Cherry Extract Music presents a late-night, locally grown jazz music series, titled ‘Round Midnight, which showcases some of Portland’s world-class musicians, talented up-and-coming bands, vocalists and spoken word performers. ‘Round Midnight will be held every Saturday from 11:30pm to 1:30am at Curious Comedy Theater, 5225 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd in Vanport Square. This Jazz series helps to support jazz and art programming at Jefferson High School.
Saturday, May 9: Cary Simms & Company, featuring smooth jazz saxophonist Cary Simms, whose music is full of emotion and funk. While growing up in Oakland, Cary developed an ear for melodies by spending hours listening to gospel, jazz and rhythm & blues. He was mentored by several Portland musicians, including Dennis Springer, Thara Memory, Janice Scoggins and Ricky Callier and Cary has played with internationally known gospel and vocal artists, including Yolanda Adams and comedian Jonathan Slocum and numerous talented local musicians, including Farnell Newton, Eddie Fontaine and Brian Ward

Saturday, May 16: Nae!Nay! & Friends, featuring spoken word poet, playwright and vocalist S. Renee Mitchell, who is a former award-winning columnist for The Oregonian. Renee developed her striking performance style after moving to Portland in 1998 and making a strong impression at numerous spoken word cafes. She has since started singing and has recorded three CDs and several iTunes singles with her business partner David Ornette Cherry, both co-producers of the ‘Round Midnight series. Renee has performed with many local jazz musicians, including Thara Memory, Linda Hornbuckle, Janice Scroggins, Ron Steen, Devin Phillips, Farnell Newton, Eddie Fontaine and Cary Simms.

See you Saturday ‘Round Midnight at Curious Comedy. To see a complete schedule of performers, go to http://www.roundmidnightpdx.com