Fans of jazz and creative music should have plenty to rave about this weekend, as Ann Arbor's first annual creative music festival kicks off tomorrow "Edgefest '97" is an all-day celebration of jazz and musical exploration at the Gypsy Cafe (214 N. Fourth), Club Heidelberg (215 N.Main) and at the Kerrytown Concert House (415 N.Fourth). The all-day event features eight critically acclaimed national and local jazz and creative music groups.
An all-day "Edgepass" is available for $35, granting entry to every event. Tickets are also available at the door for each individual concert. Edgepasses must be reserved in advance, and space is limited.
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Edgefest '97
Tomorrow, 12:30 p.m.-2 a.m. |
Dave Douglas, hailing from New York, has been called one of the best jazz trumpeters to emerge on the scene in the past 20 years. "Edgefest" will be Dave Douglas Tiny Bell Trio's first Michigan appearance. Douglas will play at 10 p.m. at the Kerrytown Concert House.
California's Rova Saxophone Quartet has been making music for 20 years, and is considered by Downbeat magazine to be the finest all-saxophone ensembles on the jazz scene. "Edgefest '97" is part of Rova Saxophone Quartet's 20th anniversary tour, and the Quartet will play 8:30 p.m. at Kerrytown Concert House and at 10 p.m. at the Gypsy Cafe.
Charlie Kohlhase's jazz quintet, comprised of two saxes, trumpet, bass and drums, has been described as "post-modern jazz," with an accessible sound likely to win over Ann Arbor audiences. Charlie Kohlhase Quintet will play two sets at 7 and 8:30 p.m. at the Gypsy Cafe.
Most of these creative music groups are connected with the Knitting Factory in New York City, a center of New York's downtown music scene. "Edgefest '97" coordinator David Lynch, who has also been involved with "Jazz at the Edge" series, said "Edgefest '97" was inspired in part by The Knitting Factory's "What is Jazz?" festival.
"The idea behind 'Edgefest '97,'" said Lynch, "is to use multiple, smaller venues and to schedule events so that people can see all of them. Plus, all the shows are within a one-block radius."
Along with the headlining shows, "Edgefest '97" offers some more eclectic music for audiences. Only A Mother, a four-piece ensemble bent on combining avant jazz-rock with twisted humor, is known for its unorthodox sound explorations. Kicking off the fest at 12:30 p.m. at the Gypsy Cafe, Only A Mother should provide good music, as well as a few laughs.
Detroit-based Larval will give "Edgefest" a shot of drama with its clashing guitar chords and layered rhythms. With three guitars, bass, drums and violin, Larval is in keeping with "Edgefest"'s celebration of music without boundaries. Larval will close the festival with a midnight show at Club Heidelberg. Tickets are $7.
Years from now, "Edgefest '97" will be remembered as securing Ann Arbor a place on the national jazz scene, where jazz musicians and music lovers can come together to celebrate creative music and exploration.
11-07-97
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