Cornelia Street Cafe AnnouncesThis Weekend's Events, 5/28-31

The Cornelia Street Cafe has announced its schedule for this weekend:

Fri May 28th 9:00PM & 10:30PM
George Colligan Trio & Kerry Politzer Trio: Two CD Releases
This version of the George Colligan Trio is celebrating the release of 'Come Together' on the Sunnyside label. George, Boris and Donald have toured Japan twice to much acclaim. They have also worked together as the rhythm section of the Mingus Dynasty. George Colligan is currently a member of Jack Dejohnette's New Quintet and has worked as a sideman with Cassandra Wilson, Buster Williams, Don Byron, Ravi Coltrane, Christian McBride, Lenny White, and many others.
Pianist/composer Kerry Politzer is deeply influenced by the music of Bill Evans and Brazil. Her fifth CD, 'Blue in Blue,' was just released by Piloo Records. The album is a tribute to late jazz guru Charlie Banacos, who endowed Politzer with an appreciation for unorthodox harmonies. Although 'Blue in Blue' features saxophonist Donny McCaslin, tonight finds her in trio format accompanied by her husband, George Colligan, better known as a drummer. The cover is $10. Please visit www.georgecolligan.com for more information on the Trio.

Sat May 29th 9:00PM & 10:30PM
Pete Robbins & Silent Z
(Pete Robbins, alto saxophone, compositions; Jesse Neuman, cornet, electronics; Mike Gamble, guitar, pedals; Eivind Opsvik, bass guitar, pedals; Tommy Crane, drums)
Pete Robbins & Silent Z hold their album release concert for 'siLENT Z - live' (Hate Laugh Music - HLM 001) recorded live at Cornelia Street Cafe, 12/08 & 02/09. Live recordings may be a cliché in rock music, but in jazz - as bandleader Pete Robbins notes - they are the very measure of the music. They reveal exactly what a group is made of, fully embracing the "first thought, best thought" Zen of improvisation and human chemistry that inspires electrifying moments on the bandstand. Please visit www.peterobbins.com for more information.

Sun May 30th 8:30PM
Carmen Staaf Trio
(Carmen Staaf, piano; Sean Conly, bass; Austin McMahon, drums)
Winner of the 2009 Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Pianist Competition, Carmen Staaf is increasingly being recognized in New York. Rooted in straight ahead jazz, her music draws on diverse experiences including living in Cuba, playing with salsa bands, her classical training, and her alter ego as a klezmer accordionist. The Carmen Staaf Trio features bassist Kendall Eddy and drummer Austin McMahon and plays originals by each member; fresh explorations of standards; and swinging music by Mary Lou Williams and other jazz composers. Her 2008 album 'Reflection' wove through-composed ensemble work, solo piano ruminations and free improvisation into pieces both lyrical and rhythmically driving. A recent arrival in New York, Carmen taught in the piano department at Berklee for four years. She has performed at jazz festivals all over the US and Europe as well as in Panama, Cuba and Carnegie Hall, and has worked with Henry Grimes, Bob Brookmeyer, Eddie Gomez, Francisco Mela, Lila Downs, George Garzone, Frank London, Esperanza Spalding, John McNeil, Kenny Wollesen, Kate McGarry, and Alicia Svigals. She toured India for a month in a dog suit with NYC's favorite furry animal ragtime band, the Xylopholks. The cover is $8. Please visit www.carmenstaaf.com for more information.

Mon May 31th 8:30PM
Pascal Neggenkemper Trio
(Pascal Niggenkemper, bass, compositions; Robin Verheyen, tenor and soprano saxophone; Tom Rainey, drums)
To put the Pascal Niggenkemper Trio in a certain spotlight seems to be difficult as the music takes each time endless new ways. Pascal's compositions expand and elaborate on a combination of influences that spans from the 21st century music and european improvisation to the recent life and music experience of living in the new yorker cultural melting pot. The cover is $10. Please visit www.myspace.com/pascalniggenkemper for more information.

The Cornelia Street Cafe is located at 29 Cornelia Street, NYC, New York (between West 4th and Bleecker Sts, Greenwich Village). Take the 1 Subway to Sheridan Square; A, C, E, B, D, V, F to West 4th St. Please call 212-989-9319 or visit www.corneliastreetcafe.com for more information.