Jazz pianist Judy Carmichael to headline Dixon Theatre’s 100th anniversary

Friday evening the soulful sounds of jazz come to Dixon as Grammy-nominated pianist and vocalist Judy Carmichael hosts her NPR talk show, “Judy Carmichael’s Jazz Inspired” from the Dixon Historic Theatre.

Friday will be the first of three episodes Carmichael hosts from the Dixon Historic Theatre over the next three weeks, including a live performance on Tuesday for the theater’s 100th anniversary celebration.

Over the last 22 years, Carmichael has interviewed a wide range of guests from Jeff Goldblum, Glenn Close to Billy Joel to discuss their love of jazz, life, and performance, often playing together during the show, creating a live musical experience for the audience.

Carmichael has graced stages the world over, from the bright lights of Carnegie Hall in New York to the amphitheaters of Nice, France. She is known as one of the world’s leading specialists in stride piano, a highly physical style of play that was primarily male-dominated until her arrival.

“When I came on the scene, it was a shock to people, being this tiny girl from California,” said Carmichael. “I think it’s an advantage sometimes to be so different; if you embrace it, you’re uninhibited.”

Carmichael was inspired by early jazz legends Count Basie and Fats Waller. Basie’s signature style was stride piano and instantly resonated with Carmichael.

“As a girl, I never thought it was odd that my role models were these large men. I just thought they were exuberant, joyful, magnificent piano players,” said Carmichael.

“Someone gave me a tape of early Count Basie, and that was the real breakthrough for me because I absolutely fell in love, just went crazy. I thought, this is what I really want to learn how to do, this is the music I want to play,” said Carmichael.

Count Basie would later bestow the nickname Stride upon Carmichael to recognize her mastery of the style. Jazz critic and author Scott Yanow heralded her as the first significant stride pianist to appear in 30 years.

Timothy Boles, the Dixon Historic Theatre’s executive director, is a long-time acquaintance of Carmichael’s and reached out to her.

“Tim is the perfect presenter to work with, in that he’s loaded with ideas, but he’s open to ideas, and he wants to create things together. Like me, he wants to create community outreach and performances and all kinds of things,” said Carmichael of Boles.

The pair has additional performances from Carmichael planned in the area, an acting class, and various outreach programs and fundraisers.

“Tim has brought together a number of community partnerships, and I’m thrilled to bring my background in music and education to the table,” said Carmichael.

A limited number of VIP tickets are available that allow the audience to be seated on stage with Carmichael and her guests. Tickets can be purchased online at the box office located at 93 South Hennepin Avenue, Dixon, or online at www.dixontheatre.com.

Judy Carmichael appearances

7:30 p.m. Friday. Jazz Inspired taping for NPR, Dixon Theatre. Andy Brown, guitar. Guest: Russ Phillips, trombone. Tickets $10-$50.

11 a.m. Saturday. Book signing, Books on First, Dixon. Will be signing copies of “Swinger!: A Jazz Girl’s Adventures from Hollywood to Harlem.” Copies retail at $18.95.

6:30 p.m. Tuesday. 100th Celebration, Dixon Theatre. Judy Carmichael leading a jazz ensemble from piano, playing music from the 1920s. Tickets $50-$75. Roaring Twenties attire suggested, prizes for best costume.

7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Recital at Philander Hall, the home of Timothy Boles, Dixon Theatre artistic director. Jeff Rupert, saxophone and Andy Brown, guitar.

7:30 p.m. Friday, March 18, Jazz Inspired taping for NPR, Dixon Theatre. Andy Brown, guitar. Guest: Don Stiernberg, mandolin.Tickets $10-$50.

7:30 p.m. Friday, March 25, Jazz Inspired taping for NPR, Dixon Theatre. Andy Brown, guitar. Guest: Bob Rummage, drums. Tickets $10-$50.