Greetings everyone. Snow gotcha down? It’s definitely been a grind, and as I write this we’re are on the cusp of another ‘precipitation event’ and daylight savings time kicks in on the morrow. The good news is that spring is inevitable, so we’ll just have to ride out this winter like we always do here in MN.

I had some very fun shows last month including a couple of joyous romps with Davina and the Vagabonds, a stupendous show with Michael Attias (from NYC), Davu Seru, Pat Moriarty and Ellen Lease. Made a successful and provocative recording with JC Sanford, Zacc Haris and my brother JT down at Pachyderm (look for that release sometime down the road), and a great all-day hang with Pete Whitman, Elaine Burt, Masayoshi Ishikawa, Asuka Kakatani and Sara Caswell at the Gustavus Jazz Jamboree. Thanks Dave Stamps! SO fun to hear so many great bands from around the state playing at a really high level. I also had a wonderful second gig with a group I’ve dubbed ‘Sound Decision’ over at Jazz Central. That group consists of myself, Tom Nordlund on guitar, Joe Strachan on keys, Krissy Bergmark on tablas and Kismat Shrestha on drums. I love the sounds we are making and I hope to continue that trajectory over this year. It’s interesting to note that I’ve been hosting the 2nd Wednesday of the month at Jazz Central now for over 6 years and I continue to find new combinations of people to make music with. Stop on by and check out this fertile and creative space for music of all kinds.

March promises to bring the noise! Here are the highlights:

Wednesday March 13th Jazz Central Studios 8:30 pm $10 All Ages

Karl Koopman – guitar, Pete Hennig – drums and CB – electric bass. Were reprising this group that formed last year to play a bunch of “Blue Matter” era John Scofield, Pat Metheny, Allan Holdsworth, Danny Gatton, plus a few other gems. Stop on by and get your electric outlet.

Saturday March 16th Studio Z 6 pm Workshop 7 pm Concert $12 (advance) $15 (door) All Ages

Atlantis Quartet plays Jazz at Studio Z – fresh and full of life! Hello Human is our new record and we are excited to keep progressing. Come and join this award-winning quartet for a special night of original music. We got a nice review in Jazz Times a little bit ago. Click thru if you’re interested.

Monday March 18th Black Dog Cafe 7 pm $10 donation All Ages

Red Planet MONDAYS happen EVERY 3rd Monday of the month at the Black Dog. Your favorite interplanetary musical travelers are always excited to play for you. Dean Magraw, Jay Epstein & CB.

Thursday March 21st Reif Center for Performing Arts Grand Rapids, MN 7 pm $15 All Ages

RED PLANET (and special guest Sam Miltich) brings our eclectic mix of jazz to Grand Rapids. We’ll play our usual mixture of Coltrane, Hendrix, Monk and other jazz classics mixed in with our originals. Send some friends or take a road trip. It will be a fantastic evening! TICKETS HERE

Friday March 22nd Icehouse 6:30 pm FREE

Tim Sparks, Jay Epstein, and CB trio play for the dinner sets at Icehouse. Very excited to collaborate with Tim and Jay again in this fun trio!

Saturday March 23rd Jazz at St. Barney’s 7 pm $12 All Ages

Sam Miltich w/ Jay Epstein and Chris Bates are Anchor Point. Playing jazz from across the whole history of the music. One set only at 7pm.

Thursday March 28th Vieux-Carre 8 pm $15 table / $12 bar

Mary Louise Knutson Quintet with Michael B Nelson – trombone, Pete Whitman – bari sax, Phil Hey – drums, CB – bass. Excited to debut this new group with Mary Louise! This will be a mix of standards and originals that we can all stretch out on. Tickets at the Vieux Carre link above.

Friday March 29th Icehouse 6:30 pm FREE

Brandon Wozniak – saxophone, Phil Hey – drums, CB – bass. Dinner for three please, Brian.

Saturday March 30th Boom Island Brewing 7 pm FREE 21+

Peter Kogan Quintet plays at Boom Island Brewing. Nelson Devereaux, Tom Krochock, Abebi Stafford, PK and CB play a great mix of originals and standards. Plus – BEER.

UPCOMING APRIL DATES

April 2nd, 8:30 pm – Bill Simenson Orchestra at Jazz Central

April 5th, 6:30 pm – Michael Rossetto, JT and CB at Icehouse (dinner sets)

April 10th, 8:30 pm – COLOSSUS at Jazz Central. Clay Pufahl, Park Evans, JVP & CB

April 15th, 7 pm – RED PLANET at the Black Dog

April 19th, 7:30 pm – Michael Rossetto Intermodal Blues CD release show at the Cedar; with David Huckfelt releasing his CD too!