My Cousin Tone': Maple Entertainment Complex

Maple Entertainment Complex

10/14/2012

My Cousin Tone' Returns to Iris Saturday October 20th at 7:30pm

My Cousin Tone' returns to the Iris stage this coming Saturday, October 20th beginning at 7:30pm. We will feature sets of jazz blues and standards rearranged to complement the fantastic talents of our monthly performers.

This month we will be featuring Andy Peruzzini on trumpet and Tim Martin on baritone and alto sax. Both bring improvisational talent that makes every performance of familiar tunes different and refreshed. Tim and Andy have performed with us before so don't miss this time their incredible blended sounds.

Also joining us on stage once again will be Mary McMahon on vocals. Mary engages us with her sultry renditions of classic jazz standards and her wonderful phrasing talent tells a story every time. Once again we will round out this talent with Karen Ragusa on bass, Jim Matteliano on piano, Bill Basil on drums, and Tony Zambito on percussions.

We will once again pull from the repretoire of Horace Silver, Herbie Hancock, and others greats to present sets of tunes that make for a special evening.

Iris is located on the corner of Maple and Sweet Home. They offer wonderful drinks and dinners to make it a special jazz evening out. We hope to see you there!

Iris in the Maple Entertainment Complex

4224 Maple Road and Sweet Home Road

Amherst, NY

http://www.mapleentertainment.com/

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20th at 7:30pm
$5 at the door
Phone: (716) 831-3271

Keep Jazz Alive in WNY!!

Posted at 06:43 PM in Iris, Jazz, Maple Entertainment Complex, Music, My Cousin Tone' | Permalink | Comments (0)

09/14/2012

My Cousin Tone' at Iris Tomorrow Night! September 15 at 8pm!

English: Yamaha baritone saxophone (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Fresh off of the Jim Kurzdorfer Memorial Concert last Sunday, My Cousin Tone' returns to the stage at Iris tomorrow night - Saturday, September 15th at 8pm. For those who missed the memorial concert, here is your chance to come out and hear the band that will feature the incomparable Nelson Starr on trumpet, Tim Martin on alto and baritone sax, Karen Ragusa on bass, Tony Zambito on percussions, Jim Matteliano on piano, and Bill Basil on drums.

Joining us on stage once again is the fabulous Mary McMahon who wowed the audience at Villa Maria College last week with her heartfelt rendition of Autumn Leaves. She will also be introducing When Sunny Gets Blue tomorrow - sure to be a classic rendition.

We'll be playing a few favorites tomorrow like Blue Monk, Green Dolphin Street, Cold Duck Time, and Footprints. We have two solid sets plan for tomorrow so if the weather's got you down and you need some jazz to liven you up - come on out to her jazz at its' finest.

Iris is located on the corner of Maple and Sweet Home Road in Amherst. Iris continues to bring the finest in food and drinks as well as a friendly staff to make for a great evening.

We look forward to seeing you tomorrow night!

Posted at 06:48 PM in Iris, Jazz, Maple Entertainment Complex, Music, My Cousin Tone' | Permalink | Comments (0)

08/05/2012

7:30pm TONIGHT: 2 Dates in August, 2 Great Trumpeters, and 1 Great Sax Player

Selmer baritone saxophone (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This month we have two exciting dates scheduled. They are:

Saturday August 11th - we return to Iris for our monthly performance. We had a wonderful audinece last performance and we are looking forward to another great time.
Thursday August 23rd we return to Music on Main in Williamsville for another fun time. Even though it rained we had a blast playing indoors at the Glen Park Tavern

On August 11th, we welcome Nelson Starr back to the stage as he performs with My Cousin Tone' arranged tunes as well as his original compositions. Nelson is an extraordinary trumpeter and recently performed at the Jazz at the Albright Summer Series. On August 23rd, we welcome back Andy Peruzzini to front the and with his unique stylings and fiery bursts of sound on the trumpet. Andy is often heard playing with Trio Payazzo and brings his Eastman Music School background in full force.

On both these dates, Tim Martin will be joining the band. Tim is a rare breed baritone sax player that is a must see. The baritone sax gives us a different sound and changes the texture of tunes. Tim may also plays alto sax on certain tunes as well. Come to hear this unique sound blended with the trumpet sounds of two very gifted performers.

