Tuesday, May 6. 2008
Hello Everyone!
When we reopened our restaurant in February and launched Scullers Jazz Clubâs Green Room we knew we had an amazing product. With our insights, your comments guiding us, our terrific view, (and what about locationâŠright next to the worldâs best jazz club,) we knew we had what it took to be one of Bostonâs premier dining destinations.
Now that the weather is about to break, we want to extend an invitation to you to try our dinner and show package for the very first time, all over again. Youâll love not only the physical changes weâve made, but the menu has never looked or tasted so good. Created by our award winning Chef, Tony Frechette, our menu reflects inspiring twists on classic dishes utilizing the seasonâs freshest ingredients.
We know we have it all, but none of it matters without you. So as an introductory Spring/Summer offer, we are spotlighting certain shows and offering discounted dinner/show packages. Thatâs right, we are going to slash the dinner price by $10 per person ($35 per person, regularly priced at $45-no discount on ticket portion of package.) And unlike some other offers you may be hearing about, we are offering this regardless of the Red Sox success this year! The discount is available by calling our box office at 617-562-4111.
We are getting the ball rolling this month and in May we spotlight Holly Coleâs shows on May 29th and in June weâll feature the discounted dinner/show rate on The Manhattan's June 27-28 shows. So next time you come to Scullers be sure to bring your appetite with you and weâll look forward to seeing you soon.
P.S. Our friends up North are gearing up for a phenomenal jazz festival and we want to pass along that it will certainly be worth the trip. Check out the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival in Burlington Vermont--you'll be glad you did!!!
Until next timeâŠ.Iâll catch you at the Green Room.
Dayla Arabella Santurri
Scullers General Manager
Wednesday, April 2. 2008
Hello Everyone!
What to do??? There is so much going on in this city its overwhelming. Of course the Sox and the running of the 112th Boston Marathon are dominating the headlines, but there is also a plethora of amazing entertainment choices going on right here in Beantown.
First things first--what should you do RIGHT NOW??? VOTE FOR SCULLERS!
Scullers is nominated for Bostonâs Best Jazz Venue by the Boston Phoenix and we want to win! Help us by voting, just click the link! VOTE NOW
Everyone here at Scullers is so excited to move spring into high gear. We are in the midst of a fantastic spring line up and we hope weâll see you early and often! Scullers is also delighted to be apart of some of the biggest events in Boston this season. Scullers in partnership with Live Nation present Return to Forever, the legendary jazz/rock fusion group who have reunited for the first time in 25 years for a multi-city tour. The tour brings them to Bostonâs Bank of American Pavilion on August 6th.
Did you know that April 26th-May 4th is Bostonâs Second Annual Jazz Week? Scullers is proud to be a Lead Sponsor for what will certainly be an exciting and memorable week of wonderful music.
Highlights of Jazz Week 2008 include a rare appearance by former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky in duet with internationally renowned percussionist Rakalam Bob Moses, a tribute to Max Roach featuring drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, and performances in every style at more that 50 venues are a part of this yearâs Jazz Week--a citywide celebration of the music, once again being coordinated and promoted by the Boston based non profit organization, JazzBoston.
Scullers celebrates Jazz Week in its own special style. Our motto is that variety is the spice of life and our varied music program has always presented the best in a wide spectrum of Jazz, R&B, Soul, Blues and Cabaret. In celebration of Jazz Week we are presenting 5 nights of music that cover everything from straight ahead to contemporary jazz, performed by both emerging and established artists. On April 29th guitarist Matt Marshak debuts at Scullers, April 30th award winning bassist and composer Bruce Gertz returns. May 1st marks the return of one of the most talked about young vocalists in jazz today, Rachel Price. We finish out the weekend with Grammy winning contemporary jazz pioneer Najee on May 2nd-3rd.
Jazz Week is a great time to get out and take note of all the wonderful venues, schools and businesses that support jazz all year round, right here in Boston. I hope youâll take this opportunity to check out a new artist or a new style of jazz music. In celebration of Jazz Week, Scullers is offering special $10 tickets to all of our midweek shows during Jazz Week (April 29-May 1). Discounts are available through our box office at 617-562-411, just mention the Jazz Week discount.
