A Command Performance of Jazz, Blues, and everything in-between awaits the music afficionado this weekend, as Mayor Joe hosts the area’s best. - Photo by Andrew Firestone

By Krysia Wazny

Any great piece of music incorporates a variety of elements. It must have a melody, a harmony, and a good beat. Artists who seek to make music inevitably contribute some of themselves in the process, drawing from their backgrounds and passions. This phenomenon is perhaps most readily observable in jazz and blues.  These frequently paired genres are rooted in various regional traditions. From north to south, musicians absorb local influences into their compositions, whether they are big band charts or spirituals. So what does Somerville jazz sound like? As might be expected in a community near a large metropolitan area and known for supporting musical endeavors, Somerville’s sound is composed of many styles. Back for its third year, Joe’s Jazz and Blues Fest will offer audiences a glimpse of this unique musical combination.

After enjoying a touching evening of poignant melodies at Monday’s Torch Night, June 20 at the Arts at the Armory, Somerville welcomes Charlie Kohlhase’s Explorers Club to Johnny D’s on Tuesday. During his thirty years in Boston, he has experienced the circumstances growing musicians must face. Difficulties maintaining a consistent audience and getting gigs in this talent rich area are balanced by the advantages of having such a wealth of musicians. “There are lots of people as resources you can rely on,” he said.

Kohlhase, who played the outdoor festival in 2009, went on to praise Somerville for its support of local artists. “They do great stuff with their arts budget,” he commented, “Stuff you don’t see in Cambridge and Boston.”

The stars of Thursday evening’s entertainment would be quick to agree with Kohlhase. The Aruda brothers, John and Scott, of Aruda Awakening were raised in Somerville and have profited directly from the community’s support of music. Scott spoke highly of well-funded programs throughout their time in the Somerville public school system, and the opportunities it afforded them. “(Mayor) Joe Curatone and I played trumpet together and stood next to each other in class,” Scott said, “It’s great to now be giving something back to the community.”

Friends and family aside, the brothers are motivated to stay in Somerville by the strong community of musicians in the area.  Events like next week’s are good for business. “It’s an opportunity to get our names out there and gain support,” said John. As the pair prepares to grace Somerville with a rousing performance of jazz, blues, and funk, they simultaneously continue to reap the benefits of being a part of this community.

This give and take inherent in the community is not exclusively available to natives. Jeremy Lyons came to live in Cambridge after his New Orleans livelihood was destroyed by Katrina. He knew he would be facing changes by moving to the area. While opportunities for touring would increase, the “appetite for music” obvious in New Orleans was bound to be missing. “The audience is different here,” Lyons said, “There’s less boisterousness, more listening.” However, he noted that new listeners have given him fresh opportunities for diversification, delving into folk music and music for children.

Playing music for his daughter, Lyons discovered the joys of playing for a younger crowd. This hobby became an occupation when he landed a gig with Stellabella Toys in Cambridge. “Children tend to be a better audience,” he stated, going on to describe the “ying and yang” he finds in performing for adults in bars on weekends and for kids during the week. And so, a finger picking blues player from New Orleans has also become a part of the Somerville community, performing for us on Friday at one of his favorite places – Sally O’Brien’s.

All of these performances lead up to the Outdoor Festival on Saturday, June 25. Free and open to the public, this event showcases several incredible talents from the worlds of jazz, blues, and folk, including the John Funkerhouse Trio, Tori Lynn Washington, and a trio made up of Ron Levy,  Per Hanson, and Barrett Anderson. The Somerville High School Jazz Ensemble, home of the Aruda brothers and Mayor Joe, will also be performing and is sure to impress. Wrapping up with the Dwight Richter Trio Saturday night, Joe’s Jazz and Blues Fest promises a great time and a glimpse at the soul of Somerville.

More information including dates and times of performances can be found at http://www.somervilleartscouncil.org/.