The 33rd annual Jazz in June concert series continues June 11 with a performance by The Spicy Pickles, featuring Hannah Rodriquez.
A dynamic Denver-based octet, The Spicy Pickles pack a punch of power, personality and wit focused on creating music that makes people move. The group was formed to play for swing dancers, and has opened up to include funk, soul and pop. Band influences include Count Basie, Fats Waller, James Brown, Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings, T-Bone Walker, The California Honeydrops and The Dip.
The Spicy Pickles feature some of Denver’s most in demand musicians from the jazz and funk scenes. Over the years the band has had original music placed in commercials and feature films around the world, including Yorgos Lanthimos’ “The Killing of a Sacred Deer,” starring Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, and Alicia Silverstone.
Rodriguez is an award-winning vocalist, songwriter and teacher based in northern Colorado. She has been recognized by Downbeat Magazine and Fort Collins’ Sonic Spotlight competition.She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in jazz composition at the University of Northern Colorado. Along with the Spicy Pickles, she regularly plays with her pop-funk band The Cuddies.
The free public concerts begin at 7 p.m. each Tuesday in June in the Sheldon Sculpture Garden, west of Sheldon Museum of Art. A market offers food and drinks from 5 to 9 p.m. each Tuesday. The concert series is produced by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, with support from the Lied Center for Performing Arts.
Each concert features two sets of music from 7-7:45 p.m. and 8-8:45 p.m., respectively, with a 15-minute intermission.
Bike Valet will provide free, secure parking for bicycles from 5 p.m. until an hour after each concert at the east end of the market. For more information, click here or call the Outdoor Adventures Center at 402-472-4777.
Jazz in June, which is Nebraska’s longest-running, free concert series, will feature some of the top jazz artists in the region and nation throughout the month. Upcoming 2024 Jazz in June concerts are:
June 18: Emily Bass and the Near Miracle — This eight-piece Lincoln-based ensemble specializes in jazz, rock, soul, R&B and gospel, with influences ranging from Dizzy Gillespie and Aretha Franklin to Janis Joplin and Carole King. The group performs a mix of originals and cover songs and is known for its rich harmonies and dynamic live performances.
June 25: Yayennings Quartet — Jay Jennings is a four-time Grammy-winning trumpet player best known for his work with Snarky Puppy. He has performed with artists such as Aretha Franklin, Michael McDonald, David Bowie, and Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Jennings leads this Los Angeles-based quartet, which adds a modern twist to the bebop sound of Chet Baker and Stan Getz.
While Jazz in June performances are free, attendees are encouraged to make a minimum donation of $10 per family to help ensure the future of the program. Alcohol and pets are not permitted.
Individuals or organizations who would like to make financial contributions and/or serve as volunteers or board members are encouraged to contact Jazz in June at jazzinjune@unl.edu.
Reserved seating is available via the Lied Center’s website for $80 for all four concerts or $25 per show.
Learn more about the concert series.
