Suzi Stern's music news and upcoming shows

Eddie Gomez Etc. this Spring!

2012-01-18T12:08:00.000-08:00

Thanks for checking out my blog! Feel free to scroll down to see what we've been up to in the past few months! Great shows with Gabrielle Santiago, Estrella Acosta, Peter Stolzman, Austin Civic Orchestra, Austin Piazzola Quintet, Alex Coke to name only a few of the special events...

And Coming Up This Spring:

Some Casa Karen Concerts and some exciting gigs around Texas that I'll be featured on:

Jan. 21st

I am proud to host G.Pat Harris and Anna Mae Mitchell Group at Casa Karen!

Americana Roots music with a touch of Blues, Rock and Jazz in the mix!

Celebrating the release of their c.d. "Traveling By Moonlight"

Reservations more info. and directions: (512) 459-9900

doors open at 7:30 show at 8:00

Free refreshments with the $20 ticket price!

Credit card payment accepted over phone!

**************************

Friday Feb. 3rd

G.A.T.O.6 featuring Suzi Stern

At: The Elephant Room

315 Congress Ave.

Austin, Texas

George Oldzieys exciting latin jazz ensemble will be keeping the room jumping!

with Gato piano, John Mills sax, Dennis Dotson trumpet, Wayne Salzman drums, Kris Afflerbaugh bass, Coutinho percussion and Suzi Stern vocals.

9:30 to 1:30

Come join the party!!

**************************

Tuesday Feb. 14th

Celebrate Valentines Day with Suzi Stern and George Oldziey

at Chez Z on Balcones Drive in Austin

7:00 until ?

Come on down and join us!

No reservations needed!

Just come on in donning your red and pink festive garments!

Great food...great music.

*****************************

Wed. Feb. 29th we are proud to present:

The Eddie Gomez Trio

At Casa Karen

It is truly my distinct honor to be hosting this world class trio at Casa Karen!

Eddie Gomez bass, Stefan Karlsson piano and Ed Soph drums

Reservations are required: Call (512) 459-9900 for directions and details!

Credit Card payment accepted over the phone. $35

Free refreshments!

Doors open at 7:30 show at 8:00

***************************

Sunday March 25th

David Amram in performance at Casa Karen!!

From Abu Dhabi to Austin, At Home Around The World With David Amram

This quartet is not to be missed!

Doors open at 7:30 show at 8:00

$35

Call (512) 459-9900 for details, reservations and directions!

Credit Card payment accepted over phone.

Free refreshments.

*********************************

In April from Washington D.C.

At Casa Karen

Jazz pianist extraordinaire Peggy Stern!

Check Blog for exact date and details!

***********************************

Sat. May 19th

The Suzi Stern Quintet

Celebrating one year of amazing concerts at Casa Karen!

7:30 doors 8:00 show

(512) 459-9900 for reservations and details!

Free refreshments!

*********************************

Thank you for reading my blog. I'll keep you posted of new events and any changes!

Have a beautiful spring filled with music!

Suzi

A New Year and New Music to Share!

2011-12-26T11:09:00.000-08:00

Greetings from Suzi Stern! Coming up in the next few months:
I will be the featured vocalist with the hot latin jazz ensemble: G.A.T.O 6 at the Elephant Room on Feb. 3rd in Austin Texas, and on Feb. 29th I will be hosting The Eddie Gomez Trio at Austins premier listening room Casa Karen! In March watch for jazz pianist Peter Stolzman back in town from Chicago, and later in the month famed composer David Amram! Watch this blog for details!

But first...Two very exciting shows in January!

Casa Karen is proud to present Cuban vocalist Estrella Acosta with Brazilian guitarist Gabriel Santiago and friends!

Sunday, January 15th...come share this rare opportunity to hear her warm evocative music in the intimate setting of Casa Karen.

7402 Greenhaven, Austin 78757

doors open at 7:00 / performance at 7:30

tickets are $20 with Free refreshments

Call (512 )459-9900 for reservations

I look forward to seeing you there and Happy New Year!!

Suzi

About Estrella: From Amsterdam, Cuban vocalist Estrella Acosta is one of the most versatile singers living is Europe. Though she never stopped singing the folk songs of her motherland, she is at home with Brazilian and jazz styles. With her relaxed phrasing and warm, earthy voice she brings a fresh innovative approach to Cuban music.

Estrella has performed and or recorded with Toninho Horta, Craig Handy, Edy Martinez, Mauricio Einhorn, Claudio Roditi, Ramon Valle, Jovino Santos Neto and Jimmy Branly, to name only a few of the illustrious artists she has collaborated with.

Her second cd Alma Guajira, was nominated for an Edison (Dutch Grammy). Estrella has appeared at the Brussels Viva Brasil Festival, the Curaçao Jazz Festival, the Heineken Jazz Festival, the Dunya Multicultural Festival and three editions of the North Sea Jazz Festival. She performed at renowned clubs like the BIMhuis (Amsterdam), Sounds of Brasil (New York City), Ronnie Scott's (London), and at all major venues in the Netherlands.

Visit Estrellas web site and hear some sounds at: http://dolphy.home.xs4all.nl/estar/

And on January 21st!!

Saturday, Jan. 21st at Casa Karen...come enjoy the truly beautiful music of Pat Harris & Anna Mae Mitchell. Joined by Steve Schwelling on percussion the acoustic trio brings a unique and exciting blend of roots music, bluegrass, jazz & blues!

The doors open at 7:30 and the show starts at 8:00 sharp
Tickets are $20 with free refreshments
Call (512) 459-9900 for reservations
All major Credit Cards accepted!

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:
Singer / guitarist Anna Mae Mitchell and songwriter / bassist / vocalist G.Pat Harris bring a new exciting edge to roots music. Their profound musicianship, love for the art form, and charismatic nature create a beautiful and warm connection with the audience.
"Mitchell's clear powerful soprano is a dream for the soulful kinds of songs that G.Pat Harris composes." Bangor Daily News
The two artists have played together for many years throughout Michigan in traditional Bluegrass bands. Over the years their music has branched out into a broad Americana sound which includes elements of Folk, Rock and Jazz encompassing a range of lyrical content with influences from Goethe to Bob Dylan!

George Oldziey and myself, Suzi Stern are very proud to be hosting the band this month and hope you can join us for the party!
Happy New Year and hope to see you at Casa Karen!
Suzi

Sold Out Show! Happy Holidays!

2011-12-16T05:04:00.000-08:00

The original music & improvised jazz rendition of the Dylan Thomas classic

"A Child's Christmas in Wales"

with Alex Coke, Suzi Stern, Rich Harney and Buddy Mohmad at Casa Karen is SOLD OUT!

Thank you for supporting the Casa Karen Music Series and live music in Austin!

Happy Holidays and I hope that the new year brings you inspiration, good health and much joy!

See you next year!

Suzi

A Child's Christmas in Wales...

2011-12-05T11:08:00.000-08:00

On Friday December 16th...A very special holiday offering at Casa Karen!

a unique redering of the holiday classic by Dylan Thomas...

"A Child's Christmas in Wales"

with original music by vocalist Suzi Stern, Rich Harney on piano & synth , Buddy Mohammed on acoustic bass and coming in from Amsterdam for the performance Alex Coke on sax, flute and various whimsical toys.

8 Christmas seasons ago, The Harry Ransom Center commissioned Alex Coke and myself to do something with improvised jazz and spoken word for their jazz & poetry series, and we decided to perform this magical piece by Dylan Thomas....it has since become an Austin holiday tradition! I hope you can share the evening with us!

Casa Karen

7402 Greenhaven

Doors open at 7:30...show at 8:00

Tickets $20

Free amazing holiday treats to drink & eat!

Call (512) 459-9900 for reservations and more info. C.C. accepted over phone!

Happy Holidays!!

Dylan Thomas, Jazz and Cheer!

2011-11-16T03:23:00.000-08:00

On December 3rd, The Casa Karen Series is proud to present the amazing jazz Saxophonist Elias Haslanger with Angelo Lambesis on piano. Bruce Saunders guitar, Daniel Durham bass and Steve Schwelling drums. Each one of the players in this ensemble have their own discographies and are involved with numerous brilliant projects of their own...on Dec. 3rd they all come together for a memorable evening of creative jazz. Check out Elias and some samples of his sound at http://elijazz.com
Call for reservations as seating is limited.
doors open at 7:30....show at 8:00
(512 ) 459-9900 for info. c.c. accepted over phone!
Free refreshments! Hope to see you all there. This will be a very special night!
Casa Karen is at 7402 Greenhaven Dr. 78757

**********************************************************************************

Watch my Blog for more information about The Austin Civic Orchestra's Holiday Concert! On Sunday December 11th I will be the featured singer with the Orchestra, and I'm really looking forward to singing with all of those strings under the baton of brilliant conductor Lois Ferrari!! One of the works that I'll be performing was commissioned by the A.C.O for composer George Oldziey especially for me so I'm very excited about hearing it all come together. The concert begins at 3:00 at Bates Recital Hall at the University of Texas at Austin. Google Austin Civic Orchestra for more details.

**********************************************************************************
On December 16th a very special holiday offering.
An original musical rendering of the Dylan Thomas Classic: "A Child's Christmas In Wales"
Jazz Sax wizard Alex Coke will be coming in from Amsterdam playing not only flute and sax but various whimsical toys....the remarkable Rich Harney on piano and keyboards and from Dallas world renowned bassist Buddy Mohamed..join me, Suzi Stern, as I read Thomas's sparkling text and sing several of my original compositions for this delightful festive performance! This show was commissioned by the Harry Ransom Center in 2005 for their poetry and Jazz Series and has become an Austin tradition.
Casa Karen
7402 Greenhaven Drive
Austin, Texas 78757
Doors open at 7:30....show begins at 8:00
Free holiday sweet treats etc. as well!
Info. and reservations: (512) 459-9900 c.c. accepted over phone!
C.D.'s of this performance (Aardvark Records) will be for sale at the show and make great holiday presents!!

**********************************************************************************
HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!

Looking ahead to 2012 we have some truly exciting events planned for the Casa Karen Series!

Sun. Jan. 15th: Not to be missed: Cuban singer Estrella Acosta with Gabriel Santiago!!
www.myspace.com/estrellaacosta
www.myspace.com/gabrielsantiagomusic

Sat. Jan. 21st is the beautiful music of Mitchell & Harris
Glen Pat Harris & Anna Mae Mitchell
The c.d. release of their brilliant new c.d. "Traveling by Moonlight"
www.mitchellandharris.com

Circle this date!! FEB. 29th we predict selling out fast for this amazing not to be missed opportunity to hear:
The Eddie Gomez Trio
Eddie Gomez bass
Stefan Karlsson piano
Ed Soph drums
http://www.eddiegomez.com
stefanmikarlsson.blogspot.com
www.drummerworld.com/drummers/ed_soph.html
Call for info: and reservations now!! (512) 459-9900

I am so thrilled about having Eddie's trio play in our intimate performance space at Casa! What an honor!

Other exciting news in my world of music! Two beautiful c.d.s are in the works. One is my project "Sleep Walking Girl" which is a c.d. of my original compositions...My son Rene being my most outspoken fan put me up to the challenge of releasing a c.d. that was only tunes that I had penned...it's not really jazz...not pop...not really anything I can describe, but the playing on it so far is fantastic and I love everyone who has worked on it so much! (Paul Unger, Steve Schwelling, George Oldziey, Mitch Watkins, James Anderson, Stern Voice Studio Childrens Choir) And closer to being finished is the GATO 6 c.d, which is sounding amazing. This is George's baby and I'm proud to be singing on it! Both projects will be out in the world in the spring of 2012!

AND: I am delighted to be one of the Texas artists featured on the Chuck Pinnell produced c.d. "Dark River" Check out this beautiful short on the c.d. which is out in the world on Blue Corn Records.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4h1s1cK5sdc

Suzi Stern Music Events!

