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Tom Madeja who brings his New Directions Chamber Brass sextet to this month’s Avant Ascension, Wednesday night at Tritone

Jazz and more… Where I’ll be and where you should be…

TUESDAY 4/14/09
Lucky Thompson & the Budesa Brothers’ Blue Tuesday Open Mic & Jam Session
(Leroy’s) Showcase Lounge, 4912 Baltimore Ave.
Veteran drummer Lucky Thompson has played with greats like Nina Simone and Patti LaBelle during his long career and led jam sessions all over the city (including at Natalie’s Lounge, where he was the music director for more than 10 years). Lucky and brothers Rich Budesa on keys and Rob Budesa on guitar are single-handedly keeping Philly’s great organ trio tradition alive. If you haven’t heard them play at the Showcase, a neighborhood bar with a friendly staff and a welcoming vibe, then you’re missing out on an essential part of Philly’s jazz scene.
8 p.m., FREE

WEDNESDAY 4/15/09
Avant Ascension: New Directions Chamber Brass, The Harmolodic Bastards
Tritone, 1508 South St.
New Directions Chamber Brass is a new sextet (2 trumpets, 2 trombones, vibes, and drums) led by trumpeter Tom Madeja, a member of Bobby Zankel’s Warriors of the Wonderful Sound and Agent Moosehead. The Harmolodic Bastards are led by Bill Zola, who used to play bass with Ornette Coleman’s former guitarist, Bern Nix; Zola now plays guitar, too. As always, the 3rd set of Dan Peterson and Larry Toft’s monthly avant-garde showcase is an open jam
9 p.m., $5

THURSDAY 4/16/09
Curtis Hasselbring’s New Mellow Edwards
The Rotunda, 4012 Walnut St.
More information on Ars Nova Workshop’s website
8 p.m., FREE

FRIDAY 4/17/09
Ab Baars Trio & Ken Vandermark
Philadelphia Art Alliance, 251 S. 18th St.
More information on Ars Nova Workshop’s website
8 p.m., $12

SATURDAY 4/18/09
Normal Love, Little Women, Brown Wing Overdrive, Child Abuse
(Leroy’s) Showcase Lounge, 4912 Baltimore Ave.
4 bands that are “too loud for Gojjo” presented by Gojjo Sunday night producers Sci Fi Philly (see below).
8 p.m. $8

SUNDAY 4/19/09
Sci Fi Philly: Base3, PapLevrine Trio, Plus One
Gojjo Ethiopian Restaurant & Bar, 4540 Baltimore Ave.
This weekly musician-run jazz & experimental music series never disappoints. Tonight’s bands include some of Philly’s best improvisers–Tim Motzer, Elliott Levin, and Jack Wright, among others. Full lineups at scifiphilly.com.
9 p.m., $5