Summer has finally arrived and with that, it is nice to take a deep breath, reflect upon another successful academic year gone by… and then get fired up about new projects! The summer is filling up fast with some awesome gigs, new groups, and several recording projects.

My catalyst group, The Walk/Klenz Jazz Sextet, is constantly booking new shows, and the whole group is looking forward to all the summer shows and festivals. If you are in the Chippewa Valley area, you can check us out at several locations. Click on the upcoming shows tab above to check out all the dates. You can keep up-to-date on our new shows as they are booked by joining our The Walk/Klenz Jazz Facebook group! The Sextet will be in the studio this month, so be on the look out for some great new tracks.

I have also been asked to be apart of some new and exciting groups in the area. There is a new funk and R&B band on the scene packing a huge blow. Duncan Ninja is an amped up group consisting of a powerful five piece horn section that plays music of Earth, Wind & Fire, James Brown, Tower of Power, Marvin Gaye, etc. Come check out one of our shows, and be prepared to groove all night!

I am also pleased to announce that a weekly big band jazz venue is back in the Valley. The Red Parrot Big Band can be heard every Tuesday starting June 16th from 7 – 9pm at The Red Parrot Lounge and Nightclub. The charts are amazing and sure to pack the dance floor. This group consists of the top players in the area. Embrace the warm rays of summer, and thank you for continuous support of great live music!