Been offline for a few days to nurse a cold, but Jose DaCosta recently sent out a heads up on the Spring series of jazz events that Exodus to Jazz is going to bring to town and I thought I'd share the information with you. Starting this month, ETJ will bringing back three artists, but with new twists:

• March 27th—"Sung with Words” The Helen Sung Trio with Vocalist Carolyn Leonhart: “Sung With Words” reflects pianist Helen Sung’s willingness to take risks with innovative concepts that remain grounded in the jazz tradition. This new project integrates jazz standards and original compositions with lyrics derived from the poetry of Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, Emily Dickinson and Dana Gioia (who was originally going to appear with Sung). Vocalist Carolyn Leonhart (daughter of famed bassist Jay Leonhart) is acclaimed by critics as one of the most accomplished and versatile singers of her generation. Ms. Leonhart’s tenure with Steely Dan and collaborations with tenor saxophonist/husband Wayne Escoffery, promise an entertaining blending of her talent with that of The Helen Sung Trio. The Clarion Riverside Hotel, 8:00 pm (2 1-hour sets) with doors opening at 7:00 pm. Reserved seats $25.00, general admission $20.00.
• April 24th—"Person to Person," Eric Person & Meta Four with Houston Person: Alto/soprano saxophonist Eric Person came by in September 2007 and showed us his chops and his creative compositions. He will be joined by his father Houston Person, who is considered by many the natural heir to the Boss Tenor crown with a style in the Gene Ammons/Stanley Turrentine tradition. The Clarion Riverside Hotel, 8:00 pm (2 1-hour sets) with doors opening at 7:00 pm. Reserved seats $25.00, general admission $20.00.
• [CANCELLED] May 21st—The Tamir Hendelman Trio with Terell Stafford:Tamir Hendelman came to ETJ in December 2007 ETJ engagement, and has since maintained an active schedule with the Jeff Hamilton Trio, the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and recordings with acclaimed vocalists including Natalie Cole’s recent CD release. For ETJ, he is joined by trumpeter Terell Stafford, who has has been integral to groups led by Bobby Watson, Cedar Waldon, Herbie Mann, Jon Faddis and Wynton Marsalis. The Hyatt Regency Hotel, 8:00 pm (2 1-hour sets) with doors opening at 7:00 pm. Reserved seats $25.00, general admission $20.00.

ETJ's new two-set approach makes for a great night of jazz. On all shows reserved seats include table seating for 2 to 4 people assigned based on receipt of reservation. General Admission seats include both table and theatre style seating on a “first come, first served” basis. Student tickets are available at a 50% discount with current ID (purchased at the door). For more information call 585-733-7685 or email.