So no excuses, get out there!!!
Until next timeâŠ.Iâll catch you at the show.
Dayla Arabella Santurri
Scullers General Manager
Friday, March 14. 2008
Hello Everyone!
Well here we are, itâs just a few days from the start of spring---or should I say spring training, after all, in Boston, opening day at Fenway Park is the official start of springâŠisnât it? Itâs hard to even utter that word SPRING right now. We just moved the clocks ahead on the very evening the thermometer topped out at 21 degrees! Fred, Luba and I had a drink to celebrate the arrival of the extra hour of sunlight and nearly froze to death walking around the North End from the restaurant to the car.
Iâd like to say itâs hard to complain about this winter, but unfortunately itâs not, itâs easy. And this time of the year when weâre ready to put the winter to bed, but it refuses to go kindly, itâs hard to keep those âcomplaintsâ at bay.
So, perhaps you see the theme. I want to get SIRIUS for a minute. No, I didnât spell that incorrectly. Jazz radio in Boston has long been something to complain about. Losing so many great jazz stations over the years has been a conversation Iâve had so many times, Iâve lost count. Sure there is still Eric in the Evening on WGBH 89.7 FM (thank goodness for Eric), there of course is Harvardâs station WHRB 95.3 and WMJX 106.7 has a great Sunday Jazz Brunch. My friend Jeff Turton has a great jazz program on Sundays on WFNX 101.7. And if you are out west, you can listen to long time Scullers partner WICN 90.5 out in Worcester, although I am sorry to say I cannot get them most of the time where I live.
I have been listening online more and more, and after years of thinking about it I subscribed to Sirius Satellite radio, just to check it out. In fact back in November when we had Paul Taylor performing, I couldnât believe how many people attending the show heard him talk about his East Coast tour on a XM Satellite program.
As the business of jazz continues to change, Iâd like to know--how do you keep up with jazz artists and CD releases that are out there? Do you listen to terrestrial or satellite radio? Which stations? Where do you listen to it, in your car, online, at home? Keeping jazz alive means we all have to work with the game pieces we have in front of us. As Scullers approaches its 20th anniversary, we know it is essential to make use of all of them.
I know how lucky we are to share a wealth of dialogue with you are partners in this thing called jazz, who have always been very generous to share experiences, comments, and suggestions with us. So now I ask you when you have a minute, shoot me an email at Dayla.santurri@hilton.com. The topicâjazz radio, after that, Iâm all ears. No complaintsâŠI promise.
Until next timeâŠ.Iâll catch you at the show.
Dayla Arabella Santurri
Scullers General Manager
Wednesday, January 30. 2008
Hello Everyone!
At Scullers, we like to hit the high notes early and in February 2008, the Green Room at Scullers Jazz Club will open it's doors with just that in mind. Much like the legendary jazz Scullers presents, the Green Room is a new restaurant concept that tips a hat to the classics, utilizing the creative and inspiring interpretations of our award winning Executive Chef Tony Frechette.
Formerly known as the Boathouse Grille, the restaurant renovation involved a complete floor-to-ceiling makeover including furniture, china, menus, lighting and décor. The renovation, conceptualized by Executive Chef Tony Frechette and General Manager Christian Coffin, was partially inspired by a menu makeover the Chef had hoped to unveil in the New Year.
Now that we are just about to open I asked the Chef to sum up the overall direction he is taking with the new restaurant. âItâs hard to say what came first the menu ideas or the direction of the restaurants physical renovation,â adds Executive Chef Tony Frechette. âI wanted to create a unique contemporary twist on simple themes. It was wonderful to work with this synergy that emerged guiding both the direction of the menu and physical design simultaneously.â The Chef continues, ââŠthe Dinner & Show package is such a big part of what we do here I knew it was essential to build on what so many people love and have come to expect but to take it to the next level.â
As the Chef alludes, finding inspiration in the Green Room doesnât necessarily begin with a trip to the kitchen. The extensive renovation has completely transformed the room from a more traditional scene to a contemporary oasis. The room calls upon the natural beauty of the Charles River and the Boston Skyline that peer through the Green Roomâs floor-to-ceiling windows. The dĂ©cor, steeped in lush hues, embodies a warm and inviting welcome and the food and service culminate to exude an unpretentious & undeniably cool vibe.
