Tuesday Talks, Tuesday, February 21, 5:00 – 7:00 pm

The Middlebury Chapter of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility invites all to its monthly event, Tuesday Talks, held the third Tuesday of every month at 51 Main. Tuesday Talks will feature a brief presentation in the form of a TED talk, Ignite talk, or presentation by a local business, all centered around what it means to run a ethical, successful business. The rest of the hour will be dedicated to socializing with drink specials and free appetizers. All are welcome (you do not need to be a member of VBSR). Questions? Contact Colin Davis at colind[AT]good-point[DOT]net or (802) 989-0895.

Jazz Jam, Friday, February 24, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

All jazz musicians and listeners welcome. Less experienced jazz musicians are encouraged to work on specific standards before calling one on stage.

Justin Levinson, Friday, February 24, 10:00 pm – 12:00 am

With a catalog of songs covering everything from hooky piano pop to soul-baring alt-country, lyrics that range from corky to brutally honest all tied together by an undeniable passion for his craft, singer/songwriter Justin Levinson has won steady praise from audiences and critics alike since his 2005 debut. Five years and three acclaimed albums later, Justin maintains a solid presence that has seen him share the stage with acts as diverse as Apollo Sunshine, Serena Ryder, Band of Horses, The Verve Pipe, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Matt Wertz, Will Dailey, Anais Mitchell, Chris Barron of the Spin Doctors, Members of the Click Five, Ryan Cabrera, and Zox.

Mogani, Saturday, February 25, 9:00 pm – 12:00 am

Come check out Mogani, a Jazz | Latin | Fusion sextet playing a funky fusion of hot Latin numbers, cool jazz classic and originals. The group features a veritable who’s who of the area’s finest musicians: Cobey Gatos, keyboards; Glenn Goodwin, bass; Michael Morera, saxophones; Justin Perdue, guitar; Daniel Scharstein, drums; Carlos Velez, percussion.

Vermont Book Shop Book Discussion, Tuesday, February 28, 7:00 pm

Join the Vermont Book Shop at 51 Main for a discussion of “The Lotus Eaters” by Tatjana Soli. Pick up the book for 20% off at the VBS website or at its brick-and-mortar location on Main St. in Middlebury. Whether or not you have read the book yet, we welcome your participation.

Jazz Fest, Tuesday, February 28 – March 3

Join 51 Main for our first ever Jazz Fest, organized by Middlebury College first-year Scott Gilman. We’ll have jazz music every night this week. Check it out…

Justin Perdue Quartet, Tuesday, February 28, 8:00 – 10:00 pm

The Justin Perdue Quartet explores the interplay of guitarist Justin Perdue’s modal jazz flights with the virtuosity of pianist Ray Paczkowski – all over the grooves of bassist Jeremy Harlos and drummer Daniel Scharstein. This adventurous band of seasoned jazzmen delves into everything from Indian ragas to funky soul jazz as they push the envelope of improvisation with their unique repertoire of original compositions.

Chris Bakriges Trio, Wednesday, February 29, 8:00 – 10:00 pm

Described as a lyrical and intimate voice of contemporary jazz piano, Chris Bakriges has forged a unique path, which embodies the essence of jazz exploration, global influences and pure improvisation. From critical acclaim as a bandleader to exposure in collaborations with Bobby McFerrin, Kenny Burrell, David Darling and the late Vermont diva Sandra Wright, Bakriges continues to garner admiration from both jazz purists and music enthusiasts alike. The Chris Bakriges Trio also features bassist Rich Mollin and drummer Brian Kornfeld.

Yuki Takeda & Friends, Thursday, March 1, 8:00 – 10:00 pm

It all started a year ago on a first-year hall in Battell. Yuki Takeda (alto sax, flute), Taylor Bickford (guitar), Felix Klos (piano), Brian Parker (bass), & Adam Schreiber (drums) are back again to play jazz and groove-oriented instrumental music, which ranges from introspective to laid-back to highly energetic.

Sound Investment, Friday, March 2, 8:00 – 9:30 pm

The Sound Investment Jazz Ensemble is the College’s swingin’ 17-piece big band. It features great musicians playing the music that’s been called America’s National Treasure. The band is directed by Dick Forman, who’s been part of the Vermont jazz scene for decades. The evening is sure to keep fingers snapping and toes tapping.

TBD, Friday, March 2, 10:00 pm – 12:00 am

Jonathan Lorentz Quartet, Saturday, March 3, 9:00 pm – 12:00 am

Billed as “Top Shelf” by one jazz club owner, saxophonist Jonathan Lorentz plays with a sound that is warm in tone and rich in melodic complexity. Recently relocated to the Lakes Region of New Hampshire from New York, he is a daring improviser that blends modern jazz with blues, rock, and the avant-garde. Jonathan has performed at Radio City Music Hall, CBGB’s, The Bitter End, The Cutting Room, and at various venues throughout the northeast. His performances have taken him from New York to Virginia, Washington DC, and on tours in New England, Nova Scotia and Costa Rica.