I want to say thank you to everyone who played a part in the 1st “Jazz Cruise For A Cause” on board the Odyssey last Monday night. It was a great success and we raised money for Vandercook College and their outreach program to assist students with music lessons. Mike Jeffers from Chicago Jazz Magazine and my wife Noelle helped me plan this fabulous evening. There were many volunteers that played a huge part in making this happen as well. Musicians I would like to thank for giving their time are; David Hilliker, Kelly Sill, Kelly Brand, Neal Alger, Eric Schneider, Charles Heith, Steve Frost, Tom Vaitsas, Joel Spencer, Nick Schneider, Tom Muellner, Ava Logan, Mark Mooltrop, Arlene Bardelle, Dan Ferris, Libby York, and Demos Petropoulos. They all made the night a memorable experience for all of the guests who attended. I would also like to thank the staff and crew of the Odyssey for helping us with the event. A very special shout out to Harry Porterfield of Channel 2 news for doing a story on us and making us “People You Should Know” on his weekly feature. Harry is a big fan of Jazz and he has heard my band many times over the years at Andy’s. Thanks again to everyone for making it a special night, Mike
Chicago Jazzfest
Yesterday we played in the Chicago Jazz Magazine booth at the Jazzfest. The group was David Hilliker on drums, Mark Berls on bass, Demos Petropoulos on piano, Steve Frost on trumpet and myself on saxophone. We had a great crowd around the booth for the entire performance and the band was swinging. Special thanks to the staff of Chicago Jazz Magazine for having us out and for the continuos support to the jazz community in general. We were also pleased to have Mike Jeffers sit in on drums on the last tune St.. Thomas. Mike played great and the crowd loved it. We also started the promotion for our Chicago Jazz Cruise For A Cause on Monday, October 19th on the Odyssey Cruise Ship at Navy Pier. FrostSounds and Chicago Jazz Magazine have partnered up to put on a Jazzfest on the water to benefit kids who need assistance to pursue their musical desires. The cruise will feature over 20 jazz artists from Chicago. For tickets contact Chicago Jazz Magazine at 773-927-0396 or visit chicagojazz.com/cruise for tickets and information I look forward to seeing you there, Mike
Mfrost 5 At Andy’s
This thursday August 27th will be your last chance to catch the Mfrost5 at Andy’s this year. Kelly Brand will be on piano along with the regulars, David Hilliker, Kelly Sill, Steve and myself. Come on out and check us out from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am. Mike
Jazz At 5 Madison
On August 5th we played in Madison at the Jazz At 5 concert series. It was a perfect night with a great crowd and the band played well. Steve and I started the day with Gary Alderman on his radio show in Madison. He was quite gracious and played several of our recordings and discussed them with us on the air. A few people called into the station to chat with us and ask about buying the Cd’s. The show later that night was well received by the audience. With David Hilliker on drums, Demos Petropoulos on organ, Bill Boris on guitar, Steve on trumpet and myself on sax the band gave a wonderful performance. We will be posting a clip from that night on the MFP website soon. I want to send a special thanks to Gary and all of the staff at Jazz At 5 for having us out to play. We can’t wait to do it again. Mike
Today At The Blues Fest
Just got home from playing at the Blues Fest in the Chicago Jazz Magazine Booth. We had a great crowd for the set and the trio sounded wonderful. Tom Vaitsas played organ, Bill Boris on guitar and myself. The crowd was really in to it and were very attentive. Thanks to Mike Jeffers and the gang from Chicago Jazz Magazine for having us out to play. Can’t wait to see you all at the Jazz Fest in September. Mike
Jazz Fans – where are you????
Lately, we and other bands have been exceptionally disheartened by the lack of turn out at live music venues jazz is played at. Fans that are there are blown away with the music, the fact that they get amazing CDs at such a great price and get to meet and chat directly with the artists. But places aren’t filling up…not even close sometimes. We know that the economy has taken a toll, but during sports playoffs, bars were packed, people were drinking, we see folks still dining out….whether it’s our group or any live performance, please keep in mind that performers make their living off of your attendance and CD sales. If no one shows up, no one asks musicians back and more locations head the way of the DJ. Please keep this in mind when you make ‘night out’ plans. Playing to a live audience is what all musicians love the most. There is no performer when there is no audience.
New Friday Night Show Added!!!
JUST ADDED!
Start off next weekend right by joining Mfrost5 at Andy’s Jazz Club for the EARLY SET, 5 – 8:30pm, Friday June 19. Same great players, just an extra special add on to your weekend!
Sonny Rollins Website
There is a great video on Sonny’s site where he talks about his relationship with the other musicians who were all making their own way in the early days of jazz. The most important lesson to take from it is how all of these guys helped and supported each other and did not feel like they were in competition, but trying to move the music forward. He was asked about a supposed rivalry with John Coltrane and Sonny said that it was not true. He and Coltrane were friends and enjoyed each others music. Sonny also talks about touring and life on the road. I recommend you check it out. Mike
Blues Fest
This Sunday June 14th I will be performing at the Chicago Jazz Magazine booth from 3:30 to 5:00 at the Blues Fest. Tom Vaitsas will be on organ and Bill Boris on guitar to round out the trio. We did this last year at the Jazz Fest and it was a blast. Come on down Sunday and check it out. If you are not a subscriber to Chicago Jazz Magazine they will have a special deal to sign you up that day. It’s a great way to keep up on everything happening in jazz around town. See you there, Mike
Andy’s Gigs
We are in our second month at Andy’s on thursday nights and the band sounds great. Steve and I on horns, Tom Vaitsas on piano, Kelly sill on bass, and David Hilliker on drums. It is truly a moving musical experience to play with these guys. Every night has been a great time and the audience has received us well. It is my first time playing with Kelly and he is everything I thought he would be and more! A very funny guy by the way. Come and check us out, you won’t be disappointed. Mike
