has never experienced such travails. From the time she joined theNew York jazz community in the early 80s, under the guidance of suchgrandmasters as Barry Harris and Frank Foster, Rubin’s acceptance has beenuniversal. Instrumentalists have always been impressed by her way around asong, her willingness to flow with their muse, and her innate ability to swing thatmusic.

The list of great musicians who have graced her recordings and bandstands isquite impressive: Monty Alexander, Cecil Bridgewater, Kenny Burrell, Frank Foster,Billy Higgins, Etta Jones, Lewis Nash, Houston Person, Patience Higgins, DonBraden, Toots Thielemans, Steve Turre, Cedar Walton, Grover Washington, Jr., andJames Williams are just a few of the masters who’ve lent their skills to support Ms.Rubin’s artistry. More recently she has completed auspicious global tours withHerbie Hancock, the Woody Herman Orchestra, and the Jazz Crusaders.

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"SIMPLY THE BEST" HOSTED BY DEBILEWIN$20.00 Tuesday 12/29 7:00 pm Buy Tickets

Spend an evening with some of Cleveland's Own featuring Broadway, Classical,A Tom Jones Tribute, 60's Girl Groups, and more!

Featuring:The Lewin's Ricky, Dennis and DebiNick Costa (of Nick and Bill)Laurie Angie (Poptarts)Julie Matthews (Poptarts)Kaley Voorhees (Christine in Phantom and Prince of Broadway)Story Road-Marla and Mark Brennan and John Atzberger

For over 35 years Debi has been entertaining audiences here in Cleveland andaround the USA.

There is so much to say about this seasoned vocalist! You will never hear a more

There is so much to say about this seasoned vocalist! You will never hear a moreversatile vocalist as Debi and as far as the “longest running show in town” you cansay that Debi and her many productions absolutely gets this title.

Spend an evening with Debi as she takes us on a musical journey as only she can. From Broadway to Paris and even to Haite Ashbury (her rendition of Me and BobbyMcgee will absolutely knock your socks off!) And so much more!

Debi Lewin comes from a family of musicians spanning over 200 years and she isthe last of the legacy.

Voices and repertoires like this do not come your way that often so this isa must see this December 29 at Nighttown.

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COCO SMITH$15.00 Wednesday 12/30 7:00 pm Buy Tickets

Rising Vocalist from Cleveland & NYC sings Cabaret and more! With Bryan Birdon piano.

Shekinah “CoCo” Smith is a Cleveland, OH born artist. CoCo is a 2012 graduateof Cleveland Central Catholic High School. She is currently a Musical theatre majorat the American Musical and Dramatic Academy- College and Conservatory of Arts(AMDA) of New York. Stage performance is her passion, initiated by watching themovie version of Chicago the musical. CoCo’s stage performance credits includeNear West Theatre (Side Show-Daisy Hilton), Garfield Player’s (Chicago-June), OhioCity Theatre Project (Kid Mystery-Kid Mystery), soloist performances at Clevelandand Barrington Yacht Clubs and many more. Choreography credits include NearWest Theatre Children’s production, (Gotta Be Starting Something) and ClevelandPlayhouse’s (‘Dawg Pounded.’)

CoCo plans to return to Cleveland to teach acting technique and musical theatreanalysis after a successful Broadway career.

CoCo enjoys writing plays and lyrics, collecting seashells, and sitting on the rocksof Lake Erie with her best friends. She would like to thank her family and friends fortheir support and encouraging her to pursue her dream to be a professional artist.

Bryan Bird has been playing the piano since age eight, and shows no signs ofslowing down: He has played for over 30 productions and can regularly be found inthe pit orchestras at Beck Center for the Arts and Magnificat High School, as wellas other theaters around Northeast Ohio. At Beck Center, where he is currentlyplaying for Mary Poppins, he music directed Forever Plaid and Jerry Springer: TheOpera. Other music directing highlights include You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brownat Olde Towne Hall Theatre and City of Angels at Hudson Players. Bryan alsoserves as organist for Medina Presbyterian Church. By day, he is a graphic artist fora music publisher, which helps support his roller coaster enthusiast habit.

DOMINICK FARINACCI$40.00 Thursday 12/31 7:30 pm Buy Tickets

Only 50 tickets available for each show!!

