Le Not So Hot Klub du Denton (with Andy Cooper.)

Reinholdt, on the patio stage at Sweetwater Grill & Tavern, 115 S. Elm St., Denton, 7-9 p.m. – FREE

Core musicians of Le Not So Hot Klub du Denton now include: Thad Bonduris – guitar/vocals & ad hoc leadership; Leon Peek – guitar; Maristella Feustle – guitar; Jeffrey Barnes – woodwinds; Ginny Mac – Accordion/vocals; Carlo Canlas – violin; Jacob Appelt – double bass; Steven Prouty – drums.

The band specializes in acoustically-oriented Early Jazz – namely anything Django would’ve played – and anything that is FUN music! The band is even often followed around by the “NSHK dancers” – yet another “loose collective”…

Founded in 2004 by clarinetist Andy Cooper, as a “loose collective of musicians wanting to preserve, protect, and defend the right to play Django Reinhardt-style music together”, it has become its own popular entity, entertaining hundreds of Dentonites ever since!

Health issues have made Andy take a leave of absence—but his chair anxiously awaits him!

Past members/occasional guests include: Andy Cooper – clarinet/piano; Bach Norwood – bass; Bonnie Norris – violin; Nick Norris – guitar; Tom Nelson, Steve Horn – mandolins; Michael Mindardi – drums; David Lee Schloss – woodwinds; Mark Menikos, Austin Smith, Dustin Ballard – violins; Carl Finch – accordion; Kimberly Ann Cooper, Kristi Kruger, Charles Wilhoite, Karen Foster – vocals; Daniel Hart – violin/vocals.

Django Reinhardt, http://www.npr.org/artists/15404866/django-reinhardt, has achieved an almost godlike status among

Django Reinhardt

those who love jazz guitar. When he and violinist , Stephane Grappelli, http://www.npr.org/artists/91706266/stephane-grappelli, formed the Quintet of the Hot Club of France in 1934, they created a new sound in jazz: The guitar and violin served as the lead instrumental voices, propelled by two hard-swinging rhythm guitars and a bass. No drums, no piano, no saxophone — just five stringed instruments doing what became known as “hot swing” or “Gypsy jazz.” (Reinhardt was of Romani – gypsy – origin.)

Many Reinhardt compositions have become jazz standards, and the basic Gypsy jazz sound still holds great appeal.
- From NPR‘s Django’s Legacy: 21st-Century Gypsy Jazz – http://www.npr.org/blogs/ablogsupreme/2012/10/05/162332936/djangos-legacy-21st-century-gypsy-jazz

One of the latest contemporary musicians/composer s happens to be Texas‘s own Willie Nelson, who has included Nuages on his album “Let’s Face the Music and Dance.” Willie’s “family” supports his guitar work with brilliant subtlety and depth, and features Willie Nelson: guitar, vocals; Jim Brown: Hammond B3; Billy English: percussion, guitar; Paul English: percussion; Bobbie Nelson: piano; Micah Nelson: percussion; Mickey Raphael: harmonica; Kevin Smith: bass.

Nuages, Djajngo Reinhardt – Willie Nelson, “Let’s Face the Music and Dance” album 2013

During World War II – Occupied France
“The Germans used Paris basically as their rest-and-relaxation center, and when the soldiers came, they wanted wine and women and song. And to many of them, jazz was the popular music, and Django was the most famous jazz musician in Paris,” said Reinhardt biographer Michael Dregni. “And it was really a golden age of swing in Paris, with these gypsies living kind of this grand irony.”

In 1940, with “La Marseillaise” banned, Reinhardt wrote a new anthem that struck a chord with listeners across France. “Nuages” (“Clouds”) became Reinhardt‘s best-known composition — a bittersweet ode for occupied France. The liberation brought many American jazz musicians to Paris. One was the late John Lewis. In a 2000 NPR interview, he remembered having to drag Reinhardt away from a Dizzy Gillespie show, so the guitarist could make his own gig.

- From NPR’s Django Reinhardt: 100 Years Of Hot Jazz – http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122865782

Gypsy Jazz (Swing) is all about romance, sweet syncopation and style. In Denton, our connection to this genre of Jazz is Le Not So Hot

Le Not So Hot Klub du Denton at Banter Bistro

Klub du Denton, under the leadership of local guitar musician and educator, Thad Bonduris.

