Scullers Jazz Blog

Rain or Shine: A fabulous time at Newport Jazz Festival.

nospam@example.com (Scullers Jazz) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:46:37 -0400

Hello all,

What an incredible weekend at the Newport Jazz festival! Saturday was packed and fans crowded around every stages. It was great to see musicians that play at Scullers such as Regina Carter, Hiromi, Grace Kelly, Jason Palmer, Michel Camilo, Joey Defrancesco, to only name the few. In addition, Fred and I were very happy to bump into a few Scullers regulars.

Esperanza Spalding sounded and looked beautiful and we are looking forward to having her at Scullers in December. Among the old guard (Wynton Marsalis, Brubeck Brothers, Al DiMeola) there were many artists perhaps less known to Scullers patrons. These are performers we would like to see more at the club in the future. For example, we are certain that Ravi Coltrane, Anat Cohen and Avishai Cohen, Steve Coleman and Ambrose Akinmusire Quintet would please lots of Scullers regulars while also attracting new followers. We’ll see what the future holds!

Newport Jazz Festival was truly “rain or shine”. Sunday’s downpour didn’t stop devoted fans, armed with umbrellas and rain proof gear, from enjoying the groove. All shows went on as planned and the rain even stopped for Grammy award Angélique Kidjo and her unique music.

The weekend closed with Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue on the main stage. The powerful and bright sound of his trombone pierced the rain and sounded like a foghorn for everyone in the crowd. The weekend was a true affirmation of jazz!

Sincerely, Alexandra Yabrov, Operations Manager

Alexandra.yabrov@hilton.com | Phone: (617) 548-0705

A note from Alexandra, Scullers' operation manager

nospam@example.com (Scullers Jazz) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 11:53:12 -0400

Hello!

Now that our summer break is over, Scullers’ team is back and ready to welcome you for more Jazz! As you know, you can find information about our shows on the website and in our calendar. Please, check out the new menu for our Jazz dinner packages posted on line.

In addition, know that the month of August has a lot of wonderful music events to offer. For instance, I hope many of you will join Fred Taylor and me at the Newport Jazz Festival for an exciting weekend of music. Newport is a unique outdoor setting for such a grandiose event. Also, you shouldn’t miss the spectacular Return 2 Forever at the Bank of America Pavilion featuring Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Lenny White , Jean-Luc Ponty and Frank Gamba, with special guest Zappa plays Zappa, featuring Dweezil. You can find more information about other festivals on our website.

On August 9, Scullers will have a very first Boston appearance of Johnny Carter Cash, the only son of Johnny Cash and June Carter. He will be presenting his new CD “Family Secrets”. Tickets are on sale.

As many of you know, Dayla Santurri has moved on to pursue her private career and is no longer Scullers General Manager. Dayla has been with Scullers for 11 years and will be missed. I wish her success in her new venture.

On that note I want to assure you that Fred and I are excited for Scullers future projects and successes. Transitions and change often come with new ideas and goals. I am sure you’ll be able to notice the outcome of our brainstorming in the coming months. You can expect the same level of service and even more artistic and musical excitement!

Here at Scullers, we want to thank you for your patronage and trust. We’ve been happy and running for 22 years. It’s thanks to you that we are Boston’s #1 Jazz club!

I am looking forward to seeing you at the shows. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or suggestions.

Sincerely, Alexandra Yabrov, Operations Manager

Alexandra.yabrov@hilton.com | Phone: (617) 548-0705

It's Road Trip Time!

nospam@example.com (Scullers Jazz) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 17:02:09 -0400

Hi Everyone!

Nothing gets me in the summer spirit more than planning a road trip, and this year we’ve got tons of reasons to pack up the car and enjoy the open road along with some terrific outdoor jazz!

Together with our partners in Jazz, Freddie, Alexandra and I are headed out of town to check out some of our favorite artists and discover some new talent. We are gearing up to hit the road and hope that we’ll see you there!

