Get a babysitter Friday night, put your dancing shoes on and head over to in Martinez. You'll be treated to live jazz from two bands, The Jim Butler Group and The Bryan Girard Group.
Butler's ensemble of saxophone, guitar, bass, trumpet and keyboards performs original jazz and classics. “We take our inspiration from the works of John Coltrane, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Freddie Hubbard and many others,” says Butler.
Flavors of West African, Brazilian and funk can be heard in some of their original songs. One of the Butler Group's three CDs was recorded live in Tokyo in 2005. The group has toured in Japan and performs monthly at Savannah Jazz in San Francisco.
The Bryan Girard Group is made up of saxophone, keyboards, bass and drums. Jazz saxophonist Girard has performed with acclaimed musicians such as swing diva Lavay Smith and Benicia favorite Brenda Boykin. Special guest musicians are expected to appear as well.
The best part is that the event is a fundraiser for the Japanese Red Cross. Admission is $10. The doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8.
