Avalon Bar and Grill

Don’t miss these upcoming special events. Reservations are highly recommended, as these events frequently sell out in advance.   Make reservations by TELEPHONE; please call (541) 512-8864.  (Emailing reservations is not recommended.)

A note about cover charges: We offer free live music several times a month. On evenings with cover charges, 100% goes to the performing musicians! Thanks for supporting the artistry of our local (and touring) musicians -- it couldn't otherwise happen in a venue of our intimate size.

WEEKLY LIVE MUSIC:

Friday Evenings, 8:30 p.m., no cover.
Robbie DaCosta

A guitarist and singer with a ba-zillion tunes and wide appeal, Robbie plays everything from R&B, rockabilly, ballads, Frank Sinatra -- music from the 1950s through the 1970s.  Robbie usually invites one of his favorite bassists and/or other musical friends to join him.

Sunday Afternoon Jazz

Enjoy a variety of jazz styles and musicians every Sunday, 2 to 4 p.m., no cover. Click on the calendar page to see who's playing on the coming Sundays.

Dal's Piano Bar

If you like to sing, here's a casual, spontaneous way to join in.  Sing a solo and/or sing along with everyone else to the accompaniment of Avalon's owner and pianist , Dal Carver, plus one our local bassists.  The fun happens each Saturday afternoon, from 2 to 4 p.m.  No cover.

Frank's Monday Night Roadhouse.  -- Will let you know when this weekly event resumes!  Stay tuned!

SPECIAL EVENTS:

Michael Mish

Wednesday, March 10, 8 p.m., $5 cover.

Pianist, vocalist and composer Michael Mish brings you a celebration of the music of Cat Stevens.  Plus, he’ll perform original tunes from some of his several musicals, as well as a few of his earlier “dysfunctional love songs.”   Michael says that of the many rock legends he has known during his long musical career, Cat Stevens was certainly one of the most interesting.  He spent many months in conversations with Cat in London's Mayfair and notes Stevens' "dry sense of humor and a deeply searching and restless heart," which is reflected in his music.  Michael has won many awards (Emmy, Parents Choice, iParenting) for his children’s music, TV and video.  Plus, he has five adult music CDs.    Visit his website at www.michaelmishmusic.com.

Thad Beckman & Joe Cohoon

Thursday, March 11, 8 p.m., $10 cover.

Thad Beckman, a singer-songwriter and guitarist based in Portland with great chops and a bag full of true stories, will perform with local bassist Joe Cohoon.  Thad’s finely crafted original songs are the story of life, the voice of modern America -- from the growling Delta blues of the Deep South to evocative contemporary folk.  Joe, his friend since age 11 says, “Thad brings his own blend of blues, folk and country music to festival and club circuits in and around Austin, Texas, and Portland and beyond.  His sound is Woody Guthrie, Robert Johnson, Dave Von Ronk and Hank Williams rolled into one.”  Thad has toured Europe at least once a year for the past 15 years.  He just recently returned from touring with Tom Russell in the United Kingdom and Norway.  Last fall he and Russell performed on the David Letterman show.

As a guitarist Thad has been hired by Bo Diddley, The Shirelles and Earl Thomas.  As a bandleader he has shared the stage with B.B. King, Albert Collins, James Cotton, The Band, Emmylou Harris, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, and Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks.

Joe and Thad have found opportunities to play together since the 1970s.  Joe has performed in various rock and blues groups in Portland.  Locally he leads The Grooveyard Trio and plays with the Beatles' tribute band, The Nowhere Men, in addition to working with other jazz combos.  Samples of Thad’s music can be heard at www.thadbeckman.com.  Visit Joe’s website at www.jocoho.com.

Photos:  Thad Beckman, top; Joe Cohoon, bottom

David Pinsky & Tom Stamper

Friday, March 12, 8:30 p.m., no cover.

