Standard Summer: Local jazz greats are warming up their chops

There hasn’t been a whole lot to report on over the past few months in regards to the Rhode Island jazz scene, but all that is changing. Here is a quick list of few confirmed dates of gigs happening around town.

The fantastic local singer Tish Adams has a couple concerts lined up — with more dates to be announced soon –for her “Tish Adams Presents…” series. On Sunday, June 13, Shawnn Monteiro will be with Mike Renzi, Paul Del Nero and Steve Langone at the Music Mansion in Providence.

On Sunday, June 20, the Tom White Trio will be playing at Pump House in South Kingstown. Steve Smith and the Nakeds is back at it as gigs start to fill in, and this year they will be celebrating 48 years! Find all their dates at thenakeds.com. The Kickin Brass Band also has a few coming up, including some 4th of July parades. Find more information and dates at facebook.com/kickinbrassband.

For those who haven’t been obsessively checking in every day to see whether the Newport Jazz Fest is coming back this year, you’ll be delighted to know that it will be taking place July 30 – August 1! However, the festivities are going to look a bit different this year. Per Newport Jazz’s website, “Newport Jazz will be focusing on creating three intimate days of amazing jazz performances and surprise collaborations at Fort Adams.” They’ll release access to the events in phases, so head to newportjazz.org for more information and tickets when they become available.

There are also a few weekly gigs that are making their way back around town. Saxophonist Leland Baker is bringing jazz back to the Eddy (PVD) on Wednesdays and Courtland Club (PVD) on Sundays. Also, catch vocalist and pianist Alexus Lee at CAV (PVD) every Wednesday 6:30-8:30pm, L’Artisan Cafe & Bakery every Friday 6-8pm, and rotating between Gulfstream Bar and Grille and Blue Anchor Grill in Portsmouth most Saturdays and Sundays. 

Lastly, Copperfield’s in Johnston is offering two great weekly jams. Drummer Ben Ricci runs the Sunday Blues Jam from 5-8pm every Sunday, while on Mondays from 7-11pm you can sit in on The Ju$t Or@nge Jam featuring Jake Heady, Michael Christman, Zachary Rochester and Devon Austrie.

Make sure to follow the musicians listed here wherever you find them online, and keep checking Motif’s listings for all the best shows coming up.