From the gold standard of Jazz festivals, aka, the Newport Jazz Festival (Aug 5-7)
to an exciting inaugural jazz event, the 1st Annual Martha’s Vineyard Jazz Festival (Aug 6 -13) to the exquisitely situated Tanglewood Jazz Festival (Sept 2-4), the ONLY place to be on Labor Day weekend-there is no reason not to stay home.

Back inside the club, we have just put our entire July-October schedule on sale, check out www.scullersjazz.com and see just what we have in store for you this summer and fall.

Until next time, we’ll catch you at the show!

Dayla Arabella Santurri
General Manager
Scullers Jazz Club

" A Historic Night of Music in Boston"

nospam@example.com (Scullers Jazz) — Sun, 15 May 2011 05:12:11 -0400

Hello Everyone!

For everyone who joined us for a jam-packed Jazz Week including our all-star salute to the celebrated “Dean of Boston Jazz” Eric Jackson on May 2nd; thank you for making it so special. The evening which has been dubbed “a historic night of music in Boston,” by legendary radio personality Ron Della Chiesa, was a highlight of my eleven years in this business and a night that Fred said ranks right up there with the infamous jam sessions of Paul’s Mall and the Jazz Workshop.

We’ve had a busy couple of months and if you didn’t attend the opening party for our new 3rd floor lounge FUSION, join us soon. You’ll find a great new space and menu awaits, with multiple private TV’s, great comfortable seating and specialty cocktail, coffee and late night menus.

Back inside the club, we have just put our entire July-October schedule on sale, check out www.scullersjazz.com and see just what we have in store for you this summer and fall.

Until next time, we’ll catch you at the show!

Dayla Arabella Santurri
General Manager

Scullers is the Primary Sponsor of Boston’s 5th Annual Jazz Week

nospam@example.com (Scullers Jazz) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 06:10:47 -0400

Hello Everyone!

I am very excited to announce that Scullers Jazz Club is the Primary Sponsor of Boston’s 5th Annual Jazz Week taking place April 29th - May 8th. Since Jazz Week made a long-awaited comeback in 2006, we’ve been delighted to partner with Boston’s jazz champion JazzBoston, to bring the week-long celebration back to one of the most vibrant jazz communities in the world.

For over 20 years, Scullers has been part of Boston’s musical landscape and through thick and thin there is nowhere else we’d rather be. Boston enjoys a thriving arts scene where jazz plays a prominent role. With the help of JazzBoston, jazz has taken an even larger piece of the pie these days. This is highlighted best during Jazz Week. From the Boston Public Library, to street corners in every neighborhood of Boston, to Town Hall, you’ll find jazz in all shades showing up in many expected and unexpected places throughout the city. There will be over 80 venues hosting 300+ events and many are free. And please don’t forget about us! During Jazz Week we’ll present artists such as Donal Fox, Ottmar Liebert and Jerry Butler.

We are proud to be a part of such of a wonderful community with so much to offer. For all that we have brought to the table over the last 23 years, we’ve received so much in return, all due to your relentless support and we’ve never taken that for granted.

Check out www.jazzboston.org for more details about Jazz Week 2011.

Until next time, we’ll catch you at the show!

Dayla Arabella Santurri
General Manager
Scullers Jazz Club

NEVER ON A MONDAY

nospam@example.com (Scullers Jazz) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 09:18:37 -0500

Hello Everyone!

Where are you going tonight? I know getting out during the week isn’t always easy, however week after week, and month after month, it can be the best time to catch a show at Scullers.

If you were lucky enough to catch then-rising stars Diana Krall, Jamie Cullam, Norah Jones or Michael Bublé on their first visits to Scullers, guess what, it wasn’t on a weekend. The magic of discovery happens all week long at Scullers.

I am reminded of this all the time, when I implore so many of our guests to come back for a certain mid week show with an artist they are yet to hear of, with promises that they won’t be sorry. I have a pretty remarkable track record…it’s pretty, pretty good some may say.

