Planet Flippo Presents “Jazz Under the Sky”

Skokie-based contemporary jazz ensemble “Planet Flippo” has schedules a third bi-weekly outdoor lawn concert at Skokie’s newest jazz venue “Flippo’s Place.” - 4918 Jarvis Ave., Skokie. With drums set atop Dave’s homemade stage, the band has performed two concerts on pianist/vocalist/ composer Dave Flippo’s front yard for friends, neighbors and passersby - all able to spread out at a safe distance, wearing masks, over the area yards, parkway and across the street. The group’s next free concert is set for Saturday, October 17th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, weather permitting. A fleece and lawn-chair are recommended.

Since 1992, Jazz From Planet Flippo (formerly Flippmusic) has been performing at area clubs, festivals and colleges and recording in the Chicago area. The band, which has released five CDs with the sixth “in the can,” features the original jazz compositions of Dr. Dave Flippo as well as his arrangements of jazz and popular contemporary tunes. Their last CD, Life on Mars, included arrangements of tunes by David Bowie, Lennon/McCartney, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix and Cream’s Jack Bruce. In addition, Flippo has added arrangements of music by Any Winehouse, Radio Head, Brian Wilson and Motown writers Gordy/Hutch/West/Davis, and mixes these with his originals to create a widely varied program.

“Sometimes it feels a little chilly, but one you get into the music, you forget about it” Flippo said. It feels great to play for people who are really listening and seem to enjoy the music we present them.”

With the clouds and blazing fall trees overhead and downy woodpeckers listening on a nearby bird feeder, the Planet Flippo Quartet give everyone a great opportunity to enjoy enthusiastically made live jazz in a safe, open space. The band includes Donn De Santo on bass, Heath Chappell on drum set, Dan Hesler on soprano/tenor saxophone and flute and Dave Flippo on keyboard, melodica and vocals.

More about the ensemble can be found at www.flippomusic.com