Boom Tic Boom comes to to the Arts Block Cafe in Greenfield on Sunday.
Allison Miller Drummers who lead bands are not uncommon in the jazz world, but they also aren't the rule. Women drummers exist, but they certainly aren't the majority.
So when you get a force such as Allison Miller, a woman drummer who leads her own band, you know you've found something special.
Now based in New York, Miller composes for, and performs with, a wide range artists in a variety of styles. In addition to leading her band, Boom Tic Boom as well as co-leading Honey Ear Trio with Rene Hart and Erik Lawrence, and steering Eskelin/Deutsch/Miller with Ellery Eskelin and Erik Deutsch, Miller has toured with legendary songwriters Ani DiFranco, Brandi Carlile and Natalie Merchant. Her recording credits are also off the charts.
Miller, who was chosen as “Rising Star Drummer” in Downbeat’s 53rd and 58th Annual Critics Poll, will bring Boom Tic Boom to the Arts Block Cafe, 289 Main St., Greenfield on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. The ensemble includes Miller on drums, Kirk Knuffke 0n trumpet, Myra Melford on piano, and Todd Sickafoose on bass. The show is part of Pioneer Valley Jazz Shares concert series.
Pioneer Valley Jazz Shares concerts are produced by a group of music lovers who have purchased jazz shares. Like farm shares, where stakeholders ensure the success of the farm by pre-paying for food, Pioneer Valley Jazz Share members purchase jazz shares to provide the capital needed to produce concerts with minimal institutional support. Both shares and single tickets ($15) are available at www.jazzshares.org and at the door.
SCOUTING REPORT
Theodores' in Springfield will bring renowned blues man Johnny Rawls to its stage on May 3 at 9:30 p.m. Born born in Mississippi in 1951, Rawls started playing blues professionally while still in high school with such stars as Joe Tex and the Sweet Inspirations. In the mid-70's, Johnny went to work for OV Wright as Wright's band director. After Wright's death in 1980, Johnny led Little Johnny Taylor's band until 1985, when he began touring as a solo artist. Theodores' is at 201 Worthington St.
The Q Bar and Grill (formerly Boston Billiards) holds a singles pool tournament every Friday night, combined with an ever-changing drink special each week. There also is no cover charge. If pool isn't your thing, you can dance to DJ Suspence from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. The Q Bar and Grill is at 885 Riverdale St. in West Springfield.
The Sierra Grille's "Reanimate the Baystate" music series continues in fine fashion on May 2, when Bunny's a Swine, Merchant Bankers, and Bring it to Bear bring an eclectic mix of indie pop/rock to the stage there. The show, as always, starts at 10 p.m., with a cover charge of $3. The Sierra Grille is at 41 Strong Ave. in Northampton.