2011-10-05T12:18:00.000-07:00

Hosting amazing music in our space at Casa has been an amazing and inspiring experience! The Austin Piazzola Quintet was a remarkable show. I'm still smiling from the effects of that music!

My next gig in town will be at The Elephant Room
315 Congress Ave.
GATO 6
featuring Suzi Stern
Friday, November 4th
9:30 to 1:30
GATO 6 is a blast! High Energy Latin Jazz tunes...all original and played by some of the best players in the nation...who just happen to live right here in Austin Texas!! I know the name of the band is GATO 6, but there's actually 7 of us, so there's a lot of sound comin' at cha! Come on down and party with us!!
Check out our GATO info: http://oldziey.com/gato6.php

Watch my Blog for more information about The Austin Civic Orchestra's Holiday Concert! On December 10th I will be the featured singer with the Orchestra, and I'm really looking forward to singing with all of those strings under the baton of brilliant conductor Lois Ferrari!!

Next up on the calendar at our Casa Karen series is the c.d. release concert for lovely vocalist, pianist, composer Beth Ullman, on Sat. November 5th. Beth is joined by a world class quartet and she will be featured playing on that 9 foot grand so we hope you can join us!
www.myspace.com/bethaniullman
Call (512) 459-9900 for reservations and more information!

On December 3rd, we will be featuring the amazing jazz Saxophonist Elias Haslanger and his band. Check out his sounds at http://elijazz.com (512)459-9900 for info.

On December 16th a very special holiday offering.
An original musical rendering of the Dylan Thomas Classic: "A Childs Christmas In Wales"
Jazz Sax wizard Alex Coke will be coming in from Amsterdam to join Rich Harney (piano) Buddy Mohamed (bass) and myself (Suzi Stern, as I read Thomas's text and sing my original compositions and play various wonderful strange toys) for this delightful festive performance! Free holiday sweet treats etc. as well!
Info: (512) 459-9900

Looking ahead to 2012 we have some truly exciting events planned!

Sun. Jan. 15th: Not to be missed: Cuban singer Estrella Acosta with Gabriel Santiago!!
www.myspace.com/estrellaacosta
www.myspace.com/gabrielsantiagomusic

Sat. Jan. 21st is the beautiful music of Mitchell & Harris
The c.d. release of their brilliant new c.d. "Traveling by Moonlight"
www.mitchellandharris.com

Circle this date!! FEB. 29th we predict selling out fast for this amazing not to be missed opportunity to hear:
The Eddie Gomez Trio
Eddie Gomez bass
Stefan Karlsson piano
Ed Soph drums
http://www.eddiegomez.com
stefanmikarlsson.blogspot.com
www.drummerworld.com/drummers/ed_soph.html
Call for info: and reservations now!! (512) 459-9900

I am so thrilled about having Eddie's trio play in our intimate performance space! What an honor!

The lovely photo of me on this blog is by photographer Brenda Ladd. Brenda is a world renowned artist. Check out her work at:
www.brendaladdphoto.com

Other exciting news in my world of music! Two beautiful c.d.s are in the works. One is my project "Sleep Walking Girl" which is a c.d. of my original compositions...My son Rene being my most outspoken fan put me up to the challenge of releasing a c.d. that was only tunes that I had penned...it's not really jazz...not pop...not really anything I can describe, but the playing on it so far is fantastic and I love everyone who has worked on it so much! And, closer to being finished is the GATO 6 c.d, which is sounding amazing. This is George's baby and I'm proud to be singing on it! Both projects will be out in the world in the spring of 2012!

Suzi Stern presents The Austin Piazolla Quintet

2011-09-21T12:26:00.000-07:00

It is our distinct honor to Welcome the Austin Piazzolla Quintet as our next featured musical offering in the Casa Karen Series!
Check out their beautiful sounds at: http://www.myspace.com/austinpiazzollaquintet

APQ is a phenomenally exciting and polished ensemble that features the music of the beloved Argentinian tango composer, Astor Piazzolla. I first heard the music of Piazzolla in my late teens and it truly changed my life. Please come share this special evening with us!

On October 2nd, APQ will be playing in concert in a very comfortable and intimate setting at Casa Karen, the home of musicians George Oldziey and Suzi Stern. Casa Karen has become a prestigious Austin concert series which has quickly become the venue to enjoy music in a quiet space conducive to listening!

There is limited seating so call for reservations soon!

Casa Karen Concert
Sunday, October 2
7 to 9 PM (doors open at 6:30)
7402 Greenhaven Drive
Reservations: 512-459-9900
Tickets $20
Refreshments provided!

Drew Nelson at Casa Karen

2011-08-31T08:10:00.000-07:00

Producer Chuck Pinnell presents: C.D. Release Concert of Dark River
Award winning singer/ songwriter DREW NELSON in concert at Casa Karen
with special guests Suzi Stern & Erin Ivy

Wednesday September 14th
Casa Karen
7402 Greenhaven Drive
Austin Texas 78757

$20 Call for reservations (512) 459-9900 credit cards accepted via phone!
Doors open at 7:00 show starts at 7:30 sharp
Free refreshments!

The Dark River project is a collection of classic public-domain material from the Civil War era interpreted by some of Austin’s finest singer/songwriters. It begins with a young man on his way to the battle of Shiloh, through the years of blood and glory and concludes on the streets of Laredo. Produced by Chuck Pinnell and featuring a wide array of great talent, Dark River’s stunning performances and arrangements present a vibrant narrative about America’s most convulsive decade.
Dark River will be released by Blue Corn Music September 13th, 2011, and will be available through Amazon, iTunes, and other major music retailers.

Track Listing: 1. Shiloh – Warren Hood  2. Hard Times – Drew Nelson 3. Swing Low – Rebecca Folsom and Celeste Krenz 4. She Moved Through the Fair – Slaid Cleaves 5. Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier – Erin Ivey 6. The Last Rose of Summer – Chuck Pinnell 7. Lorena – Jimmy LaFave 8. Oh! Susanna – Suzi Stern 9. Jack of Diamonds – Jon Dee Graham 10. Colorado Trail – Eliza Gilkyson 11. The Yellow Rose of Texas – Rich Brotherton 12. Red River Valley – James McMurtry 13. I Ride an Old Paint – Rita Hosking 14. The Streets of Laredo – Slaid Cleaves 15. Home, Sweet Home – Jeff Plankenhorn

Casa Karen Concerts present a rare opportunity to hear and support live music in a quiet intimate environment!
Thank you for supporting this endeavor in the heart of Texas!
We hope to see you soon!
Suzi Stern & George Oldziey
*********************************************************************************************************************************
Every generation has its poets; the writers, musicians, and lyricists who capture the spirit and longings of their time. Those who give expression to our own personal memories and dreams as though they know us. They tell our stories, giving us the words we need to celebrate or let go. That is the soil in which singer/songwriter Drew Nelson has been toiling. Legendary songwriter John Gorka said “Drew’s songs sound like the rest of us feel. His characters are anything but defeated. They are dazed, angry, amazed and climbing.”

Drew Nelson’s latest album, Dusty Road to Beulah Land marks a notable growth in his standing as a songwriter and musician. Each song brings another side of Drew to the forefront, expanding beyond his folk-singer roots to embrace wider genres.

In the follow up to Nelson’s acclaimed independent release Immigrant Son, he proves he is not only a great songwriter but as a great storyteller. Singer/songwriter Meg Hutchinson says “it’s not often that someone can so aptly give voice to other people’s lives and make us believe every word.” Nelson’s stories are about the people we know, people we wish we knew, and who we are.

Within this collection of songs we find the displaced Detroit auto worker (Stranger), the love lost and wandering (Highway 2), the farmer watching his beloved landscape disappear before his eyes (Farmer’s Lament), the dazed blue collar worker shaking his head at bailouts and greed, and the deep respect and insight of Native American life and culture (Grandmother Moon, Raindance). Drew puts his feelings, and ours, into words and music that capture the spirit and soul of the world around us all with a common thread: Hope.

Dusty Road to Beulah Land was produced by longtime friend and producer Michael Crittenden in Grand Rapids, Michigan and mastered by the legendary Jerry Tubb at Terra Nova studios in Austin, Texas. Tubb first listened to the tracks a few days before he and Drew got together to see what he was getting into. When Drew arrived, Tubb told him “I’ve worked on a lot of music. Sometimes I get a salvage project; this is a record.”

“Drew Nelson’s songs move like the river under the ice. He writes like a man who has learned to make use of his setbacks, to become a voice of community and renewal,” says Andrew Calhoun of Waterbug Records. (Dusty Road to Beulah Land will be released on Waterbug Records March /09)

“Early on every writer has to decide whether to try to get at the truth or just blather,” says Signature Sounds Recording Artist, Peter Mulvey. “As you encounter the characters on this record, it becomes clear that Drew Nelson has dedicated and re-dedicated himself to getting at real human stories. Some of these characters are him, and some are people he knows, and all their stories let us know that Drew is standing in the Midwestern cold, seeing and telling as clearly as he can.”

Drew grew up in Michigan, but escaped the narrow confines of his small-town, Midwestern upbringing by joining the Navy and traveling the world. He was able to see first-hand what was really happening in the world, and come home with fresh eyes to appreciate the realities of life in America. These experiences provided insight and understanding that have found an outlet in songs filled with discovery, revelation, and hope.

Nelson is now expanding his love of music to the creation of the instruments he plays. He has just finished making his first guitar, and hopes to start a tradition of building and signing one a year to auction off for charity. In addition to giving back to us through his music, Nelson is involved in many community-based efforts to educate the next generation and make our world a better place to live. He lives what he writes.

This Friday at the Elephant Room!

2011-08-22T18:33:00.000-07:00

This coming Friday, August 26th
Great Original Latin Jazz with:
G.A.T.O 6
At: The Elephant Room
315 Congress Ave. Austin, Texas
music from 9:30 to 1:30
G.A.T.O. 6 is: GATO (George Alan Thaddeus Oldziey) on piano, John Mills sax, Dennis Dotson trumpet, Kris Afflerbaugh bass, Wayne Salzman drums, Luiz Couthino percussion and Suzi Stern vocals

Please come join us for a great night of high energy music!! Hope to see you there!

Elephant Room Sat. Night!

2011-08-05T10:09:00.000-07:00

This Sat. night, August 6th I will be singing with the Peter Stolzman Group at the Elephant Room! I hope you can join us to bid the amazing Mr. Stolzman a fond farewell! Peter is re-locating to Chicago next week to join the faculty of the University of Chicago and to continue his doctoral research...he will be sorely missed!

The Peter Stolzman Group
At The Elephant Room
Saturday August 6th
9:30 to 1:30
315 Congress Avenue

Peter Stolzman piano, Pat Harris bass, Steve Schwelling drums, Elias Haslanger sax and Suzi Stern joyfully sitting in!

Gabriel Santiago Concert at Casa!

2011-08-02T10:33:00.000-07:00

An event not to be missed!
Join us for The Gabriel Santiago acoustic group at Casa!

Please circle the date! Sunday August 14th...Call 459-9900 for reservations!

It is our honor to present the wonderful Gabriel Santiago.
Born in Brazil, the 2010 ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award Winner is a world class composer, arranger, & and master guitarist. He is currently living in Austin, attending the the doctoral program in music composition at the University of Texas at Austin. Gabriel has performed with a wide variety of artists such as Esperanza Spalding, Chris Potter, Terence Blanchard, Carmen Bradford, Gilson Peranzzetta, Odair Assad, among others. He composes music for a wide variety of live ensembles, and a vast array of media. His music is influenced by everything from Brazilian folk and popular music to Jazz and Classical. (Check out the link at the bottom of this blog to hear Gabriels sounds!)

