December 17 at 7 PM: Arts Garage presents The Mike Levine Jazz Sextet. Based in the Sunshine State, pianist Mike Levine has developed a reputation as a solid player, producer and composer. With a career that stretches back to the early 80’s,Levine made his record debut in 1981 as co-leader of The Ross-Levine Band, a project with Pat Metheny as a guest artist. The effort drew national attention and remained in the top ten of the AC-Jazz Chart for six weeks. Their subsequent effort also fared well and paved the band’s way as an opening act for such highly regarded performers as Michael Franks, Gato Barberi and Dionne Warwick.

Levine has enjoyed a variety of gigs and recordings from Mel Torme, The Jaco Pastorius Big Band, Ed Calle, Michael Bolton, David Sanborn, Steve Oliver, Les DeMerle, Roberto Perrera, Billy Ross, Raul DiBlasio and John Secada to touring in Mexico, Austria, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic and Canada. His festival appearances include the Montreal, Detroit, Syracuse, Aruba, Amelia Island and Berks jazz festivals. For 17 years Mike also played in the house band for “Sabado Gigante,” a top TV show seen around the world by millions, as well as “Don Francisco Presenta,” a popular talk show. As a composer, his compositions have landed in movies such as “Expendables” and “Admission” as well as TV shows both in the U.S. and internationally including Star Search, George Lopez, Four Weddings, Coronation Street, and Beverly Hills Chihuahua.

“From The Heart,” Mike’s debut CD, featured special guests Hiram Bullock and Ed Calle. This 2008 release landed Mike on the SmoothJazz.com Indie Chart for over forty weeks. His second CD, “Thinking Of You,” was released in 2012. Along with South Florida’s finest, Mike’s special guests were Will Lee, Ed Calle and Billy Ross. With good airplay, the tune “Walkin Tall” landed on Billboards top 30 Jazz Tune for 5 weeks. Mike’s latest CD “Star Gazing” released late May 2017 features Will Lee, Andy Snitzer, and Ed Calle along with South Florida’s finest and is already getting significant airplay nationally.

Featuring:
Mike Levine, piano
Ed Maina, sax
Lindsey Blair, guitar
Nicky Orta, bass
Sam Levine, drums
Corky Garcia, percussiion

“Mike Levine’s performance here affirms his status as one of the premier pianists in the Jazz world today. Providing Blue-Chip Charts in a variety of styles, the pianist succeeds in delivering a compelling gem of a recording that seems to come truly “From The Heart” – Edward Blanco, www.ejazznews.com

Arts Garage is located at 94 NE 2nd Ave in Delray Beach. Tickets are $30-$40-$45 at artsgarage.org or 561-450-6357. BRING YOUR OWN … WHATEVER! The theater boasts cabaret-style table seating, where patrons can bring their own food and drinks, including alcohol. Music courtesy of KCC Productions.