Just about every week Jim Lewis puts his heart and soul into this weekly newsletter. He includes updates about happenings at Carmen’s Cafe. He’ll keep you informed about the weekend specials or what Carmen is serving at the Troy Waterfront Farmer’s Market.
Additionally Jim posts about the world around him. The local flavor of the Troy community, and its potential to be discovered as the gem it is, by others. Jim puts his special brand of wit and whimsey into the newsletter.
Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius and Heard will play Carmen’s, Friday night, Nov. 21 at 6 & 8 moving us with their wonderful music. Two sets, reservations suggested. $5 cover.
Check out their website to get a listen. Every time they visit, they make amazing tunes.
Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius – composer-pianist
HEARD New World Jazz The original repertoire of HEARD is the work of composer-arranger-pianist ELIZABETH WOODBURY KASIUS who brings a wide array of styles –jazz, classical and world music– into her captivating soundscape.
Jonathan Greene – woodwinds. Woodwinds player Jonathan is an active freelance musician in the New York Capital Region’s jazz, world and classical scenes.
Bobby Kendall – Bass. Bobby Kendall, bass, brings his great experience as a jazz, rock, and post-rock stand-up and electric bass player to HEARD.
Brian Melick – drums/percussion. Brian Melick is a percussive treasure who is known for his unique “hybrid” sound, built from his incredible collection of world music instruments.
Zorkie Nelson – drums/percussion/vocal. West African drummer Zorkie Nelson comes from a long line of Ghanaian master drummers and brings an exciting and deep richness to the music of Heard.
Sunday, March 2 – 3:00 pm, the twenty-piece Union College Jazz Ensemble will perform with special guest Sensemayá. After the UCJE plays a set, Sensemayá [at its full size] will take the stage for a set of Latin jazz, to be joined in several numbers by the UCJE. Free admission. Sponsored by the Union College Department of Music and Jazz/Latino, inc.
Wednesday, May 14 – 7:00 pm, Lecture by Dr. Chris Washburne: “El Tema del Apolo: Latin Music in Harlem.” Sponsored by the Union College Department of Music and Jazz/Latino, inc. Free Admission.
Saturday, May 17 – 8:00 pm, Rebecca Cline & Nicki Denner play the music of Bebo Valdés. Admission: $15; Students and Union College Faculty $10.
All events at the Emerson Auditorium, Taylor Music Center, Union College, 807 Union St, Schenectady, NY 12308.
Funding and support for Ahora,Latin/Jazz! 2014 has been provided by Price Chopper, the Music Department at Union College and Latin Jazz listeners in the Capital Region.
Join us for an evening of – Mundo Nuevo ‘New World’ – Latin Music with a Cuban Emphasis. Like our own Buena Vista Social Club!
Mundo Nuevo is a musical quartet that is dedicated to preserving the classic repertoire of the Spanish speaking Caribbean, Mexico and South America. Lush vocal harmonies, acoustic guitars, bongo and flute deliver the music of Rafael Hernandez, Miguel Matamoros, Armando Manzanero, Antonio Carlos Jobim and many more of the composers that make up the Latin American Songbook.
We will feature Tapas specials and homemade Sangria Wine.
Plenty of on-street parking.
Shows at 6 & 8, $5 CoverReservations (518) 326-2064
Tapas Specials for Friday Oct. 19
Cuban Seafood Bouillabaisse
served over Saffron Rice
Coriander & Cumin Crusted Filet Mignon
served w/ Pureed Yucca AND A Beef Demi Glace
Pulled Cuban Chicken in Tomato Chili Sauce
wrapped in Plantain Leaves AND Served w/ Rice & Beans
Crisp Portobella
w/ Sauteed Warm Vegetable Salad
served over Saffron Rice
¡Cheesecake & Flan for Dessert!
Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 20 & 21
Huevos Benedictus over Crispy Rice Cake
w/ Bacon & Poached Eggs & Smoked Paprika Hollandaise
Vegetarian Huevos Benedictus
Same Crispy Rice Cake & Poached Eggs but No Bacon,
Then Add a Tasty Bed of Greens!
Cafe open from 5–10pm with music in two live shows from 6–7:30 or 8–9:30 5$ Cover.
Call 518 326 2064 for reservations
HEARD
New World JazzThe original repertoire of HEARD is the work of composer-arranger-pianist ELIZABETH WOODBURY KASIUS who brings a wide array of styles –jazz, classical and world music– into her captivating soundscape. Her inspirations come from her diverse experiences and interests and are often drawn from the raw and powerful sources that nature provides. Heard’s dynamic and eclectic lineup of musicians gives Elizabeth a multitude of talents and textures to compose for, and to perform with.