Sunday August 14th
Gabriel Santiago Group
Doors open at 6:30
Show starts at 7:00
Tickets are $20
free refreshments and treats of all sorts!
Casa is located at 7402 Greenhaven Drive 78757
call for more info. and reservations: (512) 459-9900 credit card payment accepted.

Casa Karen Jazz series is proudly presented by Suzi Stern & George Oldziey
Our big news is that we just purchased an amazing 9 foot concert grand piano for this concert series! Come meet this new addition to our family, and we hope you'll make a habit of joining us at these exclusive concerts!

Looking forward to seeing you!
Suzi & Gato!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Wm_bY0ZajA

Join us for Gabriel Santiago at Casa!

2011-07-26T17:48:00.000-07:00

Please circle the date! Sunday August 14th...

It is our honor to present the wonderful Gabriel Santiago.
Born in Brazil, the 2010 ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award Winner is a composer, arranger, & an acoustic and electric guitar player. He is currently living in Austin, attending the the doctoral program in music composition at the University of Texas at Austin. Gabriel has performed with a wide variety of artists such as Esperanza Spalding, Chris Potter, Terence Blanchard, Carmen Bradford, Gilson Peranzzetta, Odair Assad, among others. He has been composing music for a wide variety of ensembles, styles and media. His music is influenced by everything from Brazilian folk and popular music to Jazz and Classical music as well. Check out the link at the bottom of this blog.

Sunday August 14th
Gabriel Santiago Group
Doors open at 6:30
Show starts at 7:00
Tickets are $20
free refreshments and treats of all sorts!
Casa is located at 7402 Greenhaven Drive 78757
call for more info. and reservations: (512) 459-9900 credit card payment accepted.

Casa Karen Jazz series is proudly presented by Suzi Stern & George Oldziey
Our big news is that we just purchased an amazing 9 foot concert grand piano for this concert series! Come meet this new addition to our family, and we hope you'll make a habit of joining us at these exclusive concerts!

Looking forward to seeing you!
Suzi & Gato!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Wm_bY0ZajA

a few Summer events

2011-07-12T15:09:00.000-07:00

Sunday July 17th
A benefit concert for the Boys and Girls Club of Bastrop County
Suzi Stern and George Oldziey performing re-invented Jazz Classics
Hosted by Mac & Joyce Payne
396 McAllister Road
Bastrop, Texas 78602
Call (512) 985-5490 for more info.

doors open at 4:30
Concert from 5:00 to 7:00
Intermission with hor d'oeuvres etc.

Suggested donation $20 but any and all is gratefully accepted!
email at: Mac@macandjoyce.org
*********************************
Sunday July 24th "Learning to Listen"
A voice workshop in two parts led by Suzi Stern on Sunday July 24th
An afternoon of wonderful freeing exercises inspired by my studies with vocal wizard Bobby McFerrin, and experience singing with a professional ensemble!
Part A
Noon to 2:00
A capella exercises designed to “free” the voice and open up creative spontaneity! We will cover the basic fundamentals of vocal improvisation, creating spontaneous sound inventions and explore what it means to really “listen” as a member of an ensemble. Anyone can participate in part A…all levels from complete beginner to advanced are welcome. These are fabulous, sometimes scary, always fun voice games and exercises!
Short break…there will be snacks and H2o!
Part B
2:30 to 5:00
SINGING WITH AN ENSEMBLE!
Part A is a pre-requisite to participate in part B. This section is primarily for the aspiring jazz vocalist. Singers must come prepared with one or two jazz standards (memorized) and 2 photo copies of your music, for the pianist and bass player to accompany you.
We will cover using a microphone to get the best results, phrasing, interactions with band members, stage presence, listening to progressions, improvising over changes and telling your story through musical interpretation.
Part A alone is $40 (if you would like, you are welcome to stay and observe the ensemble section B of the clinic and take notes etc.)
Part A & Part B together is $70
(Bring photo copies of one or two songs and know the music by heart! )
7402 Greenhaven Dr. 78757
register and more info: 347-1722
This is always so much fun! Just come with an open mind and an adventurous spirit! Looking ahead to the fall and winter I hope to do the “ Central Texas Jazz Intensive” with Peter Stolzman and Elias Haslanger so I’ll keep you up-dated on those clinics as well. Looking forward to it!!
****************************************************
Sat. August 6th
The Peter Stoltzman Group
at The Elephant Room
315 Congress Ave.
9:30 to 1:30
******************************************************
Sunday August 14th
The Gabriel Santiago acoustic Group
At Casa Karen
7402 Greenhaven Drive
Aus. Tx. 78757
doors open at 6:30, show 7:00 to 9:00
A very rare and intimate way to experience this rising star from Brazil and his group playing his sparkling compositions with brilliant musicianship.
Call for reservations and more info.(512) 459-9900
Free refreshments!
$20 & c.c. accepted over the phone!
******************************************************

2011-06-09T14:22:00.000-07:00

The premier concert at Casa Karen was really beautiful. Peter Stolzman's Group played to a sold out house and the energy in the room was magical! I'm still receiving grateful emails about the happy effect it had on the audience!
We hope you will join us at the next Casa Concert on Sunday, June 26th...Tickets are selling out fast so we hope we can save you a seat! See details below!

but first I'll be singing with GATO!
Friday, June 24th
Great Original Latin Jazz with:
G.A.T.O 6
At: The Elephant Room
315 Congress Ave. Austin, Texas
music from 9:30 to 1:30
G.A.T.O. 6 is GATO on piano, John Mills sax, Dennis Dotson trumpet, Kris Afflerbaugh bass, Wayne Salzman drums, Luis Couthino percussion and Suzi Stern vocals

Sunday June 26th
the Suzi Stern Quartet
with world renown bassist Paul Unger, and from Dallas Dennis Durick on drums, and Austins own George Oldziey piano
At: Casa Karen
7402 Greenhaven Drive
Austin 78757
Tickets are $20 free refreshments!
For more information and reservations call: 459-9900
doors open at 6:30 concert 7:00 to 9:00

In August keep the date:
Sunday August 14th
Brazilian composer & guitar master Gabriel Santiago
with The Gabriel Santiago Group at Casa Karen!

Summer Jazz!

2011-06-04T10:12:00.000-07:00

This coming Monday June 6th
Suzi Stern sings with the "Leap of Heart Project"
at: The Elephant Room
with John Mills Sax, Evan"sticky" Arredondo Bass, Brannen Temple drums,George Oldziey piano and Suzi Stern vocals
315 Congress Ave.
10:00 p.m. to midnight
The Elephant Room is Celerating 20 years of Jazz in the basement!

7,777 + Memorable Performances
10,000+ Amazing Musicians

Two-Night Special Invitational Jazz JAM June 5th & 6th
Featuring the Current Icons of the Austin Jazz Community

Friday, June 24th
Great Original Latin Jazz with:
G.A.T.O 6
featuring Suzi Stern
At: The Elephant Room
315 Congress Ave. Austin, Texas
music from 9:30 to 1:30
G.A.T.O. 6 is GATO on piano, John Mills sax, Dennis Dotson trumpet, Kris Afflerbaugh bass, Wayne Salzman drums, and Luis Couthino percussion

Sunday June 26th
the Suzi Stern Quartet
with world renown bassist Paul Unger, and from Dallas Dennis Durick on drums, and Austins own George Oldziey piano
At: Casa Karen
7402 Greenhaven Drive
Austin 78757
For more information and reservations call: 459-9900
doors open at 6:30 concert 7:00 to 9:00

In August keep the date:
Sunday August 14th
The Gabriel Santiago Group at Casa Karen

Call for reservations and more info. 459-9900

Peter Stolzman & Suzi Stern at Casa Karen!

2011-05-24T13:25:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!
Sorry for any redundancy on this mailing, but I neglected to mention the price of tickets!
$20 and an assortment of refreshments will be provided for free!

Please circle these two exciting June events that will be starting the trend of world class music performances at the new Casa Karen location! 7402 Greenhaven Drive, Austin Texas 78757

Casa Concerts provide an opportunity to hear intimate acoustic music the way it should be heard: without the roar of blenders or the cacophony of multiple conversations adding texture to the compositions! Come be guests in our home and enjoy taking in some music at this newly renovated space!

Sat. June 4th
We are so honored to have the brilliant jazz pianist, Peter Stolzman starting our new series off!
Be part of this "live recording" Concert!
The Peter Stolzman Trio with Steve Schwelling drums and Pat Harris Bass (read about Peter below)

Sunday June 26th
Suzi Stern Quartet with world renowned bassist Paul Unger, phenomenal Dallas based drummer Dennis Durick, and Austin's own George Oldziey on piano

Doors open at 6:30 concerts begin at 7:00
Refreshments provided!
For reservations and more info. call (512) 459-9900

About Peter Stolzman:

While quietly releasing 5 independent recordings over the past decade, Stoltzman has cut his teeth as a sideman with jazz luminaries and young lions – performing with Eddie Gomez and Steve Gadd, Ron Westray, Bob Moses, Julian Lage, Justin Vasquez and Yosvanny Terry, among others. Stoltzman has played in the Montreal Jazz Festival, the North Beach, San Jose, and Pensacola Jazz Festivals, the Texas and Austin Jazz Festivals, and jazz venues from NYC to Bratislava to Tokyo. With his father, Grammy-winning clarinetist Richard Stoltzman, Peter John has recorded three CDs for BMG, played the Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, and concert halls around the globe. A uniquely diverse performer, Stoltzman has recorded and toured with folk, rock, funk, drum-n-bass, fusion, Brazilian and Afro-Cuban groups, performed an avant-garde concerto with the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, and even made tracks for Warner Bros. hip-hop artists.

A student of Joanne Brackeen, Charlie Banacos, Bob Brookmeyer, and many others, Peter graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Performance from Berklee College of Music in 1999. After Berklee, Peter lived in New York City, where he recorded and performed with an eclectic variety of artists including drummer Deantoni Parks and Kudu, rapper Jah Dan and Noble Society, guitarist John Shannon and Waking Vision, and the American Music Award-winning funk band The Bomb Squad.

As a teacher, Peter has been a regular on the faculty at the Stanford Jazz Workshop since 1997, where he is now the Faculty Director. In 2009, Peter led the music component of Austin's Leadership Enrichment through the Arts Program. Peter has given jazz masterclasses around the country and on tour in Italy and Japan, and continues to teach private lessons in jazz and contemporary styles of performance and composition.

In 2004, Peter earned his Master’s Degree in Jazz Composition with Academic Honors and Distinction in Performance, along with a Concentration in Music in Education from New England Conservatory. Now residing in Austin with his wife Gray and their two sons, Peter is pursuing a doctoral degree in Music and Human Learning from the University of Texas. In 2010, Peter won first prize in the Philips Jazz Piano Competition. Peter can be heard playing in Austin, TX at the Elephant Room jazz club with established stars, young lions, and his own Trio.

Jazz at Casa Karen!

2011-05-16T08:37:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

Please circle these two exciting June events that will be starting the trend of world class music performances at the new Casa Karen location! 7402 Greenhaven Drive, Austin Texas 78757

Casa Concerts provide an opportunity to hear intimate acoustic music the way it should be heard: without the roar of blenders or the cacophony of multiple conversations adding texture to the compositions! Come be guests in our home and enjoy taking in some music at this newly renovated space!

