Mark Sloniker jazz musician and artist
Mark Sloniker jazz artist and musician
Mark Sloniker jazz musician

Latest News

Goodbye 2015!

12/30/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

(Rumor has it) 2015 is quickly coming to a close!? So then... A heartfelt and sincere thank you for your awesome support this year at Jay's and Ace's and all our gigs around town. Thanks to club owners who say "Yes!" to live music, to the wonderful "wait staffs" that treat us so kindly, and to the amazing musicians that I get to perform with that make making music the tremendous joy that it is! Looking forward to 2016 and all the magic and music it will hold! Here is this week's schedule:

Mark Sloniker at Ace Gillette's

Wednesday, December 30th (6-9 pm) - Jo Asker/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano at Jay's Bistro (135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins, CO). Come on in for a warm drink on this frigid night!

New Year's Eve,Thursday, December 31st (9 pm -1 am) - Bid adieu to the old and ring in the new at Jay's with Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker/vocals, Braun Khan/bass, Oscar DeZoto/drums and Mark Sloniker/piano! Mark starts with a solo piano set at 6 pm.

Friday, January 1st - Jay's Bistro is closed, so Mark gets a night off! Woo hoo (says Colleen)!

Saturday, January 2nd (8-11 pm) - Join Jo Asker/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano for a Saturday night serenade. Solo piano set starts at 6.

Sunday night, January 3rd (7-11 pm) - We're "underground" at Ace Gillett's Lounge (beneath The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.), with piano sounds from 7-11 pm. This Sunday, Andrew Vogt will join in on saxophones and clarinet! Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker will be around for the second set, starting at 8:30. Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. We hope you can join us! Thanks to Terry Bieritz for the cool picture above, taken at Ace Gillett's one Sunday night.

Happy New Year!
Mark
www.marksloniker.com

Have a holly, jolly!

12/17/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

Finally getting this week's schedule out - YIKES!

Wednesday, December 16th (6-9 pm) - Jo Asker/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano played ALL your favorites at Jay's Bistro (135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins, CO). Hope you heard 'em!

Thursday, December 17th (6:30-10 pm) - Roger Barnhart/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano were jolly old souls for the crowd at Jay's.

Friday, December 18th (8-11 pm) - Jay's hosts Andrew Vogt/saxes and clarinet Jo Asker/bass, Chris Dale/drummer boy, and Mark Sloniker/piano. A solo piano set starts at 6:30 pm. Lean your ear this way!

Mark Sloniker at Ace Gillette's

Saturday, December 19th (8-11 pm) Vocalists Colleen Crosson and Billy Hundley join Jo Asker/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano for some yuletide carols and hip holiday tunes! Solo piano set starts at 6.

Sunday night, December 20th (7-11 pm) - We're "underground" at Ace Gillett's Lounge (beneath The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.), with piano sounds from 7-11 pm. Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker will (again) come a-wassailing around 7:30 or so. Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. We hope you can join us during the holiday season! Thanks to Terry Bieritz for the cool picture, taken at Ace Gillett's a couple Sundays ago.

Just a heads up that Myles Sloniker will be in town next week and will be with me at Jay's on the 23rd and 26th. We will also be doing a Christmas Eve concert at 7 pm with the whole family and other music guests (email me for details if you wanna come!). Then Myles will join the family at Ace Gillett's on Sunday, December 27th. What a Christmas present - can't wait!

Peace, Comfort, and Joy to you,
Mark
www.marksloniker.com

It's beginning to look a lot like......

12/09/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Mark Sloniker at Ace Gillette's

Dear E-Friends,

The holiday atmosphere is definitely gaining momentum and the sounds of Jazzmas are everywhere! If you're yearning to celebrate your holiday of choice "jazz style", here are some suggestions for this week:

Wednesday, December 9th (6-9 pm) - Roger Barnhart/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano will play your favorites at Jay's Bistro (135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins, CO). We wish you a Happy Hanukkah!

Thursday, December 10th (6:30-10 pm) - A short solo piano set starts out the night at Jay's, after which I'm joined (in short order) by David Becher on bass. Other jazzmas cats are sure to drop by and sit in during the night, as well. It will not be a silent night....

Friday, December 11th (8-11 pm) - Jay's hosts Shawn Mickelson/trumpet Jo Asker/bass, Shilo Stroman/drums, and Mark Sloniker/piano. As always, a solo piano set starts at 6 pm. You better watch out!

Saturday, December 12th (8-11 pm) Jay's is closed for a private party.

Sunday night, December 13th (7-11 pm) - We're "underground" at Ace Gillett's Lounge (beneath The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.), with piano sounds from 7-11 pm. Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker will come awassailing around 8:30, but if you need to make an early night of it, just let us know and they can be persuaded to start earlier! Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. We hope you can join us during the holiday season! Thanks to Terry Bieritz for the cool picture above, taken at Ace Gillett's last Sunday.

Peace, Comfort, and Joy to you,
Mark
www.marksloniker.com

December Days

12/02/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

Just back from a wild and wacky trip to the east coast, celebrating family and friends in NJ, VA, and NYC. Myles Sloniker put on an amazing senior recital with 10 great musicians and composed all the pieces, ranging from string quartet arrangements to punk and free jazz! Wow - so glad we had the opportunity to catch that. Now it's December and the Season of Peace is here. Sounds like we again need to spread it big time. So, I will follow Leonard Bernstein's lead who says, "This will be our reply to violence: to make music more intensely, more beautifully, more devotedly than ever before." Here's where we'll be doing that this week and we hope you will join us in solidarity to spread love, peace, music, art, and all good things out into the world. WE must be the change we wish to see...... (thank you, Gandhi!)

Wednesday, December 2nd (6-9 pm) - Braun Khan/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano will play (and pray) for peace at Jay's Bistro (135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins, CO).

Thursday, December 3rd (6:30-10 pm) - A short solo piano set starts out the night at Jay's, after which I'm joined (in short order) by David Becher on bass. Other jazz cats are sure to drop by and sit in during the night, as well.

Friday, December 4th (8-11 pm) - Jay's hosts Tim Gauthier/guitar, Roger Barnhart/bass, Chris Dale/drums, and Mark Sloniker/piano. As always, a solo piano set starts at 6 pm.

Saturday, December 5th (8-11 pm) features Valerie Austin/voice, Roger Barnhart/bass, and Mark Sloniker/piano. I hope Valerie will do her beautiful version of "Where is Love Now?" and we will somehow find (be??) the answers.

Sunday night, December 6th (7-11 pm) - We're "underground" at Ace Gillett's Lounge (beneath The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.), with piano sounds from 7-11 pm. Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker join me most every Sunday, and are ON for this night! Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. We hope you can join us!

Peace, Comfort, and Joy to you,
Mark
www.marksloniker.com

Jazzology in the Fort

11/19/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

Gratitude abounds for another year of inspired music making with so many talented cohorts! Thank you for your continued support of this wacky and creative endeavor! Here are this week's opportunities in my world of jazz.....

Thursday, November 19th (6:30-10 pm) - I start out at Jay's Bistro (135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins, CO) on piano, joined shortly thereafter by Roger Barnhart on bass. Other jazz cats are sure to drop by and sit in during the night, as well. The diversity of talent is notable!

Friday, November 20th (8-11 pm) - Jay's hosts Briana Harris/sax, Jo Asker/bass and Chris Dale/drums, with me on piano - a dynamic quartet for sure! As always, solo piano starts at 6 pm.

Saturday, November 21st (8-11 pm) features Colleen Crosson/voice and Erik Applegate/bass joining me on piano - truly a treasured and tempting trio!

Sunday night, November 22nd, I'm at the coolest "underground" establishment in Fort Collins - Ace Gillett's Lounge (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.), playing solo piano from 7-11 pm. Other guests often sit in. Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker join me most every Sunday, and are ON for this one! Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. We hope you can join us.

Thanks for stopping by!
Mark
www.marksloniker.com

Snowshine

11/11/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

Well, that was my kinda snowstorm! Beautiful and glistening in the morning and then just about gone with the sun by late afternoon. Still a bit nippy though - come on down to Jay's for a warm up, I say! Here's what's happening this week:

Wednesday, November 11th (6-9 pm) - Jo Asker will be joining me tonight on bass for some lively jazz.

Thursday, November 12th (6:30-10 pm) - I start out at Jay's on piano, joined shortly thereafter by Drew Miller on bass. Then Colleen Crosson/voice joins in around 8 or 8:30 Other jazz cats are sure to drop by and sit in during the night, as well.

Friday, November 13th (8-11 pm) - Jay's hosts Joel Harris/sax, Roger Barnhart/bass and Chuck Landgraf/drums, with me on piano. As always, solo piano starts out at 6 pm.