Elizabeth received her formal musical training at the University of Washington and Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, where she studied ethnomusicology, piano performance and composition with Brazilian pianist Jovino Santos Neto, trombonist Julian Priester and Big Band leader/trumpet player Jim Knapp, as well as with Nigerian Juju musician IK Dairo.
In addition to teaching composition and piano privately, she has been an adjunct professor for 11 years in the Dance Department at Russell Sage College in Troy, NY, where she works as a dance musician and composer-in-residence, as well as a yoga teacher. Her collaborations with dancers have also led her to work with the NYC-based Mark Morris, Jose Limon, and Doug Varone Companies, and the NYC Ballet, and with Saratoga Springs’ TangoFusion. Her work with the Capital-District based Ellen Sinopoli Modern Dance Company has led to numerous Arts-in-Education Residencies in regional elementary schools. Elizabeth has also played keyboard and percussion with the Brazilian group The Berkshire Bateria for 8 years, as well as with vocalist/songwriter Joy Adler.
Elizabeth’s music has been featured on the NPR programs “Theme & Variations”, “All Things Considered”, and “Performance Place”, and she is currently at work on her third cd. A release with writer/monologue artist David Greenberger’s Duplex Planet project is also in the works for 2009-2010.
Jonathan Greene – woodwinds
Woodwinds player Jonathan is an active freelance musician in the New York Capital Region’s jazz, world and classical scenes. He has performed with the Albany and Glens Falls Symphonies and was recently a guest performer on the recital of world-renowned chamber pianist, Andre-Michel Shub. Jonathan attended Skidmore College, where he was the recipient of the Filene Music Scholarship.
Originally from Seattle, Jon attended Garfield High where he was part of their internationally known jazz program and Big Band, whom he toured Europe and Japan with his senior year. While in Seattle, he also became an accomplished mbira player, through the vibrant world music scene happening out of University of Washington.
John Menegon – bass
John Menegon is a venerable & versatile bass player, fluid in all realms of jazz and a highly-regarded composer, arranger and band leader in his own right. He played for years with the acclaimed sax player, Dewey Redman and has toured internationally with several different groups. He also plays frequently with his wife Teri Roiger, jazz vocalist and pianist. http://www.johnmenegon.com
Brian Melick – drums/percussion
Brian Melick is a percussive treasure who is known for his
unique “hybrid” sound, built from his incredible collection of world music instruments. His sensitivity, musicality, and adaptability lend an eclecticism to Heard, and his playfulness is irresistible to watch and be a part of! He tours regularly with a diverse range of groups ranging musically from Flamenco to Celtic. http://www.uduboy.com
“Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius & Heard have a fantastic original repertoire, a really delightful stage presence and a generosity with each other as musicians and also with the audience….What a pleasure!”–Maria Zemantauski, Flamenco Guitarist and Cultural Events Coordinator Hudson Valley Community College, Troy, NY
~ Tapas Specials for Friday, September 28th ~
Ropa Vieja
marinated shredded beef in an herbed tomato broth w/yucca fries and veggie
Roasted Chicken
slow cooked to perfection…served w/garlic mashed potatoes and veggie
Salmon poached in an herbed broth of lemon-ginger-lime-cilantro,
served w/saffron rice and veggie
Mundo Nuevo is a musical quartet that is dedicated to preserving the classic repertoire of the Spanish speaking Caribbean, Mexico and South America. Lush vocal harmonies, acoustic guitars, bongo and flute deliver the music of Rafael Hernandez, Miguel Matamoros, Armando Manzanero, Antonio Carlos Jobim and many more of the composers that make up the Latin American Songbook.
Mundo Nuevo is a musical quartet that is dedicated to preserving the classic repertoire of the Spanish speaking Caribbean, Mexico and South America. Lush vocal harmonies, acoustic guitars, bongo and flute deliver the music of Rafael Hernandez, Miguel Matamoros, Armando Manzanero, Antonio Carlos Jobim and many more of the composers that make up the Latin American Songbook.
Plenty of on-street parking.
Cafe open from 5–10pm with music in two live shows from 6–7:30 or 8–9:30 5$ Cover. Call 518 326 2064 for reservations
APPETIZER
Spinach Salad w/ blackberries, blueberries and goat cheese, w/ a warm bacon dressing
TAPAS
Seafood Bouillabaisse….Shrimps, Scallops, Clams and Mussels in an herbed tomato broth served over saffron rice
Ropa Vieja….marinated and braised shredded beef, served w/ arroz con gandules
Sour orange marinated and grilled chicken breasts served w/ a roasted red pepper sauce, yucca fries and veggie
Grilled asparagus stuffed in a fried eggplant cutlet w/a tomato lime sauce
SAT & SUN…Jul. 28 & 29
Vegetarian Flamenco, served with eggs over easy and a portuguese roll……or w/o eggs for vegan option
Ropa Vieja w/ arroz con gandules, black beans and plantains
Spinach Salad w/ blackberries, blueberries and goat cheese, w/ a warm bacon dressing
Mark Emanation and Acoustic Sky Special Tribute To Ernie Williams This Friday, June 29 at Carmen’s
Shows at 6 & 8, $5 Cover
Mark Emanatian’s Acoustic Sky will be playing two shows on Friday, June 29. This special show will feature songs of Ernie Williams. Mark Emanatian was a longtime member of Ernie’s band and he will honor Ernie’s memory with acoustic renditions of some of Mr. Williams’ best loved tunes.