So instead of grabbing take out and hanging out in front of your TV, join us for dinner in front of our stage and see for yourself the making of the next big thing.

We’ve even put some of our week night shows on sale, check out our 10 for $10 program and see how far you can stretch your entertainment budget.

Until next time, we’ll catch you at the show!

Dayla Arabella Santurri
General Manager
Scullers Jazz Club

What a Year!...oh, it’s only February...

nospam@example.com (Scullers Jazz) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 08:59:50 -0500

Hi Everyone:

My blackberry says it’s February 4th but I just find that hard to believe. This has been a remarkable start to 2011; it couldn’t possibly be only 35 days old. If you joined us for our New Year’s Eve party at the club, The Panama Jazz Festival in Panama Jan 16-23, The Smooth Jazz Cruise in the Caribbean last week or are currently on The Jazz Cruise with Freddy and I, you know what I mean.

Spending so much quality time with our Gold and Platinum members and friends this month has been inspiring. It's always great to hear everyone’s comments on what you love about Scullers and where you think we can improve. We’ve always been very fortunate to receive a steady stream of feedback and as you know, we take that to heart and put those into action whenever we can.
In fact the Scullers Getaway Series, the BackStage series and the member program all materialized out of guest suggestions.

This past month has also been special because many of the trip participants were able to see firsthand what Fred and I have to consider when bringing an artist or program into the club. Many folks met the agents we deal with and the trip organizers along with their teams. I know I can say without a doubt that we discovered some new talent together in these past few weeks and we hope to have some interesting announcements toward the end of March (Freddy, now the pressures on!).

I feel like I say this all the time, but we are so lucky, I'm pretty lucky too. Twenty two years and so many incredible shows and so many great friends we’ve made along the way and the good times just keep on coming. For me this is year number 10, and what a ten they’ve been, aside from a unique and incredibly inspiring learning experience, I cherish all the memories that have paved the way to where we are today.

So thank you for taking this journey with us, whether it’s in our 200 seat piece of heaven or half way around the world, we are so very happy to share it with you.

Until next time, I'll catch you at the show.

Best Regards,
Dayla Arabella Santurri
General Manager
Scullers Jazz Club

HAPPY NEW YEAR

nospam@example.com (Scullers Jazz) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 05:50:29 -0500

Hello Everyone!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! If you rang in the New Year with us this year, I don’t have to tell you that was one of our best celebrations. Now that was a party!

One of the great perks of working here is that we don’t need a reason to party, we do it all year long. We’ve just put the first half of 2011’s show schedule online, check it out (please hyperlink to www.scullersjazz.com) and tell me if you don’t see a reason to celebrate.

We are working on making some big improvements to the club this year. This summer we'll have a new light and sound package installed. Soon we'll finally be able to sell electronic gift cards and we'll soon have a Scullers online store.

As always we love to hear from you so please let us know what you'd like Scullers to consider in the new year, whether it's an artist or service suggestion or just a comment on a show you've seen.

We never take for granted the time and money that you spend in the club, its appreciated and we constantly strive ensure you feel that both are spent well.

From all of us here at Scullers, we wish you health , happiness and lots of great live music in the New Year.

Until next time, we’ll catch you at the show!

Dayla Arabella Santurri
General Manager
Scullers Jazz Club

An Opportunity--Please Help Us!

nospam@example.com (Scullers Jazz) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 16:56:19 -0400

Hello Everyone!

Fred, Alexandra, Natalie and I were delighted when we got the call. The Jazz Audiences Initiative asked if we would represent America’s commercial jazz clubs and participate in the Doris Duke Foundation funded study on jazz audiences.

It is no secret that the emergence of internet based entertainment outlets and the struggling economy has truly put the squeeze on all performing arts venues. We find ourselves struggling to stay relevant, true to our mission, perceived as a value to existing audiences all while expanding our horizons to include new audiences. UGGH!