Sat. June 4th
We are so honored to have the brilliant Peter Stolzman start our new series off!
Be part of this "live recording" Concert!
The Peter Stolzman Trio with Steve Schwelling drums and Pat Harris Bass (read about Peter below)

Sunday June 26th
Suzi Stern Quartet with world renowned bassist Paul Unger, phenomenal Dallas based drummer Dennis Durick, and Austin's own George Oldziey on piano

Doors open at 6:30 concerts begin at 7:00
Refreshments provided!
For reservations and more info. call (512) 459-9900

About Peter Stolzman:

While quietly releasing 5 independent recordings over the past decade, Stoltzman has cut his teeth as a sideman with jazz luminaries and young lions – performing with Eddie Gomez and Steve Gadd, Ron Westray, Bob Moses, Julian Lage, Justin Vasquez and Yosvanny Terry, among others. Stoltzman has played in the Montreal Jazz Festival, the North Beach, San Jose, and Pensacola Jazz Festivals, the Texas and Austin Jazz Festivals, and jazz venues from NYC to Bratislava to Tokyo. With his father, Grammy-winning clarinetist Richard Stoltzman, Peter John has recorded three CDs for BMG, played the Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, and concert halls around the globe. A uniquely diverse performer, Stoltzman has recorded and toured with folk, rock, funk, drum-n-bass, fusion, Brazilian and Afro-Cuban groups, performed an avant-garde concerto with the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, and even made tracks for Warner Bros. hip-hop artists.

A student of Joanne Brackeen, Charlie Banacos, Bob Brookmeyer, and many others, Peter graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Performance from Berklee College of Music in 1999. After Berklee, Peter lived in New York City, where he recorded and performed with an eclectic variety of artists including drummer Deantoni Parks and Kudu, rapper Jah Dan and Noble Society, guitarist John Shannon and Waking Vision, and the American Music Award-winning funk band The Bomb Squad.

As a teacher, Peter has been a regular on the faculty at the Stanford Jazz Workshop since 1997, where he is now the Faculty Director. In 2009, Peter led the music component of Austin's Leadership Enrichment through the Arts Program. Peter has given jazz masterclasses around the country and on tour in Italy and Japan, and continues to teach private lessons in jazz and contemporary styles of performance and composition.

In 2004, Peter earned his Master’s Degree in Jazz Composition with Academic Honors and Distinction in Performance, along with a Concentration in Music in Education from New England Conservatory. Now residing in Austin with his wife Gray and their two sons, Peter is pursuing a doctoral degree in Music and Human Learning from the University of Texas. In 2010, Peter won first prize in the Philips Jazz Piano Competition. Peter can be heard playing in Austin, TX at the Elephant Room jazz club with established stars, young lions, and his own Trio.

Cinco de Mayo, Jazz etc!

2011-05-02T10:52:00.000-07:00

Well it's already May! Unbelievable...the blue Bonnets have bloomed and faded already but now I'm enjoying the roses sweet scent! I adore spring time in Central Texas!
In my music world here's what's coming up...

On Thursday May 5th
CINCO DE MAYO with G.A.T.O. 6
featuring Suzi Stern
At: the Elephant Room
315 Congress Ave.
Austin, Texas 78701
(512) 473-2279
G.A.T.O.6 is: George Oldziey piano, Kris Afflerbaugh bass, Wayne Salzman drums, John Mills sax, Dennis Dotson trumpet and Toniko Vanelli percussion with Suzi Stern vocals

Looking ahead circle these exciting dates:

Fri. June 24th
Suzi Stern with the latin jazz group
G.A.T.O.6
The Elephant Room
315 Congress Ave.

The Premier Concert debuting the new space for the Casa Karen Concert Series
Sat. June 4th
with The Peter Stolzman Trio
Peter Stolzman piano, Pat Harris Bass, Steve Schwelling drums
Call (512) 459-9900 for details and reservations

Sunday June 26th
The New Suzi Stern Quartet
with George Oldziey piano, and from Dallas/ Ft. Worth Paul Unger bass and Dennis Durick drums

July 8th
Very Special secret surprise guest artist t.b.a. at Casa...keep your eye on this blog for details!

Hey speaking of this blogs please join my blog at blogger.com/suzistern OR visit my web at http://www.suzistern.com and click on "shows" for updates...that's super easy as well.

I have been in and out of the recording studio working on 2 different c.d. projects that will be released this year and I've been totally excited about both of them.
Also keep your eye on the new release produced by Chuck Pinnell due for release this spring. This c.d. is a beautiful collection of Americana songs arranged and performed by various Austin performers, which I am proud to be one of...I am joined by Eliza Gilkeson, John D.Graham, Erin Ivy to name only a few. I'm also jazzed about it because I never let people hear me play piano and I'm actually doing just that on my track.

Okay...be well and thanks for reading my blog! Hope to see you out supporting live music in Austin!

Happy spring!

Suzi

April Jazz Musings...

2011-04-03T07:23:00.000-07:00

March was filled with great music at Cezannes in Houston, The Elephant Room in Austin and a beautiful and successful fund raising concert for Hospice in Austin. On March 27th I felt very honored to be singing at the Creative Opportunity Jazz Orchestra Tribute at Antones, with Susanna Sharpe, John Mills, Russ Scanlon, Pat Harris, Rob Kazenel to name only a few of the illustrious jazz artists who came together to honor the phenomenal late Tina Marsh and her legacy. Tina holds a very special place in all of our hearts. Thank you to the Austin Jazz Society.

Aside from exciting plans getting firmed up for this summers Casa Karen Concerts in our new renovated space (schedule t.b.a.) I am very much looking forward to playing once again with the remarkable Paul Unger at Scat Jazz Lounge in Forth Worth.

Thursday April 28th
Scat Jazz Lounge
111 W 4th St # 11
Fort Worth, TX 76102-3915
(817) 870-9100

I will be singing with George Oldziey piano, Paul Unger bass, Dennis Durick drums and Dave Monsch sax! It's a beautiful venue and we hope you can make it out.

I'm extremely jazzed (pun intended) about the recent workshops I've been leading in Houston and Austin and the plans to expand these concepts into a larger scaled community outreach program for young artists. Keep your eye on this blog and I'll keep you updated on events.

Thanks for checking out my blog!

All the Best,
Suzi

Suzi Stern Jazz events coming up...

2011-02-23T09:23:00.000-08:00

March roars in with some exciting musical events that I would love to share with you...

Thursday March 3rd I will be the featured vocalist with the exciting Latin Jazz band
GATO 6
at The Elephant Room
311 Congress Ave.
Austin, Texas
512 473-2279
Suzi Stern with world class trumpeter Dennis Dotson, Dr. John Mills sax, Kris Afflerbaugh bass, Wayne Salzmann drums Tonico Vanali percussion and GATO himself, George Alan Thaddeus Oldziey piano

***********************************************
On Friday, March 11th

Singer Suzi Stern of Austin
joins Special Guest Artist, Bassist Paul Unger of Fort Worth
with George Oldziey on piano and Rob Kazenel on drums
in a private concert in support of
Hospice Austin

In the home of Kati and Jay Cowles, 2806 Robbs Run

Friday, March 11, 2011
Doors open 6:30 pm, concert at 7

Suggested donation per person $20; larger donations will be happily accepted!
Please give generously if you can. All profits will be given to Hospice Austin to assist their programs for the terminally ill and bereaved.

Then off to Houston on the 12th of March, where I will lead a workshop for Texas Southern University Foundation on behalf of the Texas Southern University Jazz Studies Program.
That afternoon, I am scheduled to be their guest artist and clinician for the 2011 TSU Jazz Festival. 3100 Cleburne, Houston Texas Call 713 313-7316 for more info.
***********************************************************
And later that evening
Sat. March 12th
at Cezannes Jazz Club
4100 Montrose Ave. Houston Texas
Suzi Stern with Paul Unger, George Oldziey, Rob Kazenel
9:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m.
713 522-9621 for more info.
***********************************************************
Intimate concerts at Casa Karen update!
George and I are in the thick of renovating another home which will host many wonderful concerts in 2011!
I'll keep you updated on the progress and the great line up of artists waiting to perform there. This venue will also be capable of
capturing studio quality recordings in front of a live audience for the performing artists!
************************************************************
In April I will be joining the amazing bassist, Paul Unger at Scat Lounge in Fort Worth again! I always look forward to playing with phenomenal musicians at that beautiful venue. Watch this blog for more info. on dates and directions!

I hope to see you at some or all of these events and here's to welcoming in spring with music and friends!

All the Best,
Suzi

note: Photo by Brenda Ladd

Gigs to warm up by!

2011-02-04T18:14:00.000-08:00

Hello again everyone!
Coming up this Valentines Day, Feb. 14th
Music with Suzi Stern and George Oldziey
At the very romantic and colorful Chez Zee!
Music starts at 6:00
5406 Balcones Drive
Austin, TX 78731-4906
(512) 454-2666 for more info. and reservations
Bus: 5765 Balcones
Get directions
**********************************

If you care to read on, some things coming up in March to look out for: I'll fill in the fine details soon!

Friday March 11th I will be singing for a Hospice Benefit with Paul Unger, George Oldziey and Rob Kazenel.This will be an intimate concert, in a beautiful space that will hopefully raise money for a wonderful cause. I'll let you know exact details when we firm things up!

On March 12th I will be teaching a vocal clinic in Houston Texas connected with the TSU Jazz Festival and I will be the featured vocalist with the TSU Jazz Festival Big Band. Time and location details coming soon...

Sat. March 12th in the evening after the Festival I am very much looking forward to performing at Cezannes in Houston (on Montrose Ave.)
with: George Oldziey piano, Paul Unger Bass and Rob Kazenel drums
*************************************
Hope to see you on Valentines Day! Stay warm! Can you believe that it snowed in Austin?!

Suzi

Suzi Stern Upcoming shows!

2011-01-11T16:52:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone! Here are a few Gigs coming up that I'd love to share with you. Circle the dates on your calendars and we hope to see you at one or all of these musical happenings!

Thursday, Jan. 20th
The Suzi Stern Quintet
with George Oldziey, Kris Afflerbaugh, John Mills and Wayne Salzmann
The Elephant Room
9:30 to 1:30
315 Congress Ave. Austin Tx.
***************************

Monday Feb. 14th
Valentines Day at Chez Zee
A sweet and romantic spot to be on the 14th!
5406 Balcones Dr. Aus. 78731
Suzi Stern & George Oldziey

******************************

Thursday March 3rd
GATO 6
Come experience new exciting original music from the crazed and brilliant mind of Gato himself!!
The Elephant Room
315 Congress
9:30 to 1:30
Suzi Stern, voice
George Alan Thaddeus Oldziey, (thus GATO)piano
Dr. John Mills sax, flute
Dennis Dotson, trumpet
Wayne Salzmann, drums
Kris Afflerbaugh, bass

***********************
Sat. March 12th
2 exciting events in Houston

Voices in jazz workshop
Led by Suzi Stern
Presented by:
The Jazz Institute of Houston
in Partnership with the University of Houston
(Time and place to be announced...keep you eye on this blog for an update)
*****************************
Sat. Evening March 12th
Suzi Stern with Bass Master Paul Unger and friends
at Cezannes
Montrose Ave,
Houston Tx.

******************************

If you've read this far down on my Blog, I thank you from the bottom of my heart! I'm be-holdin' to you for taking an interest and hope to see you out at a gig soon!

All the Best,
Suzi

Happy New Year!

2011-01-03T08:42:00.000-08:00

It's 2011! Amazing...here's hoping this year brings you all good health, creative inspiration, plenty of time with those you love, prosperity and more feee time to get out and hear live music!

Coming up on Thursday, Jan. 20th at The Elephant Room

Suzi Stern with George Oldziey, Kris Afflerbaugh, Wayne Salzmann and John Mills

9:30 to 1:30

Some new tunes and revisiting the best of the old...

Hope to see you there!!

All the Best,

Suzi

Coming in February! Watch for G.A.T.O. 6 at the Elephant Room!
The Elephant Room
315 Congress Ave.
(512) 473-2279

S.S.Q. at The Elephant Room!

2010-11-13T10:45:00.000-08:00

Coming up this Thursday Nov. 18th...My last Austin gig of 2010! Hope you can make it out to hear the band!

