Polyrhythms Third Sunday Jazz – April Location Change

Because the stage is set for a school play at Rivermont Collegiate, Polyrhythms Third Sunday Jazz Workshop & Matinee Series featuring ML III & Friends will move to the Sound Conservatory Music Academy and Shoppe in Rock Island.

A Jazz Demystifying Workshop begins at 2 pm, followed by a matinee concert from 5–7 pm.

Manuel Lopez III is a gifted “first call” musician who has served as an invaluable consultant for the Polyrhythms organization, as well as others, for many years. “One of the reasons Polyrhythms Third Sunday Jazz Series has been able to continue providing such high-level entertainment at an affordable cost is because of the local group of ‘A Listers’ like Manuel Lopez III & Friends and others,” said Nate Lawrence. “Many headliners from across the country are comfortable playing for us because of the wealth of fundamentally sound musicians in the area.”

Far too often, familiarity leads to a tendency to overlook genuine artistry and craftsmanship in our own midst. However, this eclectic gathering of Manuel Lopez III & Friends, which derive ideas, style, and taste from a broad and diverse range of sources, includes Manuel III – on drums, Steve Grismore – Guitar, John Miller – on guitar, and Ron Wilson on bass.

For Lopez, Grismore, and Wilson, an intriguing gig several years ago at the Sanctuary in Iowa City featured two guitars. “So rich was this encounter, the thought of replicating this experience for further exploration has never left me,” said Lopez. “Doing this again recently re-entered my mind after reuniting with John Miller, a fine guitarist from Peoria. Bringing new configurations to the table has always been at the forefront of jazz, and having that interplay between lifelong friends makes the possibilities even more rewarding! I look forward to singing a few songs with this exquisite quartet as we reach deep into a realm of standards, showcasing beautiful melodies and delicate voicings. Diving into the catalogs of Wayne Shorter, Wes Montgomery, Pat Metheny,  Henry Mancini, and Stevie Wonder, we will show no fear. This evening will no doubt showcase the essence of camaraderie that this genre can bring to an audience.”

Steve Grismore has been playing the guitar for over 50 years and is one of the most in-demand players in eastern Iowa and beyond. John Miller is a longtime Central IL. guitarist. In the early years, he played many shows with orchestras, backing up such stars as Bob Hope, Tom Jones, and Cab Calloway at various Illinois venues. Ron Wilson, a key part of Polyrhythms “first call” rhythm section that afforded notoriety and sustainability has maintained an enviable demand. The resumes and past accompaniments of these outstanding friends are magnificent.

POLYRHYTHMS Third Sunday Jazz Workshop & Matinee Series at the Sound Conservatory Music Academy and Shoppe on April 16^th features an all-ages workshop at 2 pm, followed by the matinee performance from 5-7 pm. Admission to the Workshop session is Free for kids, $5 for adults.  Admission for the 5–7 concert is $15 at the door, – to purchase online: click on https://www.eventbrite.com/e/third-sunday-jazz-feat-ml-iii-friends-tickets-597295947257. All other information, call Polyrhythms: 309 373-0790.

Doors open at 4:30 pm. Join us for a LIVE entertaining evening of JAZZ as ML III & Friends celebrate the essence of camaraderie “LIVE” at the Sound Conservatory Music Academy and Shoppe, Sunday, April 16^th.

Polyrhythms Third Sunday Jazz Series is made possible with major support of the SCRA, the RDA, the Singh Family Foundation, Visionary Arts Photography & Media Center, as well as Bowman Accounting, Peeples Heating & Air Conditioning, Cribbs Landscaping, Davis Entertainment Network, Radio station KALA, and DJ Mixxin Mel.