While we are super excited to have been presented with this opportunity, we are only half way there! We need your participation, PLEASE TAKE 5 MINUTES AND COMPLETE THE SURVEY!!!

There are two things we want you to know upfront.

1. You do NOT need to leave your email address - only if you want to be included in our raffle (for a dinner/show/overnight stay for two) or receive a copy of the survey results.

2. At the end of the survey period, Scullers will receive the results of the nationwide survey and this will provide many of the necessary tools we need to forge forward for many years to come.

Please take 5 minutes and fill this out by September 30th.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SURVEY

Thank you in advance, it is most appreciated!

Until next time, we’ll catch you at the show!

Dayla Arabella Santurri
General Manager
Scullers Jazz Club

Your Next Trip Should Be with Us

nospam@example.com (Scullers Jazz) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 06:09:13 -0400

Hello Everyone!

Planning vacations are never easy, and with this economy so many feel it’s just not a good time to allow your mind to wander to when your next real getaway will be. Well here at Scullers for the last couple of years, we’ve partnered with great jazz destinations to be able to offer specifically tailored travel packages to the jazz fan on a budget.

In January 2010, along with 10 couples, we had a blast at the Panama Jazz Festival, in Panama City, Panama. It was terrific. The trip package included beautiful accommodations (it was the official hotel of the festival) daily buffet breakfast, a private tour of the behind the scenes of the Panama Canal, a wonderful reception at the US Ambassador to Panama's home, VIP tickets to all events and tons of other goodies that Scullers and our partner JazzBoston arranged exclusively for our group.

We'll we are doing it again this January. We are working with our partners, American Airlines, El Panama Hotel and JazzBoston on a great package. Last year a 6-night trip with air/hotel and all the goodies started at only $1100 per person.

We hope to make 20 packages available. Please let me know at dayla.santurri@hilton.com if you'd like more information on these packages that should be available by September 1.

Until next time,
We'll catch you at the show.

Dayla Arabella Santurri
General Manager
Scullers Jazz Club

Still Rolling!

nospam@example.com (Scullers Jazz) — Sun, 16 May 2010 13:46:46 -0400

Hello Everyone!

The Entertainment Stimulus Promotion is rolling on!

In order to make sure we are getting to as many requests as possible, I am asking that anyone that has received complimentary tickets through this program in the last 90 days, to not send in another request for tickets until next month. While Natalie is doing her best to weed through past winners, it would be less cumbersome if the repeat requests were not sent at all. Thank you to everyone in the Scullers community for helping us make sure this promotion continues.

RECAP OF THE PROGRAM: We are offering up to 4 complimentary tickets per person so what we ask is that you invite friends who have never been to Scullers or folks who really could use a night out on the town. Right now we have complimentary tickets to these upcoming shows. Please list an alternative show in case your first request is sold out, we will contact you within 48 hours if we can fulfill your request, if we are unable to fulfill it, you will not be notified. You are NOT eligible if you have won tickets in the last 90 days through this promotion.

Irma Thomas, Friday, May 21st at 10pm
Julie Lavender, Tuesday, May 25th at 8pm
Lauren Kinhan, Wednesday, May 26th at 8pm
Shawnn Monteiro, Friday. May 28th at 10pm
Nelson Rangell, Thursday, June 3rd at 10pm

To request free tickets: promotions@scullersjazz.com

Until next time, we’ll catch you at the show!

Dayla Arabella Santurri
General Manager
Scullers Jazz Club

Here's the ticket

nospam@example.com (Scullers Jazz) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 01:00:28 -0400

Hello Everyone!

As you may know by now, we’ve been giving away free tickets every month since October of 2008. It was our response (at that time) to the mounting economic crisis in this country. We were well aware that entertainment budgets would be the first to get cut; just when everyone needed a night out more than ever. It’s been a privilege to maintain this program for the last 18 months. I’ve received countless letters and emails from people telling us how they used the tickets and who they invited and what it meant to them. I am deeply appreciative to everyone that sent those letters to us and I can tell you they were all read and I made every effort to reply in a timely fashion.