Veteran bluesman David Pinsky sings and plays guitar and harmonica with all-around fabulous drummer Tom Stamper.  David has been on the Northwest Blues scene for more than 30 years, leading the Rhythm Kings and the Royal Blues Band, among others.  He brings his singular panache to swing, R&B, jump and traditional, down home blues.  He performed on the emerging artists stage at the Arksansas Blues and Heritage festival in Helena, Arkansas, and he wowed them at a showcase appearance at the Austin, Texas, Songwriters Symposium.  Drummer, Tom Stamper, is one of the area's best drummers in many genres, including jazz and blues.  He plays in many local bands, including Atlantis Jazz Quintet, The Royal Blues Band, the Adam Harris Trio, and his own Prometheus Jazz group, among others.

Mercy with Lynda Morrison

Saturday, March 13, 8:30 p.m., $5 cover.

The sheer expressiveness and deep soulfulness of vocalist Lynda Morrison is solidly supported by her  back up band, Mercy.  Together they offer a healthy does of originals, plus, they pump fresh life into classic soul, R&B, rock and blues.  A consistent comment one will hear from people who have attended a "Mercy" performance is that it was a "highly moving musical experience."  Lynda is frequently compared to Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Gladys Knight, Tina Turner, Eva Cassidy and Janis Joplin...just to give you a sense of where she's coming from.  A seasoned veteran, Lynda has participated in multiple tours and recording projects.  Listen to her music at www.myspace.com/lyndawithay3175. Mercy band members include Dave Day on guitar and vox; Gary Nisbet Keyboards; John Lingafelter, electric bass; and Ron Brett, drums.  Come hear what all the buzz is about with this group.

Dos Gardenias

Thursday, March 14, 8 p.m., $5 cover.

Dos Gardenias features classic Cuban Jazz (think Buena Vista Social Club), bossa nova, samba, classical Spanish guitar, celtic and folk music.  You'll love their many original tunes, too.  The band includes Antonio Melendez (guitar, flute, cello, piccolo, vocals), and Andy Pimentel (keyboards, bass, sax, accordion, guitar,vocals). Vocalist Ann Pimental (singing in English, Spanish and Portuguese), and drummer/percussionist Abe Perea expand the scope of the band.  A whole lot of musical color from just four musicians!  (Photo, left to right:  Abe, Andy, Anne, Antonio.)

St. Patrick's Celebration with Crossroads

Wednesday, March 17 AND Thursday, March 18, $10 cover.

Crossroads presents its debut concerts at the Avalon while celebrating St. Patty's Day for two evenings in a row!  Fusing traditional Irish and other Celtic styles with a distinctly North American flare, this group mixes Pat O'Scannell's heart-wrenching vocals and soaring whistles and guitar with Crystal Reeves' sizzling fiddle, mandolin and vocals.  Brian Freeman joins them on guitar, mandolin, tiple and vocals.  All three are seasoned musicians with extensive pedigrees both within the Rogue Valley and internationally.  In honor of St. Patrick's Day, they'll concentrate on Irish ballads and tunes, which is one of their specialties.

Great Minds Unplugged

Saturday, March 20, 8:30 p.m., no cover.

From mellow to up-tempo classic rock, this acoustic duo plays a cool mix of unexpected tunes by such  bands as Seals & Crofts, Cat Stevens, The Who, Cake, The Police, Led Zeppelin (no, not "Stairway"), and even Aerosmith's "Sweet Emotion," and Pink Floyd's "Breathe." Matt Matthews is on 6- and 12-string guitars and vocals, and his son, Chris, is on percussion and vocals. Chris specializes in the South American hand drum called a cajon. It's sort of a mini "drum set in a box" which offers a wide range of sounds -- almost like having an entire drum kit in one instrument. Chris also plays the melodica on several tunes to add a haunting melodic contrast.  The duo brings a full and diverse palette of songs.  "We're up for anything," says Chris.  "I talked Dad into a couple of Cake songs, and he brought out a tune by Gary Glitter."  Please visit:  www.greatmindsunplugged.com.

Robert DaCosta Sr. & Jr. -- A Tribute to the Great Vocal Duos of the 1950s & 1960s

Sunday, March 21, 8 p.m., $10 cover.

Living On Dreams

Wednesday, March 24, 8 p.m., $5 cover.

