Another exciting ingredient in the Exodus to Jazz Series commences at the end of the week with the arrival of pianist Dena DeRose, who is appearing with her acclaimed trio with Martin Wind on bass and Matt Wilson on drums on Friday and Saturday, September 21-22 at VENU Resto-Lounge & Nightclub. This is not the first time for Ms. DeRose and Rochester. Among others, Ms. DeRose has performed with the Ray Brown Trio, the Clark Terry Quintet, Benny Golson, Billy Hart, Ray Drummond, Bill Henderson, Ken Peplowski, Houston Person, Mark Murphy, Lewis Nash, Don Braden, Rufus Reid, Slide Hampton, Albert “Tootie” Heath, Jeff Hamilton, John Clayton, Jeff Clayton, Steve Davis, Akira Tana, Kenny Washington, Bucky Pizzarelli, and Gene Bertoncini. In 2002, she was selected as a “Talent Deserving Wider Recognition” in Downbeat magazine and one of ten “Best Female Jazz Vocalists” in Downbeat's 2006 Critics Poll. If you want to check her out, you will hear a cut on her MySpace page.  Some of you may have caught drummer Matt Wilson here with his group Arts & Crafts for their exciting sets during this year's Rochester International Jazz Festival.

The Jammin' portion Ms. DeRose's stay in Rochester begins at 7:00 pm on Friday, September 21st at the VENU Resto-Lounge & Nightclub, 151 St. Paul Street, where she will be jamming with selected students from the School of The Arts and Eastman School of Music before (I assume) parents and (I know) invited guests. Non-students will be asked for a $5 donation to keep these jam sessions going. The evening should progress along the following schedule:

• 7:00 to 8:30 PM—Dena DeRose Trio performs with pre-selected SOTA / Eastman School students
• 8:40 to 9:25 PM—Open SOTA / Eastman School Jam Session – SOTA & Eastman students only
• 9:30 to 10:15 PM—Jam Session open to all students and non-students!
• 10:15 PM – Wrap-up

On Saturday, Dena DeRose and the Trio will commence the Slammin' portion of their stay (at least according to Exodus to Jazz producer Jose DaCosta), playing two sets (7:00 and 9:15 pm) also at VENU. Tickets are $17.00 prior to the evening and available through www.TicketWeb.com (search for “Dena DeRose”) or $20.00 at the door. For more information visit the Exodus to Jazz website or call (585)733-7685.