Denison University Annual Jazz Guitar Festival

www.denison.edu

Snuggled out in the rolling hills of Granville, Ohio is this neat little private college of Denison University.  Each year in the fall Denison and it's jazz guitar instructor, Tom Carroll, hosts a fun filled weekend of lectures, mini concerts, and two full concerts by some of the best jazz guitar talent in the world. This primarily for the students of the university, however it is open to the public, also - FREE!!   Past (and future) guest jazz guitarists have been: the late Kenny Poole, Gene Bertoncinni, Bucky Pizzarelli, Jack Wilkins, Howard Alden, Rick Peckham, and Trio da paz (featuring the very scary Romero Lubambo.)  Local jazz guitarists Tim Cummiskey, Chris Bizzelli, Stan Smith, bassist, Doug Richeson, and, of course, Tom Carroll also lend a hand with their incredible talents. All in all - it's an event any guitar enthusiast should take full advantage of - whether they particularly like jazz or not.  THIS IS SOME OF THE BEST GUITAR TALENT ON THE PLANET!

The format is usually a series of work shops and mini concerts held on Saturday at noon by the local guitarists and afternoons by the guests.  Then, there is an evening concert on Saturday of the guests.  Later that evening they take some amps up to the second floor of Brews (a local watering hole and eatery) where everybody plays until the law says they have to leave.

Sunday afternoon there is a grand concert where all guitarists play. 

Here's a review we did up on the 2005 Festival (click)

2006 Denison University Jazz Guitar Festival

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 3rd, 4th & 5th.

Burke Hall of Music and Art

(MapQuest)  Burke Hall is not the "red star" - but, just West (left) almost to Cherry.St. Burke Hall is a white building visible from W Broadway (the main street through Granville), but actually on W College.  On the north side of a block made up of W Broadway (south), Cherry St (west), W College (north), & N Mulberry (east).  There is parking lot at Burke Hall, but very small.  Try it first - but, then circle the block above until you can find a parking spot...  

Guest Guitarists will be:

Howard Alden - Howard can be heard on the soundtrack to the 1999 Woody Allen movie "Sweet and Lowdown", starring Sean Penn, who was also nominated for an Academy Award for his role as a legendary jazz guitarist in the '30s. Howard not only played all the guitar solos, but also coached Mr. Penn on playing the guitar for his role in the film.

Trio da paz - three of Brazil's most in-demand musicians, Trio da Paz updates the infectious spirit of jazz-oriented Brazilian music.  Led by guitarist Romero Lumbambo - who I will personally guarantee will "knock yer socks off".. 

Rick Peckham - Rick is an internationally known jazz guitarist, clinician from Berklee College of Music.

Schedule of Events - 2006:

Friday, Nov 3rd - 8 pm - Burke Hall

"Opening Concert" hosted by Tom Carroll
Featuring: Rick Peckham Trio & Stan Smith, solo guitar
with Doug Richeson, bass & Guy Remonko, drums

Saturday, Nov 4th

Noon - "7 String Madness" - Chris Buzzelli & Tim Cummiskey
1 pm - "Jazz Harmon on the Guitar" - Stan Smith
2:30 pm - "Use the Chromaticism in Improv on Guitar" - Rick Peckham
4 pm - "Meet and Greet with Howard Alden" - Question and Answer

Saturday Night Concert - 7:30 pm - Burke Hall

Howard Alden and Trio da Paz

Sunday, Nov 5th - 3 pm - Burke Hall

Final Concert: 

Romero Lubambo with Special Guest, vocalist Pamela Driggs
Howard Alden Trio
Trio da Paz
Tom Carroll, Rick Peckham, Stan Smith, Tim Cummiskey & Chris Buzzelli