Austin Live Jazz Meetup

Come join us to enjoy afternoon jazz right off the charming town square of nearby Georgetown.

THE RYAN D. HOWARD TRIO

• Ryan D. Howard - Organ
• Dr. Brian Pardo - Guitar
• Kevin Scott - Drums

Ryan D. Howard
Ryan D. Howard is simply an awesome keyboardist, organist, pianist and vocalist. As a 7-year-old youth in Kansas City, Missouri, Ryan dove head-first into music at Meservey Elementary under the direction of Tony Fishback. He later attended the Middle School of the Arts, and progressed directly into the Paseo Academy of the Visual and Performing Arts High School under the direction of Clarence W. Smith. What more can you expect for an eager youth with a love for music?

After participating in many different jazz ensembles, combos, concert bands and pep bands from elementary to college, Ryan migrated to England with a determination to expand as far as his abilities would take him. On his return to the US, performed with great musicians such as Cameo, Phil Perry, and Jesse Powell to list a few. Later, he attended Penn Valley Community College obtaining an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts. He is currently a local/International musician, substitute teacher, and a licensed limousine chauffeur while living in Austin and Killeen, Texas.

Ryan's style is very distinct with a unique blend of Traditional Jazz, Blues, Rock, Country, R&B, Funk, Neo Soul, Soul, Smooth Jazz and Gospel. This combination lends itself very well to his keyboard style which adapts perfectly to classic artists from Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers to Earth Wind and Fire. He is an integral part of the Kansas City, Missouri and the Austin music scenes. Musically and visually with his energetic stage performances and authentic sound, Ryan is one of the best, if not the best pianist, organist, keyboardist and vocalist in the Midwest, and Central Texas.

>

April 30th is International Jazz Day.
Austin Jazz Society, Women in Jazz and Texas Jazz Society have joined forces for the 3rd year in a row to celebrate Jazz- a true American art form.
There will be an event in each of Austin's three main jazz venues:
Monks Jazz Club 6-7:30pm
Parker Jazz Club 7:30-9pm
Elephant Room 9pm-Midnight

AUSTIN YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA

• Austin Youth Jazz Orchestra
  -- Director Dr. Diego Rivera

• Elias Haslanger - Saxophone

• Mike Sailors - Trumpet
  - Andy Langham- Piano
  - Ryan Hagler- Bass
  - Daniel DuFour- Drums

Monk’s Jazz welcomes the Austin Youth Jazz Orchestra plus Elias Haslanger/Mike Sailors Quintet for an evening of great Jazz. Sponsored by the Austin Jazz Society, the Austin Youth Jazz Orchestra is under the direction of premier saxophonist and jazz educator Diego Rivera.

This special event celebrates the musical art form and the importance of encouraging young performers to explore, find their voice and excel in it. Central Texas is fortunate to have a thriving live jazz scene and new students coming into that scene are a testament to the welcoming landscape and strong mentoring environment here. We’re proud to celebrate this legacy along with the rest of the world’s thriving jazz communities.

Monks is a jazz listening room that offers a BYOB situation.
Monks also offers an excellent live stream.

Come join us for the continuation of the Midweek at Monks series. This group, Centerpeace!, specializes in honoring the legacy of Dr. James Polk.

Scotty McIntosh - Saxophone
Randy Zimmerman - Trombone
Morris Nelms - Piano
Marcus Graf - Trumpet
Aaron Allen - Double Bass
Terrance McDaniel - Drums

Centerpeace, a jazz sextet, performs the original compositions and arrangements of Dr. James Polk, the true Godfather of Austin's Jazz scene who made his mark on this town before most of the local jazz artists were born. His music continues to set the standard for Austin jazz at its best!
Dr. James Polk, a true icon of the Austin jazz scene, stands as a towering figure whose musical legacy continues to shape the city's vibrant musical landscape. As the leader of Centerpeace, a dynamic jazz sextet, Polk showcases his extraordinary talents as a pianist, organist, educator, composer, arranger, and band leader, captivating audiences with his original compositions and arrangements.
Dr. Polk's departure left quite a significant impact on the band and its future. With Morris Nelms stepping in on piano, it's likely that the group will continue to honor Dr. Polk's legacy while also exploring new musical directions. Having over eight hundred of Dr. Polk's original charts is quite the treasure trove for the band to draw upon for future performances. It's heartening to see that even with changes in personnel, the spirit of the music lives on.

Monks is a BYOB venue.
If interested in viewing the live stream please check the Monks website before the show.