Saturday, November 14th (8-11 pm) - Roger Barnhart pulls a double header on bass with yours truly on piano. Emma Sloniker joins us on vocals throughout the night. My solo piano set starts at 6.

This Sunday night, November 15th, I'm at the coolest underground establishment in Fort Collins - Ace Gillett's Lounge (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.). I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and often have other guests sit in. Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker join me most every Sunday, and will again for this one! Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. We hope you can join us.

Thanks for stopping by!
Mark
www.marksloniker.com

Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head...

Jazz at Jay's

11/04/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

It sure has been a lovely autumn, though it looks like we're in for a big change in weather these next few days. Why not drop in (between the raindrops) to Jay's for a cozy jazz hang? Here's the week's line-up!

Wednesday, November 4th (6-9 pm) - Andrew Vogt will be joining me tonight on saxophones and clarinet. This'll be a really fun duo night!

Thursday, November 5th (6:30-10 pm) - I start out at Jay's on piano, joined shortly thereafter by Jo Asker on bass. Other jazz cats are sure to drop by and sit in during the night.

Friday, November 6th (8-11 pm) - Back by popular demand, Jay's features Andrew Vogt on saxes and clarinet, with Roger Barnhart/bass, Chris Dale/drums and yours truly/piano. As always, I start out on solo piano at 6 pm.

Saturday, November 7th (8-11 pm) - Jay's hosts Jo Asker/bass and Cassidy Bacon/voice, with me on piano. My solo piano set starts at 6.

This Sunday night, November 8th, I'm at the coolest underground establishment in Fort Collins - Ace Gillett's Lounge (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.). I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and often have other guests sit in. Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker join me most every Sunday, and will again for this one! Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. We hope you can join us.

Thanks for stopping by!
Mark
www.marksloniker.com

Spooky!

Jazz at Jay's

10/29/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

It's Halloween weekend in Jazz-sylvania and we have some real treats for you at Jay's and Ace's. Here's the cast of characters for the rest of this week:

Thursday, October 29th (6:30-10 pm) - I start out at Jay's on piano, joined shortly thereafter by David Becher on bass. Judi Lucero/flute and vocals and Colleen Crosson/vocals will join the mix by and by, and other jazz cats (and dogs, and witches, and monkeys?) may also sit in throughout the night.

Friday, October 30th (8-11 pm) - Jay's features trumpeter Corry Petersen, with Chris Dale/drums, Jo Asker/bass, and yours truly/piano. We'll be getting into some real mischief, I can assure you. As always, I start out on solo piano at 6 pm.

Halloween night, Saturday, October 31st (8-11 pm) - Jay's hosts Jo Asker/bass and Billy Hundley/voice, with me on piano, but I'm not sure you'll recognize any of us.....Get your costume on! My solo piano set starts at 6.

This Sunday night, November 1st (WHAT??? Where did this year go??), I'm at the coolest underground establishment in Fort Collins - Ace Gillett's Lounge (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.). I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and often have other guests sit in. Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker join me most every Sunday, and will again for this one! Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. We hope you can join us.

Thanks for stopping by!
Mark
www.marksloniker.com

October Nights at the Bistro....

Jazz at Jay's

10/21/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

It was a blast playing with my whole family last week - thanks to all who came out to hear us. What great crowds! Myles will be back in December, after graduating from the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. But he'll only stick around for a week or two - then it's back to NYC for more "schooling" at the clubs! I'll keep you posted.

In the meantime, Here's the the line-up for this week in FoCO:

Wednesday, October 21st (6-9 pm) - Roger Barnhart/bass and I/piano are the dynamic duo at Jay's Bistro, 135 West Oak St., Fort Collins.

Thursday, October 22nd (6:30-10 pm) - I start out at Jay's on piano, joined shortly thereafter by David Becher on bass. Other jazz cats may also sit in throughout the night.

Friday, October 23rd (8-11 pm) - Jay's features Tim Gauthier/guitar, Braun Khan/bass, Tom Thoms/drums, and yours truly/piano. As always, I start out on solo piano at 6 pm.

Saturday, October 24th (8-11 pm) - Jay's hosts Jo Asker/bass and Eva Bacmeister/vocals, with me on piano. My solo piano set starts at 6.

This Sunday night, October 25th, I'm at the coolest underground establishment in Fort Collins - Ace Gillett's Lounge (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.). I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and often have other guests sit in. Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker join me most every Sunday, and have confirmed they'll be here for this one! Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. We hope you can join us.

Thanks for supporting live music in Fort Collins!
Mark
www.marksloniker.com

Myles is in town!

Jazz at Jay's

10/14/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

I was away last week in beautiful Sonoma County, playing a wedding reception on Boot Hill of the Kunde Winery with Colleen - part of a ten piece band for some dear friends. What a memorable experience that was! Now, I'm jazzed to tell you that bassman, Myles Sloniker will be back in town late tonight from NYC and will be playing with me this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night! He's also here for a recording session on Saturday and will fly back early Sunday morning. Too short, but very sweet and we'll relish the time he is here. I hope you get to swing by one or more nights this weekend - Myles gets better and better every time we see him! Here's the rest of the line-up for this week:

Wednesday, October 14th (6-9 pm) - Jo Asker/bass and I/piano are the dynamic duo at Jay's Bistro, 135 West Oak St., Fort Collins.

Thursday, October 15th (6:30-10 pm) - I start out at Jay's on piano, joined shortly thereafter by Myles Sloniker on bass. Emma Sloniker and Colleen Crosson/vocals will join the mix as well, making it a rare appearance of the whole fam damily! Judi Lucero will lend her flute to a tune or two, and other jazz cats may also sit in throughout the night.

Friday, October 16th (8-11 pm) - Jay's features another killer quartet with Andrew Vogt/sax, Shilo Stroman/drums, Myles Sloniker/bass, and yours truly/piano. As always, I start out on solo piano at 6 pm.

Saturday, October 17th (8-11 pm) - Jay's hosts Myles Sloniker/bass and Tom Toms/drums, with me on piano. Colleen Crosson/voice will do a guest set with us. My solo piano set starts at 6.

This Sunday night, October 18th, I'm at the coolest underground establishment in Fort Collins - Ace Gillett's Lounge (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.). I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and often have other guests sit in. Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker join me most every Sunday, and have confirmed they'll be here for this one! We wish Myles could be with us, too, but he's got to fly back earlier in the day to make a gig in New York. That cat stays busy! Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. We hope you can join us.

Thanks for supporting live music in Fort Collins!
Mark
www.marksloniker.com

This weekend's Jazz

Jazz at Jay's

9/30/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

Another week, another exciting line-up of jaunty jazz players at Jay's and Ace's!

Happening NOW, Wednesday, September 30th (6-9 pm) - Roger Barnhart/bass and I/piano are playing farewell songs to September at Jay's Bistro, 135 West Oak St., Fort Collins.

Thursday, October 1st (6:30-10 pm) - Sloniker starts out at Jay's on piano, joined shortly thereafter by David Becher on bass. At around 8:00, Colleen Crosson/vocals will join the mix, and there will likely be others sitting in throughout the night.

Friday, October 2nd (8-11 pm) - Jay's features a killer quartet with Brianna Harris/sax, Shilo Stroman/drums, Jo Asker/bass, and yours truly/piano. And, as always, I start out on solo piano at 6 pm.

Saturday, October 3rd (8-11 pm) - Jay's hosts Braun Khan/bass, with me on piano. My solo piano set starts at 6.

This Sunday night, October 4th, I'm at the coolest underground establishment in Fort Collins - Ace Gillett's Lounge (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.). I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and often have other guests sit in (Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker join me most every Sunday!). Come on down to this basement hide-away and see what you're missing! Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure.

Thanks for supporting live music in Fort Collins!
Mark
www.marksloniker.com

Falling for Jazz...

Jazz at Jay's

9/23/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

Well, here it is Autumn again. And it's Wednesday again. And I'm out the door (again), on my way to Jay's (are you falling for this?), so here's the quick line-up:

TONIGHT, Wednesday, Sept.23rd (6-9 pm) - Roger Barnhart/bass and I/piano will play all your favorite fall-ish tunes to celebrate this Autumnal Equinox at Jay's Bistro, 135 West Oak St., Fort Collins.

Thursday, Sept. 24th (6:30-10 pm) - Sloniker starts out at Jay's on piano, joined shortly thereafter by Drew Miller on bass. At around 8:15, they'll be joined by Judi Lucero/flute and vocals, Colleen Crosson/vocals and Monty Hogan/guitar for some Brazilian flavored tuneage. I hear there's a killer version of "Autumn Leaves" in the mix....

