Gandy Dancer announces 2012 Courtyard Jazz series lineup

Posted on Tue, Jun 12, 2012 : 11:24 a.m.

The Gandy Dancer restaurant will reprise its popular Courtyard Jazz series, featuring 14 free concerts on Wednesday evenings from June 13-September 19, each from 6-9 p.m., featuring diverse styles of jazz by popular local players.

The kickoff party will feature one of Ann Arbor’s top improvisers and first-call trumpet player Paul Finkbeiner with his “Atmospheric Disturbance Band,” which performs modern jazz originals and innovative arrangements of jazz standards.

Two acts that performed for “standing room only” crowds last season will return for encore performances: the Ellen Rowe Quartet and Ann Arbor native Al Hill. New faces will please fans of funk and fusion, including drummer Jesse Kramer’s band “Juice Box,” and popular Detroit group The Brothers Groove.

The full lineup provides something for everyone; fans of traditional jazz won’t want to miss James Dapogny’s set; vocal jazz lovers will swing to the sounds of Toledo vocalist Ramona Collins; and salsa lovers can bring their dancing shoes for Tumbao Bravo.

In addition to the musical offerings, the Gandy Dancer will offer its special courtyard menu, which features sandwiches and appetizers. Concertgoers at last year’s events enjoyed the ambience of the 125-year-old train station—and most concerts feature a guest appearance by the evening train that chugs by the patio.

Here’s a look at the full lineup: 6/13: Paul Finkbeiner’s Atmospheric Disturbance Band 6/20: Ben Jansson Quartet 6/27: Ramona Collins 7/11: Jesse Kramer’s Juice Box 7/18: Ellen Rowe Quartet 7/25: Pat Prouty 8/1: Vincent York 8/8: Tumbao Bravo 8/15: Al Hill 8/22: Dobbins, Krahnke & Weed 8/29: Ingrid Racine Quartet 9/5: The Brothers Groove 9/12: James Dapogny 9/19: Ben Rolston

The Gandy Dancer is located at 401 Depot St. in Ann Arbor. For more information, see the website.