Jazzman Comes To Mother Lode

Legendary New York saxman, Cornelius Bumpus returns for five hot nights of jazz in February. In a whirlwind tour hosted by the Columbia College Jazz Series, he will travel from the foothills to the valley and back again to play jazz, rhythm ‘n blues, funk and fusion.

The “Bumpman” just finished a tour with Steely Dan and has performed, recorded and toured with some of the brightest names in music, including the Doobie Brothers, Jeff Lorber, Etta James, Boz Scaggs, Donald Fagen and Michael McDonald.

Each show is different and the performances are:

Big Band Bumpus – Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 8 p.m. at Snowshoe Brewing Company, 19040 Standard Road, Sonora 209/536-1445: Bumpus on sax will be joined by the 24-piece Columbia College Big Band for an enjoyable evening of music. Advance tickets: $12 at Manzanita Bookstore (588-5126) or Mountain Bookshop (532-6117).

Oakdale High Music Benefit – Thursday, Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Magnolia School Auditorium, 739 Magnolia Avenue, Oakdale 209/848-7171: A rhythm ‘n blues show, featuring Bumpus and special guest Mic Gillette of Tower of Power fame. Tickets at the door: $10 adults, $7 seniors and $5 students.

Merced Arts Council – Friday, Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Merced Multicultural Arts Center, 645 W. Main Street, Merced 209/388-1090: A jazzy rhythm ‘n blues performance, combining the talents of two musical greats…Bumpus and Gillette. Tickets: $16 advanced and $18 at the door.

Bumpin´ with the Bumpman – Saturday, Feb. 7 at 8 p.m. at Columbia College´s Dogwood Forum, 11600 Columbia College Drive, Sonora 209/588-5211: If you love jazz, you´ll love this unforgettable concert with saxman Bumpus and Mic Gillette on trumpet and trombone – plus a 12 piece rhythm ‘n blues band! Reserved seating tickets: $18 at Manzanita Bookstore (588-5126) or Mountain Bookshop (532-6117).

Bumpus at the Winery – Sunday, Feb. 8 at 4 p.m. at Ironstone Vineyards, 1894 Six Mile Road, Murphys 209/728-1251 ext. 29: The hills will be alive with the sound of Bumpus jazz at this matinee show in the winery´s music room. Food and beverage concessions will be open for additional purchases, along with a no host wine and domestic beer bar. Advance concert tickets: $25.

For information on any of the five performances, call the Columbia College Jazz Series Office at 209/588-5211.

–