Hot Nights, Cool Jazz at LaCenterra

LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch announces the return of it's summer live jazz Thurday night concert series, Hot Nights, Cool Jazz, starting June 4 and continuing through July 30, 2009.  Guests are invited to unwind after a long day (6pm-9pm) and ease into the weekend with the improvisational artistry of the area's premier jazz musicians each Thursday.

Courtyard beverage service will be available from The Wine Next Door and Fish City Grill. Food and nonalcoholic beverages are available from any LaCenterra restaurant or specialty food retailer.   All events are free and open to the public.

WHEN: Thursday Nights June 4 - July 30 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. WHERE: LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch Heritage Square (central courtyard) 23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard at Grand Parkway Katy, Texas

Live Jazz Performances:

Performances take place weather permitting. Showtimes and performers subject to change.

June 4 - The Scenic Route

The Scenic Route is a collective of professional jazz musicians from the greater Houston area.  Members perform with local and regional bands, as well as with national touring acts.  Its set list includes traditional and modern jazz favorites and blues. The lineup includes Ara Gray on percussion and flute, John Broussard on guitar, Gerald Stewart on saxophone and Tashia Beatty on keyboard.

June 11 - Jawad & Friends

Frontman Jawad has performed on stages with Dizzy Gillespie, Gerald Albright, Alex Bugnon, The Manhattans and others.  His eclectic style epitomizes "cool."  Regardless of the temperature, the night is sure to be breezy and comfortable when Jawad takes the stage.

June 18 - The Tyler Mire Comb

The Tyler Mire Combo is comprised of three rising, young jazz musicians and Katy natives.  Group leader Tyler Mire, is currently studying at the University of North Texas Jazz School, one of the nation's preeminent jazz universities.  Bassist Nick Puccia has been a regular on the Houston music scene playing with numerous groups in and around town.  Pianist Noel Bryant is a student at Texas Tech University and plays in the Texas Tech Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of the notable New York alto saxophone player, Brad Leali.

June 25 - George Poe Trio

The George Poe Trio has a flair for infusing familiar and beloved music from the 1930s through the 1980s with a modern twist entirely their own.  More than just a tribute to America's Songbook, the trio pays homage to a bygone era of songwriting and performing.  They blur the lines between the classics, blues, pop, R&B and jazz. Members of the George Poe Trio include Matthew Stephens on upright bass guitar and vocals, George Poe on keyboard and vocals and Lee Bigelow on percussion.

July 2 - In The Pocket

In The Pocket represents a talented cast of professional musicians who share an interest in classic improvisational jazz and a healthy admiration for musical greats including Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and Horace Silver.  Special guests to be announced.

July 9 - White Stone Craving

White Stone Craving consists of six talented players from the Katy area.  The group features Pat Cooper on keyboard, Rush Selden on trumpet, Neel Woods on trombone, Dan Williams on saxophone, Robin Roewe on keys and backing vocals and Jamie Strain on drums and vocals.  White Stone Craving draws their influences from old-school jazz standards, 1970s funk, Motown, contemporary jazz and pop.

July 16 -  The Billy Keener Band

The Billy Keener Band's namesake frontman is no stranger to the stage.  With a career spanning almost three decades, Keener has played all over the world.  From jazz festivals to concerts and private events, he has entertained audiences with original pieces and soulful jazz favorites.  Keener is completing his second CD entitled, "Billy Keener - Music Works."

July 23 - Dr. FeelGood

Dr. FeelGood has an impressive following and a talented lineup comprised of 2009 Taylor High School graduates. The members of the band include Elin Crockett on alto and soprano sax, Matt Faldyn  on bass, Martial Morrison on the trombone, Stefan Munoz on trumpet, and Carl Yates on drum. Dr. FeelGood's musical repertoire includes swing, Latin, Dixieland, funk and blues.  The band has been studying hard and making music for two years.

July  30 - Cool Breeze

Cool Breeze is a spirited jazz combo featuring Gene Fritts on guitar and Tom Viviano on trumpet and flugelhorn.  The combo serves up jazz standards, cool jazz and bossa nova.