Sunday, March 15, 2009

March 14, 2009 - Crystal Lake Holiday Inn

Third year in a row for the Marian Central Alumni Dinner and Auction. Crystal Lake is a hike and a half for most of us. Thankfully Peter McCormack took all the equipment after the last Hackney's gig and took care of set up hisself. Admirably done, sir.

We've been blessed in the past few months by having our merry group of weekend warriors augmented by some of the most talented musicians in Chicago. Last night was no exception. Mike Bazin sat in on tenor, Rich Clark on trombone, and a 1st timer - trumpet savant Kirk Garrison. Kirk blew some amazing shtuff from the back row. Claudia, who was all hopped up on Dayquill, manned up and dealt with the ravages of a cold and temperature. There was a cash bar, so the merriment was somewhat muted by $4.50 Heinikens. Here's Phil drinking from the carton again.

Herder's 'Bus of Fun', carrying Vince, Phill, John Ruf and Jim Byrnes, made an unscheduled stop at the Crystal Lake Denny's. The new 'Grandslamwhich', is pretty freakin good, but the maple flavorred bread is more of a distraction than an asset. Just sayin.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

March 2, 2009 - Hackney's

Tremendous evening! Tempos were right on, the rhythm section found its pocket from the get go, the band played dynamically. Monster trumpet section with the additions of Terry Connell and Tom Tumino. Brenda Ruf sat in on bari for Master Enright.

Meg had a loud obnoxious group from the Northern Suburbs  who clammorred for Sentimental Journey all night. She also entertained a group of thespianic church musicians, one obviously living a lie (not that there's anything wrong with that). They all knew both Terri Lenz and Peg Mooney, two former OJPianists. Small world.

Drink of the night was Sambuca.  

Set 1
Shiny Stockings, American Patrol, I'm Beginning To See The Light, Benny's Bugle, Come Rain Or Come Shine, Take The A Train, I Only Have Eyes For You,  You're Nobody Till Somebody, I Believe In You, Beyond the Sea, Moten Swing

Set 2
Basie Straight Ahead, Senimental Journey, That’s My Style, Cherokee, I Cant Believe You're In Love, Record Session, This Can't Be Love, Leapfrog, Fly Me To The Moon, Cheek to Cheek, Choo Choo Ch'Boogie, Sing Sing Sing