Trumpeter Dominick Farinacci has been recently credited the title GlobalAmbassador to Jazz at Lincoln Center by Wynton Marsalis, working to furtherintegrate jazz into communities around the world. He graduated from The JuilliardSchool in 2005 launching his career in Japan with a prolific run of eight albums,later releasing two more globally. He has performed in more than 120 cities in 14countries around the world, was a featured guest on ABC’s Good Morning America,and is a TED Speaker. Music icon Quincy Jones says of Dominick’saccomplishments in performance, recording, education & advocacy, “This kid is360 degrees!”

His most recent recording “Short Stories” is produced by Tommy LiPuma. This isTommy & Dominick’s first collaboration, and was recorded in their hometown ofCleveland at the Tommy LiPuma Center for the Arts. “Short Stories” bringstogether popular songs from around the globe surrounded by some of the greatestartists in music.

In addition to touring around the world with his band, Dominick has beensuccessful in his personal endeavors on bringing music into the communitythrough Arts and Wellness & Education. He was invited by TED to be a TEDSpeaker at the 2014 TED MED conference at the Kennedy Center in Washington,DC. He is a featured performer for the Cleveland Clinic in both Ohio and AbuDhabi, and organized the very first jazz performance for patients in Abu Dhabi incollaboration with the Cleveland Clinic and the Abu Dhabi Music and ArtsFoundation. For Dominick, music and health go hand in hand, most recentlyorganizing panel discussions around patient-doctor communication through musicwith Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar.

Dominick has been a leading advocate in music education development, mostrecently featured at the Community College Association of America in D.C. Heserved as Music Consultant to the Amy Winehouse Foundation, and initiallylaunched a music education program at the Tommy LiPuma Center for CreativeArts in Cleveland, Ohio, which brought together 30+ international artists involvingover 3,000 students. This successful initiative has since expanded to the GCC, inschools such as Weill Cornell Medical College, Qatar Music Academy, the AmericanSchool of Doha among others.

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ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY$75.00 Thursday 12/31 8:00 pm Buy Tickets

Vocalist extraordinaire, and star of Broadway, Cabaret, and Jazzbrings in the New Year!

With Dan Maier-piano, Peter Dominguez-acoustic bass, & GlennDavis-drums.Ann Hampton Callaway is one of the leading champions of the great AmericanSongbook, having made her mark as a singer, pianist, composer, lyricist, arranger,actress, educator, TV host and producer. A born entertainer, her unique singingstyle blends jazz and traditional pop, making her a mainstay in concert halls,theaters and jazz clubs as well as in the recording studio, on television, and in film.She is best known for her Tony-nominated performance in the hit Broadwaymusical “Swing!” and for writing and singing the theme song to the hit TV series“The Nanny.” Callaway is a Platinum Award winning writer whose songs arefeatured on six of Barbra Streisand's recent CD's.

Callaway's live performances showcase her warmth, spontaneous wit andpassionate delivery of standards, jazz classics and originals. She is one ofAmerica's most gifted improvisers, taking words and phrases from her audiencesand creating songs on the spot. Ann has been a special guest performer withWynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, with the Boston Pops and isfeatured at many Carnegie Hall performances. Callaway recently performed withher sister, Broadway star Liz Callaway, in their award-winning show “SiblingRevelry” at London's Donmar Warehouse.

Ann is featured on the new Arbor's Records CD Johnny Mandel: the Man and HisMusic. She has recorded two popular holiday CD's - Holiday Pops! With Peter Neroand the Philly Pops, and her solo CD, This Christmas. Callaway has also been aguest performer on more than forty CD's including Kenny Barron's latest CD TheTraveler.

Don’t miss a fun and exciting New Year’s Eve with one of the world’smost popular jazz and cabaret vocalists, Ann Hampton Callaway.

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DOMINICK FARINACCI$40.00 Thursday 12/31 10:00 pm Buy Tickets

Only 50 tickets available for each show!!

Trumpeter Dominick Farinacci has been recently credited the title GlobalAmbassador to Jazz at Lincoln Center by Wynton Marsalis, working to furtherintegrate jazz into communities around the world. He graduated from The JuilliardSchool in 2005 launching his career in Japan with a prolific run of eight albums,later releasing two more globally. He has performed in more than 120 cities in 14

later releasing two more globally. He has performed in more than 120 cities in 14countries around the world, was a featured guest on ABC’s Good Morning America,and is a TED Speaker. Music icon Quincy Jones says of Dominick’saccomplishments in performance, recording, education & advocacy, “This kid is360 degrees!”

