My Cousin Tone'

My Cousin Tone' To Kickoff 2018 Hotel Henry Jazz Concert Series On April 11th!

My Cousin Tone’ is excited to be kicking off the 2018 Hotel Henry Jazz Concert Series on Wednesday, April 11^th at 7:30 pm.  The series last year was hugely successful and enabled the community to enjoy Buffalo’s newest cultural gem.  If you have not been to the Richardson Towers Olmsted Complex or the Hotel Henry, you should make plans to attend our concert and enjoy the renovated preservation site.  In a year's time, the Hotel Henry has become one of Buffalo's must-see cultural attractions.

On this evening, My Cousin Tone’ will be performing a tribute to “Jazz and the Great American Songbook”.  A mix of classic jazz and jazz standards for everyone to enjoy.  We will be featuring previous JazzBuffalo Poll winner for Best Female Jazz Vocalist, Mary McMahon along with our 9-piece ensemble.  The ensemble once again received recognition in the JazzBuffalo Poll as runner-ups in the Best Jazz Band category and the Best Large Jazz Ensemble category.

Along with Mary McMahon, the band will feature rising star arranger and saxophonist Tim Martin, Andy Peruzzini on trumpet, Tom Marinaro on sax, Pete Dauphin on trombone, Jim Matteliano on keyboards, Bill Savino on bass, Bill Basil on drums, and Tony Zambito on percussion. 

Admission is $15 and tickets are available at the Hotel Henry website here:  https://www.hotelhenry.com/jazz/

The Hotel Henry’s 100 Acres Kitchens Restaurant is also offering a 10% discount to concert attendees for dinner in the restaurant before the concert.  Just show your ticket email confirmation to the server when ordering.  Call 716-955-1511 for reservations.

We hope you can make this very special night and concert.  And, if you have not been to the Hotel Henry Jazz Concert Series, plan to see My Cousin Tone’ on Wednesday, April 11^th and find out why Buffalo Rising says it may be the best around!

Tickets are available at the Hotel Henry website here:  https://www.hotelhenry.com/jazz/

My Cousin Tone' 4th Annual Valentine's Day Jazz Concert at The Irishman!

This Wednesday, February 14th My Cousin Tone' performs in its 4th Annual Valentine's Day Jazz Concert at The Irishman Pub & Eatery beginning at 6 pm. The popular Williamsville eatery has prepared a special Valentine's Day menu.  Call 716-626-2670 to get your reservation!

The Irishman Pub and Eatery is located in Williamsville on 5601 Main Street.  Noted for its foods, Irish fare, and drinks, the Valentine's Day menu is sure to be sumptuous.  Grab your date and come on by for fine foods and music.  

Look for a fun time as we will feature the 9 piece band with vocalist Mary McMahon.  No doubt, we will perform some of the classic jazz standards that celebrate love.  We hope to see you there!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

My Cousin Tone' Nominated in Two Group Categories For The 4th Annual JazzBuffalo Poll!

The 4^th Annual (2017) JazzBuffalo Poll is open for voting.  The poll gives audiences and fans of jazz to vote for their favorite jazz musicians, groups, and performances.  The poll consists of 34 categories covering a variety of instruments, groups, performances, and supporters. 

My Cousin Tone’ was nominated in two categories:

#16  Jazz (Bebop/Hard Bop/Classic) Group of the Year

#21  Jazz Large Ensemble of the Year

In addition, several members were nominated in various individual categories.

We will welcome your participation in the JazzBuffalo Poll.  If you liked what you saw of us in 2017, please do vote for us!  We had a tremendous year of performing throughout the year and enjoyed our regular Mondays at Tappo Restaurant!

Here is the link to the poll:  4th Annual (2017) JazzBuffalo Poll

Thank you for a great 2017 from My Cousin Tone’!!

My Cousin Tone' Concert Honors Our Veterans Saturday, November 11

Veterans Day is a day we take time out of our busy lives to remember the service and sacrifices from the men and women who served in the military and other branches.  From WWII to present day conflicts in Afghanistan, veterans bravely dedicated their lives for our country.

On Saturday, November 11, JazzBuffalo and My Cousin Tone’ will pay tribute to Veterans Day with a special concert to be held at Pausa Art House.  A time for families and friends to come together with Veterans and pay special recognition to the service they gave.  There will be a special admission of only $3 to any Veteran who attends the concert.  All others, admission is just $10.  We encourage all Veterans who attend to wear caps and insignias that identify them as a veteran so we can give a huge thank you!