Folding Sky. Blues for the new century. Ancient Rhythms. Melodies from the turning of the earth. Songs that touch the sky while staying rooted in the ground. Beauty, power, passion, grace. Folding Sky will touch your heart, move your body and inspire your soul.
Folding Sky is first and foremost a band. A band in the old and real sense. Family. Committed. Telepathic. Folding Sky, based in Albany New York, has released 5 albums of original material: The brand new “Lost Roots” (2010), “Dancing with My Guitar” (2002), “Ghostyard” (2004), “FOUR DAYS IN THE GARDEN”(2006), and “Acoustic Sky” (2007). These albums have received rave reviews and have received extensive radio airplay. Anthony Sica of ELMORE Magazine called “Four Days In The Garden” “one of the best I’ve ever heard”. Folding Sky has been joined on stage by blues legend Big Time Sarah and guitar legend Rhett Tyler.
Led by Mark Emanatian, guitarist/singer/songwriter, who made a name for himself as the lead and slide guitarist for the highly acclaimed blues band Ernie Williams and the Wildcats. Emanatian recorded six independent-label albums with the Wildcats, co-producing and writing more than his share of the material. Emanatian has appeared on stage with blues notables such as Hubert Sumlin, Lonnie Brooks, and Buddy Guy. In addition, Emanatian has performed on stage with Patty Smith, Levon Helm, and Bruce Willis. Emanatian was voted Bandleader of the Year in 2000 by Metroland Magazine. After a decade with the Wildcats, Emanatian formed Folding Sky.
He is joined by the legendary drummer Al Kash. Kash, a master musician and force of nature, has toured and recorded for over thirty years. Kash, a self-taught drummer, started playing in 1964 in Perth, West Australia and moved to Sydney in 1969. There he joined Blackfeather and toured & recorded the self-titled album [with guest Bon Scott]. Kash moved to New York in 1977 and formed the Units/Fear of Strangers. His credits include Kim Simmonds/Savoy Brown, Billy C. Farlow, Commander Cody, Bo Diddley, Dave Hole, Ellen McIllwain, and Ernie Williams.
On bass is the longtime roots musician and extraordinary instrumentalist Tom Dolan. His impressive resume includes The Slugs; Good Friday; the Jim Carrey Blues Band; the Chromatones; and Dolan, Dolan, Dolan.
On co-lead guitar is the equally accomplished Grant Perry. Grant began his performance career as the cofounder of The Majestics, playing high school dances, college frat parties, and local clubs. Looking beyond the Capital Region for more musical opportunities, he traveled south and west. After adventures in Miami and Austin, Grant settled in the French Quarter of New Orleans Louisiana for nearly a decade, playing Bourbon Street clubs and local uptown venues such as Tipitinas. Moving west, Grant’s home base became San Francisco for the next decade, performing professionally in venues reaching from Las Vegas, Los Angles, Reno, and of course back home in San Francisco. Grant has backed well known artists such as, Elvin Bishop, Doug Kershaw, Frankie Ford, Vikki Lee, and Chris Rowan, just to name a few. He has recorded albums at Sea Saint Studios in New Orleans, Wally Heider Studios in San Francisco, and The Plant in San Francisco.
~ Dinner Specials for Friday June 29th ~
–Many Veggies are F-r-r-r-e-s-h from the garden–
APPETIZERS
Gazpacho….Served Chilled w Crackers
Chicken Croquettes
TAPAS SPECIALS
Corn Meal Crusted Salmon w/Grilled Peach Salsa, over Red Jasmine Basmati Rice
Cuban Chicken Wings w/Spicy Mango Sauce, Served w/Rice & Beans
Pulled Pork w/Guava BBQ Sauce, Served w/Yucca Fries
What do you get when you mix a spunky NYC cabaret singer with a burning ’60s rock band? Well, it ain’t cabaret!
Lisa Gordon on keys, harmonica and lead vocals, treats audiences to punchy covers of Grace Slick, torchy renditions of Dusty Springfield, Joplin, and more. Looking for Beatles, Kinks or Cream? Burning guitarist Rob Piorkowski, slick bassist Nick Bisanz and hot percussionist Johnny Easy blend their instrumental and vocal talent with harmonies that result in a DIRTY BOY sound much bigger than a quartet.
