Some young musicians practice every day.......
Yesterday, I enjoyed an afternoon of teen Jazz musicians and feel encouraged that " jazz music future is in good hands!"
Part of a week-long salute to the genre, these 7 "bands" won well-deserved applause from a packed church a few blocks from my home.
I walked over wearing my Lowcountry Blues Club t-shirt.
I talked up the weekly Sunday free Blues Jam held a few blocks away.
Then, yesterday evening, I joined the crowd at Smokey's Place.
That's the music-friendly 9-year home of the Blues Club.
There, I praised the impressive young Jazz musicians I had enjoyed earlier.
A great day for a short stretch of Remount Road in North Charleston!
Not exactly the famed Highway 61 but a good showing.
I was a bit surprised there were not any ads or presence for Forte Jazz Lounge, the new music venue downtown on King Street.
What a natural tie-in with the young and old jazz musicians and - in this case - the VERY interested and involved parents!
Here are a few more views on a lovely Sunday afternoon in Charleston, SC...home of the Blues AND Jazz.
I live in a musical neighborhood indeed.
Oh, there was a special announcement by the bandleader for the youngest group there - Westview Middle School.
"We have a few seasoned players mixed in with our young men...especially Ulysses Corbett, who played with the
Count Basie band!"
"Mr. Corbett is 99-years old * and an inspiration to our young players that music can last a lifetime!"
I spoke with the leader after the show to get the correct spelling of the names.
I found the 13-year old playing trumpet behind the seasoned pro was Wesley Ward, the bandleader's son.
He also admitted that, as a joke, he assigns different ages for Mr. Corbett who actually is "only" mid-seventies.
Be sure to click on the photos and links for more details and information.
Labels: 13-year old Wesley Ward, Forte Jazz Lounge, Revive Faith Church on Remount Road, Smokey's Place, Ulysses Corbett, Westview Middle School
More new stuff for the holidays..
OK, this not exactly "holiday-themed" but saw this as I parked and I snapped it through the windshield.
I did not want to interfere with this family scene but wanted to share the obvious....the picnic table is secured to the tree with a steel cable.
The dog is lapping up water from a bowl as its family has an outdoor meal.
The youngster is linked to the dog with a serious-size rope.
I just hope a cat - or a squirrel - doesn't dart by and the dog takes off chasing it!
OK, here's the seasonal stuff..
starting with a party at a private home that requested an unwrapped gift be brought to be contributed to the Marine Corps TOYS FOR TOTS program.
Makes you feel good to be part of that!
(Yes, there is a wrapped present sitting there because I missed the part about UNwrapped.)
The company was great, the food was lavish and well-presented in a beautiful holiday setting.
AND, I got to meet Santa!
He mentioned my beard, I saluted his.
Santa commented that he has seen many, many crazy Chrismas sweaters but had not seen a holiday hoodie before.
He added: "I and my sleigh appear to be upside-down in the images." I had not noticed when I glanced down.
He chuckled that people still leave out cookies and milk for him as he makes his annual merry round.
"The cookies keep me fat and, really, how about maybe a beer and some pretzels once in a while!"
Santa wandered off at the party to check out the refreshments.
He smiled and nodded his approval.
"Milk is very good for the little boys and girls but this looks more like what I need on that longest night of the year when I make my deliveries."
Uh oh, hope old St. Nick doesn't get hit with a DUI!
On the holiday music scene, it doesn't get much better than the weekly
Blues Jam every Sunday night nearby at Smokey's Place.
It's only a few blocks from my house but I had not been there in years.
Back then it had indeed been smoky inside (cough, wheeze, cough) and was actually more of a sports bar.
So glad I stopped in one Sunday night, hearing the Blues as I approached.
Inside the smoke-free room, I saw a banner that proclaimed this was the official home of the
Lowcountry Blues Club.
I had joined the club years ago when it met for jams at Fiery Ron's Home Team BBQ in West Ashley.
But that Home Team stopped its music program quite a while back. Now I see the Blues Music had moved here 6 years ago!
The usual Sunday hours are 5 pm to 9 pm but check the hours over the holidays.
Next Sunday, for example, the music is earlier because the place has to clear out for the restaurant to hold its annual private staff Chrismas party.
Also, in the spirit of the season, check out the
Belmond Charleston Place
extravagant model train Village set up in the lobby between the main staircases, beneath the huge chandelier.
This link does not show the video I shot. Hmmm, have to figure out how to edit and post my videos.
Take the kids or go by yourself. The Train Village improves and gets bigger every year!
Ok, let's take a breather. Gotta get ready for more holiday activities to enjoy...and post about.
You know the way I do this...click on the links and the photos for more details.
Labels: Belmond Charleston Hotel, Blues Jam, Lowcountry Blues Club, model train village, Santa getting a DUI, Smokey's Place
Part of a week-long salute to the genre, these 7 "bands" won well-deserved applause from a packed church a few blocks from my home. 
Here are a few more views on a lovely Sunday afternoon in Charleston, SC...home of the Blues AND Jazz.
Count Basie band!"
