Joplin's Java is the new music venue Waukegan has been waiting for! Never before has music been so up close and personal. The musicians share a very intimate experience with the audience just like jazz clubs from the past. Our capacity crowd is roughly 50, so plan ahead and call us or use the bottom of each entry to send us a reservation for that specific event if you wish to.

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January 2010

Fri, January 8 Shaun Maxwell J A Z Z 7:30PM - 10PM A mixture of original and standard jazz pieces from a master of the woodwind family. Shaun never fails to entertain - you can see a video of a past visit here. There is a cover charge. Fri, January 22 R-n-G Band B L U E S 7:30PM - 10PM A blues band bound to please! All energy, even before they hit the espresso! There is a cover charge. Sun, January 24 Sebastian Huydts C L A S S 4PM - 6PM Dr. Huydts is Director of Keyboard Studies at the Music Center of Columbia College Chicago. He will be performing a selection of classics and his own compositions. Here is the program: Part 1 Part 2 Scarlatti - 2 Sonatas Huydts - Riflessioni (2009) Haydn Sonata #52 in Eb Huydts - Sonata #4 (2005) Chopin - Polonaise C# minor Huydts - 6 Aphorisms (1988) Albeniz - Iberia Evocacion and El Puerto   This is an uncommon opportunity to interact with both the performer and the composer! There is a cover charge. Fri, January 29 Frank Portolese and the "Gypsy Jazz" Folks J A Z Z 7:30PM - 10PM Frank Portolese is one of the best jazz guitarists in the midwest and a perpetual favorite at Joplin's. The Chicago Hot Club ("Gypsy Jazz") performers have also been favorites when they've appeared. You can see a video of a previous performance here. There is a cover charge. Sun, January 31 Zvonimir Nagy C L A S S 4PM - 6PM Dr. Nagy is a noted composer whose studies include universities in both Europe and the United States. His style has been influenced by composers with a strong interest in spirituality and mysticism. Here is his planned program: Part 1 Part 2 Part-Da Pacem Domine Z. Nagy-Concealments: Unveil - Reveal - Conceal - Apparent - Veil Thomas (b.1964) - Cathedral Waterfall - Homage to Olivier Messiaen Cage - In a Landscape Messiaen - The Kiss of the Infant Jesus Satoh (b.1947) - A Gate Into The Stars Z. Nagy - A Book Of Hours: Dawn - Day - Dusk - Dark Ligeti (b.1923) - White on White (from Etudes Book 3) There is a cover charge.

February 2010

Sun, February 7 Dave Drazin O T H E R 4PM - 6PM Dave Drazin has appeared several times before at Joplin's Java and performed a variety of piano music too wide to classify, including Harlem stride and early boogie woogie, along with jazz. He's also been known to take requests, on occasion... There is a cover charge. Fri, February 12 The Oracles J A Z Z 7:30PM - 10PM The Oracles in celebration of Valentine's Day will showcase a cross-section of classic and contemporary ballads that have been specially and beautifully arranged with some very impressive acoustic, bass, and piano instrumentation and vocals. Performing artists will include Rick Esser as Lead Guitarist and Vocalist, and Tony DelGrosso as Bass Guitarist, Keyboard player, and Vocalist. Set list will include music by Frank Sinatra, Sarah Brightman, John Lennon, Patsy Cline, Neil Young, The Kingston Trio, The Beatles, and many of your other past and present favorites. The evening promises to be an inspiration to all. There is a cover charge. Fri, February 19 Elaine Dame! J A Z Z 7:30PM - 10PM Elaine Dame is an established jazz singer who has performed at many of the classic jazz venues in Chicago. She sings with power and style, and we're certain you'll be delighted. There is a cover charge. Fri, February 26 Tom Muellner J A Z Z 7:30PM - 10PM Tom Muellner is widely regarded as one of the best jazz pianists in the Chicago area, having performed in virtually all of the jazz clubs around. He first appeared at Joplin's leading the Dracula Quintet on Halloween a few years ago. Not to be missed! There is a cover charge. Sun, February 28 Mary Rose Jordan C L A S S 4PM - 6PM An international performer, Mary Rose Jordan has most recently given recitals in Oxford, England and Vienna, Austria, and looks forward to performing in Lithuania, as well as various universities in the states in the coming months. She is completing her doctorate in piano performance with James Giles at Northwestern University. We're expecting a really dynamic performance! There is a cover charge.

March 2010

Fri, March 19 Brian Harris! J A Z Z 7PM - 10PM Brian Harris is a perpetual favorite and Joplin's and many other places, and tours extensively. Don't miss this - his shows have always brought down the house and are often sold out well in advance! There is a cover charge. Fri, March 26 Jack Baron and Friends J A Z Z 7:30PM - 10PM A well-regarded local saxophone player and his friends, performing a wide variety of jazz - something for everybody! There is a cover charge.