Indianapolis keyboardist Steve Allee will perform in the series Jazz at Helen’s on Jan. 20.
Submitted photo
The Columbus Indiana Philharmonic is adding yet another instrument to its entertainment lineup beginning next month — a jazz series in an intimate setting with some of the more accomplished artists in the area.
And the first concert is already sold out.
Jazz at Helen’s will open Jan. 20 wih an 80-seat format in Helen Haddad Hall in downtown Columbus with well-known and Grammy-nominated keyboardist Steve Allee and his trio. Allee, known by many for his musical work on the nationally syndicated “Bob and Tom Show,” last played a sizable public event in Columbus at the 2014 Uncommon Cause arts fundraiser with something of an all-star band that he assembled — and one that drew rave reviews from attendees.
Following him will be Columbus native and long-popular Indianapolis electric violinist Cathy Morris and Friends on Feb. 17. She has played in Columbus regularly through the years at events ranging from the Empty Bowls food bank fundraiser to Bartholomew County Historical Society events at the Henry Breeding Farm to the Columbus Area Arts Council’s NeighborFest gatherings downtown. Followers have praised Morris not only for her music, but also for her high energy and exuberant performances.
The Mark Buselli Quartet is scheduled April 21. Buselli is a trumpeter and an arranger and composer based in Muncie.
The Philharmonic, which launched its highly successful Cabaret at The Commons in January 2015, is promoting this latest entertainment option on its social media pages as “a great way to wind down after a long week and enjoy the night with friends, drinks, and great music.”
Donnie Robinette, Philharmonic executive director,
“Our community surveys and patron responses indicated there was a large void of jazz music in the area,” Robinette said. “The fact that we sold out our first jazz show within days and the others are expected to sell quickly only reinforces these public comments.”There are also plans for additional music-related programs in the near future. After the isolation of the pandemic, many people crave social interaction in a fun, safe setting, and music is the key.”
Columbus resident Warren Ward, whose musical background includes working behind the scenes with such area bands as 40 Years of College and national acts such as Alice Cooper on his first national tour and Head East (with the 1975 hit “Never Been Any Reason”), hatched the idea of the series with the simplest of inspiration.
“When (wife) Janet and I were at a party in Helen Haddad Hall last summer, I realized that the beautiful Shigeru Kawai (piano there) needed to be played,” Ward said. “So I contacted my friend Steve Allee to gauge his interest. He loved the idea and, with the support of Tracy Haddad and the staff and board of the philharmonic, we’re rolling.”
The philharmonic has reported that tickets, which only recently went on sale, are selling fast. The organization understands brisk sales. Several years ago, a couple of its 400-seat Christmas cabarets sold out in only a few days.
Tickets for the series
thecip.secure.force.com/ticket/#/