Living on Dreams plays an eclectic mix of funk, jazz and smooth to contemporary jazz, featuring musical stylings that range from Miles Davis and Cole Porter to Weather Report compositions.  The band includes Kent Heyward on vocals, tenor and soprano saxophones; Larry Cavalier on vocals and piano; Richard Meyer on vocals, bass and electric violin; and Mike Fitch on drums.  Band leader Kent Heyward says, "There is certainly no shortage on inspiration with this group.  We seek to expand our horizons and yours by providing an unforgettable experience."

Smoky Red Trio

Thursday, March 25, 8 p.m., $3 cover.

Marcella Ruikis, the singer who was such a hit in the Camelot Theatre’s recent production of "Spotlight on Duke Ellington," will sing some of the show's songs plus her usual outstanding fare.   Jim Quinby, her longtime music collaborator, joins her on piano for upbeat jazz tunes, bluesy toe-tappers and hauntingly beautiful ballads that will catch your breath. At any given time they'll move from Thelonious Monk, Nina Simone, Peggy Lee, Diana Krall to Tom Waits, John Cleary and Tuck and Patti.  Jim plays piano with exuberance and warmth, while Marcella immerses herself within each song with sultry soulfulness.

David Pinsky & Gary Halliburton

Saturday, March 27, 8:30 p.m., no cover.

Veteran bluesman David Pinsky guitar, harmonica and vocals with vintage-style rock 'n' roll, blues, boogie pianist Gary Halliburton.  David has been on the Northwest Blues scene for more than 30 years, leading the Rhythm Kings and the Royal Blues Band, among others.  He brings his singular panache to swing, R&B, jump and traditional, down home blues.  He performed on the emerging artists stage at the Arksansas Blues and Heritage festival in Helena, Arkansas, and he wowed them at a showcase appearance at the Austin, Texas, Songwriters Symposium.  Very fun duo!

Pat O'Scannell's Tribute to Edith Piaf

Sunday, March 28, 8 p.m., $10 cover.

Back by popular demand!!  This sell-out show will be repeated for all those who didn't get in previously, and those who didn't get enough the last three times!  Come be transported back to Paris, circa 1933, when singer Pat O'Scannell shares her take on the music of the lengendary Edith Piaf.  Pat will sing some Piaf's most famous and cherished songs:  La Vie en Rose, Milord, Hymne a L'Amour, and others.  She'll be accompanied by the talents of Crystal Reeves on fiddle; Michael Vannice on clarinet and melodion; Don Harriss on piano; and for a special treat, Olaf Soderback, on accordion, an instrument so suited to this music.

Pat is a singer and multi-instrumentalist who was a music director and performer at Oregon Shakespeare Festival for 25 years. During her OSF tenure, she arranged, composed and directed music for numerous concerts and plays, and appeared in many live productions and recordings.  Outside of Ashland, her Celtic band, Criona, toured the West Coast for 10 years.  She also directed the Terra Nova Consort, the ensemble in residence at OSF for 17 years. The Consort first recorded on the Dorian label in 2001, and toured the U.S. widely as well as made appearances in Mexico, Canada and Germany.  Pat's music has been heard on National Public Radio, West Coast Live and many other nationally syndicated radio programs.  Her recordings have been released in 54 countries, and she has served as adjunct faculty to the SOU Music Department.

Gabe Young Quartet

Wednesday, March 31, 8 p.m., $5 cover.

This band is loaded with energy and the talent of of some of Southern Oregon's best young musicians!  Carrying the torch for jazz standards and blues into the future, they are musically mature beyond their years.  Led by 14-year-old saxophone phenom Gabe Young,  the band also includes his contemporaries, Rafferty Swing on keyboard and Ian Wurfl on drums. Seasoned bassist Jeff Addicott, who joins them for this gig, completes the rhythm section.

Coming Up in April!

Beth Baker

Thursday, April 1, 8 p.m., $10 cover.