We are excited to have a full 9-piece ensemble once again.  The band will feature Jim Matteliano on piano, Tim Martin on alto/bari sax, Tom Marinaro on sax, Bill Savino on bass, Pete Dauphin on trombone, Bill Basil on drums, Tony Zambito on percussion, special guest Hansel Herrera Deschapelles on trumpet, and feature jazz vocalist Mary McMahon. 

Look for another exciting time of jazz ensemble music, jazz standards sung, and great arrangements by the band as we perform to honor the men and women who have served our nation. 

The concert takes place beginning at 7:30 pm at Pausa Art House located at 19 Wadsworth near Allen Street and down the block from Kleinhans Music Hall.  We hope you can make it and can bring a Veteran to this special event!

See you there!

My Cousin Tone' Presents A Special Father's Day Concert Celebration Saturday, June 17

My Cousin Tone' will be presenting a special concert on Saturday, June 17 beginning at 7:30 pm at Pausa Art House.  It is the day before Father's Day and we've planned, in association with JazzBuffalo and Pausa Art House, a Father's Day Celebration entitled Song for My Father.  After the famous tune that was written by Horace Silver.

 

To help pay tribute to Dads, admission for all Dads accompanied by sons and daughters will be admitted FREE.  And, Moms will have an admission of only $5.  To encourage a family-friendly outing, all children under the age of 14 will be admitted free also.  

 

So My Cousin Tone' fans, make plans to take your Dads and Grandads to a special night of music and celebration for Father's Day.  A great way to make it a weekend of honoring Dads.  And, remembering our Dads who have left us but remain a part of our memories. 

 

Hope to see you and your Dads there!

 

(Here is the famous Horace Silver tune, Song for My Father.  My Cousin Tone' will be performing this great song in this concert!)

My Cousin Tone' To Perform At International Jazz Day Celebration Sunday, April 30 In Support Of MS

Hello, My Cousin Tone' fans!  The band is performing on Sunday, April 30th as part of the annual International Jazz Day.  The celebration, hosted by JazzBuffalo, will be taking place at Pausa Art House from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm with My Cousin Tone' up to perform around 3:30 pm.

Below is the JazzBuffalo article regarding the event.  We are excited to be participating in this event.  That will also be raising funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Walk MS scheduled for May 6 at Canalside.    Come out and celebrate International Jazz Day and support the cause of multiple sclerosis.  

Link to original JazzBuffalo article

Since November of 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially designated April 30 as International Jazz Day to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe.  This year in Buffalo, JazzBuffalo, in association with Pausa Art House, will be hosting an International Jazz Day Celebration to take place on Sunday, April 30^th from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm at Pausa Art House.  The free event is open to the public and will also be an occasion to raise awareness for Multiple Sclerosis.  In-kind donations will be accepted in support of the MS Walk scheduled for Saturday, May 6 at Canalside. 

International Jazz Day is the culmination of Jazz Appreciation Month, which draws public attention to jazz and its extraordinary heritage throughout April. JazzBuffalo and Pausa Art House scheduled 7 concerts throughout the month of April to celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month.  In December 2012, the United Nations General Assembly formally welcomed the decision by the UNESCO General Conference to proclaim April 30 as International Jazz Day. The United Nations and UNESCO now both recognize International Jazz Day on their official calendars.

The event taking place at Pausa Art House on Sunday, April 30^th will begin at 1:30 pm (doors open at 1:00 pm) and feature a diverse range of internationally influenced and American influenced jazz.  The honorary Master of Ceremonies will be Suzanne Fatta.  Fatta is an internationally recognized fashion model who has graced the pages of magazines globally.  She is also a champion of women causes and is an individual living with the condition of multiple sclerosis. 

Throughout the years, the Buffalo jazz community have had musicians who have lived with multiple sclerosis.  One such individual performing with My Cousin Tone’ on the 30^th will be Karen Ragusa.  Karen is a jazz bassist, teacher and ensemble leader for the Starpoint Middle School and High School jazz ensembles, and the recipient of the 2015 Anne L. Schuell Award for an Inspirational Women on the Move awarded by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society annually. 

Jazz music scheduled throughout the afternoon will feature a broad diversity of international jazz music and artists in Buffalo.  Jazz musicians and artists who are graciously donating their talents to this event.  Scheduled to appear are:

French ConeXion – the group features Bernard Kunz (guitar), Jeremy Spindler (accordion), and Marc Cousins (bass) performing jazz music influenced by each of their European upbringing in France, Switzerland, and Denmark.  A uniquely talented trio with a distinct European jazz sound.

 

The Hot Club of Buffalo – this quartet carries on the legacy of Django Reinhardt (France) in an international repertoire of gypsy jazz music.  They will perform music from their recently released and much-acclaimed CD that draws on international styles from around the world.  They recently performed to a packed theater at their CD Release concert.

