MSJS

Dear Smooth Jazz Members

I just received a notification from Sheri Swift, owner of the Alter Ego lounge. As you know, we’ve been holding our weekly Smooth Jazz performances there for the past three months.

Sheri informed me that effective immediately the Alter Ego is closing its doors for financial reasons.

I know this disappoints you, as I, but rest assured I will find a new Smooth Jazz home for our bands and members.

If you have any suggestions for a new location, please e-mail me at:
Debbie.skinner@cox.net

More to come, so stay tuned……

Deb Skinner, President
Midwest Smooth Jazz Society

Midwest Smooth Jazz Society is proud to present In The Gruv at the Alter Ego Ultra Lounge

Midwest Smooth Jazz is proud to present this Thursday, May 30th at 6:30pm, In The Gruv at the Alter Ego Ultra Lounge , in Omaha, for another Smooth Jazz Thursday.

When it comes to churning out exciting and sassy “Smooth R&B”, few bands do it better than In the Gruv! Their stylized versions of Maze, Stevie Wonder, Toni Braxton, and Maysa tunes, as well as Rascals, Chaka Khan, and Sting classics have been pleasing audiences for nearly two years.

In the Gruv is anchored by bass player and leader Richard Payne. Richard grew up in a musical Omaha family and got involved early in the local music scene. After a 15-year absence from the Omaha area, Richard returned to get involved in several successful live bands, recording projects, and finally started his own band.

Linnetta Jones, the dynamic and sparkling lead singer for In the Gruv, has been with the band since its beginnings. Linnetta honed her vocal skills at Simpson College and has since lent her vocal talents to churches, local organizations, and special events. Always a joy to watch and to listen to, Linnetta loves to engage the crowd.

Keyboardist Daniel Trawicki, the newest member, has been involved in music most of his life. He worked in Los Angeles for eight years and toured the United States with the Chambers Brothers as part of the “20 years after Woodstock” show. Back in his native Omaha, he has played with the Terry and Lydia Edwards Show, The Downey Sexton Group, and rock/country band HAWK.

Guitarist and singer Rod Griffith has performed with numerous popular rock and R&B bands, including opening acts for Marvin Gaye and Chicago. He was recently with smooth jazz band Higher Pursuit, the first band to play “Ozone Smooth Jazz Thursdays”. Always engaged with the music, Rod can be counted on to give an entertaining and passionate performance every time.

Keeping them “In the Gruv” is Kolbey Wallington on drums. A graduate of Omaha Central High School, Kolbey played in jazz band and also plays drums regularly at Salem Baptist Church. Kolbey is currently in his second year at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

A culmination of many experienced and talented performers, In the Gruv is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a healthy dose of groove in your day!

ANTHONY STEELS/A VOCAL EXPERIENCE at the Alter Ego

Midwest Smooth Jazz is proud to present on Thursday, May 23rd at 6:30pm, ANTHONY STEELS/A VOCAL EXPERIENCE featuring Ed Archibald. Come and hear
“Old School Jazz” with a little R & B at the Alter Ego, in Omaha, for another Smooth Jazz Thursday.

Anthony Steels first gained National attention when he sang National Anthems for the National Football League as a professional football player. His
style appeals to all audiences. Anthony brings a blend of musicality ranging from Lou Rawls, Luther Van Dross to Marvin Gaye. Mario Beltran is
no stranger to the music scene in Omaha and his sounds are very tight and funky, and is teaming up with percussionist Carlos Rodriguez and the smooth
grooving sounds of Ed Archibald. We invite you to come out to hear this VOCAL EXPERIENCE PROJECT.