Friday, Sept. 25th (8-11 pm) - Jay's welcomes Joel Harris/sax, Chuck Landgraf/drums, and Roger Barnhart/bass, with yours truly/piano. What a quartet! And, as always, I start out on solo piano at 6 pm.

Saturday, Sept. 26th (8-11 pm) - Jay's features Billy Hundley on soulful vocals, Jo Asker on bass, with me on piano. My solo piano set starts at 6.

This Sunday night, September 27th, you'll find me at the coolest underground establishment in Fort Collins - Ace Gillett's Lounge (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.). I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and often have other guests sit in (Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker join me most every Sunday!). Come on down (literally) to this basement hide-away and see what you're missing! Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure.

Thanks for supporting live music in Fort Collins!
Mark
www.marksloniker.com

Goodbye September Song.........

Jazz at Jay's

9/17/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

We've had a fun couple of weeks playing stump the band with September songs, but to summer-ize the situation, we've all but exhausted the selections. So for seasoned veterans like us, it's time to move on. I know some of you aren't falling for this, but with the Autumnal Equinox at our door step, it's time to put a new slant on making light of this sort of thing. I'm sure we'll do the same thing when autumn leaves...

Wednesday, Sept. 16th (6-9 pm) - It was a lovely night at Jay's with Braun Khan on bass and me on piano. I'm sorry I didn't let you know sooner... :-)

Thursday, Sept. 17th (6:30-10 pm) - I, Sloniker starts out at Jay's on piano, joined shortly thereafter by Jo Asker on bass. Other guests are bound to sit in throughout the night.

Friday, Sept. 18th (8-11 pm) - Jay's welcomes Andrew Vogt/sax & clarinet, Jo Asker/bass, and Chris Dale/drums, with yours truly/piano. Always a pleasure, playing with these cats! And, as always, I start out on solo piano at 6 pm.

Saturday, Sept. 19th (8-11 pm) - Jay's features special guest, Eva Bacmeister on happenin' vocals, Braun Khan on bass, with me on piano. My solo piano set starts at 6.

This Sunday night, (Sept. 20th) you'll find me at the coolest underground establishment in Fort Collins - Ace Gillett's Lounge (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.). I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and often have other guests sit in (Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker are frequent ones). Come on down (literally) to this basement hide-away and see what you're missing! Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure.

Thanks for supporting live music in Fort Collins!
Mark
www.marksloniker.com

This week in the Land of Jazz....

Jazz at Jay's

9/9/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

The weeks whiz by, and here it is Wednesday again. I'm out the door, on my way to Jay's, so here's the quick line-up:

TONIGHT, Wednesday, Sept. 9th (6-9 pm) - Roger Barnhart/bass and I/piano will again be ac-sept-ing suggestions for September Songs at Jay's Bistro, 135 West Oak St., Fort Collins. Try to stump us.....

Thursday, Sept. 10th (6:30-10 pm) - Sloniker starts out at Jay's on piano, joined shortly thereafter by Jo Asker on bass. Other guests are bound to sit in throughout the night.

Friday, Sept. 11th (8-11 pm) - Jay's welcomes Chuck Landgraf/drums, David Becher/bass, and Bard Hoff/guitar, with yours truly/piano. Always a pleasure, playing with these cats! And, as always, I start out on solo piano at 6 pm.

Saturday, Sept. 12th (8-11 pm) - Jay's features Colleen Crosson on happenin' vocals, Braun Khan on bass, with me on piano. My solo piano set starts at 6.

Most every Sunday night you'll find me at the coolest underground establishment in Fort Collins - Ace Gillett's Lounge (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.). I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and often have other guests sit in (Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker are frequent ones). What a great night we had last Sunday - come on down (literally) to this basement hide-away and see what you're missing! Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure.

Thanks for supporting live music in Fort Collins!
Mark
www.marksloniker.com

Settling into September!

Jazz at Jay's

9/2/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

How am I finally able to send this newsletter out by Wednesday?? Well there's a secret to that, sept. I won't be revealing that today.....But just look at all this jazz fun we've got in store for you!

Wednesday, Sept. 2nd (6-9 pm) - Roger Barnhart/bass and I/piano will be ac-sept-ing suggestions for September Songs at Jay's Bistro, 135 West Oak St., Fort Collins. I'll Try to Remember.....

Thursday, Sept. 3rd (6:30-10 pm) - Sloniker starts out this September night at Jay's on piano, joined shortly thereafter by David Becher on bass. Other guests are bound to sit in throughout the night.

Friday, Sept. 4th (8-11 pm) - Jay's welcomes Oscar deZoto/drums, Jo Asker/bass, and Tim Gauthier/guitar, with yours truly/piano. This'll be a new, fun quartet! As always, I start out on solo piano at 6 pm.

Saturday, Sept. 5th (8-11 pm) - Jay's features Jo Asker on bass, with me on piano. My solo piano set starts at 6.

Every Sunday night you'll find me at the coolest underground establishment in Fort Collins - Ace Gillett's Lounge (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.), and this Sunday is no exception! I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and often have other guests sit in (Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker are frequent ones). Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. Come on down (literally) to this basement hide-away for a fine evening of jazz!

"See you in September" and thanks for supporting live music in Fort Collins!
Mark
www.marksloniker.com

This weekend's line-up

Jazz at Jay's

8/28/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

I've again found myself "behind the times" (whoa, not good for a musician!) in sending out my newsletter for the week, but here's the cast of characters for the remainder of the week....

Friday, August 28th (8-11 pm) - Jay's welcomes Andrew Vogt/sax, Roger Barnhart/bass, Oscar deZoto (aka Rob Wojtowick!)/drums, with yours truly/piano. What a great quartet! As always, I start out on solo piano at 6 pm.

Saturday, August 29th - Jay's features songstress Cassidy Bacon with a guest set on vocals tonight, with Roger Barnhart/bass, and this Sloniker cat on piano. My solo piano set starts at 6.

Every Sunday night you'll find me at the coolest underground establishment in Fort Collins - Ace Gillett's Lounge (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.), and this Sunday is no exception! I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and often have other guests sit in (Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker are "regulars"). Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. Come on down (literally) to this basement hide-away for a fine evening of jazz!

On another "note", Colleen's been busy getting most of my music on Pandora during this past year (it can be a LONG and difficult process!). Check out the Mark Sloniker Station on http://www.pandora.com

Thanks for supporting live music in Fort Collins!
Mark
www.marksloniker.com

This weekend's jazz....

Jazz at Jay's

8/21/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

I'm back from my gig in Greenwich Village at Mezzrow with Myles, and heading into a fun weekend of jazz!

Tonight, Friday, August 21st (8-11 pm) - I'll be tickling the ivories at Jay's Bistro with Shilo Stroman on drums and Joe Asker on bass. Colleen Crosson/vocals will be dropping by to sit in on some tunes, as well! I start a solo set at 6.

Saturday, August 22nd (8-11 pm) - Jay's features Drew Miller/bass and Chris Dale/ drums, with me on piano. My solo piano set starts at 6.

Every Sunday night you'll find me at the coolest underground establishment in Fort Collins - Ace Gillett's Lounge (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.), and this Sunday is no exception! I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and often have other guests sit in (Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker are frequent ones). Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. Come on down (literally) to this basement hide-away for a fine evening of jazz!

Thanks for supporting live music in Fort Collins!
Mark
www.marksloniker.com

August Abounds with jazz!

Jazz at Jay's

8/5/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

So here we are, with August upon us. Has this summer flown by or what? We had an amazing last week with Myles in town. Thanks to all you folks who came out to listen at Jay's and Ace's! He's back in the Big Apple now, but great jazz continues in this Little Apple of Fort Collins, and here's my part in it:

Wednesday, August 5th, (6-9 pm) - Roger Barnhart/bass and I/piano are tonight's duo at Jay's Bistro, 135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins, CO. We usually have some guests sit in here and there to spice things up, too!

Thursday, August 6th, (6:30-10 pm) - Sloniker starts out the night at Jay's on piano, joined shortly thereafter by David Becher on bass. Other guests will sit in throughout the night.

Friday, August 7th, (8-11 pm) - Jay's welcomes Chris Dale/drums, Drew Miller/bass, and Corry Petersen/trumpet, with yours truly/piano. As always, I start out on solo piano at 6 pm.

Saturday, August 8th, 6:30-8:30, The Mark Sloniker Group (Mark Sloniker/piano, Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker/vocals, Erik Applegate/bass and Shilo Stroman/drums) will be performing at Front Range Village's "Sounds of Summer" Concert Series (corner of Harmony and Ziegler, in SE Fort Collins). It's kind of like a "Lagoon Concert" for all you SoPros (south of Prospect...) :-) We'll be set up on the lawn next to Mary's Mountain Cookies.