Harry Graser with Suzanne Fatta and Katy Miner – the young and abundantly gifted pianist, Harry Graser, will accompany two singers.  Frist, Suzanne Fatta will perform two jazz songs in Portuguese and French.  In addition to modeling, Suzanne has studied opera vocal performances at the University of York, U.K., Eastman School of Music, and the Oberlin Conservatory of Music.  Katy Miner, fresh from her Ella Fitzgerald tribute during Jazz Appreciation Month, will perform from the Great American Songbook.  Katy has appeared in numerous musical productions throughout the Buffalo theater scene (most recently in Sophisticated Ladies at MusicalFare Theatre) and also performs as the Katy Miner Quintet.

My Cousin Tone’ – the 9-piece ensemble will perform jazz music from the hard bop era of jazz and feature vocalist Mary McMahon.  They will also perform music from Herbie Hancock, who serves as the as a UNESCO Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue and Chairman of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, as well as, the honorary chairperson for International Jazz Day.

Buffalo Brass Machine – the 8-piece band, with performances in Toronto, Detroit, and Cleveland this past year, is determined to make New Orleans Street Jazz modern again with its exciting blend of brass instruments and percussive street jazz sound.  Interpreting modern day pop songs into New Orleans Street Jazz. 

For Lazara Martinez-Nelson, proprietor and artistic director of Pausa Art House, International Jazz Day will take on a special meaning of significance in 2017.  Lazara, a native of Cuba and an accomplished classical educated musician and concerto violinist who performed internationally, will watch from afar as the International Jazz Day Global Concert and Celebration takes place in Havana, Cuba this year.   An additional special guest will be Hansel Herrera Deschapelles.  The Cuban-born trumpet player, who has performed internationally, will perform with My Cousin Tone’.  Hansel was educated at the Escuela Nacional De Arte in Havana, Cuba. 

The All-Star Global Concert will be presented at the Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso, under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture of Cuba, the Cuban Institute of Music and the Cuban National Commission for UNESCO.  A host of jazz stars will perform with many performances live streamed globally. 

The International Jazz Day Celebration gives us all an opportunity to unify around the universal language of jazz music.  A chance for us to lift up the human spirit and raise awareness for those who need support.  For this occasion, raising awareness for those in need of support for multiple sclerosis.  This is a FREE event open to the public.  Free-will donations will be accepted for the MS Walk scheduled for Saturday, May 6 at Canalside.  Even a $1 donation goes a long way.  (Donations are not mandatory to attend this FREE event)

This is a family-friendly celebration so families come out and expose young ones to the wonders of international jazz music on Sunday, April 30th!

Keep Jazz Alive!!

My Cousin Tone' $5 Fan Appreciation Night At Pausa Art House - Friday, Feb. 24!

On Friday, February 24^th at 8 pm, My Cousin Tone’ will make a return appearance at Pausa Art House.  In the past three years, Pausa Art House has established itself as the premier performing center for jazz and other forms of music genres.  Providing an intimate music experience for those attending.

We are excited to bring the full 9-piece ensemble to the concert venue.  Featured will be:

Tim Martin – baritone/alto sax

Pete Dauphin – trombone

Tom Marinaro – tenor sax

Andy Peruzzini – trumpet

Karen Ragusa – bass

Jim Matteliano – piano

Bill Basil – drums

Tony Zambito – percussion

Mary McMahon – vocals

We will have some new songs and exciting new arrangements by Tim Martin and others.  Including songs and arrangements that wowed the audience when the band opened for the Lewiston Jazz Festival last year and performed for the sold-out audience at MusicalFare Theatre Cabaret Lounge.

Pausa Art House is located at 19 Wadsworth Street near Allen Street and down the street from Kleinhans Music Hall.  Parking is available on the side streets surrounding the area.  There is plenty of parking near Elmwood and Allen area.  And, Pausa Art House will be just a couple of blocks down from Elmwood.

As part of our special night, we are offering a Fan Appreciation Promo Code.  Use this code to receive the admission fee of only $5 - $5 off the normal $10 admission fee.  We have appreciated our many fans and we hope to see many of you on this special Friday night.  Please share the promo code and bring your family and friends!

Cut out and bring the promo code with you, show it via your smartphone, and/or mention the promo code.  The promo code is below:

We look forward to seeing everyone and performing for you!

My Cousin Tone’

Friday, February 24

8 pm

Pausa Art House

19 Wadsworth

Buffalo, New York

My Cousin Tone' 3rd Annual Valentine's Day Jazz Brunch Sunday, February 12th

This Sunday My Cousin Tone' performs in its 3rd Annual Valentine's Day Jazz Brunch at The Irishman Pub & Eatery from 11 am to 2 pm. Call 716-626-2670 to get your reservation!