The Suzi Stern Quintet
at The Elephant Room
315 Congress Ave.
Austin, Texas 78701
(512) 473-2279
9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

with
Suzi Stern voice
Rich Harney piano
John Fremgen bass
Dr. John Mills sax & flute
Wayne Salzmann drums
with special guests!

2010-10-23T15:00:00.000-07:00

Here's some Suzi Jazz News for what is left of October!

A very nice review came out this month in Cadence Magazine: Check it out at the bottom of this emailing if you'd like to read it!
GATO 6 has a c.d. of all GATO originals in the works...It's 3/4 finished and sounding great! I'll keep you posted!
*************************
This coming Thursday Oct. 28th I'll be singing with Kevin Witt's group at the "Whip In" s. IH 35 near Oltorf 7:00 to 10:00 This is becoming a great scene, and I'm looking forward to my first time there with Kevins group! We'll be performing the works of Jobim, Wayne Shorter, Joe Henderson...should be fun!

************************

Friday October 29th
The Suzi Stern Quintet
at The SCAT LOUNGE
Ft. Worth TX.
with Paul Unger bass, Dennis Durick drums, George Oldziey piano and Brad Leali sax
This is a gig not to be missed if you're in the Dallas/Fort Worth area!
www.scatlounge.com
(817) 870-9100
*********************************

Looking ahead to November:
Thursday Nov. 18th
The Suzi Stern Quintet
The Elephant Room
Rich Harney piano, John Mills sax, John Fremgen bass, and Wayne Salzmann drums
315 Congress Ave.
Aus. TX
www.elephantroom.com
(512) 473-2279
*******************************
Here's the Cadence Mag review!

"Suzi Stern is a creative song stylist who adds new dimensions of color and musical interest to the music she performs. On (4), Stern teams up with pianist/arranger George Oldziey and an eminently supportive rhythm section in this evocative concert of great stan- dards. Making artistic use of her delicate and beautiful voice, Stern parlays in-depth knowledge of the tunes and an uncanny sense of timing to create memorable interpretations of these classic melo- dies from Porter, Berlin, Kern, Styne, Gershwin, and others. Kudos to Oldziey and Stern for the subtle arrangements and to all group members for creating a musical environment that perfectly comple- ments Stern’s unique vocal persona."

Cadence Magazine - October 2010
******************************
Please check out my music on Amazon.com, cdbaby.com, aardvarkrecords.com, viewpointrecords.com , ITunes and for sale at Waterloo Records
The Aardvark Records catalog is growing with many remarkable artists and I'm proud to be on that label! Check it out at: aardvarkrecords.com
********************************
Hope to see you out at the gigs!

Happy Halloween!

Suzi

2010-10-17T10:37:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! There's several gigs coming up that I'm really looking forward to. I hope you can join us!

Thur. October 21st

GATO 6

featuring Suzi Stern

at The Elephant Room

Here's the line up for this amazing band which is garnering national attention!!

George Oldziey (a.k.a.GATO) piano, John Mills sax, Dennis Dotson (of Woody Herman fame) Trumpet, Wayne Salzmann drums, Kris Afflerbaugh bass

315 Congress Ave.

Aus. TX. 78701

(512) 473-2279

www.elephantroom.com

********************************

Friday October 29th

The Suzi Stern Quintet

at The SCAT LOUNGE

Ft. Worth TX.

with Paul Unger bass, Dennis Durick drums, George Oldziey piano and Brad Leali sax

This is a gig not to be missed if you're in the Dallas/Fort Worth area!

www.scatlounge.com

(817) 870-9100

*********************************

Thursday Nov. 18th

The Suzi Stern Quintet

The Elephant Room

Rich Harney piano, John Mills sax, John Fremgen bass, and Wayne Salzmann drums

315 Congress Ave.

Aus. TX

www.elephantroom.com

(512) 473-2279

*******************************

Please check out my music on Amazon.com, cdbaby.com, ITunes and for sale at Waterloo Records

The Aardvark Records catalog is growing with many remarkable artists and I'm proud to be on that label! Check it out at: aardvarkrecords.com

********************************

Hope to see you out at the gigs!

All the Best,

Suzi

2010-09-30T15:58:00.000-07:00

I hope you'll join me in Houston for this fun and adventurous voice class!

"The Art of the Jazz Vocalist"
Suzi Stern--Facilitator

Presented by the Jazz Institute of Houston
in partnership with
The University of Houston-Downtown

October 9th from 1:00-5:00 pm

Learn to make a song feel like a new and spontaneous expression every single time you sing it and get involved with the musical conversation that the rest of the instrumentalists are having on the band stand. information and knowledge of the jazz vocabulary is essential to eliminate fear so that you can take charge as a band leader.

From 1:00 to 2:30 : A Capella exercises to help free your musical ideas and find a new sense of courage and musical flexibility!

From 2:45 to 5:00 : Apply this new found perspective on the dynamic use of your voice in the performance of jazz standards. Jazz pianist and composer George Oldziey will accompany the vocalists and a sound system and mic will be provided. We will discuss use of the mic, stage presence, reading and understanding your charts, communicating your musical needs to the band and ultimately having a great time singing your tunes making them a fresh and spontaneous adventure every time you sing them!

Bring music for our accompanist to read, (two or 3 charts should be fine) and feel free to record the days session.

Location: The University of Houston, Downtown
1 Main St.
Houston, TX 77002
The Wilhelmina Cullen Robertson Auditorium
3rd floor (Main Street Level) of the Academic Building
Cost $65.00

To register or for more information, contact Michele White at: thejazzinstitute@aol.com
Complimentary Parking in the UHD parking garage

Jazz singer Suzi Stern is based in Austin, Texas where she performs regularly in addition to appearances across the U.S. and Europe. She has won acclaim for her emotional clear voice and for her own creative compositions and original arrangements. Journalist Brad Buchholtz of The Austin American Statesman says of Stern "Jazz singer Suzi Stern has learned the great secret that transcends art - that the voice from the heart is at the center of all virtuosity."

Stern is also a respected jazz educator. She was on the faculty of Marylherst College in Oregon teaching jazz vocals and improvisation, and presently teaches for Austin Live Music Academy through the University of Texas at Austin as well as teaching ongoing jazz clinics at Universities and institutes throughout the U.S. and Europe.

In 1997, Suzi won the JAZZIZ Magazine Vocals on Fire competition for
Best New Vocalist

What people are saying about Suzi:

" . . . a rare gem, a gifted artist who simultaneously defines and reinterprets what jazz is today."
- Beth Hoskins
The Buffalo Evening News / Art Voice

Stern's ease with a challenging melody is matched by her improvisational prowess...

Willamette Week

..the most polished scat singer in Texas...

Texas Monthly

2010-09-03T10:21:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

I hope you'll join me at the Bon Voyage, pre Italy, jazz in the heart of Texas gig!

This Thursday, Sept. 9th

at: The Elephant Room

9:30 to 1:30

315 Congress Ave.

Austin, TX.

(512) 473-2279

The Suzi Stern Quintet

joining me will be, Rich Harney piano, John Fremgen Bass, Wayne Satzmann drums and the amazing Dr. John Mills sax

I am so fortunate to have this world class group of guys to play with, and I hope you'll come hear us!

This summer has been filled with traveling and some outstanding performance experiences...

Below is a re-cap of some of the highlights and some up-coming gigs as well...thanks for the continued support and hope to see you soon.

all the best,

Suzi

*************************************************

Check out this exciting band if you haven't yet had the opportunity! we'll be back at the Elephant this fall...

GATO 6 featuring Suzi Stern

with George Oldziey piano , Wayne Salzman drums, Kris Afflerbaugh bass, Dennis Dotson trumpet, John Mills sax, Sergio Santos percussion

The Elephant Room

315 Congress Ave.

Austin, TX.

www.elephantroom.com

*********************************

Sat. August 14th

Suzi Stern at Cezannes

Montrose Ave. Houston TX.

with: George Oldziey piano, David Craig bass, Sabastian Whittaker drums & Dennis Dotson trumpet

www.cezannesjazzclub.com

*********************************

Thursday Aug. 26th

Suzi Stern Quartet with Paul Unger at:

The Scat Jazz in Dallas/Ft. Worth TX.

for info. visit www.scatjazzlounge.com

**********************************

Sunday Aug. 29th

Suzi Stern Quartet in concert

at: Sullivans

Doors open at 6:00, show starts at 7:00

300 Colorodo St.

Austin TX.

(512) 495-6504

with Rich Harney, Scott Lanningham, John Fremgen and Kellye Grey

*********************

Sept. 12th to the 25th

Off to ITALY!!!! Rome, Sorrento, Capri, the Amalfi Coast!!

*********************

October 9th

teaching a jazz vocal workshop for:

Jazz Institute of Houston

Check out details on line

and that evening I'll be singing with Paul English at:

The French Corner

in Houston Tx.

*********************

Oct. 21st

Suzi Stern with GATO 6

At The Elephant Room

Austin TX.

with George Oldziey, Wayne Salzmann, Kris Afflerbaugh, John Mills and Dennis Dotson

******************

Nov. 18th

The Suzi Stern Quintet

The Elephant Room

315 Congress

Austin TX.

with Rich Harney, Wayne Salzman, John Fremgen and John Mills

********************

The highlight of May was May 19th at Kitano in NYC

with Bob Rodriguez, Steve Varner & Tom Sayek. It was absolutely wonderful...hope to see you there again in the not too distant future.

********************************************************

June was filled with hours in the recording studio...GATO 6 is looking at releasing a new c.d. in early October, so keep your eyes open! It's been a blast singing those charts!

*********************************************************

My work with Symphony of Soul is on-going...bringing music to homeless shelters, and special care facilities. www.symphonyofsoul.org

Suzi's Gigs around Texas!

2010-07-13T06:58:00.000-07:00

Greetings Everyone! This summer has us all busy making music and I hope to see you at some of these gigs!

Thursday, August 5th

GATO 6 featuring Suzi Stern

with George Oldziey piano , Wayne Salzman drums, Kris Afflerbaugh bass, Dennis Dotson trumpet, John Mills sax, Sergio Santos percussion

The Elephant Room

315 Congress Ave.

Austin, TX.

www.elephantroom.com

*********************************

Sat. August 14th

Suzi Stern at Cezannes

Montrose Ave. Houston TX.

with: George Oldziey piano, David Craig bass, Sabastian Whittaker drums & Dennis Dotson trumpet

www.cezannesjazzclub.com

*********************************

Thursday Aug. 26th

Suzi Stern Quartet with Paul Unger at:

The Scat Jazz in Dallas/Ft. Worth TX.

for info. visit www.scatjazzlounge.com

**********************************

Sunday Aug. 29th

Suzi Stern Quartet in concert

at: Sullivans

Doors open at 6:00, show starts at 7:00

300 Colorodo St.

Austin TX.

(512) 495-6504

******************************

Looking ahead:

The Suzi Stern Band

Sept. 9th at The Elephant Room

315 Congress Ave.

Austin, Tx.

9:30 to 1:30

*********************

Sept. 12th to the 25th

Off to ITALY!!!! Rome, Sorrento, Capri, the Amalfi Coast!!

*********************

October 9th

teaching a jazz vocal workshop for:

Jazz Institute of Houston

Check out details on line

and that evening I'll be singing with Paul English at:

The French Corner

in Houston Tx.

*********************

Oct. 21st

Suzi Stern with GATO 6

At The Elephant Room

Austin TX.

******************

Nov. 18th

The Suzi Stern Band

The Elephant Room

Austin TX.

********************

The highlight of May was May 19th at Kitano in NYC

with Bob Rodriguez, Steve Varner & Tom Sayek. It was absolutely wonderful...hope to see you there again in the not too distant future.

********************************************************

June was filled with hours in the recording studio...GATO 6 is looking at releasing a new c.d. in early October, so keep your eyes open! It's been a blast singing those charts!

