Well, it's a short week, somewhat, so I thought I'd get crackin' early. Holiday time, so there is no McLaughlin Big Band this week at CMC, but we'll be back next week on 12/5. On the eve of the next CMC there is a Buffalo Brass night, as well (12/4), at Milkie's. I hope you enjoyed your weekend, and are already of a mind to start thinking about your next one, you know, the one after you've recovered from trying to boil a 25 pound turkey in oil (you'll need a lot of oil and crossed fingers for that one, but you knew that), stood your big screen on end so you could watch football lying down, and took part in that impromptu pie "tasting", err, gorging contest. The Cool Whip people thank you very much, by the way. This is their weekend!!! If you've made it up off the couch by Saturday, I've got a great musical event for you, and we'd love to see you. Details in a moment.
We had a very interesting past weekend starting with what began as a bit of a scare, but turned out A-OK. Vocalist extraordinaire, Katy Miner, was scheduled to be with us at the Roycroft, Friday night, but was not feeling well at all, and could not join us. She's all good, mended now, and ready for this week's musical endeavor. We missed Katy, but in her stead, Lisa Hasselback saved the day by joining us on piano. I went up front with the t-bone, and together with Tommy K, and Zap, we swung like mad, and had a great evening. Thanks to so many folks who came out and packed the historic old hall. We really enjoyed playing for you all, and hopefully, you all had a great time! It was great to see and chat with all of you. If you were there to see Katy, we're sorry for her absence, but she's up to bat, again, this week, if you're game for another try.
Saturday night I was privileged to be asked to be the guest artist with the funk jazz group, Winelight at DBGB in Allentown. Not only was the band intense, but we had some fine surprise guests in Miles Tucker and Jim Calieri, both stupendous tenor-men. So we ended up with five horns up there and dug in to play some soulful, funky jazz, the kind of stuff where people are just groovin' in their seats. Arrangements while you wait, you know the drill. Tons of fun. JB, Wit-man, and the rhythm section were feelin' it. DBGB is a cool spot, nice food, nice atmosphere, and they really care about the music. If you haven't gotten there, keep an eye on the Saturday events with Winelight and give yourself a treat, dinner and a show. Bobby Militello will be their guest on December 28. Making my plans, now.
Here's the plan for this week...
Saturday, November 30 The Katy MIner Quartet at Lebros (Campbell and Dodge, Getzville) 8:30PM
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| The Katy Miner Quartet |
Katy Miner, vocals, moi, trombone and piano, Jacko Kulp, bass, and Tommy Kasperek, drums
Katy is an incredibly gifted singer. Word. She can sing pretty much any style (I haven't heard her yodel yet, though), and she sounds smooth as silk. A voice you don't want to miss. Award winning bassist, Jack the "Kulp-rit" plays more bass than you can imagine (Han Solo: "I don't know, I can imagine quite a bit"!), and Tommy K is just the swingin-est drummer, ever. Lebros has great food and beverages, awesome service, and Jack behind the bar will pour nicely for you with a smile.
Well, that's it! One shot this week. But it's all good, it's all good. We're doing our first Thanksgiving in the new house, taking a conservative "oven approach" to the big bird, and looking forward to a nice weekend. Still making plans. Cindy did get out of Wegman's alive yesterday, so what more could we ask for? Well, we'd love to see you, soon, that's what we ask for, in addition to wishing you a great Thanksgiving. C'mon, let's get these holidays rolling!
But wait, there's more:
12/4 Buffalo Brass at Milkie's
12/8 The Quartet with Carol McLaughlin and guest pianist, Lisa Hasselback (she's ba-aack!)
12/20 Michael McNeill Octet at Pausa
12/21 Quartet Christmas gig at Lebros
1/3 Heather Holden Quartet at Bacchus
1/4 Joanna Batt Quartet at Ramada Inn
And even more to come. See you soon.
