APRIL
This could be the month. This could be the month that we just might see a few warm days. We have earned a reprieve from wearing down filled jackets and watching down turned faces of folks walking into the cold wind. The Romans used the word “aperire” to say “open up” which they used for the fourth month in their calendar. This is also appropriate for our month of April. It is the time for us to fling open our windows and gladly go out for a stroll in the neighborhood.
April is the month when the flowers will pop up hoping to be welcomed by a warm spring breeze and get their first big gulp of sunshine. We will skip work and catch baseball’s opening day. Children will get out of the house and ride their bikes everywhere. We will be surrounded by eye and ear opening events happening in our backyards. The robins seem to be the ones to first see the changes. Our yards are coming back to life and the appearance of these smart birds will signal us that spring will soon be here. Hope is necessary to live in a northern clime.
It is the time of year when northerners finally don’t have to travel far to get some comfort outside the warmth of their homes. Emerging from hibernation we get a chance to enjoy all the beautiful things around us. We once again can take pride and find joy in the color and brightness of our town.
In this spirit the Dirty Dog Jazz Café will be presenting some home grown talent to remind us that we are lucky to be in Detroit now that spring may be here.
STARTING WITH KIMMIE HORNE
April 4 – April 7
Starting Wednesday of this week Detroit’s own Kimmie Horne will bring her alto voice to the Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe. Kimmie may be home grown, but she isn’t a secret to to her jazz and R&B fans around the world. This local girl will be singing for us at the Dirty Dog.
HERE ARE SOME REASONS TO COME OUT TO THE DIRTY DOG THIS WEEK TO HEAR KIMMIE HORNE
Reason #1 Kimmie’s voice. Kimmie was well into a career in R&B when Betty Carter inspired her to include jazz standards in her vocabulary. Kimmie says, “ She encouraged me to know what the song’s story is and approach it as if it were mine.” Kimmie connects us to our jazz heritage. When Kimmie became focused on jazz she concentrated on those who could tell a story. She acknowledges her debt to Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Ella and, of course, Lena Horne when she says, “These five ladies exude vocal richness, clarity in telling a story through warm, beautiful, heartfelt tones and impeccable phrasing that still leaves me breathless,”
Reason #2 It is going to be like a family affair as Kimmie and the guys in her band go way back. They speak the same language. Kimmie has immersed herself in studying all of jazz, including most of the great horn players. In her voice we can hear the phasing and tone of these masters. When she and her friends take off together on a tune they are starting from the same platform. This band of musicians are indeed friends, which allows them to be more playful.
Reason #3 A chance to smile. The band’s friendship is contagious. Even though some of the tunes are soulful stories and you can feel the blues origins, you end the evening feeling good.
Reason # 4 A chance to thank Gretchen Valade for all she has done. Gretchen has created one of America’s best jazz clubs.
Reason #5 Support live music while having the time of your life. Detroit needs you to once again get out to hear live music every chance you get. An Intimate venue like the Dirty Dog gives the musicians a chance to Interact with the audience. Kimmie takes full advantage. She sings and talks directly to each night’s guests. Everyone will leave as friends.
Reasons #6,7,8,9,10 Kimmie’s home is in Detroit. We get to see her in the company of people she knows. When she plays the Dog it is special. Come on out.
APRIL IS THE TIME FOR OUR LOCAL TALENT TO SHINE AT THE DIRTY DOG JAZZ CAFÉ
CHICK COREA
Chick Corea has been named the 2018 Detroit Jazz Festival’s artist in residence.
Having won 22 Grammies, he is automatically considered a Detroiter.
April 12
DAVID THOMAS
David is another multi talented Detroit area jazz artist. He will bring the fresh sound of his quartet to the Dirty Dog for one night.
April 13 – April 14
SACHA VASANDANI
Sacha was born in Chicago but was wise enough to learn his jazz at the University of Michigan. He now resides on Mack Avenue records. That’s local enough.
April 18 – April 21
GAYELYNN MCKINNEY and MCKINFOLK
Gayelynn will bring her family to the Dirty Dog. They all will have only a few miles to travel. This family defines class when will we talk of first class musicians. It has always seemed a little unfair to have so much talent in one family. In Detroit classy musicians tend to have classy musician kids. We can only enjoy it.
April 25 – April 28
SEAN DOBBINS
Sean will bring with him all the gifts that separate Detroit musicians from the rest. He is a persistent force and doesn’t know how to lay back and rest on his reputation. You don’t get away with that in this town. Sean and his friends will help us celebrate how great our neighborhood is.
John Osler
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