*********************************************************

July has me busy doing workshops for Center Stage in Austin, teaching young singers how to use their voices in different dynamic ways that really translate their emotions into sound and song.

********************************************************

Check out our c.d.s on

www.viewpointrecords.com

and at Aardvark Records at www.aardvarkrecords.com

Amazon.com

cdbay.com

and digital downloads at ITunes

new reviews and shows coming up!

2010-05-06T12:48:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! Here's some info. on some upcoming shows and below is a nice review by Jay Trachtenberg from the Austin Chronicle. Have a lovely spring!

May 19th

The Suzi Stern Quartet

KITANO jazz bar

66 Park Ave. @ 38th Street NYC

(212) 885-7119 for reservations

with

Bob Rodriguez piano, Steve Varner bass,

and Tom Sayek drums

2 shows 8:00 & 10:00

no cover $15 min per show

__________________________

June 10th

Suzi Stern

with GATO 6

The Elephant Room

315 Congress Ave.

Austin, Tx.

9:30 -1:30

_____________________

July 11th

Suzi Stern with George Oldziey and Pat Harris

Casa Karen

1304 Karen Ave.

Austin, Texas

7:30-9:00

with special guest Beth Ullman

reservations 512 347-1722

$20

______________________________

July 24th

Suzi Stern and Paul English

in Houston Texas

details to be announced!

____________________________

August 14th

The Suzi Stern Quintet

Cezannes

Montrose Ave.

Houston, Texas

_______________________

Texas Platters

BY JAY TRACHTENBERG

Suzi Stern & George Oldziey

Leap of Heart (Aardvark)

It's not her warm voice, per se, that's earned Suzi Stern the accolades of Austin's jazz community for years. Rather, it's her uncanny interpretive powers to take a well-worn standard or pop tune and, with subtlety and grace, mold it into something unique. Stern's joined here by her pianist/arranger/partner George Oldziey and the stellar rhythm section of UT's John Fremgen on bass and drummer Brannen Temple, with a few tasteful licks from veteran trumpeter Bob Meyer. She imbues timeless tunes by Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Sammy Cahn, and the Gershwins with her own reflective style, adding refreshing twists throughout, be it a delightfully swinging scat chorus on Cahn's "Time After Time" or a hint of compadre Tina Marsh's vocal gymnastics on Berlin's "Change Partners." A contemporary pop song or two would have been a nice change of pace to this otherwise thoughtful and intimate set.

Spring in New York Etc.

2010-04-28T08:33:00.000-07:00

Hello Again! I hope you've all been able to enjoy these lovely weeks of Texas spring!

Just a quick note to remind you that I will be singing at KITANO in New York City on May 19th.

If you are planning to be in the N.Y. area or know Jazz fans who live in the N.Y. area, perhaps you'll send them our way!

Suzi Stern with Bob Rodriguez piano, Steve Varner bass, and Tom Sayek drums

at: KITANO

66 Park Ave.

N.Y. N.Y.

Wed. May 19th

(212) 885-7000

no cover $15 min per show

shows at 8:00 & 10:00

and looking ahead at the next Austin performance:

Thursday June 10th I will be singing with

George Oldziey's G.A.T.O. 6 !

The Elephant Room

315 Congress Ave. in Austin

9:30 to 1:30

and on into July watch for info. on my performances in Houston the weekend of July 23rd.

I will be teaching a vocal workshop for the Houston Jazz workshop and I will be performing with jazz pianist Paul English!

Thank you for supporting live music!

Suzi

Tonight at the Elephant Room!

2010-04-08T11:57:00.000-07:00

A reminder that I will be singing this evening (Thurs. April 8th) with George Oldzieys exciting new Latin Jazz ensemble...

GATO 6

9:30 to 1:30

The Elephant Room

315 Congress

Austin

GATO 6 is: George Oldziey piano, Kris Afflerbaugh bass, Dennis Dotson trumpet, John Mills sax, Wayne Salzmann drums, Sergio Santos percussion and Suzi Stern vocals.

A side note: My Sunday performance with Jazz guitarist John Stowell and bassist Pat Harris is sold out!

This lovely photo is by the wonderful Brenda Ladd.

I hope you'll be able to get out and enjoy this incredible weather this week, and see the spring flowers!

Thanks all!

Suzi

GATO 6 featuring Suzi Stern

2010-04-01T10:15:00.000-07:00

Thursday April 8th

GATO 6

at the Elephant Room
315 Congress Ave.

Come experience new exciting original music from the crazed and brilliant mind of Gato himself!!

Suzi Stern, voice
George Alan Thaddeus Oldziey, piano
John Mills sax, flute
Dennis Dotson, trumpet
Wayne Salzmann, drums
Kris Afflerbaugh, bass

9:30 to 1:30

Come dance, drink and be merry!!
We would all LOVE to see you there!
Scroll down to past blogs to get news on some other spring dates coming up!

what's coming up this spring!

2010-03-25T14:12:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

First of all, that photo is by Brenda Ladd who is known all over the world for her beautiful shots of Musicians in action. Thanks Brenda!

Here's some of the more highlighted events for Suzi Stern coming up soon!

I will be singing with the world renowned West Coast Jazz guitarist John Stowell at Casa Karen in Austin Texas on Sunday April 11th from 7:00 to 8:30...this intimate setting is the perfect way to hear the subtle nuances of Johns stylings weaving through and supporting my vocals...he's amazing!

Call for details and reservations (512) 347-1722 and visit www.johnstowell.com to read about his musical journeys.

On Thursday April 22nd I will be the featured guest artist with the Austin based Latin Jazz group G.A.T.O 6 at the Elephant Room at 315 Congress Ave. in Austin. 9:30 to 1:30 a.m.

This sensational band of all original tunes is the brain child of George Alan Thadeus Oldziey....thus G.A.T.O. and yes....there are 6 cats in the band! I really hope you'll come out to hear this group....it's a blast.

On Wednesday May 19th I will be singing with an incomparable group at KITANO in N.Y.C.

KITANO features vocalists on Wednesdays and I am truly honored to be performing with 3 world class musicians...

Steve Varner on Bass, Tom Sayek on drums, Bob Rodriguez piano

66 Park Ave. & e. 38th street

please come join us!

Thanks for reading my blog update and thank you for supporting live music!

Suzi

the month of love!

2010-02-13T14:00:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who came out to the concert this past Thursday night at the Elephant Room! The band sounded fantastic, and it was a blast singing with such a great rhythm section. It was a cold rainy night but the club was packed and it was a warm and inviting atmosphere inside thanks to the brave music fans who ventured out in spite of the weather!

Tomorrow is Valentines Day ( Sunday Feb. 14th) and I will be performing with George Oldziey (on piano) at Chez Z from 6:00 to 10:00. I hope we'll see you there!

Chez Zee is located at 2222 and Balcones in Austin.

Coming up: April 22 I will be featured with G.A.T.O. 6 at the Elephant Room

315 Congress Ave. in Austin

May 19th I will be performing with The Bob Rodriguez Goup at Kitano in N.Y.C.

Park Ave. & E. 38th St. in New York

Love and Jazz

2010-02-05T13:53:00.000-08:00

Come celebrate the Aardvark Records release of "leap of heart" (which is all about love) and celebrate love in general this Valentine weekend!

The "leap of heart" recording artists will be performing the entire c.d. and other songs about life and love on: Thursday Feb. 11th

at: The Elephant Room

315 Congress Ave.

Austin, Texas

From: 9:30 P.M. to 1:30 A.M.

Suzi Stern voice George Oldziey piano Brannen Temple drums

John Fremgen bass Bob Meyer trumpet

**********************************************************************

On the actual Day of Valentine-ness Sunday Feb 14th

George Oldziey with Suzi Stern

Chez Z

on Balcones in Austin

6:30 to 10:30

great food a romantic atmosphere and wonderful music!

**********************************************************************

Hope to see you all again soon!

Suzi

gigs to warm up by!

2010-01-07T10:01:00.000-08:00

looking at a chilly February we have a couple of heart warming Valentines gigs to present you with!

On Thursday, Feb. 11th join me at the Elephant Room to celebrate love during this week of romance. Once again the focus will be the music from my latest Aardvark Records release "leap of heart" which is a c.d. completely focused on love....found love....not unrequited love for a change!!

I am joined by, George Oldziey piano, Brannen Temple drums, John Fremgen bass and Bob Meyer trumpet.

The Elephant Room

315 Congress Ave.

9:30 to 1:30

****************************************************************************

On Sunday Feb. 14th I will be singing at Chez Z with my adorable Valentine George Oldziey on piano...shall I sing 24 variations on the theme "My Funny Valentine..."??? No...I'll come up with several hours of beautiful music and you can enjoy really amazing food there as well, so I hope you'll join us.

Chez Z

6:00 to 9:00

5406 Balcones Dr. in Austin

One more happy musical note:

"leap of heart" can be purchased in full or individual songs can be downloaded at Amazon.com or c.d.baby.com or by visiting aardvarkrecords.com

Happy New Year!

2009-12-30T12:16:00.000-08:00

Hello all! Suzi Stern here looking ahead toward some notable events in the coming year!

If you live in the Austin area, The Elephant Room will be presenting an evening of romantic music for Valentines Day and the latest Aardvark Records release, LEAP OF HEART is the focus for the evenings music!

Performing with me at this Feb. 11th concert will be: George Oldziey on piano, John Fremgen on bass, Brannen Temple on drums, John Mills on sax and Bob Meyer on trumpet.

The Elephant Room is at 315 Congress Ave. in Austin. (512) 473-2279

____________________________________________________________________

And in the early spring:

If you plan to be in or near New York City come join me at: KITANOS on May 19th.

66 Park Ave. N.Y.C. (212) 885-7000

A beautiful room for great listening!

I will be singing with the amazing Bob Rodriguez, Tom Sayek and Steve Varner that evening.

I am wishing each of you a happy, inspired, enlightened and healthy New Year! Thank you for being on my jazz events list and for the support that you continually give to live music.

Much Love,

Suzi

Our concert got some nice press!

2009-12-09T11:24:00.000-08:00

MUSIC

Dylan Thomas set to sounds of toys, instruments, words

By Brad Buchholz

AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Once upon a time, three Austin jazz musicians went Christmas shopping. They came home with snow, wistful memories of snow, tall quiet drifts of snow. They also came home with a storybook, a nostalgic Christmas tale by the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. And they came home with toys: whistles and bugles and squeaky rubber ducks.

The jazz musicians sat together with their gifts, their memories, their instruments. And then they created a piece of art - part music, part spoken word, part toy symphony - inspired by Thomas' "A Child's Christmas in Wales."

These three jazzers - singer Suzi Stern, saxophonist Alex Coke and pianist Rich Harney, with newcomer Buddy Mohmed on bass - have been performing this Christmas-time piece for five years now. As Austin holiday traditions go, it is one of the most eclectic: a blend of literature and music, a blend of recitation and improvisation, a little bit of Wales and a little bit of Texas.

The format: Stern recites Thomas' entire story - so rich with rhythm and rhyme that it sounds like poetry - backed by music and Coke's playful sound effects. Along the way, the musicians take left turns out of the text to interpret specific passages as musical pieces. It makes new poetry out of classic literature, inviting listeners to linger in the different moods of the story.

"Dylan Thomas had the ability to recall being young in a profound way that still brings tears to my eyes," says Stern, who sings three original songs crafted from Thomas' text in the performance . "Everything he said, I wish I'd written it.

"It's the most perfect little piece of prose, and it touches me to the quick. I try to read the text exactly as Dylan Thomas did; I try to honor his words exactly. And then it's almost like a digression - where we'll 'repeat' his words in songs based on his lyrics, tapping in to how those words inspired me."

All the Christmases roll down toward the two-tongued seas, like a cold and headlong moon bundling down the sky that was our street; and they stop at the rim of the ice-edged fish-freezing waves, and I plunge my hands in the snow and bring out whatever I can find.

