Christo's's Upcoming Shows

Delighted to have the Willamette Saxophone Quintet grace the Christo’s stage for the first time! They feature FOUR saxophonists, being Randy Kem, Greg Angeloni, Kat Kem & Andy Kronser, backed by Ulysses Kem on drums. They’ll be playing some jazz, latin and many beautiful standards, uniquely arranged for multiple saxophones.

After many years we are pleased to have the Danny Wold Trio return featuring the great Dennis Caiazza on bass and Bo Ayars on piano! Not only is Danny a great drummer but also is talented singer and tap dancer to boot, both of which will be showcased over the course of the night!

Bo Ayars is a man who wears many hats and has literally “performed, arranged and conducted” himself around the world, in concert halls in Europe, Australia, South Africa, Mexico, Canada, and here in the US, including 2 Christmas seasons at Radio City Music Hall, Disney at Lincoln Center and the Hollywood Bowl. The highlight of his career was conducting and arranging for Mr. Showmanship, Liberace. Though Lee has left us, Bo is still involved as an advisor to the Liberace Foundation. After hearing a performance of David Saffert paying tribute to Liberace, Bo became the Music Director for the popular Liberace & Liza, Live!, a tribute to Liberace and Liza Minnelli, performed by Jillian Snow. “They’re excellent performers, capturing the talent and spirit of these two show business legends.”

Originally from Rochester, New York, Dennis Caiazza earned a Bachelors of Music in Classical Guitar from the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, NY. After graduation he directed both elementary and high school band programs at Rochester area schools and was invited to direct the all-county concert and jazz ensembles. He resumed his education, studying the upright bass, attending the Jazz Studies Program at The Eastman School in Rochester. Dennis then left the teaching profession to pursue a performance career and has been a full- time professional musician, arranger and bandleader for over 30 years. He played regularly in the Rochester area with the Gap Mangione Jazz Trio and Big Band, also performed with jazz greats Clark Terry, Red Holloway and Joshua Redman, as well as many other blues, funk, rock and pop bands. He has also worked in many shows, touring broadway musicals and in backup bands for performers like Regis Philbin, Tommy Tune and Don Rickles. In 1992 Dennis moved to Atlanta and during his ten years there his playing and personal singing style kept him in great demand for local and national recording sessions, orchestra work, club dates, shows and concerts. In 1996 Dennis formed Atlanta's "Swing Factory," an eight-piece swing band that played in and around the Southeast, they recorded two internationally acclaimed CD's and remained a popular force on the jazz and swing dance scene for over three years. July 1, 2002 Dennis moved to the Northwest and has since been working throughout Oregon, Washington and down the West Coast.

Multi-instrumentalist and Portland native Machado Mijiga wears many hats, both literally and metaphorically. Classically trained, jazz-weathered, and eclectically inclined, Mijiga left the proverbial creative “box” at a very early age, with access to many instruments and a diverse musical background brought about by an intercultural heritage. Mijiga is a musical polymath; composer, producer, bandleader, educator, gear fanatic, and audio engineer, to name a few. Authenticity and uniquity assume the locus of Mijiga’s artistic identity. Self-expression is the prime directive and the medium of choice changes like the weather.

He's got a great band with him featuring Dario LaPoma on piano and Patrick Golichnik on bass. Don't miss it!

Always a thrill to have the one and only Mel Brown and his trio featuring pianist Jof Lee and bassist Tim Gilson come down to Christo’s!

Mel Brown is known as Portland’s ultimate timekeeper and ‘Mister Groove.’ An Oregon icon in jazz, Mel Brown has been labeled the ‘Gentleman of Jazz’, with a career spanning over 40 years. Mel first made his mark as a Motown staff drummer, recording and touring with Martha Reeves, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, and others. He subsequently spent ten years working with Diana Ross and other pop acts before giving up the road in 1991 and returning home to his first love – jazz.

These guys are world class players and not to be missed.

NO COVER CHARGE, SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVE (IGNORE THE "SOLD OUT" TICKET BUTTON)

We are so excited to announce that we will be having a monthly open jazz jam on Sundays in our lounge!

The sessions will be hosted by Salem stalwart drummer and friend of Christo's Jason Carter, and he is joined by pianist Marcus Harbaugh and bassist Ken Anoe.

Jazz musicians of all skill levels are welcome to come and add their name to the sign up list to join the jam session!

Doors open to the Lounge at 6:00. Jam runs from 6:30-9. Full dinner service will be available.