Founded in 2004 by clarinetist Andy Cooper, as a “loose collective of musicians wanting to preserve, protect, and defend the right to play Django Reinhardt style music together”, it has become its own popular entity, entertaining hundreds of Dentonites ever since!
Health issues have made Andy take a leave of absence – but his chair anxiously awaits him! Core musicians of Le Not So Hot Klub du Denton now include: Thad Bonduris – guitar/vocals & ad hoc leadership; Leon Peek – guitar; Maristella Feustle – guitar; Jeffrey Barnes – woodwinds; Ginny Mac – Accordion/vocals; Carlo Canlas – violin; Jacob Appelt – double bass; Steven Prouty – drums.

Past members/occasional guests include: Andy Cooper – clarinet/piano; Bach Norwood – bass; Bonnie Norris – violin; Nick Norris – guitar; Tom Nelson, Steve Horn – mandolins; Michael Mindardi – drums; David Lee Schloss – woodwinds; Mark Menikos, Austin Smith, Dustin Ballard – violins; Carl Finch – accordion; Kimberly Ann Cooper, Kristi Kruger, Charles Wilhoite, Karen Foster – vocals; Daniel Hart – violin/vocals The band specializes in acoustically-oriented Early Jazz—namely anything Django would’ve played – and anything that is FUN music!

The central engagement, “house gig”, or “universe around which NSHK revolves” is: FIRST TUESDAY of every month, at BANTER BISTRO, 219 W. Oak Street, Denton, TX 76201 The group also plays at other Denton venues, such as Sweetwater Grill & Tavern, 115 S. Elm, and the Denton Arts & Jazz Fest – the last full weekend in April.

First Tuesday @ Banter Bistro, 219 W Oak St  Denton, kicks off the evening New Orleans style with Strictly Dixie, playing Dixieland

Banter Bistro Denton

Jazz from 8-9 p.m.

At 9 p.m., Le Not So Hot Klub du Denton (not France) takes the stage with a fabulous array of talented musicians, playing Gypsy Swing ala Django Reinhardt – for your listening and dancing pleasure. (I personally favor their rendition of “Caravan.”)

• The rest of the week, Banter offers “No-Wristband” live music, until 35 Denton bands begin their schedule each night at 9:30 p.m. – Thursday, March 7, through Sunday, March 10. (Please check the Banter Bistro calendar for full details – http://dentonbanter.com/about-banter/our-calendar/) For more details re: 35 Denton, visit – http://35denton.com/.

About Le Not So Hot Klub du Denton (not France)

Le Not So Hot Klub du Denton

Founded in 2004 by clarinetist Andy Cooper, as a “loose collective of musicians wanting to preserve, protect, and defend the right to play Django Reinhardt-style music together”, it has become its own popular entity, entertaining hundreds of Dentonites ever since!

Health issues have made Andy take a leave of absence, but his chair anxiously awaits him! (Andy has been sitting in these past few First Fridays.)

Core musicians of Le Not So Hot Klub du Denton now include: Thad Bonduris – guitar/vocals & ad hoc leadership; Leon Peek – guitar; Maristella Feustle – guitar; Jeffrey Barnes – woodwinds; Ginny Mac – Accordion/vocals; Carlo Canlas – violin; Jacob Appelt – double bass; Steven Prouty – drums.

Past members/occasional guests include: Andy Cooper – clarinet/piano; Bach Norwood – bass; Bonnie Norris – violin; Nick Norris – guitar; Tom Nelson, Steve Horn – mandolins; Michael Mindardi – drums; David Lee Schloss – woodwinds; Mark Menikos, Austin Smith, Dustin Ballard – violins; Carl Finch – accordion; Kimberly Ann Cooper, Kristi Kruger, Charles Wilhoite, Karen Foster – vocals; Daniel Hart – violin/vocals.

Tonight – February 4, 2013 -

Andy Cooper playing with Mr. Joe’s Jazz Band, January 8 at Banter Bistro. He’s back!

First Tuesday at Banter Bistro, 219 W. Oak St., Denton, features Mr. Joe Jazz – the best in live, New Orleans-style Dixieland, at 8 p.m.

At 9 p.m. – Le Not So Hot Klub du Denton takes you to the romantic, French side of Jazz with Gypsy Swing ala Django Reinhardt.

About LNSHKDD

Founded in 2004 by clarinetist Andy Cooper, as a “loose collective of musicians wanting to preserve, protect, and defend the right to play Django Reinhardt-style music together”, it has become its own popular entity, entertaining hundreds of Dentonites ever since!

Health issues have made Andy take a leave of absence—but his chair anxiously awaits him! Core musicians of Le Not So Hot Klub du Denton now include: Thad Bonduris – guitar/vocals & ad hoc leadership; Leon Peek – guitar; Maristella Feustle – guitar; Jeffrey Barnes – woodwinds; Ginny Mac – Accordion/vocals; Carlo Canlas – violin; Jacob Appelt – double bass; Steven Prouty – drums.

