Sunday, November 21, 2010

Mike Stern Band
Featuring Dave Weckl, Tom Kennedy, and Bob Malach

Presented by Dave Carl
Performance: 7:00 p.m.

Mike Stern is an award winning jazz/jazz fusion guitarist. A major player on the scene since his breakthrough days with Miles Davis' comeback band, circa 1981, Stern has worked with such jazz icons as saxophonists George Coleman and Joe Henderson, bassist Jaco Pastorious, guitarists Jim Hall and Pat Martino, trumpeters Tom Harrell, Arturo Sandoval and Tiger Okoshi, and saxophonists Michael Brecker, Bob Berg, and David Sanborn as well as Steps Ahead and the Brecker Brothers Band. Stern's role of bandleader-composer and recording artist has made his most significant and lasting contribution. Stern was given the Miles Davis Award in 2007 honoring his contributions to Jazz over 30 years and received his 6th Grammy nomination for his 2009 release on Heads Up "Big Neighborhood."

For more than 25 years, Dave Weckl has developed and maintained a reputation among fans, peers, and the international music community as one of the great living drummers. For this, he has received numerous accolades and honors; Modern Drummer inducted Dave into their Hall of Fame and named him "one of the 25 best drummers of all time." Dave spent nearly a decade with Chick Corea and the Elektric Band and Akoustic Band, gaining him worldwide recognition for his innovative use of electronic and acoustic drums. As a solo artist, Dave has recorded and produced nine recordings. In 1998, Dave realized his long-time goal of forming a world-touring band. The Dave Weckl Band released five studio records. More recently, Dave has enjoyed taking on more sideman work. He regularly joins guitarist Mike Stern, Chuck Loeb, and Oz Noy, among others.

Tom Kennedy began playing acoustic bass at the age of 9 on a double-bass brought home by his older brother jazz pianist Ray Kennedy He began to perform with many nationally recognized artists passing through the Midwest. By his 18th birthday, had performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Stitt, Stan Kenton, James Moody, Barney Kessel, Eddie Harris, George Russell, Nad Adderley, Peter Erskine, Bill Erskine, Bill Watrous, and Freddie Hubbard. Kennedy specialized in acoustic jazz until his introduction to the electric bass at age 17. Soon he was dividing his time between mainstream jazz and contemporary fusion-funk. Kennedy moved to NYC in 1984; his east coast career expanded to include performances and recordings with such artists as Dave Weckl, Don Grolnick, Steve Kahn, Randy Brecker, Benny Green, Bucky Pizzarelli, Al DiMeola, Steve Ferrone and Junior Cooke

The roiling tenor sax of Bob Malach is a mainstay in both jazz and pop. In addition to his high-profile gigs with Steve Miller (who thoughtfully first hired Malach to tour in support of the singer's jazzy disc Born 2B Blue) and with guitarist Robben Ford, the saxist has played with fusion pioneer Stanley Clarke and the great pianist/composer Horace Silver. A veteran studio player and sideman, Bob's GoJazz debut Mood Swing features guest appearances by Dr. John, Ford and Yellowjackets keyboardist Russ Ferrante.

College WOO Card and Worcester WOO Card holders: $5 discount - call the Box office at 508-752-0888

Tickets purchased after 11/5/2010 will be held at will call.
Last day to order tickets online: Friday, November 19, 2010

*All ticket prices include appropriate service fees, usually equal to $2.50 per ticket for preservation and processing, although sometimes fees are more or less than $2.50.

Orders are fulfilled on a best available basis. Balcony Seats do not have elevator access. If you have specific seating requirements, contact the Mechanics Hall Box Office Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 508-752-0888 or 508-752-5608.