The Green Room will carry on a long standing tradition started back in 1992 with Scullers highly-revered Dinner and Show package. The three course a la carte dinner will be served in the Green Room and available prior to every Scullers performance. The package includes complimentary parking in the hotel garage and preferred seating in the jazz club.
This is an exciting time for us. The Dinner and Show package has truly become synonymous with what we do here at Scullers, providing all of our guests a complete and intimate evening out on the town. The Green Room will not only enhance the appeal of our Dinner & Show package to returning guests but will certainly garner the attention of impassioned music and culinary enthusiasts everywhere.
We have been waiting a long time to present you with our new restaurant and we really look forward to seeing you there. And please, once you've dined with us for the first time all over again, be sure to drop me a line and tell me what you think!!!
Bon Appetit!!!
Dayla Arabella Santurri
Scullers Jazz Club
Tuesday, December 11. 2007
Hello Everyone!
Just before the holidays, on my way back to Boston from Phoenix, I was in the plane riffling through a bunch of magazines and it seems to me that this time of year everyone is coming up with a top ten list. Top Ten toys the kids will want for the holidays, Top Ten celebrity scandals reported this year, the Top Ten things you better do next year or you will get fat and old, etc, etc. So I thought maybe we should try it.
No problem. I was so sure it wouldn't be a problem I grabbed a pen and started writing right on back of one of the magazines. But then problem number one arose--Top Ten what? Top Ten most surprising shows Scullers had this year, Top Ten shows we wished would never leave, Top Ten shows we may never get back because this talent is just going to explode and be too famous and we won't be able to afford them. So not only did I have more than 40 Top Ten lists in my head, each list had about 30 eligible shows attached. And I KNEW the minute I got off the plane and called Luba, Fred, Matt, Natalie and the rest of the gang they would berate me for forgetting all kinds of shows!
So--- I decided to play it safe and go with Top Ten Most Memorable Events at Scullers , and yes I know this is completely subjective and I am eagerly awaiting to hear everyone tell me everything I forgot. So here goes and please forgive me.
10. End at the beginning-Last New Year's Eve with Earl Klugh (which ended well into 2007) was outstanding. For year's I asked why all the people that come show after show boycott us on this night every year. I love to see all the new faces and appreciate everyone allowing us to showcase what we do and love. But this year Luba and I were on a mission for the 'it's amatuer night' people to take us seriously on New Year's Eve. We started in August getting our most familiar faces to join us for the big night. It worked, it was a heck of a party, our best NYE ever. FYI--you are not off the hook this year!
9. War (Jan 5-6), yes that WAR, they came in and blew the doors off the place. What will Fred think of next?
8. Roy Haynes (Feb 2-3), This jazz drummer has played with everyone from Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, Sarah Vaughn & Bird among countless others--he is a living legend in jazz and an icon here in his birthplace of Boston. We all love him, he is so inspiring and every time he comes everyone says the same thing âIs he really in his eighties?â
7. Bobby Caldwell (Feb 9-10) The venerable crooner hadnât played here since 1998 and for the entire time I have been here at Scullers, he has been the far and away most requested artist. We have tried and tried for almost a decade, but we persevered and did it. He is an incredible entertainer, as soulful a singer as they come and a really great guy. It was a pleasure to have him back. I received a pile of mail after the show begging us to get him back fastâŠ.can you say November!
6. Chuck Loeb (Feb 15) Chuck has been coming to Scullers from the very beginning and you know when his name is on the ticket what to expectâa good time will be had by all. But Chuck fooled us all. He showed up with this super young, super hot band that could have burnt down the place. Chuck looked like a 20 year old jumping around the stage playing a mix of rock and jazz and blues and everyone in the place was out of their seats the entire show. Josh Dion, his powerhouse drummer, was a twenty-something that could belt out a tune like a cross between Joe Cocker and Ray CharlesâŠseriously. This was one of the best shows I have ever seen at Scullers. (Top Ten All Time)
5. Tower of Power (Apr 14-16), need we say more?
4.Charo (May 18-19) I never thought I would see/hear someone in Scullers singing the Macarena in a red sequined, very tight jump suit and not call for security, but the only one needing security was Charo from her adoring fans. Half the show was her trademark endearing, hilarious and heavily accented trip down memory lane, the second half pure flamenco guitar genius. Absolutely unforgettable!