Le Not So Hot Klub du Denton plays at Banter Bistro

Past members/occasional guests include: Andy Cooper – clarinet/piano; Bach Norwood – bass; Bonnie Norris – violin; Nick Norris – guitar; Tom Nelson, Steve Horn – mandolins; Michael Mindardi – drums; David Lee Schloss – woodwinds; Mark Menikos, Austin Smith, Dustin Ballard – violins; Carl Finch – accordion; Kimberly Ann Cooper, Kristi Kruger, Charles Wilhoite, Karen Foster – vocals; Daniel Hart – violin/vocals.

The band specializes in acoustically-oriented Early Jazz—namely anything Django would’ve played—and anything that is FUN music! The band is even often followed around by the “NSHK dancers”—yet another “loose collective.”

The central engagement, “house gig”, or “universe around which NSHK revolves” is: FIRST TUESDAY of every month, at BANTER BISTRO 219 W. Oak Street Denton, TX 76201. Also, there are occasional others (as well as private event availability)…we’ll keep you posted, so:
SEE Y’ALL THERE, s’il vous plaît.

Monday, January 21:
Vintage Jazz Society meets at Center for Visual Arts, 400 East Hickory Street  Denton, TX – 9:30 a.m. for discussion, followed by jam session at 10:30 a.m. – everyone is welcome

About The Greater Denton Area Vintage Jazz Society

MEETINGS: First and third Mondays of each month, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.. All presentations are followed by a group jam session.

Founders: Ron Fink, Karen Foster, Bill Miller, Andrew Cooper, Jeffrey Barnes
Amended Charter-2004:

Ad-Hoc leader and contact:
Thad Bonduris
BONDURIS MUSIC
813 N. Locust
Denton, TX 76201-2952
940-320-6023
FAX: 940-320-6024
Email: tbonduris@mac.com
bondurismusic.com

MISSION: The preservation promulgation, and dissemination of early jazz.
SCOPE, STYLE, CONTENT: early parlor, ragtime,early New Orleans, 1920s Chicago, vaudeville pit band; main focus from 1900-1930, but also includes second-line dixieland, swing early rhythm and blues.
OUTLOOK: Educational historical, authentic, and entertaining.
METHOD AND FORMAT: Historical research, lecture, seminar, media presentations, and musical demonstrations.
MATERIAL: Charts, fake books, period music books, CDs, Power Point, handouts, and other resources.
ACTIVITIES & MEMBER PERFORMANCES: Field trips to music libraries, jazz museums, etc. Annual Fat Tuesday tri-band performance and Extravaganza at Denton’s Sweetwater Tavern.

By Thad Bonduris

Founded in 2004 by clarinetist Andy Cooper, as a “loose collective of musicians wanting to preserve, protect, and defend the right to play Django Reinhardt style music together”, it has become its own popular entity, entertaining hundreds of Dentonites ever since!

Health issues have made Andy take a leave of absence—but his chair anxiously awaits him!

Core musicians of Le Not So Hot Klub du Denton now include: Thad Bonduris – guitar/vocals & ad hoc leadership; Leon Peek – guitar; Maristella Feustle – guitar; Jeffrey Barnes – woodwinds; Ginny Mac – Accordion/vocals; Carlo Canlas – violin; Jacob Appelt – double bass; Steven Prouty – drums.

Past members/occasional guests include: Andy Cooper – clarinet/piano; Bach Norwood – bass; Bonnie Norris – violin; Nick Norris – guitar; Tom Nelson, Steve Horn – mandolins; Michael Mindardi – drums; David Lee Schloss – woodwinds; Mark Menikos, Austin Smith, Dustin Ballard – violins; Carl Finch – accordion; Kimberly Ann Cooper, Kristi Kruger, Charles Wilhoite, Karen Foster – vocals; Daniel Hart – violin/vocals.

The band specializes in acoustically-oriented Early Jazz—namely anything Django would’ve played—and anything that is FUN music! The band is even often followed around by the “NSHK dancers”—yet another “loose collective”…

The central engagement, “house gig”, or “universe around which NSHK revolves” is:
FIRST TUESDAY of every month, at
BANTER BISTRO
219 W. Oak Street
Denton, TX 76201

Also, there are occasional others (as well as private event availability) … we’ll keep you posted, so:

SEE Y’ALL THERE, s’il vous plait!

Choices, choices – Tuesday, Dec. 4, offers a mighty plethora (flash on “The Three Amigos”) of Live Jazz performances in downtown Denton. Put on your Santa hat and join your friends for a early December evening of Christmas scenes and sounds.