Every Sunday night you'll find me at the coolest underground establishment in Fort Collins - Ace Gillett's Lounge (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College. I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and often have other guests sit in (Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker are frequent ones). Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. Come on down (literally) to this basement hide-away for a fine evening of jazz!

Thanks for supporting live music in Fort Collins!
Mark
www.marksloniker.com

Myles Alert!

Jazz at Jay's

7/30/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

The week is flying by and I wanted to let you know that Myles Sloniker is back from NYC, doing several gigs in Denver as well as right here in River City (aka Fort Collins, CO).

TONIGHT, Thursday, July 30th, 6:30-10 - I'll start out the night at Jay's (135 W. Oak St.) on piano, and be joined shortly thereafter by Myles on bass. Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker will sit in throughout the night, starting around 8 or 8:30. Yea, family night!

Friday, July 31st (8-11 pm) - Myles is back on bass and we are joined by Shilo Stroman/drums and Joel Harris/sax - YES, I'm lovin' it!

Saturday, August 1st - It's a triple header at Jay's for Myles! Colleen Crosson is back on vocals (Emma has a blues gig at Chillers, darn it - but good for her!). My solo piano set starts at 6.

Every Sunday night you'll find me at the coolest underground establishment in Fort Collins - Ace Gillett's Lounge (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.), and this Sunday is no exception. I usually play solo piano from 7-11 pm, but this Sunday (August 2nd) I have the pleasure of my whole family joining me again - Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker on vocals and Myles Sloniker on bass. What a lucky guy! Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. Come on down (literally) to this basement hide-away for a fine evening of jazz!

And I hope you've got this on your calendar - Saturday, August 8th, 6:30-8:30, The Mark Sloniker Group (including Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker) will be performing at Front Range Village's "Sounds of Summer" Concert Series (corner of Harmony and Ziegler, in SE Fort Collins). It's kind of like a "Lagoon Concert" for all you SoPros.... :-)

Thanks for supporting live music in Fort Collins!
Mark
www.marksloniker.com

Secret Recipe for Jazz!

Jazz at Jay's

7/22/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

In the macrobiotic scheme of things, we try and play cool jazz in hot weather and hot jazz in cool times. Now you know our secret AND why it's so hard to resist our "secret recipe" of sensationally sounding stuff! All our jazz is made with 100% fresh, organically grown, free range, locally raised, home-birthed, karmic-ally balanced (whole) notes (bar none) and for good measure, all our rests are free (rest assured, you can sleep on it) (just ask our staff)!? Check out this week's specials...

Wednesday, July 22nd (6-9 pm) - Roger Barnhart/bass and I/piano are jazzing it up at Jay's, 135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins, CO. (it's extra-crispy night - not just the drum sticks either...which are more than just-skin-deep)...

Thursday, July 23rd (6:30-10pm) - Sloniker starts out the night at Jay's on piano, joined shortly thereafter by Kenny Jones on bass. Other guests will sit in throughout the night. (it's thin crust New York style jazz - bottomless toppings!)

Friday, July 24th (8-11 pm) - Jay's welcomes Matt Carroll/drums, Kenny Jones/bass, and Bard Hoff/guitar, with yours truly/piano. As always, I start out on solo piano at 6 pm. (it's "C-Note Night"...we will hit 100 Cs for every C-Note (that's the bill with Benjamin Franklin on it) you put into our jar)!

Saturday, July 25th - Jay's features Eva Bacmeister on vocals tonight. Kenny Jones joins us on bass, with me on piano. My solo piano set starts at 6. (it's B-Natural Night so come as you are (no it's not accidental)!

Every Sunday night you'll find me at the coolest underground establishment in Fort Collins - Ace Gillett's Lounge (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.), and this Sunday is no exception! I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and often have other guests sit in. Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. Come on down (literally) to this basement hide-away for a fine evening of jazz! (tonight is bass-meant night...everything is played one octave lower)

And something to add to your calendar - Saturday, August 8th, 6:30-8:30, The Mark Sloniker Group (including Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker) will be performing at Front Range Village's "Sounds of Summer" Concert Series (corner of Harmony and Ziegler, in SE Fort Collins). It's kind of like a "Lagoon Concert" for all you SoPros.... :-)

Thanks for supporting live music in Fort Collins!
Mark
www.marksloniker.com

Jazz is COOL!

Jazz at Jay's

7/14/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

So FINALLY the heat is settling in....good thing we've got some cool jazz to help balance it out!

Wednesday, July 15th (6-9 pm) - Patrick Atwater/bass and I/piano are eking out the last few days that he'll be here in the Fort before moving on to the Nashville area. Please join us at Jay's Bistro, 135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins, CO and wish him a fond farewell!

Thursday, July 16th, 6:30-10 - Sloniker starts out the night at Jay's on piano, joined shortly thereafter by David Becher on bass. Other guests will sit in throughout the night.

Friday, July 17th (8-11 pm) - Jay's welcomes Mark Raynes/drums, Patrick Atwater/bass, and Andrew Vogt/sax, with yours truly/piano. This is Patrick's very last night at Jay's for quite some time, so come out to bid "adieu" if you can! As always, I start out on solo piano at 6 pm.

Saturday, July 18th - Jay's features Colleen Crosson on vocals tonight - her first full night back since her knee accident a couple of months ago! Roger Barnhart joins us on bass, with me on piano. My solo piano set starts at 6.

Every Sunday night you'll find me at the coolest underground establishment in Fort Collins - Ace Gillett's Lounge (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.), and this Sunday is no exception! I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and often have other guests sit in (Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker are frequent ones) Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. Come on down (literally) to this basement hide-away for a fine evening of jazz!

And something to add to your calendar - Saturday, August 8th, 6:30-8:30, The Mark Sloniker Group (including Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker) will be performing at Front Range Village's "Sounds of Summer" Concert Series (corner of Harmony and Ziegler, in SE Fort Collins). It's kind of like a "Lagoon Concert" for all you SoPros.... :-)

Thanks for supporting live music in Fort Collins!
Mark
www.marksloniker.com

Clouds of Jazz...

Jazz at Jay's

7/9/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

I've looked at clouds from both sides now and although they continue to be in our forecast, I have to say Jay's Bistro always feels like the sunny side of the street to me! Why not join me in chasing those clouds away? Here's what's happening this week and beyond....

Wednesday, July 8th (6-9 pm) - Sorry I didn't let you know earlier, as Braun Khan/bass and I/piano had a grand night at Jay's Bistro, 135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins, CO. Braun ALWAYS has a sunny disposition, and last night was no exception!

Thursday, July 9th, 6:30-10 - It's another night of Bossa Nova (among other styles) with Judi Lucero on flute and vocals! Sloniker starts out the night on piano, joined shortly thereafter by David Becher on bass. Judi joins in around 8 pm, and other guests are sure to sit in as well.

Friday, July 10th (8-11 pm) - Jay's welcomes Matt Carroll/drums, Patrick Atwater/bass, and Billy Hundley/vocals, with yours truly/piano. As always, I start out on solo piano at 6 pm.

Saturday, July 11th - The bass/piano duo of Atwater and Sloniker are joined by the lovely Emma Sloniker doing a guest vocal set starting at 8:30. Solo piano starts at 6.

Every Sunday night you'll find me at the coolest underground establishment in Fort Collins - Ace Gillett's Lounge (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.), and this Sunday is no exception! I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and often have other guests sit in (Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker frequent the stage). Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. Come on down (literally) to this basement hide-away for a fine evening of jazz!

And something to add to your calendar - Saturday, August 8th, 6:30-8:30, The Mark Sloniker Group (including Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker) will be performing at Front Range Village's "Sounds of Summer" Concert Series (corner of Harmony and Ziegler, in SE Fort Collins). It's kind of like a "Lagoon Concert" for all you SoPros.... :-)

Thanks for listenin',
Mark
www.marksloniker.com

Independent Jazz!

Jazz at Jay's

7/1/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

Leading up to this Independence Day weekend when we'll celebrate our country's freedom, I want to thank you all for supporting independent and free jazz in our community! Here's what's happening this week and beyond....

Wednesday, July 1st (6-9 pm) - Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker will sing their hearts out together (as well as independently!) with me on piano and Braun Khan on bass at Jay's Bistro, 135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins, CO.

Thursday, July 2nd 6:30-10 - Braun Khan/bass and I (on piano) will be joined at Jay's by various guest musicians throughout the night! The talent in this town is noteworthy!

Friday, July 3rd (8-11 pm) - Jay's welcomes Bard Hoff/guitar, Chris Dale/drums, and David Becher/bass, with yours truly/piano. As always, I start out on solo piano at 6 pm.