3. Lou Donaldson (Jun 28-29) Gentle Man-He is a legend, a gentlemen and a gentle man. For all that caught the show you know this was a special treat and an honor for us to have him return after so many years.
2. The whole month of August. Okay, this is where I need to cheat, I AM AT NUMBER TWO! And who can pick a show from a month that featured Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Mindi Abair, Steve Cole, The Rippingtons, Richard Elliot, The Puppini Sisters and Ottmar Liebert-canât do it. I know MANY of you camped out (okay not camped out technically, we do have an all suite hotel here) for days attending 4, 5, even 10 shows that month-thank you. I didnât go home either.
1.Chris Botti (Nov 23-26)-The return. When the biggest star in the jazz/pop world, who currently has the biggest selling album on the charts today jumps off tour with Andrea Bocelli and Dianna Krall to come play your little club, you know youâve got something special. Incredible! Thatâs what the entire 4 day, 8 sold out show run was, simply incredible. With all the celebrity, accolades and unbridled success he has had in the last few years, he hasnât forgotten where he came from. Since 1998, we have presented Chris 5 times and when we asked (one can dream canât one) if he would come visit us again HE was the decision maker who made it happen. We always knew he was an immense talent and a wonderful person and now so many more in Boston know the same.
By the wayâŠ.when leaving he said he had a blast and couldnât wait to return and then asked âWhat are you guys doing this summer?ââŠ..STAY TUNED!
There it is and I hope this inspires you to recall all the great times had at Scullers this year! Please feel free to tell me what you think should have been included at dayla.santurri@hilton.com.
I know I have said it a million times, but it feels like a good time now. Thank you all for the support and guidance youâve given to us throughout the years. We wouldn't have had the priviledge to do what we love without it.
On behalf of all of us here at Scullers and the Doubletree Guest Suites Boston, may we be the last to wish you, a very Happy New Year!
Dayla Arabella Santurri
General Manager
Scullers Jazz Club
Friday, November 23. 2007
Hello Everyone!
Okay, I know it may be a tad early for a holiday issue but we have two good reasons to put this edition out right now. First, we love the holidays and canât wait to bring on the festivities and secondly, we have so much we need to tell you.
This holiday season Scullers stands ready to help you usher in the good times regardless of the where, when and how. Of course we love to see you here at the club and hope youâll join us at any of our November & December shows and perhaps cap it off with our incredible New Yearâs Eve Party. However if your plans involve hosting a private party elsewhere, Scullers would be delighted to help stretch your entertainment dollars to get the most bang for your buck.
Our roster of artists features small jazz trios, big bands, rocking party bands, national headliners and everything in between, fitting everyoneâs style and budget. Check out our new feature Book a Scullers Band at www.scullersjazz.com/specials.
And lastly we know how difficult it is to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list and while we canât help you with furry slippers and flat screen TVâs, we deliver great options for the live music lover on your list. From gift certificates to Scullers annual memberships to Scullers hats. Check out Scullers Gold Circle at www.scullesjazz.com/specials and give the gift of entertainment.
Iâll check in with everyone before we sign off for our holiday hiatus, but you all know how much we love to hear from you, so please keep on sending me your great suggestions, comments and concerns at Dayla.santurri@hilton.com.
Until next time, weâll catch you at the show.
Best Regards
Dayla Arabella Santurri
Scullers General Manager
Wednesday, October 3. 2007
Hello Everyone!
