Wednesday (7/20) Don’t miss the next performance of The Vocal Workshop! The Vocal Workshop, under the direction of Chris Grasso, is an eight-week program designed to guide aspiring vocalists in their journey towards becoming jazz singers. The Workshop offers high-quality instruction in the art of jazz singing, in a setting with other vocalists who share the same goals. This showcase will feature the current singers performing some great music, accompanied by Chris Grasso on piano, Zack Pride on bass, and Ele Rubenstein on drums. You are invited to come out and enjoy the performances for only $10, good for either or both sets. Join us at 7pm, and you are welcome to stay for the 9pm show.
Thursday (7/21) We’ve got the incredible Haley Reinhart! Since placing #3 on FOX’s American Idol in 2011, Haley Reinhart has had over 50 million views on YouTube. She was originally signed with Interscope Records, but then went on to perform with Scott Bradlee’s Post Modern Jukebox. With that group, her cover of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” was used in an Extra Gum commercial and became a viral sensation. Her latest solo release, Better, debuted at #22 on the Billboard’s Independent Album Chart. Accompanying her will be Dave Damiani & The No Vacancy Orchestra, who are in constant rotation on XM 71 Siriusly Sinatra and radio stations all over the country. They have done music for POLO – Ralph Lauren, CBS – Vegas, SINATRA 100, Marriott Corporation, FOX, ABC’s Sonoran Living, and many more. The show begins at 8pm.
Friday (7/22) When Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. showed up to audition for NBC TV’s America’s Got Talent in 2010, he was singing to pass the time while grinding out a living washing cars in his hometown of Logan, WV (population 3,000). Wowing the judges with his back story of homelessness and determination to succeed for his family, coupled with interpretations of classics from Cole Porter, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and others, Landau walked away with the million dollar grand prize in front of 14 million weekly viewers. In response to the devastating flooding in his home state of West Virginia, Murphy, Jr. is teaming up with Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club for a special benefit concert in conjunction with the Red Cross of West Virginia. A portion of each ticket sold will go directly to flood relief efforts to aid the thousands of residents affected by what has been called “once in a thousand years flooding.” The Landau Rebuild West Virginia Flood Relief Benefit Concert begins at 8pm.
Saturday (7/23) Prepare for an electrifying journey to the Caribbean with I&I Riddim! The name captures the spirit of this band’s music: “Riddim” is reggae’s irresistible upbeat dance rhythm, and “I&I” expresses Bob Marley’s “One Love” equality for all people. I&I Riddim thrills audiences with an arsenal of favorite reggae standards, the best modern reggae, and a few reggae-style pop-rock and calypso/soca tunes. I&I Riddim is known for its exciting performance style and has shared the stage with some of the reggae greats including Bunny Wailer and Junior Marvin both from Bob Marley’s Wailers. This award-winning Washington, DC band is well-equipped to transform any stage into a true Caribbean party experience. The reggae sounds get grooving at 8pm.
Sunday (7/24) The first Star Pageantry International 2016 pageant will be held in conjunction with the Miss Intercontinental United States pageant on our stage. The vision of Star Pageantry International is driven by the potential and capacity of a variety of women and men, even those who may have been excluded by other systems. This includes individuals where their opportunities have been hindered due to age or life circumstances. They look for leaders who are ambitious and very savvy, and ready to take on responsibilities focusing on changing the world. Each year, the Miss Intercontinental pageant works to provide a fair environment where young women compete not with each other, but against themselves as they are encouraged to identify goals, overcome roadblocks, and obtain success through preparation, organization, and self-discipline. Doors open at 3pm and the pageantry begins at 4pm. Tickets are available here.
Who’s coming soon to Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club? We’ve got Jazz Meets Korea, Molly Ringwald, The Chuck Brown Band, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Jon B., Kenny Lattimore, tributes to The Beach Boys, Merle Haggard, and Gladys Knight & the Pips, and so much more. Keep up to date by visiting our Music Calendar anytime for the latest.
We’re looking forward to seeing you here soon. Thanks for sharing your summer fun with us here at BBJ!
Rick Brown