Saturday, July 4th - TBA

Every Sunday night you'll find me at the coolest underground establishment in Fort Collins - Ace Gillett's Lounge (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.), and this Sunday is no exception! I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and often have other guests sit in. Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker are featured guests this Sunday! Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. Come on down (literally) to this basement hide-away for a fine evening of jazz!

And something to add to your calendar - Saturday, August 8th, 6:30-8:30, The Mark Sloniker Group (including Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker) will be performing at Front Range Village's "Sounds of Summer" Concert Series (corner of Harmony and Ziegler, in SE Fort Collins). It's kind of like a "Lagoon Concert" for all you SoPros.... :-). Hope to see you there!

Welcome to July and May the 4th be with You!,
Mark
www.marksloniker.com

Late June and the joint is jumpin'!!

Jazz at Jay's

6/24/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

June is ticking right along, and we've got the groove and the beat to move your feet! Jay's Bistro presents:

Wednesday, June 24th (6-9 pm) - Patrick Atwater/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano jazzing it up in duo style!

Thursday, June 25th (6:30-10 pm) - Mark Sloniker/piano is again joined by Patrick Atwater/bass in jazz jubilation! Guest players will sit in throughout the night, including Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker.

Friday, June 26th (8-11 pm) - The line-up is Patrick Atwater/bass (are you sensing a theme here?), Mark Raynes/drums, Andrew Vogt/sax and Mark Sloniker/piano. I'll start off with a solo piano set at 6 pm.

Saturday, June 27th (8-11 pm) - It's a perfect fourth with Patrick Atwater on bass and Mark Sloniker/piano. The talented Valerie Austin does a vocal guest set starting around 8:30, running circles (of fifths?) around the guys! Solo piano starts at 6.

Sunday, June 28th (7-11pm) - You will find me playing solo piano at the coolest underground establishment in Fort Collins: Ace Gillett's (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.). Guest artists often sit in, including Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker (and I DO believe they'll be here THIS Sunday!), and Ace's serves up some "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure.

It's (still) June, and the weather (and jazz) is always fine! Join us!

Mark
www.marksloniker.com

June Jazz is JYnormous!

Jazz at Jay's

6/10/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

As we both/all know, June jazz just generates gynormous gyrations of gigantic ungentrifiable juju! Jjjjjust listen to the birds who are scat singing Charlie Parker licks like there's no tomorrow. Or the river, with its stream of unconsciousness, running at the mouth (or would that be toward the mouth), running rapidly with its banks unable to hold its direct deposits (can you say, "trickle down ecology"?). Or check out "man's best friend"...the Moth, who is courageously winging it just trying to go-to-the-light (again and again and again)?! Who's bright idea was that anyway? OR, just check out those Mosquitoes, who are trying to run a sting operation that totally sucks (yeah, well "bite me - you bugs"). June gesticulates jazz like no other month (it's in my top 12 favorite months of the year). If jazz was a month!?!? Well that may be going too far...but Jay's certainly isn't too far to go for some really Jivin'-Joyful Jazz! And niether is Ace Gillett's!!! So jump on down for some June Jazz while it still is! Here's the Jetails...

Wednesday, June 10th (6-9 pm) - Braun Khan/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano germinate jazz genres on the spot @ Jays Bistro! Come join our june-jam...

Thursday, June 11th (6:30-10 pm) - Mark Sloniker/piano is joined by Patrick Atwater/bass in jazz jubilation! Guest players will sit in throughout the night.

Friday, June 12th (8-11 pm) - The line-up is Bard Hoff/guitar, Braun Khan/bass, and Mark Sloniker/piano. I'll start off with a solo piano set at 6 pm.

Saturday, June 13th (8-11 pm) - The fun continues with Drew Miller/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano. Secret guests are due in sometime during the night. I'll start the night off with a solo set at 6.

Sunday, June 7th (7-11pm) - You will find me playing solo piano at the coolest underground establishment in Fort Collins: Ace Gillett's (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.). Guest artists often sit in, including Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker, and Ace's serves up some "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure.

It's June, and the weather (and jazz) is fine! Join us!

Mark
www.marksloniker.com

Last chance to see Myles!

Jazz at Jay's

6/4/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

What a time we've had this past week, with Myles Sloniker back from NYC , along with his talented pianist from the Big Apple, via Finland, Tuomo Uusitalo. Tuomo left on Monday, after their very successful gig at Dazzle in Denver, but Myles stayed on and is with me for ONE MORE NIGHT (tonight!) at Jay's Bistro. Hope you can come for the last hurrah! The whole week's details are below:

Thursday, June 4th (6:30-10 pm) - Mark and Myles Sloniker make a big noise for his last night here (this time around...). Guest players will sit in throughout the night.

Friday, June 5th (8-11 pm) - The line-up is Patrick Atwater/bass, Shilo Stroman/drums and Mark Sloniker/piano. I'll start off with a solo piano set at 6 pm.

Saturday, June 6th (8-11 pm) - The fun continues with Roger Barnhart/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano. Secret guests are due in sometime during the night. I'll start the night off with a solo set at 6.

Sunday, June 7th (7-11pm) - You will find me playing solo piano at the coolest underground establishment in Fort Collins (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.). Guest artists often sit in, and Ace's serves up some "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure.

It's June, and the weather (and jazz) is fine!

Mark
www.marksloniker.com

Myles is back!

Jazz at Jay's

5/27/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

What a week of music this will be, with Myles Sloniker back from NYC for just a short time, along with another talented pianist from the Big Apple, via Finland, Tuomo Uusitalo. They'll both be spending some time with me at Jay's Bistro this week, as well as doing their own show down at DazzleJazz in Denver on Sunday night. Here are the deets:

Wednesday, May 27th (6-9 pm) - Myles Sloniker joins me on the bass at Jay's Bistro to start off my music week right! His buddy Tuomo will no doubt be sitting in some.

Thursday, May 28th (6:30-10 pm) Instant replay of Wednesday, but with a whole set of different notes! Emma Sloniker and Colleen Crosson will also be sitting in throughout the night, as well as other special guests.

Friday, May 29th (8-11 pm) - The feminine side of the family (Emma and Colleen) joins the Sloniker duo of Mark and Myles, both solo and together (have you heard their harmonies?) for a true family night! Tuomo Uusitalo joins the tribe again to spice up the evening with his lively NYC jazz style. I'll start off with a solo piano set at 6 pm.

Saturday, May 30th (8-11 pm) - The fun continues with Mark, Myles, and Tuomo mixing it up throughout the night. Ever seen 4 handed piano? I'll start the night off with a solo set at 6.

This particular Sunday night you will NOT find me at the coolest underground establishment in Fort Collins (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.), as I will be traveling down to Denver to see Myles and Tuomo's Dazzle show. They will be joined by one of Denver's stellar drummers and good friend, Paul Romaine. If you're interested in joining us there, here is the link to get tickets:

http://dazzlejazz.ticketfly.com/event/810351-myles-sloniker-trio-denver/

The show starts at 7 pm. If you decide to stay in our fair city, Ace's will still be serving up some fine jazz in my stead, and offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. And no worries, I'll be back next Sunday!

Come on down and get your New York fix,

Mark
www.marksloniker.com

Rainy replay

Jazz at Jay's

5/22/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

Oy! Enough already! I hope everyone is staying safe and dry, as the flood warnings increase. If you are looking for a safe haven to hear some lively jazz, just walk between the raindrops to Jay's Bistro's door.

Tonight, Friday, May 22nd (8 -11 pm) - It's Patrick Atwater/bass and Mark Raynes/drums with Mark Sloniker/piano. Billy Hundley will also be joining us, singing some soulful tunage! As always, I'll start with a solo piano set at 6.

Saturday, May 23rd (8 -11 pm) - Roger Barnhart is back on bass, with Matt Carroll/drums, and Mark Sloniker/piano . (I'll start with a solo set at 6).

(Almost) Every Sunday night (including this one) you'll find me "underground" at Ace Gillett's in Fort Collins (beneath The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.) where I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and often have other guests sit in. Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker are "regulars"! Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure.

Jazz "rains" again this week!

Mark
www.marksloniker.com

Spring fever?

Jazz at Jay's

5/12/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

This week's outbreak of Spring fever is being attributed to Hot jazz, springing from Old Town (Fort Collins). The symptoms: feelings of Joy, bliss, happiness, zaniness, and heart syncopation(s) are felt by everyone in the Jay's Bistro vicinity, where widespread swing music and deliberate acts of jazzing-it-up and extreme expressions of funkiness and soulfulness have exceeded the safety levels for hipness. This hapless hipness, however hopeless, happens hospitably (h)after hours, and in hindsight...before then, too! Why hERE are the deHe-tails...hither!