As we get in high gear for a busy Fall at Scullers, I wanted you to rest assured that when we hear from you; whether itâs via email, phone, fax or in person--we listen. Very soon you will see some of the changes that youâve asked for taking shape. First, as youâll notice real soon in your mailbox, Scullers will no longer be sending out a quarterly calendar of events. We are repositioning our format to a quadmester calendar so we can give you even further notice, when your favorite shows are coming to town. In just a week or two youâll have the November-February calendar at your doorstep that will include our big New Yearâs Eve and Valentine shows. So many people wanted to know who was coming to town further out than our previous 3 month calendar listed, that we decided to book a little faster and give everyone a good four month window to work from.
Another thing that will be changing is our start times for late shows. Instead of 10:30pm shows on Fridays and Saturdays we will move those shows to 10pm. This will start after the first of the year and Iâll be sure to send a bunch of reminders out before we get there.
As you may already know, the Fall at Scullers is always the highlight of our year and this year with names like Warren Hill, Chris Botti, Eddie Palmieri, Walter Beasley & Larry Carlton itâs easy to see weâve got another winner. Luba, Fred and I are excited to send 2007 off in style by celebrating straight through October, November and December bringing the genreâs biggest stars to Boston. And donât forget New Yearâs Eve, this year with The Sax Pack featuring Jeff Kashiwa, Kim Waters and Steve Cole, thereâs no doubt it will sell out soon. We canât wait to see you for these memorable evenings and as always I love hearing from you, so keep those comments and suggestions coming to Dayla.santurri@hilton.com.
Until next time, weâll catch you at the show.
Best Regards
Dayla Arabella Santurri
Scullers General Manager
Wednesday, August 29. 2007
Hello Everyone!
Luba here, Scullers Operations Manager.
Now that August is almost over I can honestly say it was one of the most incredible months of the year. For the first three weeks of the month the club was filled with so many familiar faces. I have to tell you the truth, I actually knew with almost 100% certainty whose faces I would see on any given night. It was like having a party at my house with friends.
Our schedule for this month was so amazing and filled with such great talent that no wonder all of you responded with such enthusiasm. I would say we lived up to our "Smooth Jazz Festival" billing with Richard Elliot, Steve Cole, The Ripps, Mindi Abair and Acoutic Alchemy all within days of each other.
I do want to take a minute here to thank you for coming out. Some shows were mid week and I know how hard it is to come in the evening after a long day of work. All of you are devoted fans and the artists (and we) know and appreciate this. And a very special thanks to Pam V, Jim L., Paul B., Joanne S., Judith S.,Paul F., Robert D., Marty P., Ken R., The Russell Brothers, Manny C., Kat S., Harold A., Adren C., Richard & Ellen G., Jeane L., Jennie T-C., Mark C., Larry K., Dan A., Chris M., Michael M., Emil D., & The Cooney's who made it to nearly every show!!
I would like to add that all of us at Scullers are dedicated to bringing in new performers for you to discover and fall in love with. So I ask that you take a look our schedule an give a chance to an unfamiliar artist, and open the door for a new sound. Every calendar has several new names, for instance this calendar we are looking forward to debuting newcomers Sarah Pedinotti on September 18 and Sophie Milman on October 31, both young and very talented vocalists.
If you are ever looking for something new to try or wondering about a particular artist, don't be afraid to contact me luba_yabrov@hilton.com and I'll be happy to get you the information you are looking for.
Keep on coming and I will see you at the next show.
Best Regards
Luba Yabrov
Scullers Operations Manager
Tuesday, August 14. 2007
Hello Everyone,
I always love returning to work after one of our extended vacations. People always say that sounds crazy, and while there is a good argument that I am indeed, that's another blog entry altogether! While there are many reasons I love getting back to work, there is one particular moment that happens everytime I most cherish.
I usually return a couple of days before the first show to find the club in he same place I left it. Our banquet department has wrapped up the stream of bar mitzfahs, weddings and meetings they hosted in our absence and the room stands ready for another round of great shows.
On the first show day the staff returns and the room starts to come aliive. Luba and I hear everyone's vacation stories and struggles to get back in sync. Carole has a look at the bar and gets to work on the ordering. Chris (our production manager) arrives to tell us the sound system has been fully checked and we are good to go. Soon after the band loads in and sound check commences.
