RAVENSCROFT JAZZ SERIES – Michael Kocour & Friends
A concert starring jazz pianist-composer Michael Kocour alone would be an outstanding entertainment value. But embellish it with Chicago-based jazz vocalist Dee Alexander, Jason Palmer on trumpet, Ben Hedquist on bass and the incomparable Lewis Nash on drums and it elevates to a blockbuster event. Our Ravenscroft audience gets them all in what promises to be among the highlights of the season in this special show titled “Swinging Ms. Dee and Me.”
Kocour, director of Jazz Studies at Arizona State University, has appeared at venues around the world for more than three decades. His recorded work as a studio musician includes soundtracks for two motion pictures. He has released six critically acclaimed CDs.
Born on Chicago’s west side, Dee Alexander is one of the city’s most gifted and respected vocalist/songwriters. Her talents span every music genre, from Gospel to R&B, Blues to Neo-Soul. Yet her true heart and soul are experienced in their purest form through Jazz. Growing up in a household steeped in recordings of Dinah Washington; Ms. Alexander names Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and Chicago saxophonist Henry Huff among her major influences. Thus, setting her on the path to becoming one of the most accomplished voice improvisers in the world today. Ms. Alexander is also currently a WFMT Jazz Radio host.
Hedquist, assistant professor of jazz bass at ASU, holds a doctorate in double-bass performance. Nash is among the most popular and prolific jazz drummers today, and was the headliner in Ravenscroft’s season-opening concert.
Ravenscroft doors will open at 6:00pm. Please join us in Jazzbird for dinner and beverages before the performance. The menu is posted below. The concert Hall doors will open at 7:00pm.
The Grateful Shark Catering Dinner Menu
SHARE BOXES
Meat & Cheese Share Box $15
smoked ham, salami, prosciutto, roasted turkey, domestic & imported cheeses, fresh fruit, olives, pickles, whole grain mustard, crackers
Roasted Garlic & Red Pepper Hummus Dip $8
hummus, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, olives, pita bread
Brie Cheese Share Box $12
orange marmalade, crackers, apples & grapes
SALADS, SIDES & SOUP
Bleu Cheese, Roasted Almond & Apple Salad $5
organic spring mix, bacon & local honey vinaigrette
Wild Salmon Caesar Salad or Chicken Caesar Salad Entree $13 / $11
organic romaine, parmesan, caesar dressing, herb croutons on the side
Caesar Side Salad $5
organic romaine, parmesan, caesar dressing, herb croutons on the side
Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail $8
with lemon & cocktail sauce
Street Corn Salad Cup $5
roasted corn, cotija cheese, chipotle sauce, cilantro, lime
Old Fashioned Pea Salad Cup. $5
organic peas, applewood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, buttermilk dressing
Tomato Basil Soup (cup $5 / bowl $10)
ENTREES
Rosemary Garlic Prime Rib $21
buttery mashed potatoes, roasted tomato & green beans, creamy horseradish, jus, roll, butter
Chicken Piccata $16
buttery mashed potatoes, roasted tomato & green beans, roll, butter
DESSERT
Lemon Pudding Cake with Organic Blueberry Sauce $5