Wednesday, May 13th (6-9 pm) - Braun Khan joins me on bass and sends temperatures soaring into some treblesome staff inflections!

Thursday, May 14th (6:30-10 pm) - I'll start out on piano and be joined by Braun Khan/bass. Soon after, we'll go viral, and our music will be a shot in the arm for anyone showing signs of "lament".

Friday, May 15th (8-11 pm) - It's David Wiatrolik (fresh off the west coast) and David Becher (freshly home from Europe) with Mark Sloniker (fresh as a daisy), joining forces for some fresh and fragrant jazz (it's heaven scent). As always, I'll start with a solo piano set at 6.

Saturday, May 16th (8-11 pm) - David Becher's bass is back (and so is he), Eva Bacmeister makes her guest vocal debut, and Mark Sloniker/piano will take the music to (perfect) fever pitch just for good measure. (I'll start with a solo set at 6!).

(Almost) Every Sunday night (including this one, 5/17) you'll find me "underground" at Ace Gillett's in Fort Collins (beneath The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.) where I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and often have other guests sit in. Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker are "regulars"! Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure.

Jazz gives you fever (the good kind) so "catch some" this week!
Mark
www.marksloniker.com

Jazz rains.....

Jazz at Jay's

5/6/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

Rain seems to be reigning this town these days, but you can grab your coat, get your hat and come to the sunny side of the street (that is Jay's Bistro), where JAZZ always reigns.....Rain or Shine! Here's the schedule:

Wednesday, May 6th (6-9 pm) - Braun Khan joins me on bass and we'll chase the clouds away for you as we play "When Sunny Gets Blue".

Thursday, May 7th (6:30-10 pm) - I'll start out on piano and be joined by Ted Olsen/bass and Chris Dale/drums shortly thereafter. Around 8 pm, Judi Lucero/flute and Monty Hogan/guitar will "Bossa" us around a bit, with several Brazilian songs sure to put a spring in your step! Other guests will surely join in throughout the night....

Friday, May 8th (8-11 pm) - Ted Olsen/bass, Andrew Vogt/saxophone and clarinet, and Mark Sloniker/piano (I'll start with a solo set at 6!).

Saturday, May 9th (8-11 pm) - It's Ted Olsen/bass, Matt Carroll/drums and Mark Sloniker/piano. As always, I'll start with a solo piano set at 6.

(Almost) Every Sunday night you'll find me "underground" at Ace Gillett's in Fort Collins (beneath The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.). This Sunday, however Ace's is CLOSED for Mother's Day! So take a rain check...and trickle on down NEXT WEEK, where I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and often have other guests sit in. Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker are "regulars"! Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure.

Stay warm and dry,
Mark
www.marksloniker.com

May Day, May Day, May Day!!

Jazz at Jay's

5/1/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

I am a bit distressed that I'm just now getting to my weekly newsletter, and 2 fine nights of jazz have already sailed on by. Colleen came to my rescue, and will let you know the rest of this weekend's schedule!...

Friday, May 1st (8-11 pm) - Guitarist, Bard Hoff is back with us! Rounding out the band will be Patrick Atwater/bass, Mark Raynes/drums, and Mark Sloniker/piano (I'll set sail with a solo set at 6!).

Saturday, May 2nd (8-11 pm) - It's Ted Olsen/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano. As always, I'll start with a solo piano set at 6.

Every Sunday night you'll find me "underground" at Ace Gillett's in Fort Collins (beneath The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.). I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and often have other guests sit in. Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker are "regulars"! Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. Come on down (literally) to this basement hide-away for a fine evening of jazz!

If you're looking for some great music this weekend, help is on the way!
Mark
www.marksloniker.com

I'm gettin' a vibe....

Jazz at Jay's

4/22/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

This is an exciting week of music for me, at the Bistro and elsewhere....

Wednesday, April 22nd (6-9 pm) - Braun Khan/bass and Mark Raynes/drums join me/piano at Jay's Bistro to start off my music week right!

Thursday, April 23rd, I have the honor and joy of playing with fellow CSU Jazz faculty members Shilo Stroman/drums and Forrest Greenough/bass in a "Jazz Barn" House Concert, where we'll back featured artist, Gary Smulyan/acclaimed baritone saxophonist. Gary is a Downbeat poll winning sax player from NYC who has performed with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the Dave Holland Big Band, the Joe Lovano Nonet, the Woody Herman Big Band and his own groups as well. He is one of the most influential figures in jazz on the baritone saxophone and is a masterful improviser in the bebop and post-bop tradition. garysmulyan.com These concerts provide funding for the CSU Jazz Dept. and their students. Suggested donation is $25. Email me if you'd like more information. Seating is limited and an RSVP is required.

Ryan Fourt/guitar and Braun Khan/bass will be holding down the Fort at Jay's (6:30-10 pm) while I'm gone Thursday night. Make them feel welcome, won't you?

Friday, April 24th (8-11 pm) - I am overjoyed to have good friend and vibraphone player Rusty Burge join us at the Bistro. Rusty is Professor of Percussion at Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and a member of Percussion Group Cincinnati, who has recorded with many renowned jazz artists worldwide. www.rustyburge.com Rounding out the band will be Braun Khan/bass, Daryl Cozzi/drums, and Mark Sloniker/piano (I'll start a solo set at 6 pm).

Saturday, April 25th - Rusty Burge returns for another night (!) with Roger Barnhart/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano. I'll start the night off with a solo set at 6.

Every Sunday night you'll find me at the coolest underground establishment in Fort Collins (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.). I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and often have other guests sit in. Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker are "regulars"! Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. Come on down (literally) to this basement hide-away for a fine evening of jazz!

Already feelin' the vibes,
Mark
www.marksloniker.com

The IRS wants you to go to Jay's tonight!

Jazz at Jay's

4/15/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

I know it's been a taxing time for many of you, so why not celebrate pushing that "file now" button, or mailing off those forms with a night off at Jay's Bistro! We'll be extending a formal welcome and there are no penalties here for being late! Here's what's coming up the rest of the week at Jay's, Ace Gillett's, and elsewhere - we're sparing no expenses.....

Wednesday, April 15th (6-9 pm) - Patrick Atwater/bass, Mark Raynes/drums, and Mark Sloniker/piano with Colleen Crosson sitting in for a few tunes. Hope that's of interest to you! Can I hear a 10-4(0)??

Thursday, April 16th (6:30-10 pm) - Bard Hoff/guitar and Roger Barnhart/bass will be withholding their best licks till you get here.

Friday, April 17th (8-11 pm) - Features Andrew Vogt/sax, Patrick Atwater/bass, Mark Raynes/drums, and Mark Sloniker/piano. I always give credit where credit is due!

Saturday, April 18th - Following my solo piano set at 6, I'll be joined by Colleen Crosson/voice, and Patrick Atwater/bass. We'll refund any wrong notes you think you hear....

Every Sunday night you'll find me at the coolest underground establishment in Fort Collins (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.). I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and often have other guests sit in. Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker are "regulars"! Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. Come on down (literally) to this basement hide-away for a fine evening of jazz!

Remember the upcoming annual "Taste" event at the Fort Collins Hilton on April 16th from 5-9 pm. I have provided music for this benefit for the Food Bank for Larimer County since its inception here in Fort Collins and it is always an honor and a joy! Joining me again this year will be Colleen Crosson and Billy Hundley/vocals and Chuck Landgraf/drums. We'll also welcome newcomers Emma Sloniker/voice and David Becher/bass. Read all about it at http://www.tastebenefit.org

Happy Tax Day and many happy returns,
Mark
www.marksloniker.com

Joyspring!

Jazz at Jay's

4/8/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

Aaahh, the joys of spring! I've been getting out on my bike, firing up the barbeque, and hanging out more on the deck, catching some incredible sunsets (sunrises remain elusive to this night owl...).

Jay's has added another outdoor patio, so come on down and enjoy the warming weather (well, tonight you may want to be INSIDE the lounge...). Here's what's coming up at Jay's, Ace Gillett's, and elsewhere -

Wednesday, April 8th (6-9 pm) - Patrick Atwater/bass, Mark Raynes/drums, and Mark Sloniker/piano.

Thursday, April 9th (6:30-10 pm) - Mark Sloniker/piano starts things off and is then joined by David Becher/bass, Chuck Landgraf/drums and the Bossa Nova duo of Monty Hogan/guitar and Judi Lucero/flute (doing a cameo appearance around 8 pm). Other guests will also spring into action throughout the night.

Friday, April 10th (8-11 pm) - Features Andrew Vogt/sax, Braun Khan/bass, Darryl Cozzi/drums, and Mark Sloniker/piano. As always, I'll do a solo set starting at 6....