Tuesday, December 4: 

• Riggs/Slater/Seaton Jazz Experience (A trio with talent, experience and a really cool vibe – Jim Riggs on sax, Neil Slater playing keyboard and Bassist Lynn Seaton laying down the bass line) at Dan’s Silver Leaf, 130 Industrial, Denton, (Just a few blocks from the A-Train station) at 5 p.m. – FREE – followed by Paul Slavens and Friends at 10 p.m. – FREE FMI: http://www.danssilverleaf.com/
• 

  Fred Hamilton

  The Fred Hamilton Group offers a hip Jazz groove for your evening dining – and drinking – pleasure at Sweetwater Grill & Tavern, 150 S. Elm St., Denton, from 7 – 9 p.m. – FREE. 

Reminder: Help out Sweetwater’s Holiday Giving to the adopted family, or to the 200 soles being fed Christmas Day. FMI: http://sweetwatergrillandtavern.com/

From Thad Bonduris, LNSHK leader – We’ve always like to end the year (since 2004) with a “bang,” throwing in some Holiday music, having special guests, and even going a little longer, if everyone seems game!
One of our special guests will be, none other than, Mrs. Kimberly Ann Cooper – and if SHE’S there, you know else will be!
Even if you haven’t been coming lately, this is one you won’t wanna miss!
Andy, and the Band, would be greatly honored with your presence!

Le Not So Hoy Klub du Denton – Gypsy Jazz tonight!

And, as always, Mister Joe and his Dixieland group will be kicking things off at 8 p.m..

ANDY SEZ: “LET’S KEEP THIS DENTON TRADITION ALIVE!!!”

Another Andy Milestone

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewcooper/journal/view/14101327

Written Nov 29, 2012 by Harriet Moore

I think that Andy Cooper is nothing short of amazing!!!  I can say that because I’m his sister, but I bet all of you would wholeheartedly agree with me that this past year Andy has shown impressive strength and fortitude in his fight to get back to normal!  We are celebrating Andy’s last day at CNS with a going away party tomorrow.  Ending his daily road trips to Irving (ugh, that’s a lot of time on I-35!), he will be transferring to a facility at Denton Regional Hospital where he will continue his various therapies.  While his wheelchair is still a necessity, he has been relying more and more on using his cane to get around (see picture).  Go ahead – stand up and applaud loudly!  And while we’re all clapping, let’s also give a big hand to Teresa who is doing a fantastic job making sure that Andy’s move back home has been as smooth as possible.  It’s an adjustment for both of them, for our whole family, but when you constantly see improvements like we witness each day, it makes it so worthwhile to know that everything is gonna be alright.  Life has changed, YES!  But it’s gonna be okie dokie!   ))))

Andy Cooper visits Banter Bistro for a First Tuesday performance.

If you’d like to send a greeting card or a short note of congratulations to Andy, I believe most of you have his and Teresa’s home address, but if you don’t, you can respond in the Caring Bridge guestbook and leave me your email address and I will then send you their address (I’m a little reluctant to post it here).

As always, our family is grateful for all the love and support everyone has shown us, and we hope everyone has a joyous holiday season!!!

Contact kathyedwards57@verizon.net or joseph.pinson@verizon.net

Guitarist, performer and music teacher Thad Bonduris.

TONIGHT - Tuesday, October 16: 

• Bonduris Quartet at Sweetwater Grill & Tavern, 115 S. Elm St., Denton, 7-9 p.m. Free.
  
• Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers (not officially Jazz, but close enough) at Dan’s Silver Leaf, 103 Industrial, Denton,  8 p.m. Tickets: $10/15 FMI:http://www.nickibluhm.com/bio/

“Mister Joe” Pinson’s Birthday Bash!

Happy Birthday, “Mister Joe” Pinson

TOMORROW IS FIRST TUESDAY (October edition) at  Banter Denton, 219 West Oak St., Denton. At 7 p.m., we are having a little cake to celebrate Mr. Joe’s birthday! This is going to be a great night so come help us celebrate!

At 8 p.m.,”Mister Joe” and his Jazz Band will play (mostly Dixieland), followed by the Django Reinhardt-inspired Gypsy Jazz of  Le Not So Hot Klub du Denton at 9 p.m. All Free.

Sitting in with “Mister Joe” – playing his trombone and singing – long time partner in crime “Captain” Dave Hume on trumpet,  Jeffrey Barnes on clarinet and soprano and bass saxophones, and Lee Schloss on tenor sax. Backing them up with rhythm and harmony often times, will be George Merritt on banjo, Bach Norwood on bass, and Steve Prouty on drums. All together they make for an early October evening of all-time favorites such as After You’re Gone, I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, All of Me, Tin Roof Blues and many more.