By 7pm the lights go down, the candles are lit and the doors are opened. At that moment I know we are within an hour away from that moment, when one tune or one note is played and we all look at each other and realize "we're back" and ready for another adventurous 5 months (until our next break.)
This time was no exception. Although Acoustic Alchemy's shows this past weekend (Aug 9 & 10) weren't the first shows back from our July break (technically they were our sixth and seventh) the moment came when the band played "Say Yeah" (from 2005's "American English" CD) that I looked around at so many familiar faces beaming at the stage and thought "yeah, feels like home....again."
Acoustic have been playing Scullers for as long as I can remember, and we are so thrilled so many of their fans have become Scullers devotees. The shows were incredible and evoked so many memories of past performances from previous years. I hope you were with us, and if so let me know if you had a "moment."
Until next time, we'll catch you at the show!
Best regards,
Dayla Arabella Santurri
General Manager
Wednesday, July 25. 2007
Hello Everybody,
I just got off the plane from St. Petersburg, Russia and the first thing on my agenda was to get to our blog and let you know the month Luba and I had. We moved at a feverish pace and in three and a half weeks were in Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Holland, Finland and ended in Russia.
The first part of the trip was aboard the MS Rotterdam. Jazz Cruises LLC in partnership with Holland Amercia Cruise Lines hosted the first ever North Sea Jazz Cruise. Embarkation was in Copenhagen and for 10 days we cruised the North Sea and enjoyed daily and nightly concerts by Roy Hargrove, Marcus Miller (who also doubled as the host of the cruise), James Carter (who stole the show in every way), Dee Bridgewater, Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner and David Sanborn. While the weather through the whole cruise was wet and rainy the music inside really kept the vibe going and made the lack of a good tan, pale in comparison to the exceptional 10 days of music.
Everyone at Jazz Cruises LLC and Holland America were incredible. It was a seamless trip and the staff emerged as true stars. I have been in the hospitality business for 18 years and I can tell you THEY made the trip what it was. From the room attendants, the bartenders, the salon staff, the gym staff, as well as the restaurant servers, they did everything possible to make you smile. 1700 people were on board but you felt sometimes when they remembered your name and past conversations at every turn, that you were the guest of honor.
Another interesting facet about the trip is that the disembarkation point was in Rotterdam at the North Sea Jazz Festival. At that time the ship becomes a hotel of sorts and guests come and go at their leisure to the festival, which is merely 3 metro stops away. This was my first time there and I really have never seen anything like it. Every day over the three day festival roughly 28,000 people enter what is a series of small venues and very large arenas. It's like a strip mall with venues, some that hold over 10,000 people, on either side. And lodged in between are kiosks selling everything from pancakes to posters, to guitars to gyros.
Luba and I attended some fabulous shows there as well. Most memorable was by far Al Green, the reverend Al Green I should say. If you ever have an opportunity to see him live just do it, and thank me later. Totally incredible to see so many people from countries all over the world spellbound by this man.
Luba and I took off on day 2 of the festival to get some non-jazz time (it was also our vacation and wanted to venture out.) We flew from Rotterdam to Helsinki, Finland and drove leisurely through the magnificent Finnish countryside and through to St. Petersburg Russia, where we spent our last 5 days.
There are countless memories I will always cherish from this trip. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to go. In a couple of weeks I will be speaking with our partners at Jazz Cruises LLC and hope to have some interesting news for you on our next collaboration. For everyone who joined us on this maiden journey, thank you!!!!! We certainly hope that more of you will join us on our next adventure, wherever in the world that may be!
If I can answer any questions about our travels and the cruise or the festival itself please feel free to contact me here on the blog or via my email at dayla_santurri@hilton.com.
Both Luba and I are so excited to be back and ready to commence our exceptional August lineup. So until my next entry, I'll see you at the show!
Best regards,
Dayla Arabella Santurri
General Manager
Scullers Jazz Club
Wednesday, July 4. 2007
Hi Everyone:
I am here at Logan waiting for my flight to Copenhagen to jump on the North Sea Cruise and thought I'd let you know how the Montreal Jazz Festival Trip went. In a word---TERRIFIC! I just love it there and I really think this year topped the fantastic trip we had last year.