Cafe open from 5–10pm with music in two live shows from 6–7:30 or 8–9:30 5$ Cover.
Call 518 326 2064 for reservations
~ Specials Menu for Friday June 22nd ~
~ APPETIZERS ~
Shrimp and Scallop Cocktail
Eggplant sliders,
grilled, topped with avocado, and guava sauce, served on a multi grain dinner roll
~ TAPAS ~
Chicken breast
stuffed with chorizo, olives, raisins and onions, served with rice and beans
Beef tamales
served with yucca fries and seasonal veggie
Red snapper
w/ avocado sauce, served over saffron rice and veggies
Black bean patties
w/pineapple rice, seasonal veggies and lime creme
~ DESSERT ~
Strawberry shortcake
served on a house made biscuit, with fresh strawberries and creme fraiche
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
Pancakes with nutella mousse and salted caramel sauce Steak….filet mignon…. and eggs, served with home fries and toast
Sonny Daye and Perley Rousseau achieve a rare musical symbiosis. The husband and wife team have spent the last several years developing and perfecting their unique blend of Jazz, Brazilian Bossa Nove, and International Cabaret which has become their musical signature. An eclectic repertoire including Great American Songbook standards, French love songs and irresistible Bossa Nova sounds of Jobim is part of the reason for their impressive performance schedule, an average of 250 dates per year throughout New York, New England and in Europe. The true test, however, is in live performance where “they deliver the goods”. (7 Days Magazine)
Perley was raised on the jazz greats from day one (Ella was the first recorded voice she remembers hearing), and as a young girl she was captivated by the Bossa Nova sounds of Sergio Mendez and Brazil 66. At the age of 22, while living in Chicago, she entered a talent contest on a dare from a friend. Singing a capella “My Funny Valentine” and “Lady is a Tramp”, she won first place, which gave her the impetus to study jazz vocals. While studying in Chicago and sitting in as guest vocalist in many jazz clubs she landed her first “real paying gig” and began persuing a dream that had been brewing since childhood. Desiring pure tone and a firm foundation, she continued her study of voice in New York with 4 years of private study in classical technique with international opera diva Sylvia Kutchukian, which Perley in turn teaches to her own vocal students. Having a “beautifully rich voice, with the emotional power, swing and improvisational feel of a true jazz singer” (The Jazz Observer) brings a distinction to her captivating effervescence and saucy stage presence in cabaret performance. Yet it is her genuine warmth and love of the music graced by her “inimitable style” (Paul Elisha, WAMC radio) which draws listeners into her unpretentious and heartfelt interpretation of Great American Standards, BrazilianBossa Nova, and French songs, many sung in the original language.
Sonny’s musical training began with the drums which he began playing at 7 years old. His inspiration came from his father, his aunt Marion and his godfather who made sure he had a heavy dose of listening to the jazz greats. Aunt Marion, a nun at the time, took it straight to the top when she sat in on drums with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra in full habit! His love of rhythm and improvisation were firmly established as he immersed himself in jazz and began playing in bands in his teens. He later went on to study music at North Texas University where his foundation for piano work began. Some touring and free lance work ensued in his 20’s and early 30’s including a tour with the Ted Weems Orchestra. Sonny met Perley when he returned to upstate NY and worked as a substitute drummer in her trio. It was love at first sound. The two were soon married and began a lifelong musical collaboration.Their performances are often sprinkled with a spontaneous banter that only a 25 year marriage can enliven. Perhaps that is why Chronicle Magazine declares them “harbingers of aesthetic jazz…[and] romanticism”.
Sonny & Perley keep a busy performance schedule, touring with their trio, quartet, or quintet, performing for concerts, festivals, cabaret shows and private events.. Three CD releases, “Love Dance” 1996, “East of the Sun” 1999, and “Let It Happen” 2004, and “Love Is Here To Stay ~ LIVE!” 2009 have generated international air play and received critical acclaim. In 2005 they were invited to participate in a collaborative effort of original compositions involving 13 other outstanding artists of the Capital District of NY which resulted in “Saratoga Pie”, a CD produced by the Grammy winner Joel Moss, producer of Tony Bennett, Rod Stewart, Bill Charlap and many other notables.
Dinner Specials for Friday, May 11:
Braised Beef Short Ribs w/ Guava Glaze
Served w/ Veggies & Yucca Fries
Ceviche of Shrimp, Scallops & Tilapia
Served On a Halved Avocado Over Mixed Greens
Just about every week Jim Lewis puts his heart and soul into this weekly newsletter. He includes updates about happenings at Carmen’s Cafe. He’ll keep you informed about the weekend specials or what Carmen is serving at the Troy Waterfront Farmer’s Market.
Carmen's Bistro 