His most recent recording “Short Stories” is produced by Tommy LiPuma. This isTommy & Dominick’s first collaboration, and was recorded in their hometown ofCleveland at the Tommy LiPuma Center for the Arts. “Short Stories” bringstogether popular songs from around the globe surrounded by some of the greatestartists in music.

In addition to touring around the world with his band, Dominick has beensuccessful in his personal endeavors on bringing music into the communitythrough Arts and Wellness & Education. He was invited by TED to be a TEDSpeaker at the 2014 TED MED conference at the Kennedy Center in Washington,DC. He is a featured performer for the Cleveland Clinic in both Ohio and AbuDhabi, and organized the very first jazz performance for patients in Abu Dhabi incollaboration with the Cleveland Clinic and the Abu Dhabi Music and ArtsFoundation. For Dominick, music and health go hand in hand, most recentlyorganizing panel discussions around patient-doctor communication through musicwith Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar.

Dominick has been a leading advocate in music education development, mostrecently featured at the Community College Association of America in D.C. Heserved as Music Consultant to the Amy Winehouse Foundation, and initiallylaunched a music education program at the Tommy LiPuma Center for CreativeArts in Cleveland, Ohio, which brought together 30+ international artists involvingover 3,000 students. This successful initiative has since expanded to the GCC, inschools such as Weill Cornell Medical College, Qatar Music Academy, the AmericanSchool of Doha among others.

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ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY$75.00 Thursday 12/31 10:30 pm Buy Tickets

Vocalist extraordinaire, and star of Broadway, Cabaret, and Jazzbrings in the New Year!

With Dan Maier-piano, Peter Dominguez-acoustic bass, & GlennDavis-drums.Ann Hampton Callaway is one of the leading champions of the great AmericanSongbook, having made her mark as a singer, pianist, composer, lyricist, arranger,actress, educator, TV host and producer. A born entertainer, her unique singingstyle blends jazz and traditional pop, making her a mainstay in concert halls,theaters and jazz clubs as well as in the recording studio, on television, and in film.She is best known for her Tony-nominated performance in the hit Broadwaymusical “Swing!” and for writing and singing the theme song to the hit TV series“The Nanny.” Callaway is a Platinum Award winning writer whose songs arefeatured on six of Barbra Streisand's recent CD's.

Callaway's live performances showcase her warmth, spontaneous wit andpassionate delivery of standards, jazz classics and originals. She is one ofAmerica's most gifted improvisers, taking words and phrases from her audiencesand creating songs on the spot. Ann has been a special guest performer withWynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, with the Boston Pops and isfeatured at many Carnegie Hall performances. Callaway recently performed withher sister, Broadway star Liz Callaway, in their award-winning show “SiblingRevelry” at London's Donmar Warehouse.

Revelry” at London's Donmar Warehouse.

Ann is featured on the new Arbor's Records CD Johnny Mandel: the Man and HisMusic. She has recorded two popular holiday CD's - Holiday Pops! With Peter Neroand the Philly Pops, and her solo CD, This Christmas. Callaway has also been aguest performer on more than forty CD's including Kenny Barron's latest CD TheTraveler.

Don’t miss a fun and exciting New Year’s Eve with one of the world’smost popular jazz and cabaret vocalists, Ann Hampton Callaway.

Visit Website

Watch Video

Planning a reception, wedding, business meeting, graduation, birthday or B'nai Mitzvah?

. . . . . . . . .think Nighttown!

We give you the best package in town at a price that won't break thebank. And everything is included at no extra charge. Our experienceis as accommodating as our atmosphere. Private function spacesfrom 20 - 150. Valet parking available.

To book your party, call Brendan Ring directly at 216-952-9133

Visit our Private Event Page

Nighttown uses Yamaha Pianosexclusively

For more information about the Yamaha C-7, The New Avant Grand Piano or any of the Yamaha pianos,

Please contact Classic Pianos-Akron/Cleveland at 216-831-1600

Nighttown drums providedby

www.fortunedrums.com

Nighttown/JWP graphicdesigner

Kathy Kelly 216-941-5439

Gerry Paluck RPTRegistered PianoTuner/Technician(216) 346-9308

www.gerrythetuner.com

www.gerrythetuner.com

Recommended Places to StayIntercontinental Suites 216-707-4100

The Place on Larchmere 216- 721-8968University Circle Bed & Breakfast 216-721-8968

Looking for great music on the radio

and the web?