- Dylan Thomas, 'A Child's Christmas in Wales'

Dylan Thomas (1914-1953) grew up in Swansea, "a crawling, sprawling, slummed, unplanned, jerry-villa'd" seaside town on the southwest coast of Wales. "A Child's Christmas in Wales" is rich with the imagery of his childhood - "when there were wolves in Wales," but not an Xbox in sight.

"A Child's Christmas in Wales" first appeared in Harper's Bazaar Magazine in 1950, fashioned from two shorter essays Thomas composed in the mid-1940s. The magazine paid him $300 for it. A year before his death, the poet recited a version in America for a record album. It is believed that Thomas, an alcoholic, was drunk during the recording session.

Yet the beauty of the prose prevails: the precision of imagery, those "harp-shaped hills," the elegant juxtaposition of winter warmth and winter melancholy . When the piece came out in book form in 1954, The New York Times referred to it as "poetry that shines with an unearthly radiance."

"What I love so much about the poem is the impression of snow," says Stern, who has known the piece since childhood . "I lived in Buffalo, (N.Y.) As a kid, where snow was always in drifts, way over my head. I might as well have been in Wales! These flakes would come down, relentlessly and quietly. The way Dylan Thomas describes the sound and the smell and the taste of snow in so sensual. The way the blue cast is on it. Even though it's night, everything is lit up from the ground up, the little warm houses glowing along this icy blue pathway in the moonlight."

Silent, one-cloud sky drift on to the sea Two snowblind travelers lost, lost on the north hills, returning home through the poor streets where only a few children fumbled with red fingers bare in the wheel-rutted snow, wheel-rutted snow.

- Suzi Stern, 'Snow Travelers,' based on 'Wales' text by Dylan Thomas.

Five years ago, Alex Coke was brainstorming with literary friends at the University of Texas. The challenge: how to blend words and music, in an original way, to mark the holidays for the Ransom Center's "Poetry on the Plaza" series. He liked the idea, immediately, when Stern suggested "A Child's Christmas in Wales."

"The original idea was to have a piece of poetry and music that had a narrative structure but was very much improvised," says Coke . "It started off loose, very free. But with each year, there has been a push and pull to it. "

Though Stern gravitated toward the snowy, end-of-season textures in Thomas' work and wrote brooding poem-songs off the text, Coke connected with its sense of play . Sure, he could play lovely winter-wind passages on his flutes. But Coke loves all sounds. He collects toys. So he incorporated all manner of squeaking, blatting, chiming toy-textures into the "Wales" musical narrative - and wrote one passage in which every instrument is a toy.

"Some of my toys have worn out since we wrote this piece," says Coke. "Every few years, I have to go to stores, look for replacements - and that's changed the music a bit, too, as we've added new sounds."

As an aficionado of classic radio serials like "The Shadow," Coke always has appreciated picturesque elements in a world of sound. And so it is that Austin's treatment of "A Child's Christmas in Wales" sometimes feels a bit like a radio show - or a movie musical, for the way the landscape shifts between word and song.

"As many years as I'd read the poem to my children, I feel almost as if I still didn't get what 'A Child's Christmas' was all about when we prepared to stage it for the first time," says Stern. " And even now, something will pop out at me from the text as if it's the first time I ever read it. "

bbuchholz@statesman.com 912-2967

'A Child's Christmas in Wales'

When: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11 (doors 7:30)

Where: St. David's Episcopal Church, 304 E. Seventh St.

Cost: $10, discounts for children/seniors

Information: suzistern.blogspot.com

The 5th annual performance of A Child's Christmas in Wales

2009-12-07T09:06:00.000-08:00

Greetings all,

the season is upon us...

Hope you can join us for this very special performance-

A Child's Christmas in Wales

An Austin Holiday tradition, A Child's Christmas in Wales returns this year
to St David's Episcopal Church to celebrate the season, giving the gift of Dylan Thomas and improvised jazz.

The glorious, sparkling text of Dylan Thomas' beloved tale of a young boy's delightful Christmas memories, comes alive with original music by Suzi Stern (vocals) and Rich Harney (Piano). Fantastic, beautiful and sometimes hilarious improvisations by Alex Coke (woodwinds and many fascinating toys and tools) as well as astounding colorful expressive solos by Buddy Mohmed (bass) make this an evening for the whole family you won't want to miss. A wonderful way to welcome in the season with a feeling of good will and warmth...great for creative music fans and children of all ages!
Please join Texas jazz musicians Suzi Stern, Alex Coke, Rich Harney and Buddy Mohmed on Friday, December 11, 2009 at 8pm in Bethell Hall at St David's Episcopal Church, 304 E. 7th Street, Austin, Tx for a wonderful evening of music and a classic Christmas tale.
And from the Aardvark Records Catalogue:
A CD recording of the original soundtrack to add to your collection of holiday favorites will be available at the performance.
General admission is $10 with discounts for children and seniors.
For reservations please call (512)440-0915

please visit: www.suzistern.com aardvarkrecords.com http://www.xs4all.nl/~alexcoke

Waterloo Records Sale on our latest C.D!

2009-12-03T10:32:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who ventured out in the freezing cold rain this past Tuesday to join us for the LEAP OF HEART c.d. release concert! It was truly a joy to sing in that space...one could hear a pin drop on a ballad, hearing even a breath or the most subtle nuances of a bass solo by John Fremgen , yet the acoustics in that hall could handle the most driving arrangements with Brannen Temple's unbelievable drum solos. George was in heaven getting to play on the newly tuned Steinway, and I thought Bobs horn sounded clear and sweet! We will definitely be booking concerts there again!

As of today at noon "LEAP OF HEAT" is on special, holiday rate sale at Waterloo Records on Lamar in Austin, and will be until Christmas, so that might be a great way to pick up some local color gift-y thing for a friend or loved one! If you're not in Austin check out c.d.baby.com or amazon.com or aardvarkrecords.com after Dec. 13th and you can purchase a copy on line.

Check out the catalogue with many exciting releases by Austin talent at: Aardvarkrecords.com

Stay warm, spread love and music around and hope to see you at the next gig!

Suzi

Join us this Tuesday Dec.1st!

2009-11-28T08:56:00.000-08:00

This Tuesday Dec. 1st! C.D. release concert!

Aardvark Records presents:

"leap of heart"

an exciting collaborative project by George Oldziey and Suzi Stern

with Brannen Temple, John Fremgen and Bob Meyer

Beautiful new treatments of classic Jazz standards, and for a change they are not songs about unrequited love, but love found! Complimentary wine and refreshments will be served!

The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin

in the main hall with that beautiful Steinway grand piano!

4700 Grover Ave. Austin Texas 78756 (Grover runs parallel with, and is in between N.Lamar and Burnett) the church is a bit south of Koenig Ln.

(512) 452-6168

Tickets are $12

Children under 12 are free!

C.D.s will be for sale at the concert. This might be just the christmas gift for the music lover on your list!

check out www.Aardvarkrecords.com

Many thanks to Barry Simon and Aardvark Records.

c.d. Release Concert Dec. 1st!!

2009-11-23T15:51:00.000-08:00

Heads up on our exciting c.d. release performance on Tuesday Dec. 1st!

Aardvark Records presents:

a new project by George Oldziey and Suzi Stern

with Brannen Temple, John Fremgen and Bob Meyer

Beautiful new treatments of classic Jazz standards, and for a change they are not songs about unrequited love, but love found!

doors open at 7:30, performance at 8:00...meet the artists after the show and enjoy some complimentary refreshments!

The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin 4700 Grover, Austin 78756 (512) 452-6168

Tickets are $12 C.D.'s will be for sale at the event!

2009-11-21T15:17:00.000-08:00

Heads up on our exciting c.d. release performance on Tuesday Dec. 1st!

Aardvark Records presents a new project by George Oldziey and Suzi Stern with Brannen Temple, John Fremgen and Bob Meyer

Beautiful new treatments of classic Jazz standards, and for a change they are not songs about unrequited love, but love found!

doors open at 7:30, performance at 8:00...meet the artists after the show and enjoy some refreshments!

The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin

4700 Grover

Tickets are $12

this evening at the Elephant Room Austin

2009-11-19T06:40:00.000-08:00

Tonight, Thursday November 19th

from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

The Suzi Stern Quintet

Joining me will be...

Rich Harney, George Oldziey, Rob Kazenel, John Fremgen & John Mills

At:The Elephant Room

315 Congress Ave.

Austin Texas

no cover...how amazing is that?

I would be so honored to have you there creating the energy that helps make the music!

All the Best,

Suzi

Suzi Stern's November & December Jazz events

2009-11-01T13:02:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! Here's some news about upcoming events worth checking out (well, in my opinion they're worth checking out! )

What: Circle Thurs. Nov. 19th on your calendar and join us for what is becoming a very rare appearance of the S.S.Q. at the Elephant Room!

Where: The Elephant Room is located at 315 Congress in Austin Texas.

(512) 473-2279 for more info.

The Line up: 2 amazing pianists that evening...George Oldziey and Rich Harney, and on Bass the remarkable John Fremgen, & all the way from Canada to our fair city of Austin Rob Kazenel on drums, and I say this with all sincerity, one of the best tenor saxophonists in the entire world, John Mills. This is such an amazing group of musicians....I'm so honored to be singing with them!

We'll be performing from 9:30p.m. to 1:30a.m. (I know it's sort of late for a Thursday but hey...live a little!) It's such a great way to begin the weekend!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday, December 1st a concert to celebrate the new much talked about...long anticipated new release on Aardvark Records of:

"leap of heart"

with Suzi Stern voice, George Oldziey piano, John Fremgen bass, Brannen Temple drums and Bob Meyer trumpet and Flugelhorn...

Come join us at the beautiful space with an outstanding Steinway grand piano and excellent acoustics!! The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin, 4700 Grover Ave. in Austin.

doors open at 7:30. This is the way to hear these classic tunes performed with all of the beautiful dynamic range and integrity that George wrote into these new and exciting arrangements. I truly feel it will be a very special event and we would be so honored to have you there to herald in the new recording project!

On Friday Dec. 11th we will once again do our seasonal rendition of:

"A Child's Christmas in Wales"

with Alex Coke sax and toys, Rich Harney piano, Buddy Mohmed bass

Suzi Stern narration and singer of songs

We will be performing this year at: Saint David's (on 304 E. 7th Street) in Austin

from: 8:00 to 9:00 (doors open at 7:30)

There will be a small ticket fee which I'm not sure of yet! More info. to come...stay tuned! The glorious sparkling text is by Dylan Thomas and all of the music is written by yours truly Suzi Stern and Rich Harney, with fantastic, sometimes hilarious improvisations by Alex Coke and astounding colorful expressive solos by Buddy. It's definitely a wonderful way to bring in the season with a feeling of good will and warmth...great for young and old alike!

Looking ahead into 2010: Can you believe how that sounds?? 2010?? Several performances in the Big Apple, en route to festivals in Sweden and some club gigs in Amsterdam...stay tuned for all the details as I firm up and fine tune the events ahead!!

For more info. about the new release you can visit http://www.Aardvarkrecords.com

and http://www.cdbaby.com

Hope to see you at all 3 events and I send you my wish for a beautiful healthy autumn and a holiday season filled with music and peace.

Suzi

Suzi Stern Autumn news!

2009-10-01T08:48:00.000-07:00

I'm off to N.Y.C. until mid. October, but I wanted to touch base before leaving Texas!

Circle the dates!

November 19th stop by the Elephant Room on Congress Ave. in Austin, to hear the Suzi Stern Quintet.

John Mills sax, John Fremgen Bass, Rob Kazenel drums and Rich Harney piano.

Looking ahead to our yearly musical tribute to the season, mark your calendars for the annual performance of the Dylan Thomas Classic, A Child's Christmas in Whales...note a new location this year!