The evening turns to romantic Gypsy Swing as Le Not So Hot Klub du Denton takes the stage. Push the chairs back and dance to the romantic and captivating vintage style.

• Le Not So Hot band features:
  

  Le Not So Hot Klub du Denton

  • Thad Bonduris, guitar and vocals
  • Jeffrey Barnes, soprano sax, clarinet, flute and harmonica
  • Maristella Fuestle, guitar
  • Leon Peek, guitar
  • Austin Smith, violin
  • Ginny Mac,  voice and accordion
  • Jacob Appelt, bass
  • Steven Prouty, drums

FMI, visit http://dentonbanter.com/

Esther and Drew Phelps

By Kathy Edwards McFarland

Many in Denton and beyond now know about Esther Rodriguez-Phelps, bassist Drew Phelp’s wife, was diagnosed with breast cancer and is facing a long medical journey.

On Sunday, July 22, 4 to 9 p.m. at Dan’s Silver Leaf, 103 Industrial St., Denton, friends and family have organized “For the Love of Esther” – A medical expense benefit for Esther’s breast cancer care and treatment. Suggested donation – $10.

Music featuring an All-Star line-up features:

4 p.m. – Elaine Davis, Moniquie Gulyas & Tom Nelson

5 p.m. – Hares on the Mountain

Brave Combo

6 p.m. – Contrabass Choir led by Lynn Seaton

6:30 p.m. – Bubba Hernandez  y Los Super Vatos

8 p.m. – Brave Combo

9 p.m. – Open Jam led by Thad Bonduris and the Not So Hot Klub

The event offers more than wonderful, eclectic music by some of Denton’s fabulous musical talent – so get you checkbooks out, break open the piggy banks, and crack open those billfolds …

Hares on the Mountain

“Enjoy a Mexican dinner provided by Chef Jimmy Meredith of Sweetwater Grill & Tavern, gaze upon a unique and incredible art installation (the art works will be raffled!), and bid on a wondrous variety of items of every kind in the silent auction,” writes benefit co-organizer Aimee Tullos via Facebook. “Let us know if  you are interested in donating to the silent auction, by contacting Kim McKibben, (on Facebook.)”

Sean P. Jones

June winds down and Summer heats up with end-of-the-month Live Jazz events, and upcoming July 4th activities. Check out the latest cool Jazz gigs in Denton (and further out.)

Monday, June 25:

A Taste of Herb – Tribute to Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass at Dan’s Silverleaf , 103 Industrial, Denton, 10 p.m. – FREE

Drummer, recording engineer and producer Sean P. Jones and his band bring a clear, upbeat music style to the Greenhouse Restaurant & Bar, 600 N. Locust, Denton, 10 p.m.-Midnight – Click to hear: http://youtu.be/dh-haOCPqvw

Tuesday, June 26:

• The Bonduris Quartet plays Tuesday Jazz Night, 7-9 p.m. on the patio at Sweetwater Grill & Tavern, 115 S. Elm St., Denton. The quartet features Thad Bonduris on guitar, Dana Sudborough on vibes, Ross Schodek on bass, and Greg Sadler on drums, playing a mix of Jazz styles.
• Jazz Trombonist Luke Brimhall and his Quartet plays the final Tuesday Evening Jazz at the Fountain in the Shops at Highland Village, NW corner of FM 2499 and FM 407 in Highland Village, 7-9 p.m. FMI, Visit:
  

  Thad Bonduris

  http://www.theshopsathighlandvillage.com/

Wednesday, June 27:

Simone Lounge, 222 W. Hickory, Denton, once again offers the Latin Jazz stylings of Christina and LatinVibes – Best Salsa and Merengue Live Band – beginning at 5 p.m.

Thursday, June 28:

• Two Big Bands with two dinstinctive music genres hit all the right notes at Abbey Underground, 100 W. Walnut, Denton -
  At 9:30 p.m. – Latin Jazz group Los Wedos offers up a spicy menu of Afro-Cuban music with band leader Jose Gonzales directing Julian Sutherlin, alto sax/flute; James Holt, fresh from a year and a half in Alaska, tenor sax; Kevin Hicks, soon to start his military gig with the USAF Airmen of Note, trombone; Mike Shields, trumpet; Ian Lesser, piano; Mark Harreth, bongos and cabalas; Dave Shaw, bass;  and Lucas Albano, timbales. (Spoiler alert: Videographer
  

  Los Wedos

  Andy Violette may be taping Los Wedos tonight.)
  At 11 p.m. – Devin Eddleman leads the 18-member Denton Basie Tribute Big Band in some fantastic classic Count Basiegrooves with challenge solos and spot-on arrangements. (The

  

  Dave Eddleman and the Denton Basie Tribute Big Band

  Denton Basie Tribute Big Band, made up of University of North Texas Jazz Students and alums, plays Abbey Underground on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month.)

