By Khalid Moss

Byron Stripling

No one can accuse the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra of dereliction of duty when it comes to tickling the ears of Miami Valley music lovers. The latest proof is the DPO’s presentation of “Satchmo, Fats and The Duke” at Schuster Center, May 6 and 7. Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller and Duke Ellington were transcendental artists during the Jazz Age but the popularity of their music has not flagged. They will be expertly represented by multi-talented musician/vocalist Byron Stripling. Since portraying Armstrong in the musical, “Satchmo: America’s Musical Legend” demand for Stripling’s music has gone through the roof and he has performed with the Boston Pops, the National Symphony Orchestra and many others. Tickets for the concert range from $22 to $76 and are available by calling (888) 228-3630 or visiting www.daytonphilharmonic.com.

By Matt Clevenger

Feb. 6 would have been Bob Marley’s 66^th birthday and fans of the late world music icon can celebrate the occasion with internationally-known reggae artist Seefari this Sat., Feb. 26, as he presents his Annual Bob Marley Tribute Show at Peach’s Grill in Yellow Springs. Known for a string of award-winning reggae hits, Seefari has also been playing Bob Marley’s music for more than 25 years, and has worked onstage or in the studio with many reggae stars including the Wailers, Marley’s songwriting partner Sangie Davis and the Gypsi Fari band, who recorded with Marley in Jamaica. He spent four years as the headlining act for the Houston, Texas-based Bob Marley Festival Tour. Peach’s Grill recently re-tooled their sound system, as well, and the Bob Marley Tribute will be one of the first shows to take advantage of the newly overhauled equipment. Saturday’s show starts at 10 p.m. and admission is $5. More information can be found online at www.seefari.com or www.peachsgrill.com.

Vectren Just Jazz Series

By Nicole Wroten

DAI’s popular Vectren Just Jazz series will return next week on Thursday, March 3, with New York-based Mara Rosenbloom Quartet. The performance begins at 5:30 p.m. in the museum’s Shaw Gothic Cloister. The group, led by pianist and composer Mara Rosenbloom, is currently touring the United States, performing hits from its premier release “School of Fish,” as well as showcasing new music for its upcoming album “Songs from the Ground.” “School of Fish” is an album of Rosenbloom’s original compositions, celebrating community and human interaction – how we forge unspoken bonds, react, drift apart, and find each other again out of inherent need. All performances begin at 5:30 p.m. Admission is FREE for museum members and $8 for non-members. General admission tickets may be purchased at The Dayton Art Institute the night of each performance. For more information about the Vectren Just Jazz series and other programs at The Dayton Art Institute, please visit www.daytonartinstitute.org or call the museum at (937) 223-5277.

By Russell Florence, Jr.

Charlie Hunter

Guitar whiz Charlie Hunter will bring his unique fusion of jazz, funk and pop to Gilly’s (132 S. Jefferson St.) on Wednesday, October 27 at 8 p.m. Hunter, who grew up in Berkeley, California and is known for a diverse repertoire and comparisons to such greats as Thelonious Monk and Bob Marley, has released his second solo outing, Public Domain. Sean Westergaard of All Music Guide is among the many critics who have praised his artistry and technique over the years. Westergaard hailed Hunter as “mindboggling… an agile improviser with an ear for great tone.” His collaborators include John Mayer, Leon Parker and Christian McBride among others. General admission seats are $15. Tickets will be available at the door beginning at 7:30 p.m. For additional information, advance tickets or to hear music samples, call Cityfolk at (937) 496-3863 or visit online at www.Cityfolk.org.