Not So Wild Weekend

Jazz singer Gail Wynters gave a wonderful "caberet" concert last night at the Kentucky Center for the Arts. Backed by pianist Harry Pickins, bassist Tyrone Wheeler and drummer Colby Inzer, Gail sang her heart out as usual. It was a family affair. At one point she was joined by two of her sisters and later her son Trip, a percussionist.
     Despite absolutely no press coverage, the concert was well attended. Probably due to fact that it was part of a music series at the center that is pre-booked. Outside of that interlude the weekend, although beautiful weather wise, was uneventful. It's always like this after my late summer Chicago trip. While bike riding yesterday I had a flat tire in front of Mayor Jerry Ambramson's house. I don't know if there is any hidden meaning in that or not. As the light wanes the Hog deflates just like his back tire. At the concert last night I shared a table with Maggie Reily, a local actress who was in one of Mark Reese's Inonesco plays 10 or more years ago. Reily is 80 years old and quite a wonder. Youthful and alive.

Hog Heaven

Yardhog's birthday weekend ended last night with a spectacular Jazzfest on the belvedere. Vocalist Sonia Hensley, a graduate of Louisville's Brown School who moved on to bigger things, including a stint with Mercer Ellington, sang and danced like a pro. In a short yellow, mini dress she belted out songs like "Besa Me Mucho" and "Moon Dance." Backed by the superb rhythmn team of bassist Tyrone Wheeler and drummer Colby Inzer. His father, Denny, would have been proud. The concert ended with the legendary alto saxophonist Lou Donaldson's band featuring Dr. Lonnie Smith, one of  world's greatest masters of the B3 organ. This was definitely the best concert I've seen this year. The Hog ended the night by stopping at Indies and ordering a large dinner of spicy fried chicken, wedges and peach cobbler. Shear ambrosia!