We will have the accompaniment once again of Mary McMahon on vocals with her arranged vocals of such songs as Fever and But Beautiful. A crowd pleaser to be sure. The band will once again feature Karen Ragusa on bass, Jim Matteliano on piano, Bill Basil on drums, and Tony Zambito on percussion.

Mark the calendar for thes two dates - August 11th at Iris starting at 7:30pm until 10pm and August 23rd for Music on Main in Williamsville starting at 6pm until 9pm. There is nothing like the sounds of jazz in the summer air.

And yes - it seems like a must to perform Summertime at least once!

Posted at 04:05 PM in Iris, Jazz, Maple Entertainment Complex, Music, My Cousin Tone' | Permalink | Comments (0)

07/21/2012

Tonight! Special Guest Nelson Starr Performs With My Cousin Tone'

Trumpet (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Tonight, at Iris beginning at 7:30pm, My Cousin Tone' has a special show with a special guest. Nelson Starr, Trumpet extraordinaire joins us on stage. We will also be playing some of Nelson's original compositions - a treat not to miss. Original jazz in the original jazz town we are!

Also joining us once again is the fabulous tenor sax player David Manth. The combination of Nelson Starr and David Manth should be off the the charts tonight. Mary McMahon will also be joining us to sing a few jazz standards with terrific styling.

We round out the band with Karen Ragusa on bass, Tony Zambito on percussion, Jim Matteliano on piano, and Bill Basil on drums. Don't miss a great evening of hot jazz on a hot summer night. Come out to Iris for fabulous food and drinks with a welcoming staff.

Iris is located on the corner of Maple and Sweet Home road in Amherst - see you there!

Posted at 05:18 PM in Iris, Jazz, Maple Entertainment Complex, Music, My Cousin Tone' | Permalink | Comments (0)

07/16/2012

My Cousin Tone' Performs Twice This Week!

Jazz (Photo credit: minwoo)

We've got a special week in store for jazz lovers. My Cousin Tone' will be performing twice this week at two of our favorite spots. The first will be at the fantastic Music on Main Series held every year in beautiful Williamsville. The band will be in front of the historic Glen Park Tavern this Thursday, July 19th, from 6:00pm until 9:00pm. The Glen Park Tavern is on 5507 Main Street, on the corner of S. Cayuga Road.

Joining us this Thursday for the first of two special appearances will be the extraordinaire trumpeter Nelson Starr. As some of our fans know, we have enjoyed playing original tunes written by Nelson. It is going to be a special treat to play them with the composer fronting the band! Also on Thursday July 19th, youngster Jon Lehning will join in on alto sax. Mary McMahon will be back on vocals along with Karen Rgausa on bass, Jim Matteliano on keyboards, Tony Zambito on percussion, and Bill Basil on drums. We've got a collection of 24 songs that offer up the classic standards as well as the jazz soul and blues that characterize the band.

On Saturday, July 21st, we will be returning to the stage at Iris beginning at 7:30pm. Joining us will be Nelson Starr once again and powerhouse tenor sax player Dave Manth. Those who have seen us play with Dave Manth know of the special blend of his powerful playing yet graceful landing of notes. Mary McMahon will also be back on stage to sing the classic jazz standards with new songs added. Iris is located on the corner of Sweet Home and Maple Road in Amherst.

Com eon out to see us once or twice this week. Music On Main is the perfect summer evening of jazz music and Iris offers the chance to enjoy fine foods and drinks while listening to jazz music. It is going to be a fun week.

Posted at 08:35 PM in Iris, Jazz, Maple Entertainment Complex, My Cousin Tone' | Permalink | Comments (0)

06/17/2012

My Cousin Tone' Returns to Iris June 23rd! Three Special Guests to Join us On Stage!

Hot Jazz (album) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As many of you know, the band devoted time recently to the efforts to support Dick Griffo. We are all saddened by the loss of our mentor. This comes close to a year after the loss of the band's other mentor Jim Kurzdorfer. All of us are committed to keeping their legacy alive and remain forever grateful that we were graced by their presence, wisdom, and gifted sharing of talent.