Scullers has weathered the fiscal roller coaster of the past year and a half very well. In fact in 2009, we had one of the best years in our 20 year history. Needless to say we are truly grateful for everyone’s continued support in these rough times.

As an expression of that gratitude, we are extending our Entertainment Stimulus promotion this month and for the foreseeable future. However with busy months ahead and less tickets available, we need your help in making sure the true spirit of the promotion is maintained.

In order to make sure we are getting to as many requests as possible, I am asking that anyone that has received complimentary tickets through this program in the last 90 days, to not send in another request for tickets until next month. While Natalie is doing her best to weed through past winners, it would be less cumbersome if the repeat requests were not sent at all. Thank you to everyone in the Scullers community for helping us make sure this promotion continues.

RECAP OF THE PROGRAM: We are offering up to 4 complimentary tickets per person so what we ask is that you invite friends who have never been to Scullers or folks who really could use a night out on the town. Right now we have complimentary tickets to these upcoming shows. Please list an alternative show in case your first request is sold out, we will contact you within 48 hours if we can fulfill your request, if we are unable to fulfill it, you will not be notified. You are NOT eligible if you have won tickets in the last 90 days through this promotion.

Magos Herrera 4/29 8pm
Berklee Artist Series 5/4 8pm
Feat. George Russell Jr., Lenny Stallworth, Kenwood Dennard, Stan Strickland & Bill Banfield
Another Realm 5/6 8pm
Cyrus Chestnut 5/7 10pm
Kevin Harris 5/12 8pm
Pat Martino 5/14 10pm

To request free tickets: promotions@scullersjazz.com

Until next time, we’ll catch you at the show!

Dayla Arabella Santurri
General Manager
Scullers Jazz Club

TIME FOR SPRING?

nospam@example.com (Scullers Jazz) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 05:31:42 -0400

Hello Everyone!

Is there any way to slow this thing down!! Are we really talking about the Red Sox rolling back into town? The clocks moving forward? Please don’t get me wrong; I love the spring and live for the summer, but time is just flying by too fast. It’s so scary.

I guess that is how my tenure at Scullers has been; 10 years flew by in an instant. I just realized it when I was sitting down with pianist Hiromi recently. I remember her Berklee College graduation /debut CD release party we had here in 2002. She was a young graduate with an exciting new CD and seemingly endless talent, fast forward 8 years and she is an artist (and newlywed) that has covered a vast musical landscape, selling out world tours, with a collection of critically acclaimed, award-winning recordings and performing with a who’s who in jazz and pop.

I am also reminded of little Grace Kelly, the 8 year old saxophone phenom that bewitched us all. We were convinced she was channeling so many of Jazz' late greats somehow, with a sound that was decades ahead of her years. Well I ran into her father recently who told me Grace is on a world tour with the legendary drummer Teri Lyne Carrington (I think they were in Uruguay that night), during her ‘break’ from touring with her own band. I also was told she is opening for Jamie Cullam this summer at the Newport Jazz Festival. The now 17 year old is a dynamic, incredibly talented singer, songwriter, arranger and saxophonist (she added the singing a few years ago), however she really is still the wonderfully charming young girl we all fell in love with (she’ll be back at Scullers April 1st).

There are so many others like that, Eldar, Christian Scott, Norah Jones, Jamie Cullam, Michael Buble-their journeys have all taken them through Scullers. What a place! Just goes to show you, you never know. Taking a chance on a Scullers mid-week show from an artist you have never heard, could provide you a lifetime of ‘I saw them when…”

Well, time is ticking away, I’ve got to go-it’s show time!

