If you haven’t ever seen ‘em, drop by Scat Jazz Lounge tonight and catch Ricki Derek and his 15-piece Big Band. Sure, he’s doing the Big Band thing once a month, but what better way to celebrate July 8? In other words, go. The fun begins at 9 p.m., but you’d better get there early for a table.
Also at Scat this Thursday, Johnny Reno will be playing, so check him out, too. He does a mean Mack the Knife.
Cheers!
Dropped by Scat Jazz Lounge last night to catch a little bit of Ricki Derek with the Big Band.
I walked in just as Ricki was taking the stage to launch into “Ain’t That A Kick in the Head.” Even though I didn’t get chance to talk to Ricki, I had a nice chat with one of the managers, Cary, a dapper fellow in a sharp suit. He caught me up a little bit on business. The Kimberly Gordon shows were well attended and they are hoping to bring more national jazz acts in thanks to the help of Fort Worth’s New Orleans jazz import, Adonis Rose. Will we be seeing Rose playing at Scat Jazz Lounge soon? Maybe.
Business is good, but Mondays have been slow so they’ll now be closed on that day. Happy hour business has also been slow, so if you are looking for a place for a good afterwork cocktail downtown, drop by and buy one from Ricki.
I also shot a little video above. For my man PeteG, who was under the weather last night, this one’s for you, babe. It’s Ricki’s take on “(I Left My Heart In) San Francisco.”
There’s a moral dilemma rending the hearts of West & Clearers far and wide — where to go Wednesday night. And maybe you are suffering from this as well.
Your choices are the grand opening party for Lola’s, the new incarnation of 6th Street Live from Wreck Room owner Brian Forella. Or you can go to Ricki Derek’s Scat Jazz Lounge to see Ricki play with his 15-piece band, an armada of swankiness if there ever was one.
The early indications look good for Lola’s. Forella and booking agent Lance Yocom of Spune Productions are a pretty powerful combo. And Wednesday looks pretty rocking with Tejas Brothers, DJ Burlap, Kirkland James and Ten High Trio (featuring members of Eleven Hundred Springs). No cover. All ages. Doors open at 8. Spune will be giving away tickets to upcoming Lola’s shows. And Fred’s will be catering a Gourmet Taco Bar. That’s tough to beat.
But Ricki and his big band are playing a rare small venue show. And if you’ve never seen Ricki play with a full band, I assure you it is something to behold.
I’m not choosing a destination yet. But remember, no matter which I choose, I love you both equally.
Ricki Derek couldn’t stand still. He moved around from table to bar, chatting with guests, bussing glasses, checking with the staff. All the while, he was working his chewing gum. He’s a seasoned performer who is more than at home on any stage, but you could tell he was a little nervous this time.
Just a short one for you this week… Recorded LIVE from the pre-opening of the Scat Jazz Lounge in Downtown Fort Worth.
Show note: We say in the show that the place is probably non-smoking, but that’s not the case. Smoking is allowed, but it wasn’t horribly smoky at all in there tonight. Hopefully it stays that way.
This week:
Don’t forget to vote on Tuesday, November 6th. We’d like you to vote for Bernie if you’re undecided.
Also, the Lone Star International Film Festival kicks off on Wednesday the 7th and runs through the 11th. We still haven’t heard from Bill Paxton yet, but I’m looking at the list now, and I think I’d MUCH more like to meet Jay Chandrasekhar, so if anyone from the LSIFF publicity machine is reading this and can hook that up, drop us a line.
The more I’m seeing about this thing, the more excited I’m getting. Check out the events page for a list (and ticketing) of all the movies, dinners, panels, etc. Also, be sure to take a look a the parties page for a list of where you might rub elbows with a celebrity around town. Of note: local group Theater Fire are playing at the closing party at The Flying Saucer on Sunday at 8:00PM. You know I’m going to be there for that!
(edit - 3:30 PM) I forgot to mention earlier that we’re all looking forward to Ricki Derek’s new club, The Scat Jazz Lounge opening. We discussed that a bit during the show, too.
Fort Worth, you may not know Ricki Derek yet, but you will. That’s because the Dallas-based jazz singer is coming to Fort Worth in a great big way.
In December, Derek is bringing jazz back to Sundance Square, filling the void left when the old Caravan of Dreams club closed its doors in 2001. His club — the Scat Jazz Lounge — located in the basement of the Woolworth Building, will bring sophisticated cool to the heart of Fort Worth.
But who is Ricki Derek? In Dallas, you can catch his show at the Cavern on Sunday nights or the Library Bar on Mondays. Maybe you can see him at one of the many private shows he plays for the hip hipsters — weddings and such. His sound is Vegas cool swinging Mid-Century jazz. It’s east to say he’s a little bit of Frank Sinatra, a dash of Tony Bennett. But he really succeeds at being Ricki Derek — a local original.
So take a few minutes to get to know him before he opens in Fort Worth. Drop by his Web site and listen to his music. And read on to learn more about this guy’s vibe.
,