Saturday, April 11th - Following my solo piano set at 6, I'll be joined by Luke Soasey/sax, Braun Khan/bass, and Derf Green/percussion.

I enjoyed my Easter Sunday night off from Ace Gillett's hanging with the family, though I'm happy to return there this Sunday to the coolest underground establishment in Fort Collins (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave.). I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and often have other guests sit in. Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker are "regulars"! Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. Come on down (literally) to this basement hide-away for a fine evening of jazz!

Remember the upcoming annual "Taste" event at the Fort Collins Hilton on April 16th from 5-9 pm. I have provided music for this benefit for the Food Bank for Larimer County since its inception here in Fort Collins and it is always an honor and a joy! Joining me again this year will be Colleen Crosson and Billy Hundley/vocals and Chuck Landgraf/drums. We'll also welcome newcomers Emma Sloniker/voice and David Becher/bass. Read all about it at www.tastebenefit.org

A Joyful Spring to you!
Mark

Fools rush in....

Jazz at Jay's

4/1/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

I have foolishly waited till the last minute (again!) to send out my schedule so I will have no witty puns to share.......
April Fools! I knew you wouldn't fall for that. Which reminds me, I'm reading a book about anti-gravity. I can't put it down! Which is why I stayed up all night..... and wondered where the sun went...then it dawned on me! Yup, that's me.....always playing the fool.....Anyway, here's what's coming up at Jay's, Ace Gillett's, and elsewhere - I hope you believe me....

Wednesday, April 1st (6-9 pm) - Braun Khan/bass, Mark Raynes/drums, and Mark Sloniker/piano make fools of themselves as they try to play as many tunes as they can with the word "fool" in them -"My Foolish Heart", "These Foolish Things", "The Fool on the Hill, "A Day in the Life of a Fool", "What Kind of Fool am I?", "A Fool Such as I", "Chain of Fools", "I'm a Fool to Want You", "Kissing a Fool", "I Was a Fool to Care".....you could try to stump the chumps if you dare!

Thursday, April 2nd (6:30-10 pm) - Mark Sloniker/piano starts things off and is then joined by David Becher/bass and other special guests throughout the night.

Friday, April 3rd (8-11 pm) - Features Bard Hoff/guitar, Patrick Atwater/bass, Mark Raynes/drums, and Mark Sloniker/piano. As always, I'll do a solo set starting at 6....

Saturday, April 4th (8-11 pm) - Following my solo piano set at 6, I'll be joined by Billy Hundley/voice, and Braun Khan/bass.

We will take this Sunday night off from Ace Gillett's for Easter. But join us next Sunday in this cool underground establishment (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave., Fort Collins) where I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and occasionally have other guests sit in. Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. Come on down (literally) to this basement hide-away for a fine evening of jazz!

Two other events I want to make note of -

Tuesday, April 7th, I will join Dr. Christian Hageseth in a presentation entitled, "Humor and Parkinson's Disease??? You Gotta Be Kidding!!!" in the Fort Collins Lincoln Center's Magnolia Theater. The program starts at 7 pm and is just 5 bucks (inexpensive, but not cheap!). All proceeds go to the Parkinson's Support Group of Larimer County and the Michael J. Fox Foundation Trial Finder Program.

Christian and I did "Health and Humor" workshops around the country many years ago and I am looking forward to this night of humor and music surrounding the topic of Parkinson's Disease. For more information on Christian's journey with PD, visit his website http://www.sweatingoutpd.com

I also wanted to mention the upcoming annual "Taste" event at the Fort Collins Hilton on April 16th from 5-9 pm. I have provided music for this benefit for the Food Bank for Larimer County since its inception here in Fort Collins and am honored to be a part again this year! Read all about it at http://www.tastebenefit.org

Happy Fool's Day!!
Mark

March marches on....

Jazz at Jay's

3/26/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

March is coming to a close and I'm not sheepish in saying it doesn't seem to be going out like a lamb. Yesterday it rained, snowed AND hailed in our neck of the woods. Really - I am not trying to pull the wool over your eyes! March is galumphing its way into April (to quote Lewis Carroll....), but that's no surprise for Colorado, I guess! We'll let ewe decide.....

Anyway, here's what's happening this week downtown at Jay's Bistro, if you want to get out of the rain, wind, snow, hail, OR sunshine!

Wednesday, March 25th (6-9 pm) - Patrick Atwater/bass, Mark Raynes/drums, and Mark Sloniker/piano

Thursday, March 26th (6:30-10 pm) - Braun Kahn/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano start things off and are then joined by special guests throughout the night.

Friday, March 27th (8-11 pm) - Features Joel Harris/sax, Patrick Atwater/bass, Shilo Stroman/drums, and Mark Sloniker/piano. As always, I'll do a solo set starting at 6....

Saturday, March 28th - Following my solo piano set at 6, I'll be joined by Brian Claxton/drums, Patrick Atwater/bass, and Emma Sloniker/guest vocals (8-11 pm).

And finally, Sunday night finds us "underground" at Ace Gillet's Lounge (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave., Fort Collins) where I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and occasionally have other guests sit in. Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. Come on down (literally) to this basement hide-away for a fine evening of jazz!

Happy Spring!
Mark

March Madness - Jazz style!

Jazz at Jay's

3/12/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

From the lost civilization of Jazzlantis, when Friday the 13th falls on the second Friday of March the entire fort-night is deemed Jazzpatrick Daze and Jazzlantians seeking asylum from the dreaded Basket-ball-and-chain, double dribble their way down to the nearest Jazz emporium to surround themselves with merry sounds and the golden song of Jazzpatrick! You're in luck, for I know of two such emporiums where one may bask in such bliss if you're on the ball...read on:

Here's what's happening in my mad, mad world of jazz at Jay's Bistro and Ace Gillett's:

Wednesday, March 11th (6-9 pm) - JazzPatrick Atwater/bass, Mark Raynes/drums, and Mark Sloniker/piano

Thursday, March 12th (6:30-10 pm) - Mark Sloniker/piano starts things off and is joined shortly thereafter by David Becher/bass, and Chris Dale/drums. By and by, special guests Judi Lucero/flute and voice and Monty Hogan will treat us to some bossa nova stylings, and who knows where we'll go from there!

Friday, March 13th (8-11 pm) - Features the return of Andrew Vogt/sax, Patrick Atwater/bass, Darryl Cozzi/drums, and Mark Sloniker/piano. As always, I'll do a solo set starting at 6....

Saturday, March 14th - Following my solo piano set at 6, I'll be joined by Braun Khan/bass, and songstresses Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker - have you heard their duet of "Over the Rainbow"?? (8-11 pm).

And finally, Sunday night finds us in the underground haven of Ace Gillet's Lounge (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave., Fort Collins) where I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and occasionally have other guests sit in. Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. Come on down (literally) to this basement hide-away for a fine evening of jazz!

Happy JazzPatrick's Day!

Hope to see you out and about, and thanks for listening,
Mark

Marching to a different...month!

Jazz at Jay's

3/4/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

March has come in like a lion (I ain't lyin' - although I am a Leo...), so you'll find us on the lam(b) all week at Jay's Bistro, and Sunday at Ace Gillett's, trying to tame the stormy weather, while keeping it to a (not at all!) dull roar! The jazz this week is so hot, it's like we're pullin' the wool over your eyes...so if the temps rise as the weekend approaches, you'll know who to thank! Here's what's happening....

Wednesday, March 4th (6-9 pm) - Kenny Jones/bass, Mark Raynes/drums, and Mark Sloniker/piano take pride in bringing you an assortment of musical magic, but manely jazz.....

Thursday, March 5th (6:30-10 pm) - David Becher/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano start things off and are then joined by special guests throughout the night (safaris' I know, anyway....).

Friday, March 6th (8-11 pm) - Features Andrew Vogt/sax, Braun Khan/bass, Mark Raynes/drums, and Mark Sloniker/piano, courageously going where no jazz has gone before! As always, I'll do a solo set starting at 6....don't mince words with me...cuz I am King of Thesaurus!

Saturday, March 7th - Following my solo piano set at 6, I'll be joined by Matt Carroll/drums, Patrick Atwater/bass, and lioness, Valerie Austin/vocals (8-11 pm). There'll be no pussy footin' around here this night, believe you me....

And finally, Sunday night finds us in the underground den of Ace Gillet's Lounge (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave., Fort Collins) where I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and occasionally have other guests sit in. Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure (ever herd a beer wine?). Come on down (literally) to this basement hide-away for a fine evening of jazz!

Hope to see you marching out and about, and thanks for listening,
Mark LEOnard Sloniker (I'm the cat in the hat)!

Last week of Feb-ulous Jazz!