Friday, June 29:

• University of North Texas Vocal Jazz Workshop Final Concert in Kenton Hall – UNT Campus, at 7 p.m. – FREE
• Banter Bistro, 219 West Oak Street, Denton, sets the stage for a full roster of musical talent starting at 6 p.m. with Jazz composer and saxophonist Aaron Hedenstrom and his group, followed by Singer/Songwriter Steve Jackson and Acoustic Distortion, 8 p.m. - featuring Steve Jackson on acoustic guitar; Thad Bonduris on guitar; Tyler McCarthy, bass; and percussionist Pete Pravettori – at 10 p.m., the stylings of Singer/Songwriter Karyna Micaela.

Saturday, June 30:

• Full schedule of great music at Banter Bistro, 219 West Oak Street Denton, beginning at  6 p.m.- Jazz Trumpeter Pete
  

  Pete Weise Trio

  Weise and Friends; at 8 p.m.- Oui Bis offers its 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 by modern performers. Join new singer/songwriter group Future Eyes at 10 p.m.

• Singer/Songwriter and pianist Ellie Meyer brings her music to Café du Luxe, 3101 Unicorn Lake Blvd., Denton, 8-10 p.m.

Monday, July 2:

• Vintage Jazz Society meets at the Center for Visual Arts, 400 East Hickory Street Denton, 9:30 am – discussion, followed by jam session at 10:30 am – everyone is welcome
• Late night Jazz every Monday at The Greenhouse Restaurant & Bar, 600 N. Locust, Denton, 10 p.m.-Midnight

Please send additions or corrections ASAP to either kathyedwards57@verizon.net or joseph.pinson@verizon.net.

FMI visit:
The Abbey Underground: https://www.facebook.com/pages/AbbeyUnderground/211330662210797#!/TheAbbeyUnderground
Banter Bistro: http://dentonbanter.com/
Cafe du Luxe: www.cafeduluxe.com/music.html
The Cellar 22: http://thecellar22.com/
Dan’s Silver Leaf: www.danssilverleaf.com/
The Greenhouse Restaurant: www.greenhouserestaurantdenton.com/
Hickory Street Lounge: hickorystreetlounge@verizon.net
Simone Lounge: www.facebook.com/simonelounge
Sweetwater Grill & Tavern: www.sweetwatergrillandtavern.com

• Denton’s own premier Jazz Manouche band, Le Not So Hot Klub du Denton plays 7-9 p.m. on the Sweetwater Grill &

  

  Le Not So Hot Klub du Denton

  Tavern patio, 115 S. Elm St., Denton. Bring your family and friends – it is, afterall, Father’s Day. Push the chairs back and dance to the romantic and captivating vintage style.

• The band features:
  • Thad Bonduris, guitar and vocals
  • Jeffrey Barnes, soprano sax, clarinet, flute and harmonica
  • Maristella Fuestle, guitar
  • Leon Peek, guitar
  • Austin Smith, violin
  • Ginny Mac,  voice and accordian
  • Jacob Appelt, bass
  • Steven Prouty, drums

Found a wonderful FaceBook Group – Gypsy Jazz, organized by jazz vocalist Marge Worsdale (New Jersey/New York)

She writes: Fête Manouche  or Jazz Manouche—literally “gypsy jazz”—is an exotic brand of swing music, born in France in the early 1930s. The Lord and Master of Jazz Manouche was Django Reinhardt, a gypsy born in Belgium in 1910.

In 1934, Django began a series of recordings with a group called the Quintet of the Hot Club of France. These recordings have become the foundation for a massive group of devoted Django followers throughout the world, to whom Jazz Manouche is more than a kind of music: it’s a way of life.

Clarinetist Dan Levinson discovered Jazz Manouche while living in Paris in the early 1990s and was mesmerized. In 2004, he met guitarist Tom Landman, who introduced him to other members of New York’s gypsy jazz community, and Fête Manouche was born. Since then, the group has been keeping the Django legacy alive in the New York area, captivating audiences both young and young-at-heart.

Mister Joe & Friends

Strictly Dixie members collaborate with Mr. Joe, playing  Mayday First Tuesday at Banter Bistro Denton.