December 11th (Friday night) we will be doing our version of Dylan Thomas' A CHILD'S CHRISTMAS IN WALES at St David's Church, downtown Austin.
The Harry Ransom Center has a new director and has decided NOT to host us this year.
Please mark this date! It may be our only opportunity to present this program publicly.
More information will be coming soon!

Alex Coke plays all sorts of magical wind instruments and musical toys, Rich Harney plays piano, Buddy Mohmed is on acoustic Bass and yours truly, Suzi Stern sings and recites the sparkling text by Thomas. I have composed several tunes inspired by the text that are woven throughout the reading...it's always a fun and inspiring event, so mark your calendars and hope to see you there!

Video by Victor Engel!

2009-09-26T11:13:00.000-07:00

The Sept. 11th Creative Opportunity Orchestra concert in memory of Tina Marsh was a beautiful and emotional evening of energetically charged original compositions by John Mills, Jay Rosen, Rock Savage, Bob Rodreguez and of course Tina Marsh. The vocal lines were done by myself, Susanna Sharpe and Hope Morgan. It was an adventure swimming in those unknown waters at times and an honor to be a part of making that music happen.

The following link takes you to a video done by Victor Engel of last weeks Elephant Room gig. I performed with GATO 6 in Austin, and this particular tune had musicians changing rolls. Pianist George Oldziey switched to the accordion, and John Mills put down his sax to play piano. The song is a composition I recently wrote in memory of Tina.

http://vimeo.com/6749090

October has us traveling to N.Y.C. for a conference on Music, sound and engineering. I'll be back in Austin mid October to host a concert for long time friend, jazz guitarist Margaret Slovak on Oct. 26th. feel free to email me for more info. on that upcoming event at suzistern@austin.rr.com

George Oldziey and myself look forward to the December release of our C.D. "LEAP OF HEART" on Aardvark Records, with Brannen Temple and John Fremgen.

See you all in October!

Suzi

Sept. Music Events with Suzi Stern

2009-09-02T13:51:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I am back in Texas and looking forward to September here. There are a few lovely ways to hear jazz this month in Austin, and I'm involved with the following.

The highlight event is a tribute to my dear dear friend, Tina Marsh.

The Creative Opportunity Orchestra performs, 'Echoes of the Heart', an evening of music dedicated to Tina and her work. It will be held at the Laguna Gloria Amphitheatre on Fri. September 11... Featuring current and past Orchestra members, this concert will honor Tina's voice, music, passion, and deeply felt (and fully lived) worldview of peace and cultural understanding...the show starts at 7:00 p.m. and is located at 3809 W. 35th out under the stars. We hope to see you all there...

On Sat. Sept. 19th I will be performing at the Treehouse just north of Oltorff and S.Congress in Austin, with the wonderful George Oldziey on piano. We play from 7:30 to 10:00 P.M. under a truly amazing old enormous and beautiful oak tree. The weather has shifted and evenings are so pleasant now, so we both hope you'll join us there!

On Thursday, Sept. 24th I am very excited about singing with GATO 6 at the ELEPHANT ROOM at 301 Congress Ave. in Austin. All new arrangements and several new and original compositions will be premiered. I am joined by: Kris Afflerbaugh bass, George Oldziey piano, Wayne Salzmann drums, Conor Brace trumpet and John Mills Sax.

We play from 9:30 to 1:30...I know it's late for a Thursday, but we only play in Austin once every 4 months so come on out!

On other musical fronts, Alex Coke and I continue to perform for a wonderful organization called SYMPHONY OF THE SOUL, which brings music to the elderly or the infirm who find it difficult or impossible to venture out.

George Oldziey, John Fremgen Brannen Temple and I are finished recording a new C.D. which will be available at the holidays!

And make a note that Terrance Blanchard will be coming to HOGG Auditorium at U.T. on the 23rd!

Thanks for checking out my blog and I wish you all the very Best!

Musically Yours,

Suzi

new C.D. is in the mix!

2009-08-19T11:04:00.000-07:00

Thank you for supporting live and recorded Jazz out of Austin!

When the wonderful folks at K.U.T. radio air our music it seems we instantly move product at the Music stores carrying our C.D.s across Texas. We have noticed that less and less jazz is being given radio air time in Austin this past year, and we want the station to know that there are listeners out there that enjoy listening to this genre.

It would be so helpful, if you are ever sitting near the phone between 9:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m to call in a request to Eklektikos to play any selections off of the Suzi Stern releases they have at their station. Our group has 4 C.D.s out now on Viewpoint Records and most recently Aardvark records, and a new c.d. coming out with George Oldziey and the band this winter.

ALSO: Paul Rays Jazz show is from 8:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M Tues. Wed & Thurs. and this is the ideal spot for our music.

Request line, 471-2345. KUT (90.5)

With thanks and much Love,

Suzi and her band

2009-08-14T09:13:00.000-07:00

This Sat. August 15th
7:30 to 10:00 p.m.

Suzi Stern and special guest Clay Moore

performing at:

The Treehouse
2201 College Ave
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 443-4200
Get directions

enjoy Italian dinner and Jazz on the patio under the magnificent Oak tree. If it's very hot we'll be performing indoors! It might be wise to call for reservations.
We would love to have you join us!

"Jazz guitarist Clay Moore is a rare find on today's jazz scene – a unique voice that strengthens and expands the jazz idiom with sensitivity, clarity, and uncompromising integrity. Clay's warm, expressive tones and impeccable phrasing have been delighting U.S. and international audiences for over 20 years."

"Stern is a gifted artist who simultaneously defines and reinterprets what jazz is today. "
- ARTVOICE
Buffalo Evening News

Check out the latest news about Suzi or order c.d.s on her Web and blog, all found at:

http://www.suzistern.com

Suzi performs at the Temple Jazz Festival

2009-03-09T13:01:00.000-07:00

Check out the link below for info. on the upcoming Temple Jazz Festival.

http://www.templejc.edu/dept/music/jazz/whoswho.htm

I'll be performing with an amazing band on Thursday, March 26th.

Joining me will be, John Mills sax, Ben Irom piano, Rob Kazinel drums and Utah Hammrick bass.

The festival starts at 7:00 p.m. and my group is headlining at 8:30.

Click on the site and scroll down for info. on ticket sales.

I hope to see you there! It will be an amazing weekend of concerts and jazz clinics with the fantastic Bill Watrous and the incredible Randy Brecker!

Feb. News

2009-02-01T15:02:00.000-08:00

Feb. 14th

The wonderful George Oldziey will be accompanying me at ROMEOS in Austin on Barton Springs Road this Valentines Day. We play from 7:00 to 10:00.

Feb. 20th and 21st

Mark your calendars and come join us at Cezannes Jazz Club on Montrose Ave. in Houston Texas.

I am joined by Joe LoCascio, David Craig, Sabastian Whittaker and Woody Witt both evenings.

A truly amazing band!

Then I'm off to N.Y for a couple weeks...back in Austin Texas in March to play the Elephant Room with G.A.T.O. 6 on the 12th.

Thanks for supporting live jazz and for visiting my blog! More later!

Suzi

Joe Locascio

2009-01-23T13:04:00.000-08:00

Thanks for checking out my Blog...
I have a spelling correction on world class Jazz pianist Joe Locascio's last name!! Sorry about the earlier error Joe! It is indeed spelled Locascio and he will be performing with me at Cezannes in Houston Texas on Feb. 20th and 21st along with Woody Witt, Sebastian Whittaker, and David Craig.

and a giant "thank you" to D.P. for showing me how to Blogg! Thank you Dianna!

a word about Cezannes in Houston! Check it out!

2009-01-18T11:58:00.000-08:00

Houston's home for acoustic jazz. This venue, now in its 17th year, has hosted performances by Randy Brecker, Jimmy Cobb, Eddie Gomez, Joshua Redman, Billy Hart, Tim Hagans, David Liebman, Fred Hersch, Kenny Werner, Tim Armacost, Rick Margitza, Mark Levine and Jason Marsalis among others.
Suzi Stern will be performing on Feb. 20th and 21st 2009.
Address: 4100 Montrose Blvd, Houston, Texas
Phone: 713-522-9621

upcoming gigs 2009

2009-01-18T11:03:00.000-08:00

If you have plans to be in Houston Texas the weekend of Feb. 20th and 21st stop by Cezannes on Montrose Ave.to hear some amazing music! Joe Locassio on piano, David Craig bass, Sabastian Whittaker drums, Woody Witt on sax and yours truly, Suzi Stern on vocals! The gig is from 8:30 to midnight.
I will be teaching a jazz vocal clinic on Sat. the 21st from 1:00 to 4:00 at Cezannes as well. Contact Jane Vandevere to learn more about it at: janevandiver@mac.com
__________________________________________________________________

On the 12th of March I will be performing with G.A.T.O. 6 at The Elephant Room in Austin Texas from 9:30 to 1:30 (3rd and Congress)
G.A.T.O.6 is: George Oldziey piano, J.J.Johnson drums, Kris Afflerbaugh bass, John Mills sax
___________________________________________________________________
March 26th come catch my set at the Temple Jazz Festival in Temple Texas with Ben Irom piano, Utah Hammrick bass, John Mills sax and Kyle Thompson drums! Contact Ben for more info. at: irom@templejc.edu
I will also be teaching a jazz vocal clinic that day in Temple...Ben has the info! irom@templejc.edu
__________________________________________________________________

Childrens Center Gala! Feb. 29, 2008

2008-02-17T09:40:00.000-08:00

This month George Oldziey and Suzi Stern will be performing to raise money for the Austin Childrens Center. The event will be on Fri. Feb. 29th '08, at the Austin Country Club 4408 Long Champ Dr. Google Map
Music from 6:30 to 10:30
For more information contact Stacy Erlach at: (512) 452-5077

The five year gig!

2008-02-16T15:06:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, George Oldziey and I have managed to hold onto a jazz gig for five years straight! This is a minor miracle in the middle of Texas and we're so happy to be celebrating. Come join us this weekend from 9 to 1 and keep Jazz alive in Texas!
The Driskill is located at 6th and Brazos in downtown Austin. We play every Fri. and Sat. night.

Driskill Hotel

Suzi Stern Quintet at the Elephant Room, Austin

2008-02-12T21:11:00.000-08:00

Thursday, March 20, 2008
9:30 - 1:30

Suzi will be singing with Rich Harney on piano, John Mills on Sax, Brannen Temple on drums and John Fremgen on Bass.

The Elephant Room is at 315 Congress Ave, Austin, TX.
Google Map

'A Child's Christmas in Wales' CD wins a Silver ADDY Award

2008-02-12T21:06:00.000-08:00

Austin Jazz musicians Alex Coke and Suzi Stern's latest cd, A Child's Christmas in Wales (Aardvark Records), won a Silver Addy Award at last Friday night's Addy ceremonies in the Packaging category. It now advances to the District competition and, if it wins there, the National. The unique, pop-up art packaging was produced by Marla Camp at Impact Productions with artists Steve Stratakos (pop-up illustration) and Steve Wiswell (pop-up design).

For more information contact:
alexcoke@mac.com
suzistern@austin.rr.com
barry@aardvarkrecords.com

What's an Addy?
"The ADDYs are the nation's largest and most inclusive creative competition in the Advertising industry with more than 50,000 entries. Austin winners move on to regional and national competition." Check out the official ADDY website at www.austinaddys.com

"A Child's Christmas In Wales" on Aardvark records featuring Suzi Stern, Rich Harney, Chris Maresh and Alex Coke, is based on the masterpiece by Dylan Thomas, with original compositions by Suzi Stern and improvised music through out the poem.

It's now available at record stores, cdbaby.com, amazon.com as well as some Austin area toy stores. This has been an exciting project and is in a beautiful, pop-up award winning package. Pictures of the package are at http://www.aardvarkrecords.com