We’ve got The MOJO

The Midweek Opus Jazz Oasis, aka The MOJO, is your escape from the mundane. Take a break from your work week to enjoy electrifying performances from some of the best jazz musicians in the corridor.  Whether you’re a devoted jazz enthusiast or just looking to unwind with world-class music in a relaxed atmosphere, The MOJO is the place to be.

November features “Mike Conrad’s Hard Bop Express”

Mike Conrad, Associate Professor of Jazz Studies & Music Education at the University of Northern Iowa, is excited to be bringing a new project to Cedar Rapids for Opus Concert Café’s MOJO (Midweek Opus Jazz Oasis) series. This sextet of Midwest jazz all-stars loves to dig into that classic hard bop sound associated with the Blue Note record label in the 50s and 60s, borrowing repertoire from artists like Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Hank Mobely, and Horace Silver.

Conrad’s compositions and arrangements have earned him four ASCAP Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Awards, a SONIC Award from the International Society of Jazz Arrangers & Composers, the 2023 Sammy Nestico Award, and many other accolades. He brings his arranging prowess to this group by putting creative spins on selections from the hard bop cannon, and mixes in some original pieces that explore the fertile landscape that this 3-horn instrumentation offers.

Pianist Mike Conrad is joined in the rhythm section by his longtime collaborator, the ultra-creative Drew Morton on bass, as well as Michael D’Angelo, a dynamic Iowa City drummer. The frontline is a “who’s who” of jazz improvisers in Iowa – Dave Rezek, top-call trumpeter and leader of the Des Moines Big Band; Simon Harding on saxophone, an amazingly versatile and imaginative voice on the instrument; and Jackson Churchill, an incredible young educator (Valley High School), and outstanding trombonist (Finalist in the 2022 J.J. Johnson Jazz Trombone Competition).

All aboard the Hard Bop Express!

Featuring:
Dave Rezek – trumpet
Simon Harding – tenor saxophone
Jackson Churchill – trombone
Mike Conrad – piano, arranger
Drew Morton – bass
Michael D’Angelo – drums

Groove with Us from 7:00pm – 9:00pm.

For only a $15 cover charge, guests can enjoy an evening of hot jazz in the coolest venue in town. Doors open at 6:30 PM and music begins at 7:00 PM.

Get Funky with Friends

At The MOJO, we want you to have a good time, celebrate with friends, and unwind. The Opus Concert Café serves a wide array of liquid libations and light snacks to turn your evening into a jazzy paradise.