Jazz at Jay's

2/26/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

Before we March into the next month, here's what's happening on this last, cold, snowy February weekend (spring is coming (again), folks!):

Thursday, February 26th (6:30-10 pm) - Roger Barnhart/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano will entertain several special guests that you are sure to enjoy, including the Bossa Nova beats of Judi Lucero/flute and vocals, and Monty Hogan/Brazilian guitar.

Friday, February 27th (8-11 pm) - Following a solo piano set at 6, I'll be joined by Mark Raynes/drums, Braun Khan/bass, and Bard Hoff/guitar. This is one swingin/rocking/jamming fun band and it should not be missed (period)(.)!.

Saturday, February 28th - Braun is back on bass , with the soulful Billy Hundley/voice, Tom Toms on drums & cymbalism (don't you give him the brush-off!) and Mark Sloniker/piano (8-11 pm).

Sunday nights continue to be a blast at Ace Gillett's Lounge (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave., Fort Collins) where I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and occasionally have other guests sit in (Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker have been regulars!). The menu is killer, the cocktails are crafty, and the beer and wine list, impressive. March on down (literally) to this basement hide-away for a fine evening of jazz!

Hope to see you out and about and thanks for listening!

Love and all that jazz,
Mark

Feb-ulous Jazz!

Jazz at Jay's

2/18/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

Just got back from my Wednesday night gig at Jay's with Braun Khan on bass and Mark Raynes on drums. It was a great night - sorry I didn't get this to you in time! But here's the rest of the week's line-up:

Thursday, February 19th (6:30-10 pm) - Patrick Atwater/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano will entertain some special guests that you are sure to enjoy!

Friday, February 20th (8-11 pm) - Following my solo piano set at 6, I'll be joined by Mark Raynes/drums, Zach Tehran/bass, and Boulderite Sam Williams/sax (8-11 pm). This is a great quartet with Zach visiting us from Reno!

Saturday, February 21st - Zach is back on bass (gotta grab these cats when we can!), with Shilo Stroman on drums and Mark Sloniker/piano (8-11 pm). As always, I'll do a solo set starting at 6....

It's also a joy to entertain you Sunday nights at Ace Gillett's Lounge (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave., Fort Collins) where I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and occasionally have other guests sit in. Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. Come on down (literally) to this basement hide-away for a fine evening of jazz!

Hope to see you out and about and thanks for listening!

Love and all that jazz,
Mark

The Heart of Jazz....

Jazz at Jay's

2/11/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

Here's this week's line-up from yours truly!

Wednesday, February 11th (6-9 pm) - Patrick Atwater/bass, Mark Raynes/drums, Mark Sloniker/piano

Thursday, February 12th (6:30-10 pm) - Patrick Atwater/bass, Chris Dale/drums and Mark Sloniker/piano with cameo appearances by the Jazzista Flautista, Judi Lucero and Monty Hogan/guitar in celebration of Carnival!

Friday, February 13th (8-11 pm) - Following my solo piano set at 6, I'll be joined by Brian Claxton/drums, Braun Khan/bass, and the sax DUO Joel and Briana Harris (8-11 pm).

Saturday, February 14th - Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker are back with us again to sing special Valentine love songs and more, with Braun Kahn/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano (8-11 pm). As always, I'll do a solo set starting at 6....

It's also a joy to entertain you Sunday nights at Ace Gillet's Lounge (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave., Fort Collins) where I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and occasionally have other guests sit in. Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. Come on down (literally) to this basement hide-away for a fine evening of jazz!

Hope to see you out and about and thanks for listening!

Love and all that jazz,
Mark

This week at Jay's and Ace's

Jazz at Jay's

2/5/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

All the puns got used up last week, so here's the quick run down on this week's happenings! :-)

Wednesday, February 4th (6-9 pm) - Patrick Atwater/bass, Mark Raynes/drums, Mark Sloniker/piano.....oops - that's already come and gone!

Thursday, February 5th (6:30-10 pm) - Braun Khan/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano with special guests! Hurry on down!

Friday, February 6th (8-11 pm) - Following my solo piano set at 6, I'll be joined by Mark Raynes/drums, Braun Khan/bass, and Bard Hoff/guitar (8-11 pm). Givin' you a little notice on this one....

Saturday, February 7th - It's Ted Olsen/bass, Matt Carroll/drums and Mark Sloniker/piano (8-11 pm). As always, I'll do a solo set starting at 6....

It's a joy to continue Sunday nights at Ace Gillet's Lounge (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave., Fort Collins) where I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and occasionally have other guests sit in. Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. Come on down (literally) to this basement hide-away for a fine evening of jazz!

Hope to see you out and about and thanks for listening,
Mark

5 shopping days until...

Jazz at Jay's

1/28/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

Well, there are only 5 shopping days until Groundhog Day (my favorite holiday of the year...and I would think Bill Murray's, too). It's the perfect time of year to get in on some "shady" deals, or get yourself out of the hole and spring into the black (sorry, I won't hog all the good puns already)!?

Wednesday, Jazzuary 28th (6-9 pm) - Patrick Atwater/bass, Mark Raynes/drums, Mark Sloniker/piano will play hole notes in honor of G-hog day!

Thursday, Jazzuary 29th (6:30-10 pm) - David Becher/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano will entertain some special guests (we don't hog the stage the entire time)!

Friday, Jazzuary 30th (8-11 pm) - Following my solo piano set at 6, I'll be joined by Mark Raynes/drums, Patrick Atwater/bass, Andrew Vogt/sax (8-11 pm). This is a great quartet for the sheer fun factor of jazz! We'll be making light of Groundhog Day. I'm sure you can dig it!

Saturday, Jazzuary 31st - I'm grateful to have another "family night" with Colleen Crosson and Emma Sloniker on vocals (I think she may be in...better check in with her!), Braun Khan/bass (and adopted son-for-the-night) and Mark Sloniker/piano (8-11 pm). As always, I'll do a solo set starting at 6....

It's also a joy to entertain you Sunday nights at Ace Gillet's Lounge (at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave., Fort Collins) where I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and occasionally have other guests sit in. Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. Come on down (literally) to this basement hide-away for a fine evening of jazz!

Hope to see you out and about and thanks for listening,
Mark

Jazzuary swings on!

Jazz at Jay's

1/16/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

Jazzuary, the reigning Goddess of swing and syncopation (swincopation!) continues to make her presence known in the Northern Hemisphere. Expect more light from here on out. We'll be making light of the situation at the following locations:

Jay's Bistro - Friday, January 16th - Following my solo piano set at 6, I'll be joined by Mark Raynes/drums, Patrick Atwater/bass, and Peter Sommer/sax (8-11 pm).

Jay's Bistro - Saturday, January 17th - Valerie Austin will join us for a guest set on vocals, with Patrick Atwater/bass, Mark Sloniker/piano and Ed Breazeale/drums (8-11 pm). As always, I'll do a solo set starting at 6....

Coming up at Jay's: 1/23 Ryan Fourt/guitar, 1/24 Kalli Vandertop/voice, 1/30 Andrew Vogt/sax, 1/31 Colleen Crosson/voice

Sunday nights are going really well at Ace Gillet's Lounge at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave., Fort Collins! I play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and am occasionally joined by other guests. Colleen Crosson will join me for a set in the later part of the evening this Sunday. Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. Come on down (literally) to this basement hide-away for a fine evening of jazz!

Hope to see you out and about and thanks for listening,
Mark

Jazzuary@Jay's and Ace's....

Jazz at Jay's

1/7/2015

Slonjazz Newsletter

Dear E-Friends,

Jazzuary@Jay's and Ace's....

Thanks to all who came out during the holidays to our various gigs with Myles, Emma & Colleen et al. What great crowds we had! Happy New Year to everyone and here's what's on deck for this week:

Wednesday, January 7th (6-9 pm) - Roger Barnhart/bass, Mark Raynes/drums, and Mark Sloniker/piano

Thursday, January 8th (6:30-10 pm) - Patrick Atwater/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano

Friday, January 9th (8-11 pm) - Following my solo piano set at 6, I'll be joined by Mark Raynes/drums, Patrick Atwater/bass, and Sam Williams/sax (8-11 pm).

Saturday, January 10th - Jay's features David Becher/bass, Matt Carroll/drums and Mark Sloniker/piano (8-11 pm). As always, I'll do a solo set starting at 6....

Sunday, January 11th, I'm at Ace Gillet's Lounge at The Armstrong Hotel, 239 S. College Ave., Fort Collins. I'll play solo piano from 7-11 pm, and occasionally be joined by other guests. Ace's offers "delightful dishes and classy cocktails" as well as an extensive beer and wine list for your listening pleasure. Come on down (literally) to this basement hide-away for a fine evening of jazz!

Thanks for listening,
Mark

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