Fred and I saw so many incredible shows. We had a chance to see Wayne Shorter's great show with Danilo Perez, John Patitucci and Brian Blade who was on fire. We caught Mina Agossi at Club Soda--boy is she exciting. I am very happy that she'll be on Scullers stage in just a few weeks (Aug 29). Roy Haynes was terrific as always but I must say the big highlight for me was Mike Stern's Invitational Concert. Nearly two hours packed with a riveting improv performance. This master guitarist is exhausting and mesmerizing to watch. He was joined by Danilo Perez on piano, John Patitucci on bass and Dave Weckl on drums. All four exceptional performers whose artistry both complimented and challenged the others. I don't remember a show quite like that in a long time.
As for the trip itself, it was simply wonderful. At the Hyatt Regency you are right in the middle of the action, in fact all the performers stay there so at every corner, elevator and at breakfast you are always running into someone. We had an incredible behind the scenes look at the festival and our guide, who better than the Festival Founder Allain Simard! On the tour we also got to speak with Andre Ducros, the Operations Director for the Festival and in the press room we got to chat with Andre Menard, the Entertainment Director for the whole festival. Both he and Allain started this festival 28 years ago and they were so generous with their time as they went down memory lane and told us their inspiration for the festival and its progress through the years.
I have to board the plane so I have to go. I will touch base once Luba and I are on the ship. If you were at Montreal too, leave a comment here and let me know what were your highlights!
Best regards and happy fourth!
Dayla Arabella Santurri
Scullers General Manager
Wednesday, June 20. 2007
HI EVERYONE!
We finally did it! The July-October line up is complete. We wrapped up finalizing contracts and posting all the shows on the website at 10:30pm last night. Today I am working with the designer and the mail house and I am certain the calendars will be at your doorstop by the end of your July 4th celebrations.
This calendar is packed, we added 52 new shows and we have really traversed some serious musical ground. There is some big news too.
In August we could call it a Smooth Jazz Festival, in one month we have Acoustic Alchemy 8/9-10, Mindi Abair 8/14, Steve Cole 8/15, The Rippingtons 8/16-18, and Richard Elliot 8/21. And coming this October we can mark the return of Scullers most requested fan favorite BOBBY CALDWELL, he'll be back on October 17-18. I hope everyone that got shut out of his February shows gets in this time!
If you are looking for new stuff, we've got that too. Here's a "I told you so moment' coming up, you ready?
On August 22nd, The Puppini Sisters will make their Scullers debut. You might have recently caught them with BARBARA WALTERS on "The View".
This UK-based vocal trio brings three-part harmony into the modern neo-burlesque movement. With a repertoire that includes everything from âBoogie Woogie Bugle Boyâ to âI Will Surviveâ The Puppini Sisters âdressed in 1940âs-style wardrobe, sing like The Andrews Sisters with inspiring harmonies, and perform classics such as âMr. Sandman,â and âIn The Mood,â but what makes them truly stand out are their show-stopping interpretations of more current tunes: Blondieâs âHeart of Glass,â Kate Bushâs âWuthering Heights,â and The Smithâs âPanic,â among others. This is a show not-to-miss.
On September 18th, from the people who brought Madeline Peyroux back on the scene comes a new star on the horizon, SARAH PEDINOTTI. This young singer/songwriter from upstate NY has all the right moves and people like Wynton Marsalis are taking notice. Catch her here while you can.
And finally on Halloween (and yes you can come in costume...I am going as Fred) we have vocalist SOPHIE MILMAN. Barely 24 and already proving she has the Midas touch. Since her self-titled debut was released in 2004, it has sold almost 100,000 copies worldwide, hit the Billboard Top 5 in Canada and the Top 15 in the United States, and topped the iTunes jazz charts in five different territories. Her new released "Make Someone Happy" just debuted yesterday 6/19 at #1 on the iTunes jazz charts in Canada - just a few hours after its release!
This will certainly be a lady to keep your eyes on!
Well that's all I can fit here so check out the site for all the latest news!
And now I can finally go on vacation so I'm signing off (for real) for now and I look forward to writing you in a week or so from the Montreal Jazz Festival.
