“More Musicians Added to the Big Band in Heaven”
Phil Townes, renowned singer of the Bleu Lights vocal group, passed on Dec. 21 at University of Maryland Medical Center. Townes was one of the original members of the group, along with his twin brother Al, Charlie Davis and Lou Law, since 1967. I extend a long stem rose in his memory.
Hello my dear friends and readers. I hope everything is well with you. For some of us the New Year kicked up with prosperity and life and I am so happy for you, but there are others whose New Year kicked off with sadness and despair and I share your grief. Just recently, we lost a couple more musician who now have joined the “Heavenly Big Band and Choir.” And a Big Band it is.
Major Boyd, Sr. a renowned and gifted musician, saxophonist and one of the founding members of the jazz group, “Moon August,” died Jan. 9 at Sinai Hospital. He was a sweet, gentle soul. Major funeral was Jan. 16 at Whylie’s Funeral Home on Liberty Road. Dottie Tims, Cathy Dorsey performed along with many other musicians. He now shares the stage with many of lost musicians in heaven.
Phil Townes, vocalists with the Bleu Lights and Major Boyd, saxophonist, songwriter known from the group “Moon August” and the Dottie Tims group, have now joined musicians such as: Arnold Sterling, Jimmy Wells, Julious Brockington, Peanut Saunderlin, Fuzzy Kane, Mickey Fields, Dave Ross, Chico Johnson, Johnny Polite, Bing Miller, Barretta, Ruby Glover, Vernon Wolst, Raymond Shields, Chico Blair, Nikki Cooper and, Jennell Fisher, just to name a few. We miss them all and their music, but they will never be forgotten.
Moving on to upcoming events; Jesse Powers of the group Spice Productions is at a club called The Place Lounge, located at 315 W. Franklin Street in Baltimore every Thursday from 7-10 p.m. with an open mic and a jam session. There is no cover charge, which is great. I know some musicians don’t mind club hopping and jamming with a band, but some of the club owners were taking advantage of that, by having a cover charge and getting free music at the same time, which was unfair to the musician and the owners shouldn’t do it. But if the musician wants to go in and get their kicks off with other professional musicians it is okay as long as they are treated fair.
Gwen Richards will host a Broadway Excursion trip to see the Broadway play, ‘The Color Purple’ March 12-13 in New York City. Contact for reservation, ASAP at 410-967-7503.
The King David Lodge #18 will host “The Men in Black”; all Black Everything Cabaret on Jan. 30 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Delta Center, 2501 Springhill Avenue in Baltimore. It is Cabaret Style, BYOB and BYOF. DJ Mike Jones will provide the music. For ticket information, contact Worshipful Master Curtis Williams at 410-258-1715.
. Isaac Parham, saxophonist, and Shang, vocalist, will present some sweet soul and jazz at the Magooby’s Joke House & Soundstage, 9603 Deereco Road in Timonium, MD on Jan. 31, 5 -9 p.m. For ticket information, call 443-858-9781.
A lot of people are talking about the Broadway play “The Color Purple.” Well, here is your chance to go see it with your friends and family. Gwen Richards is putting together a very special group of theater lovers to join her in seeing Academy Award, Golden Globe and Grammy winner Jennifer Hudson, Danielle Brooks and Cynthia Erivo on March 12-13. There will be a Greyhound bus departing from Baltimore on March 12 at 10 a.m. Reservations are due now. For more details, contact Gwen at 410-967-7503.
If you enjoy jazz, than check out Bilal Ali’s show when he hosts a sweet soul and smooth jazz evening featuring one of the hottest vocalists, Shang, and Baltimore’s own sax man, Isaac Parham on Jan. 31 at Magooby’s Joke House and Soundstage, 9603 Deereco Road in Timonium, Maryland. Showtime is 5 p.m. For tickets and information, call 443-858-9781.
Well, my dear friends enjoy the rest of your week. I have to go. I am out of space. But remember, if you need me call me at 410-833-9474 or email me at rosapryor@aol.com.
Until the next time, I’m musically yours.