Boiler Brewing to Host Mitch Towne for Jazz in June Benefit

By Will Roper
Jan. 23, 2018

Those anxiously counting down the months before Jazz in June will be treated with a small taste of the summer festival this week – just indoors.

On Friday, Jan. 26, the folks with Jazz in June will be partnering with the Boiler Brewing Company for an evening of jazz music in the Boiler Grand Hall of the historic Grand Manse building, 129 N. 10th St.

The night, titled Jazz in January, will feature the Mitch Towne Quartet, and will serve as a fundraiser for this year’s upcoming Jazz in June.

Spencer Munson, managing director for Jazz in June, said they’ve been searching for new ways to raise money for the 2018 season by bringing jazz music to the community year-round.

“Jazz in January is a fun way for us to connect to our patrons in the winter, give them something fun to do and give back,” Munson said.

The Boiler Brewing Company recently set up shop in the old federal court room on the third floor of the Grand Manse (where the infamous Charles Starkweather was convicted). Filled with lavish oak walls and large, intricate murals, Munson said the space serves as a perfect venue for live jazz music and Jazz in June events.

“We’re excited about doing more events with the Boiler Brewing Company,” Munson said. “It gives the jazz vibe another dimension.”

The Jazz in January night will be led by the Mitch Towne Quartet, featuring none other than Omaha-native Mitch Towne. The Grammy-nominated keyboardist is widely recognized as one of the best organists in the Midwest, and has played alongside famous jazz and blues musicians such as Terrace Martin, Dave Stryker and Ron E. Beck. He can also be found playing around Omaha with the CJ Mills band, as well as in Kansas City.

“Mitch is the go-to guy,” Munson said. “Whenever a big band comes through and needs an organ player, he’s the guy they call.”

Towne has recently been playing with musicians from Kansas City, which is how he met the remaining trio of his quartet. The band includes Peter Schlamb on the vibraphone, Marcus Lewis on the trombone and Brian Steever on the drums. All three musicians are some of the best in the region, with Schlamb and Lewis also renowned jazz composers.

Munson said he asked Towne to put together a Kansas City all-star band, and Towne obliged.

“There’s a pretty strong connection between Lincoln, Omaha and Kansas City in terms of jazz music,” Munson said.

The Omaha organist has performed in Jazz in June before, and while Munson said they’re mostly aiming to attract national acts for 2018, the organization is also looking at great regional and local acts – some of which include Towne.

“He’s definitely on our shortlist,” Munson said.

The Boiler Brewing venue will feature an excess of great food and drinks to complement the jazz atmosphere. Four different local bakeries are donating desserts, attracting patrons who are just completing a late dinner in the Haymarket and downtown area. The Boiler Brewing Company will also have a number of different beers on tap for after-dinner drinks. Munson said the space will be low-lit and set-up to fit as many listeners as possible.

“It’ll be a great evening with a couple hours of jazz and some free dessert for those looking to support Jazz in June,” Munson said.

Doors open Friday at 8 p.m. with an admission charge of $23.85. RSVP via the Facebook event.