Until then...have a safe holiday!
Best Regards
Dayla Arabella Santurri
General Manager
Scullers Jazz Club
Thursday, June 7. 2007
Finally we have arrived! Itâs that time of the year; the sun is shining, the trees are full of green and Boston is in full bloom, reminding us why we put up with the snow, sleet, rain, high housing prices and taxes, ahhâŠ.Summer-just about here!!!!
At Scullers, this is the time of year we get ready for a little R&R and this year I am truly excited for some summer fun. First, Fred and I will take off to the Montreal Jazz Festival and then I get back in Boston just in time to catch a flight with Luba to Copenhagen our embarkation point for the North Sea Jazz Cruise hosted by Marcus Miller. We look forward to seeing quite a few Bostonians (and Scullers regulars) on board who through our partnership with Jazz Cruises LLC will be joining us on this maiden voyage.
Normally we are incommunicado during the hiatus however because of our new blog we will be reporting back from both the Montreal Jazz Festival and the North Sea Jazz Cruise and look for guest bloggers! I am going to see what performers I can put my laptop in front and get some perspective from the artist themselves while we are in the midst of these trips.
Also, donât forget the website! Stay tuned to www.scullersjazz.com as we are putting new shows up everyday that will take us up through December.
Have a happy and healthy July everyone, we will look forward to seeing you all in later in the month!
Best regards,
Dayla Arabella Santurri
General Manager/Public Relations Director
Scullers Jazz Club
Wednesday, May 23. 2007
Greetings Everyone!
We are just heading out of a weekend with CHARO!!!!! For over 40 years she has been a venerable pop icon. We were delighted to present this comedienne, actress, singer, songwriter and incredible flamenco guitarist with the thick-as-ever accent and trademark phrase âCuchi, Cuchi!â on our stage.
For anyone who joined us this weekend, I rest assured your head is still spinning; ours is! It was truly a captivating show, a 70 minute tour de force featuring an incredibly fitted red sequined jumpsuit, plenty of gyrating hips, suspect grammar, dancing, singing, hugging, kissing, a hilarious trip down memory lane and absolutely spellbinding guitar work.
The crowd was one of our most diverse. At first, I didn't understand how she could resonate with four generations of audiences. However when you gaze back on her career, you easily discover why.
She was introduced in the 60's when the famous bandleader Xavier Cugat hired her to be in his orchestra, in the 70âs her exposure exploded on American television when she became the most featured guest on âThe Love Boatâ and countless appearances on âthe Carol Burnett Show,â âThe Sonny & Cher Showâ âThe Merv Griffin Showâ and âThe Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.â In the 90's when she returned on the scene dedicating herself to her true passion âthe guitarâ, this classically trained guitaristsâ work on various projects landed her a Latin Grammy for âBest Female Pop Albumâ for her album âGuitar Passionâ and recognition by Guitar Player magazine as âBest Classical Flamenco Guitarist in the World.â The twenty-somethings in the audienceâŠand they were there, knew and loved her from VH1's reality show âThe Surreal Lifeâ and most recently her appearances on Geico Insurance commercials. Reinventing herself, decades before Madonna would make it fashionable, thatâs how Charoâs charm, enthusiasm, artistry and passion are as inspiring today as they were forty years ago.
Luba and I were standing outside the club as the show concluded and one of the audience members gazed at us wide-eyed and a little flush and proclaimed "I just got a hug from CHARO-nothing can prepare you for that!" You could perhaps say that about the whole show.
With all the preconceptions Charo brings to mind, not everyone would place her in our kind of venue, but after the wonderful ride we were all treated to, I am so glad we did.
Well thatâs all for now, until next timeâŠweâll catch you at the show.
Best regards,
Dayla Arabella Santurri
General Manager/Public Relations Director
Scullers Jazz Club
Tuesday, May 15. 2007
Join the gang from Scullers Jazz Club in Boston for our second annual weekend in Montréal for the world famous Montréal Jazz Festival June 28-July 1, with an exclusive package offered only through Scullers. Round trip transportation provided by Air Canada & deluxe accommodations provided by Hyatt Regency Montréal--the official hotel of the festival.
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