It’s the first day of May and the First Tuesday at Banter Bistro in Denton, Texas. We’re already streaming and steaming in typical foreshadowing of Summer. Captain Dave (Hume) and Mister Joe (Pinson) sit on the front row along with banjoist, George Merritt. They serve on the front lines of Strictly Dixie, Denton’s foremost Dixieland Jazz band and front runner to the Not So Hot Klub who is coming later tonight to the same stage.

Veteran member of both bands, Andy Cooper sits in the audience just 48 hours after gracing Denton Arts and Jazz Fest as arguably the most noteworthy artist of the festival.

Mr. Joe sings with an ever youthful voice, Up a Lazy River as meters shift more frequently than does the key. Other tunes include Won’t You Come Home Bill Bailey, All of Me, When the Saints Go Marching In, …. well, too many to list.

Jeffrey Barnes stands behind Captain Dave and Mr. Joe with George Merritt – (photo above).

If you missed Strictly Dixie this Tuesday, I hope it wasn’t because you thought you’d make it next month. That excuse is not only lame but it never ends. Please, make an evening stroll down the sidewalks of Denton’s historic district to Banter Bistro. Don’t forget to bring a little for the wait staff, the musicians and your appetite. Banter Bistro offers a hefty assortment of high-quality, healthful food. (This writer just finished the best bowl of chili Denton has to offer.)

Le Not So Hot Klub du Denton

Le Not So Hot Klub du Denton lights the night with Gypsy Swing at May’s First Tuesday at Banter Bistro Denton.

The First Tuesday, the first of May. It’s Mayday and the Not So Hot Klub du Denton is the featured band at Banter Bistro in Denton. The group’s founding leader, Andy Cooper is visiting town tonight just for the event. Thad Bonduris leads the group of masters of the Gypsy Jazz-style ala Django Reinhardt.

Starting the evening with Andy Cooper’s favorite kickoff tune, Douce Ambiance, the band wows its audience with solos on guitar as well as flute, saxophone, accordion, violin, even upright bass and trap set. (We still miss the clarinet of Andy Cooper but that by no means indicates a lacking of talent.)

The band features:

• Thad Bonduris, guitar and vocals
• Jeffrey Barnes, soprano sax, clarinet, flute and harmonica
• Maristella Fuestle, guitar
• Leon Peek, guitar
• Austin Smith, violin
• Ginny Mac, voice and accordian
• Jacob Appelt, bass
• Steven Prouty, drums

Also tonight, the audience was treated by a guest appearance by vocalist Kimberly Cooper (daughter of Andy). Kimberly sang a wonderful arrangement of The Nearness of You in tribute to her mother and father on the front row. Her verses were set amongst solos from various members of the band.

Ginny Mac

Wonderful arrangements followed such as a version of Dark Eyes that sounded more of an Eastern European, Klezmer gypsy style of music as opposed to Parisian jazz — a fitting tribute to Django’s lineage. All this was very well suited to the instrumentation and superbly executed by such flexible and eclectic musicians as the Not Sos are known to be.

Other tunes included Under the Paris Sky, Avalon (with an amazing cadenza by Austin Smith), Manoir de mes rêves , Swing 42 and many more.

May 1, 2012: 8-11 p.m. No Cover – FMI, visit: DentonBanter.com

• Mr. Joe & Friends (8 p.m.)
  

  Mister Joe & Friends

Kicking off Banter’s First Tuesday (April Edition) with Dixieland Jazz in North Texas, is Mr. Joe (Pinson) and a corps of veterans of the Southern music tradition usually associated with New Orleans.

Sitting in with Mr. Joe – playing his trombone and singing – is long time partner in crime “Captain” Dave Hume on trumpet, you may find Jeffrey Barnes on clarinet and soprano and bass saxophones, and Lee Schloss on tenor sax. Backing them up with rhythm and harmony often times will be George Merritt on banjo, Bach Norwood on bass, and Steve Prouty on drums. All together they make for a rollicking night of Dixieland Jazz with all-time favorites such as After You’re Gone, I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, All of Me, Tin Roof Blues and many, many more.

• Le Not So Hot Klub du Denton (9 p.m.)

Not So Hot Klub du Denton

Following Mr. Joe and Friends, comes the music lover’s delight, Le Not So Hot Klub du Denton. Greatly missing their founder, Andy Cooper, who is on the mend from a serious health setback, the gypsy jazz torch is kept burning by fellow band members. The original lineup is represented by lead guitarist Thad Bonduris who currently leads the arrangements and Leon Peek on rhythm guitar. Regulars in today’s Not So Hot Klub include Jeffrey Barnes on reeds and harmonica, Ginny Mac on accordion, Austin Smith on violin and Steve Prouty on drums. Regular bassist is Jacob Appelt.

