Well, folks we are already one month into 2019. I played some really fun shows in January including a joyfully ecstatic reunion with some of my Eau Claire friends, an intense and satisfying CD release party for Peter Kogan’s new album, a superset of dinner music with Dave Power and Dean Granros at Icehouse and two high powered shows with Atlantis Quartet. I also started off February with a beautiful night of music with Lynne Arriale and JT Bates in the Dunsmore Room at Crooner’s. I’m sorry if you missed those shows due to the lack of a Bates Update. It’s a challenge to keep up with everything and sometimes I get burned out on promoting myself too. It’s not you, it’s ME! Anyways the calendar at doublebates.com is almost always up to date and I know right now I’ve got gigs listed there all the way into the spring so check it out! Stay warm and safe because – sometimes it snows in February, March, April and MAY!

Tuesday 2/5 Bill Simenson Orchestra @ Jazz Central 8:30 pm $10 All Ages

Saturday 2/9 Pat Moriarty / Ellen Lease group with Michael Attias @ Saturday Night Jazz at the Black Dog 8:30 pm $10 All Ages

In this age of incredible talent and original voices there are the unsung and underappreciated TDWR (talents deserving wider recognition). NYC based saxophonist Michael Attias IS that guy. I have had the great fortune to play with him twice and I listen to his music frequently. I urge you to come and check out this man and his wide open tone and musical vision.

Monday 2/11 Sam Miltich w/ Chris Lomheim, Jay Epstein and CB @ Crooner’s Lounge. 7 pm $10 All Ages. We’ll be playing music from several great jazz guitarists including Django Reinhardt, Joe Pass &Lenny Breaux.

Wednesday 2/13 Chris Bates makes another Sound Decision @ Jazz Central 8:30 pm $10 All Ages

Every 2nd Tuesday of the month Chris Bates hosts at Jazz Central. This year I’m featuring my favorite collaborations I’ve done over the last year and more. 

Tonight is Sound Decision: CB – Bass, Thomas Nordlund – guitar, Joe Strachan – keys, Kismat Shrestha – drums, Krissy Bergmark – tablas An experimental ensemble of rhythmic melodies and grooves. Featuring fresh voices and sounds from a fascinating spectrum of TC music makers. Please join us for our second performance!

Saturday 2/16 JC Sanford Quartet plays Jazz at Studio Z 7 pm $15 All Ages

JC Sanford – trombone, Zacc Harris – guitar, JT and CB. We’ll be tuning ourselves up to record JC’s new quartet album. Tix in the link above.

Sunday 2/17 Davina & the Vagabonds @ Crooner’s Lounge 7:30 pm $25

Monday 2/18 Red Planet @ the Black Dog 7 pm $10

All Ages Intergalactic Planetary Joy Pain Sunshine Rain John Coltrane Jimi Hendrix Thelonious Monk Duke Ellington

Funk Soul Power Jazz – Magraw, Epstein, Bates.

Saturday 2/23 Eau Claire Power & Electric CO. @ Icehouse Dinner 6:30-9:30 Dave Power- drums, Steven Hobert- piano, CB- bass.

Eau Claire Power & Electric Company is a jazz trio consisting of Chris Bates on upright bass, Dave Power on drums, and Steve Hobert on keys. All three splendid fellows attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (albeit during separate eras) and were heavily involved with UWEC Jazz Ensemble I, hence the namesake of the trio. Hope you’ve paid your electric bill, because ECPEC is coming for you.

Friday 3/1 Gustavus Jazz Jamboree 7 pm Bjorling Recital Hall

I’m working all day with Pete Whitman, Elaine Burt, Asuka Kakatani, Dave Stamps and grammy nominated violinist Sara Caswell. We’ll play some tunes and it will be a great concert.

I hope to see you out at a show. Click on the links above! They will take you to places where you can hear these artists and find out more about them.

Thanks for listening and supporting my creative endeavors! – CB