The Irishman Pub and Eatery is located in Williamsville on 5601 Main Street.  Noted for its foods, Irish fare, and drinks, the brunch menu is sumptuous.  Grab your date and come on by for fine foods and music.  

We will have our full 9-piece band! See Karen Ragusa, Timothy Martin, Thomas Marinaro, Andrew Peruzzinii, Bill Basil, Jim Matteliano, Pete Dauphin, Mary Mcmahon, and Tony Zambito!

This is the same 9-piece band we had at the Lewiston Jazz Festival last year.  Fresh and rich arrangements by Tim Martin!  Come out and enjoy our 3rd annual Valentine's Day Jazz Bruch!  

My Cousin Tone’ To Appear At MusicalFare Theatre October 21!

My Cousin Tone’ is excited to announce that the band will hit the stage once again soon!  After our Main Stage performance kicking off the Lewiston Jazz Festival, we are pleased to announce the band will be performing at MusicalFare Theatre in the Premier Cabaret Lounge on Friday, October 21^st beginning at 8 pm.  The show is presented by the non-profit jazz organization, JazzBuffalo, in association with MusicalFare Theatre. 

The Premier Cabaret Lounge of the MusicalFare Theatre is a recent build out and addition to the theatre.  Hosting a stage complete with a baby grand piano and drum kit.  Seating capacity is 92 seats and a bar with drinks and a light snack menu is available.  A fabulous new venue for WNY!  The theatre is located on the campus of Daemen College on 4380 Main Street in Amherst, NY.  

If you heard our performance at the Lewiston Jazz Festival, you heard new songs and new arrangements powered by a 9-piece ensemble.  Tim Martin displayed a tremendous talent for a bevy of new arrangements of classic jazz standards and jazz ensemble instrumentals.  Arrangements are completed to give the band’s 4-piece horn section a prominent role in the band’s new sound.

Here is a clip made by Roy Berube of the band’s performance of Mercy, Mercy, Mercy at the Lewiston Jazz Festival:

 

On this date, we will have Karen Ragusa on bass, Jim Matteliano on piano, Bill Basil on drums, Tony Zambito on percussion, Mary McMahon on vocals, Tom Marinaro on tenor sax, Tim Martin on baritone and alto sax, Andy Peruzzini on trumpet, and special guest Dr. Rick Fleming on trombone.  Mary McMahon will once again do her renditions of the classic jazz standards we all love.

Pete Dauphin (trombone) will be unable to join us on this evening.  However, we are pleased to have renowned trombonist, Dr. Rick Fleming.  Fleming has performed with the Temptations, Aretha Franklin, the Four Tops, Connie Francis, and Frankie Valli.  He has also conducted internationally in Hungary and South Africa.  Dr. Rick Fleming is currently an associate professor at Buffalo State College and is the Director of the Buffalo State Jazz Ensemble. 

You can get tickets for this special one-evening show at the MusicalFare Theatre Box office by calling 716-839-8540 directly.  Or, you can reserve seats online through the MusicalFare Theatre Website here at this link and select your seats:

MusicalFare Theatre Premier Cabaret Lounge

We hope to see many of our family, friends, and fans for what promises to be an exciting evening.  Please come out and enjoy an evening with My Cousin Tone’!

 

My Cousin Tone’ To Kick Off Lewiston Jazz Festival, Friday August 26!

My Cousin Tone’ is excited to be kicking off the Lewiston Jazz Festival on the Main Stage this year!  Join us as we make an appearance on Friday, August 26 from 5 pm to 7 pm.  The band will be opening for the featured headliner that evening, jazz vocalist Molly Johnson from Toronto.

This summer, My Cousin Tone’ has been busy rehearsing.  Talented saxophonist and arranger Tim Martin is leading the way with exciting new arrangements of classic songs the band has performed and the introduction of new tunes.  In addition, we will be on stage with a 9-piece band featuring a horn section of four performers.  Bringing a dynamic and vibrant sound to the Main Stage. 

On this special evening, the band will feature Tim Martin, baritone and alto sax, Pete Dauphin, trombone, Andy Peruzzini, trumpet, Tom Marinaro, tenor sax, Jim Matteliano, piano, Bill Basil, drums, Karen Ragusa, bass, Tony Zambito, percussion, and Mary McMahon, vocals. 

We hope to see you and our many family and friends at the opening of the Lewiston Jazz Festival.  Come see us at 5 pm to 7 pm and then stick around to see the fabulous Molly Johnson at 8 pm!