Tonight – Saturday, April 7: 

• Live Local Jazz at Banter Bistro, 219 West Oak Street,  Denton, at 6 p.m. followed by Steve Jackson and Acoustic Distortion (Steve Jackson, Thad Bonduris, Tyler McCarthy, and Peter Pravettoni) at 10 p.m. - FREE
• Jennifer Escue performs at Cafe du Luxe (on Unicorn Lake Road) 8 – 10 p.m. - no cover

You never know who will show up to sing, play and dance the night away!

Re-posted from Steve Horn via http://DentonBanter.com
Photos by Bob Ralph

Banter Bistro of Denton, 219 W Oak, Denton, presents
First Tuesday – April 3: 8-11 p.m. No Cover

Mr. Joe & Friends (8 p.m.)

Kicking off Banter’s First Tuesday (April Edition) with Dixieland Jazz in North Texas, is Mr. Joe (Pinson) and a corps of veterans of the Southern tradition usually associated with New Orleans. On a beautiful, spring evening, that is just where you might imagine you were if you were sitting in the crowd at Banter Bistro just off the square in Denton, Texas.

Sitting in with Mr. Joe – playing his trombone and singing, assisted by long time partner in crime “Captain” Dave Hume on trumpet, you may find Jeffrey Barnes on clarinet and soprano and bass saxophones, and Lee Schloss on tenor sax. Backing them up with rhythm and harmony often times will be George Merritt on banjo, Bach Norwood on bass, and Steve Prouty on drums. All together they make for a red-hot April night of Dixieland Jazz with all time favorites such as After You’re Gone, I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, All of Me, Tin Roof Blues and many, many more.

Le Not So Hot Klub du Denton (9 p.m.)

Le Not So Hot Klub du Denton

Following Mr. Joe  (Pinson) and Friends, comes the music lover’s delight, Le Not So Hot Klub du Denton. Greatly missing their founder, Andy Cooper (see below!) who is on the mend from a serious health setback, the gypsy jazz torch is kept burning by fellow band members. The original lineup is represented by lead guitarist Thad Bonduris who currently leads the arrangements and Leon Peek on rhythm guitar. Regulars in today’s Not So Hot Klub include Jeffrey Barnes on reeds and harmonica, Ginny Mac on accordion, Austin Smith on violin and Steve Prouty on drums. Regular bassist is Jacob Appelt. Guest musicians sit in frequently – you have to be there to see who.

Spoiler Alert!

Andy Cooper with sis, Harriet Cooper Moore at Banter, during the March First Tuesday.

Guess who showed up at the March First Tuesday? Andy Cooper, founder of Le Not So Hot Klub du Denton founder and clarinetist magnifique, escorted by wife Teresa, sister Harriet Cooper Moore was greeted by many friends, fellow musicians and fans.

After a successful open heart surgery to repair two blocked bypass grafts from his previous triple bypass surgery, Andy experienced a major stroke. The stroke appears to have been caused by a blockage ejected from his heart that traveled into his mid cranial artery. The stroked area affected roughly 2/3 of the right hemisphere of his brain.

While currently working on his recovery at Centre For Neuro Skills in Irving, Texas, Andy and his wife Teresa have been venturing out to various places such as the Fort Worth Zoo and his January 29

benefit at Denton’s Visual Arts Center.

• Monday, March 19:  Vintage Jazz Society meets at the Center for Visual Arts, 400 East Hickory Street in Denton, 9:30 a.m. for discussion, followed by a jam session at 10:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome.

Comprised of about a dozen players who love the music of the 20′s and 30′s, the Vintage Jazz Society meets on the 1^st and 3^rd Mondays of each month at the Visual Arts Center, 400 East Hickory Street in Denton, where they have a program and then a jam session.

Vintage Jazz Society members are Doug Almond, C.A. Bell, Thad Bonduris, Andy Cooper, John Cowles, David Hume, Doug Ebersole, Maristella Feustle, Ron Fink, Bill Miller, Joseph Pinson (Mister Joe), Billy Roy, Taylor Sims, Jim Staercke, Tom Teegarden,  Bob & Pat Tolman and Woody & Mary Wood.

The group ushered in live jazz at SG&T at the establishment’s Fat Tuesday Celebration in 2005, according to VJS member Joe Pinson. VJS has been the “house band” for Sweetwater’s Mardi Gras event ever since. “It’s the one live performance the Vintage Jazz Society gives each year,” said Pinson.