On Saturday, June 23rd, My Cousin Tone' returns to Iris for a performance beginning at 7:30pm. We are excited that on this night we will have three special guests joining us on stage. Dave Manth is a superior tenor sax musician and has previously played with us one time. He wowed the crowd with his strong playing power yet incredible control. Also joining us is Andy Peruzzini on trumpet. One of the areas most impressive musicians and also a member of the band Trio Payazzo. It is sure to be a night of great horns backed by foot stomping jazz rhythms.

On vocals, Mary McMahon will be joining us on stage as a special guest once again to offer her renditions of classic jazz standards songs. Mary is a veteran of the standards and you are sure to enjoy her phrasing ability.

Make plans to join us this coming Saturday as we reunite to play in the spirit of our mentors. It will be a night of new and old tunes that characterize the classic and jazz blues we love to play.

Be sure to enjoy great food and drinks from the friendly staff at Iris. And join MCT beginning at 7:30pm to hear jazz at its finest.

Iris in the Maple Entertainment Complex

4224 Maple Road and Sweet Home Road

Amherst, NY

http://www.mapleentertainment.com/

SATURDAY, JUNE 23rd at 7:30pm
$5 at the door
Phone: (716) 831-3271

Keep Jazz Alive in WNY!!

Posted at 07:52 PM in Iris, Jazz, Maple Entertainment Complex, Music, My Cousin Tone' | Permalink | Comments (0)

04/18/2012

My Cousin Tone' Performs at Iris Saturday with Special Guest Mary McMahon - All Proceeds Go to Dick Griffo

This Saturday, My Cousin Tone' returns to Iris starting at 7:30pm. We will be featuring special guest Mary McMahon as our guest vocalists. You will be sure to enjoy her engaging vocal styling as she sings some of the classic jazz standards we love to play.

We will also be bringing back on the Iris stage our good friend Mike SantaMaria on tenor saxophone. Mike performed with us often and you will all remember his smooth playing style. Joining in will be Kathleen Irish on trumpet, Karen Ragusa on bass, Jim Matteliano on keyboards, Bill Basil on drums, and Tony Zambito on percussions. Bringing you the sounds of jazz, jazz blues, and jazz soul as we play the music of Horace Silver, Herbie Hancock, and more.

On this night we will also be paying tribute to Dick Griffo, the fabulous saxophone musician, teacher, and educator of our area. Dick recently performed with My Cousin Tone' at Iris and has been one of the major influencers of our band. As many of you may know, Dick is in a fight against cancer. The band is donating its' proceeds to Dick this Saturday.

Also, there will be a Friends of Dick Griffo Benefit on Sunday, May 6th, in which My Cousin Tone' will be performing, being held from 1pm until the 10pm jazz jam. Pre-sale tickets are $20 and $25 the day of the event. Tickets are available directly at Iris - Maple Entertainment Complex as well as online at Ticket Web here. Please plan on attending to see great live music from some of the best in jazz in our area paying tribute to Dick Griffo. We encourage you to visit the web page www.friendsofdickgriffo.com to learn how you can help make a donation and support this cause.

Come on out this Saturday to enjoy great food and drinks from the friendly staff at Iris. And join MCT beginning at 7:30pm to hear jazz, enjoy the vocals of Mary McMahon, and to join in with us to pay tribute to Dick Griffo.

Iris in the Maple Entertainment Complex

4224 Maple Road and Sweet Home Road

Amherst, NY

http://www.mapleentertainment.com/

SATURDAY, APRIL 21 at 7:30pm
$5 at the door - goes to Dick Griffo
Phone: (716) 831-3271

Keep Jazz Alive in WNY!!

Posted at 12:40 PM in Iris, Jazz, Maple Entertainment Complex, Music, My Cousin Tone' | Permalink | Comments (0)

03/18/2012

Talking With Mari McNeil - Our MCT Special Guest on March 24th at Iris

by Tony Zambito

We are privileged to have joining us on stage at Iris this coming Saturday, March 24th, the marvelous vocalist Mari McNeil. While being owner and partner of Buffalo Creative Group, Mari carves out time to sing the classic jazz standards that touches the heart with her styling and phrasing. Mari is married to the highly regarded local actor David Lundy - a deep reservoir of creativity in this marriage!