Best Regards,
Dayla Arabella Santurri
General Manager
Scullers Jazz Club

Oh That Panamanian Devil!

nospam@example.com (Scullers Jazz) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 04:36:22 -0500

Hello Everyone!

I recently got back from the 7th Annual Panama Jazz Festival with a group from Scullers and JazzBoston and it was so much more than any of us could have hoped for. However, this wasn’t my first trip there. In 2008, Fred and I went down because our dear friend, Grammy-nominated pianist Danilo Pérez had started this festival right in Panama City, Panama on and wing and a prayer and we wanted to support him in any way we could.

The music was terrific. Inspired performances by an international cavalcade of students, faculty and acclaimed jazz stars took place day and night in various lsettings. We were also treated to a broad range of panel discussions, master classes and fantastic jam sessions.

But that is really just the beginning.

What happens down there is just magic, that guy (Danilo) must have fairy dust. You are not just a participant or a witness to the cultural tidal wave that is mounting, you are a vital piece of the equation, an essential partner in global responsibility. By the second day, you get it. The festival isn’t just about great music, great weather and giving under-privileged children the opportunity to explore options in music. It’s about broadening all of our horizons, letting the music open hearts and minds; performer, student and listener alike.

Danilo will tell you time and again that what they are doing in Panama is not about building world class musicians but unleashing the best in their young people. The goal is developing well-rounded, open-minded young people who feel empowered to be the best they can be, not solely from a musical perspective.

In a converstation with one of the festival organizations, I mentioned Scullers Entertainment Bailout Program we started back in October 2008, giving away over 5,000 free tickets during the economic downturn. “Good, but not nearly enough” was the response I received. He wanted to know what we did to bring in new generations of listeners such as master classes, workshops, school visits. What educational programs did we have? Who were our academic partners?

All good questions; I had few answers. But I'll have them for next years trip. So here we are in 2010, expect some new things from this little club... stay tuned.

Oh that Panamanian Devil! Danilo’s mission is inspirational, his energy is contagious and his ability to lengthen your to-do list by 1000 is just spell-binding. Needless to say, we’ll be back next year.

For more information on The Danilo Pérez Foundation, check out http://www.fundaciondaniloperez.com/. Maybe you’ll be inspired to join us next year.

Dayla Arabella Santurri
General Manager
Scullers Jazz Club

The List

nospam@example.com (Scullers Jazz) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 06:02:03 -0500

Hello Everyone!

I love lists. They make me feel organized, proactive, purposeful and most of all, full of anticipation of what is to come. Then of course, one can take it to the next level, where you have lists everywhere and a list of the lists that consume you with thoughts that you are forgetting things that need to go on the list, but which list? And that is where I am. Disorganized, confused and freaking out….I’d say this calls for another list.

There is one list that I started back in February. It’s a wish list, for all the things I am wishing for, for Scullers, for our fair city and our planet.

So here’s the list and I will tell you because I’ve had almost a year heads start on this list, SOME of the items are likely to jump on a completed list VERY soon.

I’ll go from 10 to 1 for dramatic effect:

10. World Peace (naturally)
9. Magically expand the club by about 50 seats or 100, hey I did say ‘magically’
8. To nail down the LONG awaited return of the legendary Nancy Wilson to our stage
7. For a big group from Scullers to join us aboard the January 2011 Smooth Jazz Cruise
6. The new black patent leather Burberry purse (oops that belongs on the list for Santa)
5. A whole new light and sound system for Scullers
4. For the Patriots to ring out the last season of the decade right
3. For the Red Sox to get some offense in the off season
2. For Scullers line up to continue to push all the boundaries
Here’s the drum roll………………….what I want most of all…
1. A dedicated Jazz radio station back on the air in Boston!!!!

I promise a status report very soon in the New Year, it’s already on my To-Do list.

For all of us here at Scullers & the Doubletree Guest Suites Boston, to all of you, our best wishes for a Happy and Safe holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

Dayla Arabella Santurri
General Manager
Scullers Jazz Club