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Monday, 20 May 2013

PipJazz Sundays Features Dennis Spears at Landmark Center, September 9th

Written by Andrea Canter, Contributing Editor

Thursday, 06 September 2012

Dennis Spears©Andrea Canter

Well into its second season of concerts at Landmark Center, PipJazz Sundays presents acclaimed vocalist Dennis Spears on Sunday, September 9th. He will be joined by host Pippi Ardennia and the PipJazz Band (with Peter Schimke, Dean Magraw, Marcus Wise, Billy Peterson, Glenn Swanson and Zosha Warpeha), along with student guest artist, drummer Jonas Taghavi. All PipJazz concerts are held in the lower level Weyerhauser Auditorium at 5 pm.

The male voice of Moore By Four, Dennis Spears’ individual career is equally spectacular, including his solo Nat King Cole show, I Wish You Love (performed at Kennedy Center in 2010), and in leading roles in Smokey Joe’s Café, Two Queens, One Castle, Heart of the Man and more. Born in Ohio and raised in Louisiana, Spears started out in theater 20+ years ago when the founder/artistic director of Penumbra Theater overheard him singing and suggested he audition for A Raisin in the Sun. In addition to his long run with Penumbra, Spears serves the Capri Theater as Artistic Director and as mentor for the adjacent Plymouth Youth Center’s summer theater institute.

Jonas Taghavi©Andrea Canter

Noted Marissa Dodge in the Criterion Jazz Review, “Dennis Spears’ voice isn’t just an instrument, it’s a continent: He sings of the rich earth of the south where the roots of the Blues and Jazz are deeply planted, of the lucid north where freedom of expression thrives. He deftly touches on the sharp sophistication of the east coast and the eclectic energy of the west, striking a common chord among us with every turn of phrase.” Dennis most recently released Why Try to Change Me Now?, a tribute to Nat King Cole, and has appeared in numerous music theater productions at the Capri, Penumbra, Mixed Blood Theaters and more. In addition to his ongoing work with Moore By Four, Dennis often shares the stage with vocalists Debbie Duncan and Ginger Commodore.

Student guest artist this month is St. Paul Central High School senior Jonas Taghavi. Jonas studies drums at Walker West and plays in the WWMA ensembles, as well as with jazz bands at Central. He also is a member of a young trio, Bomba de Luz.

PipJazz Sundays founder and host Pippi Ardennia brought a lot of experience as vocalist and entertainer to the Twin Cities from her native Chicago. Since arriving here about six years ago, she has established herself as one of the most engaging performers on local stages, singing “music that makes you feel good” from jazz, R&B and blues repertoire. She was recently named one of Minnesota Monthly’s 10 “most loved artists.” Her recent credits include Music at Mears in June and the Selby Avenue Festival’s “Jazz Heritage” showcase on September 8th. Her new recording, Love So Good, will be released soon.

Tickets for PipJazz Sundays can be purchased online (www.pipjazz.com) for $20; $10 students and free for children under 12. A limited number of free student tickets are also available (see website for more information). Landmark Center is located at 75 W. 5th Street in downtown St. Paul. Show begins at 5 pm.

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