Beth's powerful and wide vocal range makes it easy to see how she can fill larger venues, such as the Craterian Theater.  And, she has been the opening act and sung backup on the Britt stage for and with several national acts.  But, many of her fans say the intimate, supper club atmosphere of the Avalon make it their favorite place to hear her.  Her warm and playful personality works magic on pop, jazz, blues, Broadway and more, and every month she brings new tunes to share with her many longtime fans.  Pianist Brent Olstad and bassist Jeff Addicott are her simpatico collaborators who creatively support her talent, and shine brightly themselves.  Hear hear at www.thebethbaker.com.

Deja Vu

Saturday, April 3, 8:30 p.m., no cover.

Genny Axtman and Bruce Anthony are Déjà Vu, with a style that crosses over from rock to country to blues and jazz.  Their music includes a variety of originals written by the duo, plus cover tunes by the Beatles, Steely Dan, Doobie Bros., Bonnie Raitt, Red Hot Chili Peppers, John Mayer, and many, many more.  The duo has played together for the past 17 years in the rock band called Rockit, based in Mount Shasta.  They also play in a 7-piece country band.  Their sweet harmonies and Bruce’s multiple guitar styles will make for great way to spend a Saturday evening relaxing at the Avalon.

Sandy Borden with The Bluenotes

Tuesday, April 6, 6:30 p.m., $10 cover.

Sandy Borden's sparkling voice and larger-than-life persona join forces with The Bluenotes’ inimitable saxophonist and vocalist Detlef Eismann.  It will be a night of funky blues, jazzy blues, light rock, plus a little of this and that!  Given their infectious joie de vivre, both will knock your socks off as they sing both separately and in duo!  Sandy’s career began in her youth, singing with her locally well-known musical family, The Borden Family.  Since then her prodigious set of pipes has taken her from the Sahara Club in Las Vegas to entertaining on Princess Cruise Lines, and entertaining overseas with a 35-piece orchestra.  She landed back home in Southern Oregon in 1992.  The Bluenotes play at Avalon regularly and are always a crowd-pleaser.  Besides Detlef, band members include Dal Carver, piano; Jeff Addicott, bass; and Chick Hirsh, drums.

Allison Scull & Victor Martin

Wednesday, April 7, 8 p.m, $5 cover.

Warm and lively, this acoustic duo blends jazz, folk, Latin, blues and R&B in original material and classic standards.  Allison is a vocalist and guitarist, and Victor is a self-described "old-school" jazz saxophonist who also sings harmony.  They are celebrating the release of their new CD, "Cool Like the Breeze."  They have shared the stage with Tuck and Patti, Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Craig Chaquico, Shana Morrison, Archie Lee Hoooker, blues legend John Hammond, Acoustic Alchemy, and The Blind Boys of Alabama.  They can also be heard on more than 40,000 digital jukeboxes in the U.S. and Canada.  Check out:  www.sonicbids.com/AllisonScullVictorMartin, and www.allisonandvictor.com.

Dos Gardenias

Thursday, April 8, 8 p.m., $5 cover.

Dos Gardenias features classic Cuban Jazz (think Buena Vista Social Club), bossa nova, samba, classical Spanish guitar, celtic and folk music.  You'll love their many original tunes, too.  The band includes Antonio Melendez (guitar, flute, cello, piccolo, vocals), and Andy Pimentel (keyboards, bass, sax, accordion, guitar,vocals). Vocalist Ann Pimental (singing in English, Spanish and Portuguese), and drummer/percussionist Abe Perea expand the scope of the band.  A whole lot of musical color from just four musicians!  (Photo, left to right:  Abe, Andy, Anne, Antonio.)

Mercy with Lynda Morrison

Saturday, April 10, 8:30 p.m., $5 cover.

The sheer expressiveness and deep soulfulness of vocalist Lynda Morrison is solidly supported by her  back up band, Mercy.  Together they offer a healthy does of originals, plus, they pump fresh life into classic soul, R&B, rock and blues.  A consistent comment one will hear from people who have attended a "Mercy" performance is that it was a "highly moving musical experience."  Lynda is frequently compared to Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Gladys Knight, Tina Turner, Eva Cassidy and Janis Joplin...just to give you a sense of where she's coming from.  A seasoned veteran, Lynda has participated in multiple tours and recording projects.  Listen to her music at www.myspace.com/lyndawithay3175.  Mercy band members include Dave Day on guitar and vox; Gary Nisbet Keyboards; John Lingafelter, electric bass; and Ron Brett, drums.  Come hear what all the buzz is about with this group.

