Monday, May 25, 2009

Playing For Cordia Jones' 100th Birthday


Dad & I played a fun gig yesterday at the beautiful Equestrian Woods Country Club in Nicholasville, Kentucky. The special event was held in celebration of Cordia Jones' 100th birthday. About 150 of her friends and family attended the gathering.


Ms. Jones looked great, told interesting stories, and sang along to much of the music of the afternoon. Dad and I played some good ol' good ones and tried our best to sound like the Guy Lombardo and Lawrence Welk orchestras. Dad sang sweet standards and some fun tunes such as "Ain't She Sweet", "When You're Smiling", and "Five Foot Two". We also played songs made popular by Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, Patsy Cline, Patti Page, Andy Williams and Eddie Cantor.


At the conclusion of the festivites, Dad sang a special medley of roaring twenties songs for Ms. Jones. I was impressed that she knew almost all of the lyrics!

Sunday, May 17, 2009

A Cool Gig At The Howell Residence


I played a great gig at the Howell residence today. The event was held in celebration of Chris Howell's graduation from Lexington Catholic High School. He will begin his college studies this fall at Wake Forest.


The Howells are fine people and good friends. I look forward each Saturday to working with Zack, Chris' younger brother, at his saxophone lesson. We had a lot of fun today when he played his sax with me at the event. Zack did not appear to be nervous and played like a seasoned pro. I know that his parents Robert and Lisa are proud of him.


One of the highlights of the afternoon was watching Chris & Zack's sister Katie hula hoop to the music. She was fantastic and had a ball.


It was very cool to see Pastor Marty Frazer and his wife Cindy come to the celebration on their Harley Davidson bike. I'm proud to have a pastor who is as genuinely hip as Marty! Like sax great Cannonball Adderley said when describing hipness, "You don't just decide one day that you are going to be hip...it just happens that way." It happens for Marty.

Gigs are always fun, but it is special to play for friends. A good time was had by all and everyone knows that Chris will achieve tremendous success at Wake Forest and beyond.

Sunday, May 03, 2009

Playing For The Dedication & Ribbon Cutting Of The Russell County Auditorium & Natatorium Complex


I had a great time playing for the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for the Russell County Auditorium and Natatorium Complex this afternoon. It was an honor to be the first musician to perform in the auditorium of this magnificent structure.


Fine acoustics and a truly exceptional house sound system make the auditorium a great venue for live music and theatrical performances. The facility is also ideal for art shows, business meetings, community gatherings, presentations, swim meets, and many other functions.

The people of Russell County should be very proud of this building. I believe that it will be enjoyed by many people and be a true asset to the community for many years to come.