February events add zest for Denton Jazz

Thin Line 2014 and Mardi Gras on Walnut Street coming soon!

By Kathy Edwards McFarland

Another month (or so) and Spring will arrive, but before that time, Denton has  new and exciting events and projects.

Project 1: The Thin Line Film Festival has now added a Music Festival to the umbrella event. This year, February 12-16, Thin Line 2014 takes over iconic Denton music venues Dan’s Silverleaf, Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios, Hailey’s, and Sweetwater Grill & Tavern. These live music venues will host local, regional, and national acts as a part of this five-day celebration of music and film.
Thin Line 2014 films will screen at the two historic downtown theaters, the Campus Theatre and the Fine Arts Theater. Tickets will go on sale for select shows beginning Saturday, December 7th at the new http://www.thinline.us.

Project 2: Mardi Gras on Walnut Street (a mere two weeks after Thin Line 2014), on February 28,  the 100 block of West Walnut Street(from Abbey Underground to Sweetwater Grill & Tavern) will close to vehicles for the entire day. Thanks to forward-thinking city leaders, the street closing and event is an experiment, hopefully leading to future walk-only improvements for the block.
Mardi Gras festivities are in the planning stage – community and activities for all ages will take up the daylight hours … after dark, stages will set up at either end of the block. Vintage Jazz Society members have already been tapped to play lots of New Orleans-style Dixieland Jazz, and Gypsy Jazz. A crawfish boil comes to the asphalt, under the direction of Sweetwater chef, Jimmy Meredith. Contact Karen Meredith at https://www.facebook.com/swgrillandtavern.

By the way, dear Jazz friends, both awesome events need your help – volunteers are wanted and welcome.

Friday, January 17:

• Mariachi Quetzal performs at La Milpa Mexican Restaurant, 820 S. I-35E, at 8 p.m. – no cover
• Ginny Mac Quartet at Sweetwater Grill & Tavern, 115 S. Elm St., 9 p.m.  – FREE
•  Oui Bis at Banter Bistro, 219 W. Oak St., 6 p.m., followed by Song and Story at 8 p.m. – ALL FREE

Oui Bis (translates to “Yes, again”) is based in Denton, Texas and plays throughout the North Texas area. Featuring its own rendition of dance music from a variety of American eras including old standards, Latin American jazz, Parisian Gypsy Jazz, both Northern and Southern American Old Time, Irish Traditional, and music from written by modern performers.

Sunday, January 19:

• N’Awlins Gumbo Kings at Sweetwater Grill & Tavern, 115 S. Elm St., 7 p.m. – FREE
  

  N’Awlins Gumbo Kings at Sweetwater Grill & Tavern

• Bone Doggie’s Open Mic at the Abbey Underground, 101 Walnut St., at 9 p.m. – FREE

Monday, January 20:

• Vintage Jazz Society meets at the Center for Visual Arts, 400 E Hickory St., at 9:30 a.m. for discussion, followed by a jam session at 10:30 a.m. – FREE – Visitors are always welcome.
• Austin Byrd & Friends offer up a grand tour of late night Jazz improvisation at the Greenhouse Restaurant, 600 N. Locust, 10 p.m.
• Paul Slavens & Friends at Dan’s Silverleaf, 103 Industrial,  10 p.m. – FREE

Tuesday, January 21:

• A Taste of Herb: Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass Tribute Band at Dan’s Silverleaf, 103 Industrial, at 5 p.m. – FREE
• Los Patos Poderosos at Sweetwater Grill & Tavern, 115 S. Elm St., 7-9 p.m. at – FREE

Please send any corrections or additions ASAP to kathyedwards57@verizon.net.