Leslie Kendall with the Ed Dunsavage Trio

Sunday, April 11, 8 p.m., $10 cover.

Leslie Kendall and The Ed Dunsavage Trio specialize in the music from the composers of The Great American Songbook – Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, etc.  Critically acclaimed by The Detroit News as "female vocalist of the year," Leslie has appeared in nightclubs and concert venues nation-wide, including Caesar's Palace.  She has recorded for Warner Brothers, M.C.A. and Columbia Records, where she was the featured soloist with the Percy Faith Orchestra.  Her large local following comnes from many types of performances including those at the Craterian Theatre, The Old Siskiyou Barn, and for the Medford Jazz Jubilee.

The trio frequently works with Leslie and it includes the ever-evolving guitar work of Ed Dunsavage.  With 20 years in the Rogue Valley, Ed a fixture on the local music scene.  He performs in a number of settings, including two seasons with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and he is also artistic director for the Siskiyou Institute.  Acoustic bassist Joe Cohoon performed in various rock and blues groups in Portland.  In addition to working with other jazz combos, he leads The Grooveyard Trio and plays with the Beatles' tribute band, The Nowhere Men.  Gary "Chicken" Hirsh is a longtime Ashland resident known to many as the original drummer for Country Joe and the Fish, the 1960s San Francisco rock group. As such, he performed at major rock concerts in the U.S. and Europe, working with everyone from Janis Joplin and Jerry Garcia to Pharoah Sanders and Frank Zappa.  Twelve years ago he picked up his sticks again to perform the music that he loves – jazz.

Andrew Oliver Sextet

Thursday, April 15, 8 p.m., $10 cover.

This Portland-based combo is strongly rooted in the jazz tradition, keeping it fresh by accessing all genres of music.  The sextet performs original compositions by its members, which draw on jazz, world music, rock and other influences.  They have performed in Portland best venues, including the celebrated jazz club Jimmy Mak's, the Doug Fir Lounge, the Blue Monk, the Cave, and the Crystal Ballroom.  Their debut CD, "Otis Stomp," was selected as a jazz pick of 2008 in The Oregonian newspaper.

A pianist and the bandleader Andrew Oliver also leads the Andrew Oliver Kora Band (based in Seattle), and co-directs the Portland Jazz Composers' Ensemble, Bridgetown Sextet, as well as frequently performing as a sideman, teaching and composing.  Other sextet members include Mary Sue Tobin (alto and soprano sxaophones, clarinet); Willie Matheis (tenor and soprano saxophones); Dan Duval (guitar); Eric Gruber (Bass); and Kevn Van Geems (drums).  Visit www.andrewoliver.net/sextet.

Kites & Crows

Saturday, April 17, 8:30 p.m., no cover.

Kites & Crows is an indie folk rock troupe based on the songwriting of Mysha Caruso, who plays guitar and sings with the group.  Band members include Jesse Baldwin (banjo, accordion, lap steel, mandolin, vocals); Nancy Martin (cello); Kabir Stanton (bass); and Bryan Helfrich (drums).  Since forming nearly a year ago, they have toured the northwest, offering a wild folk rock display of comfortable poetics and memorable melodies.  Check out their sound at www.myspace.com/kitescrows.

The Havana Club

Sunday, April, 18 p.m., $8 cover.

The rhythms and melodies of Cuba come alive with The Havana Club, a combo made up of members of the very popular local band, Salsa Brava! Covering such great artists as Tito Puente, Ray Baretto, Willy Colon and Celia Cruz, this group will have you moving in your seats. Put a little Tropicana in your life with the musical styles of Cuban son, mambo, cha-cha-cha and bolero.  Vocal harmonies, enchanting flute lines, sweet saxophone solos all supported by clever conga and timbale rhythms, and syncopated keyboard and bass lines. Band includes Marshall Mueller, sax/vocals; Christina Marsilia, flute/vocals; Anne Muth, keyboard; Mike Fitch and Cody Bustamante both on timbale/conga; David Miller, bass.  See www.myspace.com/dancesalsabrava.

