PERFORMANCES

Jazz in the Month of May ~ 5/1/2025

Wow, is May here already?! The warmth and sun seem to have snuck in early! And it’ll be a busy month for jazz too, as more and more events pop up. Here’s a run-down of where I’ll be performing…

On Saturday, May 3rd, from 5 – 8 pm, my quartet will be appearing at the 2nd Annual Kentucky Derby Soirée at The Estate, 709 Townsend Avenue, New Haven. I’m quite pleased to be playing with Naomi Wharry on vocals and trombone, Darren Litzie on piano, and Ben Bilello on drums. Tickets (um … $150) to this glamorous event are available here.

On Sunday, May 4th from 12 – 3 pm I’ll be at the infamous Jazz Brunch at Quattro’s Italian Restaurant & Bar, 14 Water Street, Guilford, CT. Host guitarist Gary Grippo always invites outstanding guest artists to join us. (The ‘us’ includes myself and the very inventive Barry Ries on drums & trumpet.) This week we welcome the great jazz flutist Ali Ryerson, who’s winding up her successful Northeast tour.

On Saturday, May 10th, from 4 – 7 pm, I’ll be over at Café Nine, 250 State Street, New Haven, for the weekly jazz jam session this week, hosted by Gary Grippo on guitar with Barry Ries on drums and trumpet. Musicians, come sit in after the first set!

Then on Tuesday, May 13th, I’ll be playing with tenor sax man, Wes Lewis, at Café Nine, 250 State Street, New Haven, for the NH Jazz Underground jam session from 7 – 10 pm. Also in the band: Wes’ brother Derek Lewis on piano, and drummer Ryan Sands.

On Wednesday, May 14th from 7 – 9 pm, I’ll be joining Allen Lowe & The All-Stars at Best Video Film & Cultural Center, 1842 Whitney Ave., Hamden, for our monthly jazz session with “a coterie of musical guests” (including the above mentioned Gary Grippo, Barry Ries, and saxophonist Mark Kaplan.) $10 cover.

On Saturday, May 17th, from 8 – 11 pm, I’m back with Wes Lewis’ quintet for the Yale Swing Blues & Fusion dance at High Lane Club, 40 High Lane, North Haven, CT. It’s the culmination of a 2-day workshop in Lindy Hop and Balboa – incredible swing dance styles. Register here.

Speaking of swing dancing… on Monday, May 26th from 7 – 8:30 pm Pat Todd’s Tuxedo Junction returns to its stomping ground at the Guilford VFW Hall, 104 Mill Road, Guilford, CT. It’s a big band with a swingin’ and danceable repertoire. Our “open rehearsal” is more like a show, so bring your dancing shoes. Open to the public, open bar, free admission.

So that winds up the first part of May… more to come, I’ll keep you informed. Enjoy the beautiful weather, get outside, and come hear some jazz! Don’t forget to check out the Jazz Haven and Hartford Jazz Society calendars on line!

Jeff Fuller

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Jeff Fuller Music (FB)