Sunday Night Dance Party
Hoosiers Lounge Casino Aztar
Featuring Cynthia McDonald & Bob Green with Greg Anderson
With the sun shining though the large panoramic glass that is the entrance to the boat, the backdrop was set for another edition of the Sunday Night Dance Party. This event takes place most Sunday nights from 5-10 p.m. at the Hoosiers Lounge at Casino Aztar. A typical schedule during a month of music at this party will usually feature the Steve Greenwell Trio and Bob Minette’s Swing Cats. This evening I had the pleasure of listening to Mr. Greg Anderson playing with his usual sideman for this gig, Mr. Bob Green. And singing with them, bringing a bit of White Glove Jazz to the gathering was Ms. Cynthia McDonald. And recently the party has expanded to an occasional Friday evening with groups like local favorite, the Two-Tone Express.
The band that now includes these three fine local musicians really started about five years ago as a six piece band. The vocalist, at the time, was Tom Wright, of the Wright Brothers. The musical director and piano player was Greg Anderson. Other members of that sextet were Carey Eaves (trombone), Bret Burkhead (trumpet), Craig Peterson (alto sax) and Bob Green (tenor sax). After the party had gone on for several years, some changes occurred and the group was distilled into the present trio lineup of Greg, Bob and Cindy. Greg and Bob had separate re-occurring gigs at Cavanaugh’s Restaurant (on the 2nd floor of the Casino) and that is where they first met Cindy. Cindy would sing with them occasionally which led to Bob and Cindy producing two successful CD’s together. These are the popular Jazzafloozie and Jazzafloozie…Twoozie releases. This collaboration led Cindy and Bob to perform under the Jazzafloozie banner and introduce the Tri-State to White Glove Jazz.
At the Sunday Night Dance Party the band always plays a good mix of standards from the 30s & 40s. They have found a niche market for this big band sound that works well with a small band budget. They also spice the set list up with popular and contemporary tunes. Greg Anderson has a chance to show his vocal talent with hits like “Margaritaville” and several James Taylor songs, like “Handy Man.” He creates the rest of the “big band sound” with his various keyboards and effects. The casual observer may think that the many couples on the dance floor were another generation indulging in that activity that they enjoyed in their youth. Or it may just be that these individuals are a prime example of the art of ballroom dancing. In any event, the trio does themselves proud and gives the dancers many reasons to hoof the night away.
As the music continues to create a vibe reminiscent of dance floors at the many high-stepping haunts of the Evansville of yesteryear, the dancers up are swept up in the sounds that take them back to a more suave and generous time. Cynthia McDonald, dressed in timeless evening attire, croons the standards of the Golden Era like nobody can. With an impressive set list that included everything from “The Lady is a Tramp” to “Come Rain or Come Shine” the dancers and the audience experience a classy and upscale performance.
Then, as if the vocal and musical talent of Greg Anderson and Cynthia McDonald were not enough of a treat, add to this mix the musical talents of Mr. Bob Green. Known to some as “the hardest working musician in Evansville” the talent on display this evening was evident by the way he added to an already stellar event with his saxophone and flute. Whether Bob is soloing or just sitting in the background, increasing the texture of the sound, it is always a treat to hear him play. Those around the Tri-State can hear him at Cavanaugh’s throughout the week at the piano bar. Then, turn around, and he is playing with the Duke Boys. In between, you might catch him with SoundScape, Object Blue, or just sitting in with other bands that make up the community of Evansville music.
This evening, as I sat at the Sunday Night Dance Party at Hoosiers Lounge, Phil Nickelson was accepting his third green jacket. Even though this was the headline of that day’s sports, a fairly good crowd seemed more impressed to express themselves by dancing to the music of this fine trio. While this may not be the style of a less chronologically-challenge crowd, it is a great example of the diversity of activity there is here in the Tri-State. There does seem to be, however, a new interest in ballroom dancing with the popularity of television shows like Dancing with the Stars. This may account for the many younger folks who are joining this party. While I did not participate in the dancing, I really enjoyed the band and had to admire the flair and grace of a style of dancing that is always timeless. If you like to dance and want a good time on a Sunday evening, this is the party for you.
If you would like more information on Jazzafloozie go to jazzafloozie.com. And for additional info on this party, or any other great happenings around the Tri-State, go online to news4uonline.com.
Paul Mattingly is on WUEV 91.5 FM on Mondays, 4-6 pm and Fridays, 3-6 pm.
__________________________________________________________________________
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ARTIST