Brent Oldstad's Saxophonious!

Thursday, April 22, 8 p.m., $10 cover.

Pianist Brent Olstad brings together three wonderful saxophonists – the ever-tasteful Dennis Freese, the always-soulful Daryl Fjeldheim, and the fresh, young up-and-comer Gabe Young.  Three distinct voices, each sharing their passion for the quintessential jazz instrument. They'll be backed by a great rhythm section – Jeff Addicott on bass; Mike Fitch on drums, and of course Brent on piano.  The horns will play tunes together and separately, featuring the music of their favorite sax players.

The Bluenotes' 2nd Tribute to Ray Charles

Wednesday, April 21, 8 p.m., $8 cover.

The Bluenotes band is known for its rhythm and blues, and funky post-bop, 1960s jazz – this time paying tribute to “the Genius” Ray Charles with all the songs you’d expect and some you wouldn’t.  (This will be a different show than the one they did in February.)  Band includes Detlef Eismann's inimitable blues and jazz vocal style and tenor saxophone paired with the always fabulous playing of Michael Vannice on reeds.  Their stellar rhythm section includes Dal Carver, piano; Jeff Addicott, bass; and Gary "Chicken" Hirsh on drums.

David Pinsky & Gary Halliburton

Saturday, April 24, 8:30 p.m., no cover.

Veteran bluesman David Pinsky guitar, harmonica and vocals with vintage-style rock 'n' roll, blues, boogie pianist Gary Halliburton.  David has been on the Northwest blues scene for more than 30 years, leading the Rhythm Kings and the Royal Blues Band, among others.  He brings his singular panache to swing, R&B, jump and traditional, down home blues.  He performed on the emerging artists stage at the Arksansas Blues and Heritage festival in Helena, Arkansas, and he wowed them at a showcase appearance at the Austin, Texas, Songwriters Symposium.  Gary Halliburton says his "native tongue" is the blues, boogie and gospel, having learned from his father, who in turn learned from the "real guys" in Tennesee in the late 1920s and early 1930s.  Although he studied both jazz and classical music (with a concert pianist), "I can't help but play everything with a blues accent," Gary said.  He has composed music of all styles, including music for radio, television and theatre.  He's been in the Rogue Valley for 20 years. Very fun duo!

Sophie Javna

Sunday, April 25, 8 p.m., cover TBA.

Sophie is a 16-year-old high school junior who's been singing jazz and blues from get-go.  The first song she ever learned was "Moody's Mood for Love" at age 2.  She loves everything from Cole Porter to doo-wop and soul.  She's sung in school theater, and has performed regularly with Gabe Young and Friends.  This is her first solo gig, and for it, she has invited pianist Don Harriss and bassist Steve Fain to join her.

Lori Jo Larsen

Wednesday, April 28, 8 p.m., $5 cover.

Singer Lori Jo Larsen has a voice and style that is tinged with shades of Eva Cassidy and Norah Jones.  Musical selection for the evening will range from Ray Charles, Beatles, Eva Cassidy, Etta James, Bonnie Raitt and Bob Marley.  Band members include Dal Carver, piano; Chaz on harmonica; John Cates, bass.  Lori Jo plays guitar and she will invite a percussionist and another guitarist to join them.

The Big Easy

Thursday, April 29, 8 p.m., $5 cover.

It's always Mardi Gras time when The Big Easy brews up a potent potion of romping, raucous New Orleans-style rhythm & blues, traditional and jazzy blues.  Jim Quinby, piano/vocals; Dennis Freese, reeds; Jeff Addicott, bass/vocals – a gumbo of Dr. John, Fats Domino, Allen Toussaint, Dave Bartholomew, Jon Cleary and Marcia Ball.