Last week’s gig at the Cobblestone was the best yet! The turnout was fantastic, and it included some very welcome faces. My sweet mother and sister, Diane, came to listen. So did Kyle Wellfare, band director for the Caledonia Senior High School and a jazz bass player. And so did long-lost and recently found high school classmates Sue Marie Carrick and Steve Afendoulis.
Steve and I go back a long ways. We were both still in junior high school when he asked me to play in a big band he was forming called The Formal Aires. Managed by Steve’s dad, Gus Afendoulis, and co-directed by saxophonist and big band veteran Ted Carino and composer Sid Stellema, the Formal Aires enjoyed constant weekend bookings at country clubs, weddings, and social events. The band was my introduction to jazz, and Steve was our leader.
When Steve got wind of my gig via FaceBook, he told me he was coming out and asked if he could sit in. Heck yes! It was a real joy to reconnect with him and make music together again after over 35 years. And Steve did great. He hadn’t touched his set in a long time, but he fit right in, keeping the beat and catching the breaks in a way only someone informed by plenty of prior experience could do.
This Saturday my regular partners in music, Dave DeVos and Paul Lesinski, have previous bookings, and that’s the case for the next couple weeks as well. Never fear, though–I have some stellar players joining me: Steve Talaga on keyboards and Charlie Hoats on bass. I’ve not met Charlie in person yet, and I’ve been wanting to, not only because he comes with glowing recommendations, but also because he lives right here in Caledonia just a couple miles up the road from me. As for Steve Talaga, I’m well acquainted with his playing. The man is fabulous. ‘Nuff said.
So put Saturday in your book and come on out. The Cobblestone is developing a reputation for urban-quality dining in an accessible, refreshingly non-urban setting. And of course you’ll enjoy listening to live jazz! Here’s what you need to know:
• Date & Time: Saturday, February 5, 6:0-9:00 p.m.
• Place: The Cobblestone Bistro & Banquet Center
• Address: 9818 Cherry Valley Ave. SE (M-37), Caledonia, MI
• Phone: (616) 588-3223
Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.
