Here is what’s on tap for tonight. If you have something to add, post it in the Comments or email us at [email protected]

From Earshot Jazz Magazine:

Poncho Sanchez at Jazz Alley
As we say farewell to 2008 and welcome 2009, there is no better way to celebrate than with an evening of jazz. This year, area venues offer an impressive selection of the region’s favorite musicians as well as several imports. Here is a sampling: The popular Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band will ring in the New Year at Jazz Alley. With Sanchez on congas, the band pays homage to 60 years of Latin jazz. In addition to the expected Afro-Cuban rhythms, Sanchez and his band mates infuse jazz standards with R&B and funk. Sanchez will be joined by George Ortiz on timbales, Tony Banda on bass, Ron Blake on trumpet, Javier Vergara on alto and tenor saxophone, Francisco Torres on trombone, Joseph De Leon on bongo and percussion, and David Torres on piano. The evening begins with a dinner show from 8:45 until 10 pm (doors open at 6 pm), for $100.50 per person, which includes a four-course dinner, admission to the first show, tax, and gratuity. Or, if you prefer, a first-set, cocktails-only package is $47.50. The “Ring in the New Year” package is $75.50 per person and includes admission to the second show, choice of desert, coffee or tea, party favors, and tax and tip. Music starts at 11 pm, with doors opening at 10:30 pm. For an entire night of jazz, both packages can be had for $150.50. Poncho Sanchez and his band also appear on December 29 & 30, with set times at 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm; admission $27.50. To make reservations call (206) 441-9729 or visit www.jazzalley.com.

Thomas Marriott & Hadley Caliman at Tula’s
Trumpeter Thomas Marriott and saxophonist Hadley Caliman help ring in the New Year at Tula’s. This dynamic duo has been burning up the road since the release of Caliman’s album, Gratitude, last February. Together they have played venues and festivals throughout North America with performances in more than a dozen cities. Tonight they will be backed Matt Jorgensen on drums, Randy Halberstadt on piano, and Phil Sparks on bass. Music begins at 8:00 pm and lasts well into 2009. The cover charge is $25. Call (206) 443-4221 to reserve.

Ring in the New Year at Egans
Egan’s Ballard Jam House ushers in the New Year with three acts designed to please. Beginning at 7:00 pm, alumni from the Roosevelt High School jazz program perform in a College Homecoming Show, followed by the irreverent comedy of Menagerie of Extravagance at 9:00 pm, and concluding with the distinct stylings of Jim Knodle and Friends at 11:00 pm. The cover charge is $10 for each show. Visit www.ballardjamhouse.com or call 206-789-1621 for more information

Little Bill & Blue Notes at Bakes
If you’re in the mood for blues, go to Bake’s Place to hear Little Bill and the Blue Notes. Vocalist and bassist “Little Bill” Englehart has been a fixture of the Northwest music scene since the 1950s, and the Blue Notes were one of the first rhythm and blues bands in the area. The festivities begin at 8:00 pm and continue until midnight. The package, for $95, includes a dinner hors d’oeuvres and dessert buffet, music, party favors, champagne toast, and a balloon release at midnight. Call (425) 391-3335 or e-mail [email protected] for reservations.

Curtis Salgado at the Triple Door
Blues are also on tap at the Triple Door. Vocalist and harmonica player extraordinaire Curtis Salgado kicks off the New Year with his engaging mix of blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll. The original inspiration for the Blues Brothers, Salgado has been a part of the Northwest scene since 1972 and has worked with the likes of Muddy Waters, Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland, Albert Collins, Bonnie Raitt, and Carlos Santana. The evening begins with a dinner show at 7:00 pm for $100, which includes concert admission, a 3-course dinner, glass of champagne, sales tax, and gratuity. Next up, the dessert show begins at 10:00 pm. Cost of admission is $70 and includes concert admission, an appetizer, dessert, glass of champagne, sales tax, and gratuity. For more information and reservations call (206) 838-4333 or visit www.tripledoor.com. The Musicquarium Lounge features: Kiko Freitas & How Now Brown Now

Lonnie Williams Band at the New Orleans
Finally, for a helping of rhythm ‘n’ blues, turn to the Lonnie Williams Band at the New Orleans Restaurant. A long-time fan favorite, Williams is known for his soulful and exciting performances. Music starts at 9 pm; cover charge $15. Call (206) 622-2563 for more information.

And other events happening tonight …

Cafe Harlequin: Finn Hill Jazz Quartet w/ Kay Bailey
107 Lake Street, Kirkland, 9:00pm

Thaiku: Ron Weinstein Trio

The Pink Door: Casey MacGill’s Blue 4 Trio

Serafina: Leo Raymundo Quartet and Sue Nixon

Category:
Seattle Jazz