Dec
31

New Year’s Eve Celebration w/ Josh Rzepka (Early Bird Show) Chicago trumpeter & Akron native makes return appearance to BLU Jazz+ to swing us into 2015!

Wednesday, December 31


Already have plans elsewhere for the ball drop at midnight? Then get your evening started early by heading to BLU Jazz+ for the Early Bird New Year’s Eve Celebration featuring our favorite Akron jazz export, trumpeter Josh Rzepka and his all-star band, featuring Pat Harris (vocals), Theron Brown (piano), Mike Forfia (bass), and Ron Godale (drums).
 
The 90-minute show will conclude at 9:30pm, giving you time to get to your next NYE party destination!
 
Our full menu of small plate dishes, signature cocktails, and craft beer will be available before and during the show. Additionally, you can purchase Dinner & Show Packages in partnership with 3 Point Restaurant! Click here to visit the Dinner & Show page and learn more.
 


 

About Josh Rzepka

Twenty-nine year old rising trumpeter and composer Josh Rzepka has been described as “a musician who doesn’t believe in limits” by the Tribune Chronicle, and as being “gifted” by the Cleveland Plain Dealer. He has been heralded not only for his jazz playing and composing, but for his classical trumpet playing as well. A native of Akron, OH, he now resides in Chicago, IL.
 
With his third jazz album Trumpet Genesis (2013), he follows up his release Into the Night , his debut classical CD Josh Rzepka: Baroque Music for Trumpet (2010), and his critically acclaimed debut jazz CD Midwest Coast (2009).
 
Quickly establishing himself as one of the most versatile upcoming performers in classical and jazz music, Josh has performed across the country at famed venues including Severance Hall, Boston’s Symphony Hall, Cleveland’s NightTown, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Knitting Factory in NYC, and the Green Mill in Chicago. As a soloist Josh has presented recitals and concerts ranging from the baroque, to modern, to original jazz. Appearances include performing with the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra led by internationally renowned trumpeter Sean Jones, as well as with many other groups and ensembles in the NE Ohio region.
 
In 2011 Josh was recognized by the Akron Area Arts Alliance with their 2011 Arts Alive! Rising Young Star award. This biennial award was a big honor for Josh and he was thrilled to receive recognition from his home town of Akron.
 
When you ask Josh which kind of music he enjoys performing the most, – classical or jazz – he’ll tell you, “As far as I am concerned, there are only two kinds of music: good and bad. Personally, I like playing good music. As soon as you start to classify music any other way, I think you miss out on its true spirit.”
 
 

About Pat Harris

A versatile singer with a foundation in classical. Singing all forms of music including gospel, R&B, and specializing in improvisational jazz.
 
Pat was given the honor to sing at The White House for President Bill Clinton. She has been a featured soloist with world renowned The Cleveland Orchestra and The Cleveland Chamber Orchestra, The Cleveland Pop Orchestra under Carl Topilow, and has performed at all three major Cleveland Sports Teams Arenas. She was a featured jazz artist with The Cleveland State Jazz Sundown Series, featured jazz vocalist for the Tri-C Jazz Guitar Ensemble, featured jazz vocalist for “The Women In Jazz Series 05 & 2010” for the Cleveland Tri-C Jazz festival.
 
Her new release, “Passport 2 Jazz,” is long overdue. Currently, she performs at various jazz clubs and festivals has worked with some of the most gifted musicians around.

$20

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Contact

BLU Jazz+

47 E. Market Street

Akron, OH 44308

(330) 252-1190


Open Tuesday & Thursday-Saturday, 7pm - 11:30pm

 
 
BLU Jazz+ named one of the "Best International Jazz Venues" by DownBeat Magazine
   
 
Committed to the preservation of America's treasured art form of jazz, BLU Jazz+ Masterclass Foundation (BJMF) is a new program developed by the founders of BLU Jazz+ Akron that brings “front-row” jazz education performance & mentorship opportunities to student musicians and art lovers alike through an ongoing series of special events throughout the year.
   
 

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