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. A portion of the $8 admission fee will go to support jazz and art programming at Jefferson High School.
May 30: The Farnell Newton Project, featuring trumpeter Farnell “Bleek” Newton, who was born in Miami where he was exposed to many forms of music, from jazz, salsa, funk and hip hop. His musical family includes saxophonist and arranger Conny Murray and Sunny Murray, considered “father of avant-garde drumming.” Farnell performs regularly with Klezmocracy, Mel Brown, Thara Memory, Cana Son, Johnny Polanco, Ricardo Lemvo and Darrell Grant, to name a few. Farnell recently recorded his debut CD, Sense of Direction, co-led by pianist Marcus Reynolds.

June 6: The Bobby Torres Ensemble, featuring world class percussionist Bobby Torres, along with pianist Brian Ward, drummer James Taylor, Al Criado on bass and singers Margaret Linn, Mary Linn and Sean Homes. Bobby has played or recorded with Dr. John, Tom Grant, Jackson Browne, Kenny Rogers, Tom Jones and Etta James. Bobby, who also teaches and makes films, has been spicing up Portland’s jazz music scene for more than 40 years.

See you Saturday, ‘Round Midnight at Curious Comedy. To see a complete schedule of performers, go to http://www.roundmidnightpdx.com and for ticket information, contact Curious Comedy Theater 503-477-9477 or go ONLINE.