Mari draws from the experiences in her life to bring alive, with feeling, the stories these songs tell. Whether they are up-tempo songs or the slow and sometimes heartbreaking ballads, Mari delivers each with the conviction, passon, and energy that has captivated audiences with her performances. She has also played with some of our best musicians including genius piano talent Michael McNeill - no relations believe it or not and yes spelled with two l's.

A few questions for Mari:

What are some of your favorite songs?

"I love the classics. They touch the heart like no other songs can. Some of my favorites are How High The Moon, Do Nothing 'til You Hear From Me, and I Remember You."

Who were your main influences?

"There are so many! I have to start with Ella Fitzgerald. Others I love are Diana Krall, Holly Cole, the Indigo Girls, and Jeri Southern."

If you could only take one album with you on a trip, what album would it be and why?

"That probably changes from day to day, but right now? The Complete Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Recordings. It's cheating because it's actually 2 albums, but I'd take it because I'm really working on my phrasing and paying closer attention to the relationship between a singer and the pianist. They are both so "in the pocket" on this album. I can learn from it"

We are excited and looking forward to Mari McNeil gracing the stage with her presence this Saturday. Please do make plans to come out and hear the classic jazz songs that touch our heart.

Visit Mari McNeil's new web site: www.marimcneil.com

Iris in the Maple Entertainment Center

4224 Maple Road and Sweet Home Road

Amherst, NY

http://www.mapleentertainment.com/

SATURDAY, MAR. 24 at 8:00pm
$5 at the door
Phone: (716) 831-3271

Keep Jazz Alive in WNY!!

Posted at 05:38 PM in Iris, Jazz, Maple Entertainment Complex, Music, My Cousin Tone' | Permalink | Comments (0)

03/16/2012

My Cousin Tone' Back at Iris March 24th with Special Guest Vocalist Mari McNeil!

Image via Wikipedia

The band is still riding high from our last concert performance at Iris with Dick Griffo, Greater Buffalo's legendary jazz saxophonist. A night to remember for us all!

Our next performance is scheduled for Saturday, March 24th at Iris Restaurant in the Maple Entertainment Complex once again. This time around we will have not one but two special guests with us on stage. David Manth playing tenor saxophone and Mari McNeil performing jazz vocals. No doubt, a night of entertainment, jazz music, jazz song, and friendship to be had by all.

The band will be rounded out by Karen Ragusa on bass, Bill Basil on drums, Jim Matteliano on piano, Kathleen Irish on trumpet, and Tony Zambito on percussions. We will pack in three entertaining sets that will get feet tapping and the voice of Mari McNeil captivating the audience.

Put this on the calendar folks! It is going to be a special night of jazz music and jazz vocals at its' finest. Stay tuned for more on our special guests and event soon!

Iris in the Maple Entertainment Center

4224 Maple Road and Sweet Home Road

Amherst, NY

http://www.mapleentertainment.com/

SATURDAY, MAR. 24 at 8:00pm
$5 at the door
Phone: (716) 831-3271

Keep Jazz Alive in WNY!!

Posted at 08:52 AM in Iris, Jazz, Maple Entertainment Complex, Music, My Cousin Tone' | Permalink | Comments (0)

02/25/2012

Tonight! Dick Griffo with My Cousin Tone' at Iris!

Image via Wikipedia

Tonight at 8pm we begin our performance with a great champion of jazz - Dick Griffo. Dick will be filling Iris with the sounds of his saxophone on such songs as Sister Sadie, Out of Nowhere, Cold Duck Time, Work Song, and Sugar to name just a few. We will also be performing a Dick Griffo original called Monk Like.

Sprinkled out among three sets, we have some original tunes by Nelson Starr, the local and superb composer and trumpeter. In addition, we will be playing some of our favorites as well. So come on out for a special night of jazz and to hear the one and only Dick Griffo tonight.

And don't forget to enjoy the fine foods, drinks, friendly staff, and vibrant ambiance of Iris!

Iris in the Maple Entertainment Center

4224 Maple Road and Sweet Home Road

Amherst, NY

http://www.mapleentertainment.com/

SATURDAY, FEB. 25 at 8:00pm
$5 at the door
Phone: (716) 831-3271

Keep Jazz Alive in WNY!!