Here it is, as promised – the schedule for the upcoming season of world-class live jazz in Columbia, Missouri, complete with links to various artist sites, etc.  Don’t say I never do anything for ya.

October 16, 2009 – Jim Widner Big Band with Bobby Watson

November 3 – Pat Martino Quartet (with Eric Alexander)

November 22 – Christian McBride and Inside Straight

December 6 – Kurt Elling

December 31 – Bobby Watson and Horizon

January 21 – Mark O’Connor

January 31 – Stefon Harris and Blackout

February 13 – Branford Marsalis Quartet

March 7 – Rufus Reid Trio

April 11 – Clayton Brothers Quintet

April 17 – Conrad Herwig Latin Side All-Star Band

In addition to these gigs there is a series of jazz films being presented at the RagTag Cinema, which I am looking forward to.  There’s also a “jazz, wine and beer crawl” in downtown Columbia on September 24, whose title speaks for itself, I think.  It’s the big fundraiser for the year, and always great fun – live jazz in every venue and then a post-crawl party at the Blue Note on 9th Street, where there’ll be “Music Sampler” from the Roots N Blues BBQ Festival, which starts the following day.

I’m blown away by this schedule – Jon Poses has worked miracles again.  I’m looking forward especially to guitarist Martino, Christian McBride, and the Clayton Brothers – I have heard wonderful things about John Clayton’s son, Gerald, and I’m looking forward to hearing him play for the first time.  Oh, yeah, and Branford won’t be too shoddy, either.