Sensational jazz singer Diana Krall returns to the Schermerhorn for an evening of music and memories during her "Summer Nights" tour. This magnetic performer knows her way around a tune, whether she's singing an Irving Berlin classic or an enchanting Brazilian bossa nova. Krall simply sings songs the way they're supposed to be sung: with devotion to the lyric and with attention to the groove. Make your plans now to take a break from the summer heat and enjoy some cool, sultry sounds! Ms. Krall will have her current touring group, Anthony Wilson (guitar), Robert Hurst (bass), and Karriem Riggins (drums) and will perform without the Symphony. Concert is Friday, July 13, and starts at 8:00pm.

For 3 nights in May, smooth jazz trumpeter Chris Botti will appear at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center with his own touring sextet and the Nashville Symphony, conducted by Albert-George Schram. Concerts are Thursday at 7:00pm, and Friday and Saturday at 8:00pm. America's best-selling jazz instrumental artist, Botti has broken through musical barriers with a distinctive style that blends the verve of jazz improvisation with the sounds of pop and classical music. A magnetic stage presence and an incomparable musician, he's sold out all of his previous appearances at the Schermerhorn. He returns for what is sure to be a blockbuster performance with Nashville's GRAMMY®-winning orchestra.

A new series of summer jazz and blues concerts is about to start at Blakemore United Methodist Church. The series will feature local veterans of jazz and blues familiar to Nashville audiences, starting with vocalist Sandra Dudley and a tribute to legendary Ella Fitzgerald on May 13. A message from organizer Chuck Chellman states: "Many remember some of the great times music lovers had when there was jazz on the lawn at Belle Meade Plantation. We at Blakemore UMC have taken basically the same concept in music, but are bringing the shows indoors beginning May 13 and every two weeks thereafter for six great shows over 12 weeks."

Main Street's JazzFest is more than just a concert, it's an event! It's a place to people-watch, eat, drink, shop, mingle, relax, soak in the rays, and of course, hear some of the best contemporary live jazz.  Admission is FREE, and all are welcome. This year JazzFest will return to the Square in downtown Murfreesboro on May 4-5 for its 16th installment. Friday night will feature jazz bands from high schools around Tennessee beginning at 6:00pm. Saturday will feature music on 2 stages with more school bands starting at 11:00am on the Kroger (West) Stage, and headlined by a big band called Music City Swing. The music lineup on the Main Stage begins at 12:00pm and finishes with vocalist Connye Florance, guitarist Denny Jiosa, and the 129th Army Jazz Band Ensemble.

Don't miss the chance to see the latest sensation in jazz. Vocalist, bassist, and composer Esperanza Spalding comes to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center on Monday night, May 7 at 7:00pm. One of the biggest breakout artists of the decade, Esperanza Spalding has wowed audiences with her incredible musicianship, her hypnotically beautiful voice and a distinctive style that fuses jazz with everything from classical to hip-hop. The first-ever jazz musician to win a GRAMMY® for Best New Artist, she'll perform songs from her latest album, "Radio Music Society" - a groove-driven showcase for her dynamic 12-piece band. Come hear the future of jazz at the Schermerhorn!

**  TICKET WINNER ** The Symphony provided a pair of tickets to be given away to TJBS members and friends. The ticket drawing has been held and the winner will be announced shortly.

Celebrate 2 great forms of American music when the Preservation Hall Jazz Band leaves the legendary home of New Orleans jazz to join Bluegrass greats, the Del McCoury Band for a night called American Legacies. Concert will be at 7:00pm on Monday, April 9 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. When these two American musical legacies join forces for one incredible night of music, they'll create a seamless blend of soul-lifting traditional harmonies, as the high and lonesome sound of the Appalachians meets the hot and lively jazz of New Orleans. Don't miss this very special opportunity to explore the common ground where bluegrass and jazz meet.

Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee will host the 51st Annual Mid-South Jazz Festival this year on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, March 29-31. On Thursday and Friday nights the jazz will be provided by bands from the APSU jazz education program and a big band called the Cumberland Jazz Project. Thursday and Friday nights are free of charge. Saturday night will be a ticketed event with headliner Jason Marsalis and his Quartet. Ticket and contact information is at the end of the article.

The Marsalis family of New Orleans is often referred to as the "First Family of Jazz." The sons of pianist and music educator Ellis Marsalis and his wife Dolores are among the world's greatest jazz musicians, with trumpet player Wynton, saxophonist Branford (who recently appeared at Nashville's Schermerhorn Symphony Center) and trombone player Delfeayo. The couple's youngest son, percussionist Jason Marsalis, has lately been grabbing some of the limelight with his work on his acclaimed albums "Year of the Drummer," "Music in Motion" and "Music Update." 

"Start Playing Slide Now!" is an Interactive Slide Guitar Workshop for Beginners featuring guitarists Mark Robinson and Ted Drozdowski on Saturday, March 31st, 2012 at 2PM. The Nashville Blues Society is sponsoring the event. The location is World Music Nashville at 7069 US 70 South, a music store completely redesigned with a 150 seat performance venue. "Start Playing Slide Now!" is a live workshop designed to get beginners playing slide guitar that very same day. With your guitar in hand you will spend several hours working on the basic techniques and musical theory behind playing slide guitar. The workshop will be conducted by top-shelf veteran bluesmen with over 30 years experience 'each'.

A true icon of modern music, Herbie Hancock makes his first-ever appearance at Schermerhorn Symphony Center on Tuesday, March 20 at 7pm, in what promises to be a magical evening. Herbie's touring quartet will include James Genus, bass, Lionel Loueke, guitar, and Trevor Lawrence, Jr. on drums. Throughout his artistic explorations, which includes many influential compositions and albums, Hancock has transcended limitations and genres while maintaining his unmistakable voice.

Few artists in the music industry have had more impact on acoustic and electronic jazz, R&B and modern rock. Now in his fifth decade as a performing artist, Hancock remains where he has always been: in the forefront of world culture, technology and music.

Nashville is bringing back the Blues! Playing at the Municipal Auditorium, The 3rd Annual Nashville Blues Festival is a fantastic celebration featuring high-energy performances that will have you on your feet and dancing all night long. World-class blues entertainers Bobby Bland, Sir Charles Jones, Shirley Brown, Mel Waiters, Theodis Ealey, and O. B. Buchana will all share the Auditorium stage for a night of unforgettable performances!

Concert is Sunday, February 26 starting at 6pm. I have searched and asked everywhere, but this is the only information that I can find on this festival, headlined by the legendary Bobby Blue Bland. This is apparently a package tour, which features a slightly different line-up for different cities, and takes on the name of whatever city is hosting, all produced by the same outfit. You might try the production company, Bluz Newz Entertainment and Promotions to learn more. There are plenty of online ticket outlets, but no other information.

www.bluznewzentertainmentandpromotions.com