Check out the Nighttown / Jim Wadsworth Productions

Radio Guide. Updated 10/10/15 Radio List (in pdf)

Thanks to Bruce Amsel for compiling and keeping the list up to date!!!

12387 Cedar Road (top of Cedar Hill)

Cleveland Heights, OH 216-795-0550

No need to make an additional table reservation -it's already included with your concert tickets!!

www.nighttowncleveland.comMap to Nighttown

Producers of All the Great Music atNighttown

Call us for Music for your Private Event216-721-5624 jwadsworth@aol.com

www.jwpjazz.com

To Purchase Concert Tickets

No need to make an additional table

reservation - it's already included with your concert

tickets!!

"Late Night at Nighttown"Fridays Dennis Lewin on piano 10:30PM - 1:00AM No cover

Saturdays Jackie Warren on piano 10:30PM - 1:00AM No cover

Wednesday, December 9 Baldwin Wallace Musical Theater Program 7 PM $10.Next generation of Broadway Stars hit the stage at Nighttown!

Thursday, December 10 Lou Armagno Sinatra Selects 8:30 PM $20.Vocalist Lou Armagno & Quintet salute the legendary Frank Sinatra on his 100th Birthday!!!

Friday, December 11 Bill Cunliffe Trio 8:30 PM $20.Jazz Pianist extraordinaire leads All-Star Trio featuring: Bill Cunliffe-piano, Martin Wind-acoustic bass, &Joe LaBarbera-drums.

Monday, December 14 Robert Cassidy 7 PM $10.Solo Classical Piano from former Cleveland resident now living in California. Playing compositions byBach, Debussy, Schubert, & more!

Sunday, Tues., & Wed. Dec. 13, 15-16 Bill Rudman's Christmas Cabaret 7 PM All Nights Sun.$36-$45. Tues.-Wed. $21-$30.10th Anniversary of The Musical Theater Projects Christmas Cabaret. Featuring: Bill Rudman, NancyMaier, Scott Posey, & Sandra Simon.Tickets available only through TMTP’s Box Office.Call 216-245-8687 or visit MusicalTheaterProject.org.

Saturday, and Sunday, December 19 & 20 Ramsay Lewis Trio 7 & 9 PM Saturday, 5 & 7 PMSunday $60.Jazz Piano Legend, and Trio in rare club appearance live at Nighttown!!!

Wednesday, Dec. 23 Curtis Taylor Quartet 7 PM $15.Dynamic Trumpeter leads Quarter in holiday show at Nighttown.Featuring: Curtis Taylor-trumpet; Phil Jones-piano; Dean Hulett-bass; Robert Hubbard-drums

Saturday, December 26 Joe Hunter & Friends 8:30 PM $15.Jazz piano virtuoso leads All-Star Ensemble with Several Special Guests for Holiday Celebration atNighttown!

Sun. & Mon., Dec. 27-28 Vanessa Rubin 7 PM both nights $25.World Class vocalist and Cleveland Native present Holiday Shows with All-Star Quartet at Nighttown!Featuring: Vanessa Rubin-vocals, Bill Heid-Hammond B-3 organ, Perry Hughes-guitar, & Jerome Jennings-drums.

Tuesday, Dec. 29 "Simply the Best" Hosted by Debi Lewin 7 PM $20.Spend an evening with some of Cleveland's Own featuring Broadway, Classical, A Tom Jones Tribute,60's Girl Groups, and more!Featuring:The Lewin's Ricky, Dennis and DebiNick Costa (of Nick and Bill)Laurie Angie (Poptarts)Julie Matthews (Poptarts)Kaley Voorhees (Christine in Phantom and Prince of Broadway)Story Road-Marla and Mark Brennan and John Atzberger

Wednesday, December 30 CoCo Smith 7 PM $15.Rising Vocalist from Cleveland & NYC sings Cabaret and more! With Bryan Bird on piano.

Thursday, December 31 (New Year's Eve) Ann Hampton Callaway 8 & 10:30 PM $75.Vocalist extraordinaire, and star of Broadway, Cabaret, and Jazz brings in the New Year!With: Dan Maier-piano, Peter Dominguez-acoustic bass, & Glenn Davis-drums.

Thursday, December 31 (New Years Eve) Dominick Farinacci 7:30 & 10 PM $40.Rising Trumpet Star, and Cleveland Native, lights up Nighttown's back patio with special New Year'sProgram. Playing music from his new CD which will come out in early 2016.

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