The Central Illinois Jazz Society Serving Central Illinois Since 1978 presents
Billy Cook Quartet featuring Steve Thomas
at 6:00 and 8:30 p.m.
CIJS House Band
at 7:15 p.m.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Radisson Hotel (formerly Peoria Castle Lodge) in the Mozart Room
117 N. Western Avenue, Peoria
The Billy Cook Quartet rarely appears with only four players. With Steve Thomas on flute and vocals, backed by Billy Cook (and sometimes Lon Tucker) on guitar, Jim Kelton on bass, Dan Diefendorf on drums and optional percussionist/sound man, Bill Duncan, sextet would be more accurate. The band's musical style is an array of swing, Latin, a little funk and some nostalgic rock.
Steve Thomas is renowned for his participation in the Heritage Ensemble, a long stint with Kriss Kross in the 70's and 80's, followed by several years with the Gaile Thomas Quintet (where the current group all met 20+ years ago). His flute lends a unique sound to this ensemble. Jim Kelton has performed with Spare Change, the Gaile Thomas Quintet and the Terry Hanson Ensemble. Jim is the heartbeat of this rhythm section. Lon Tucker is one of the best-kept secrets in Peoria. A fantastic guitarist and songwriter, he can only be seen on the bandstand when weather will not permit flying. Dan Diefendorf has drummed for a staggering list of bands; Don and Sally, Eddie and Judy Howard, Larry Harms, Gaile Thomas, Danny Leahey, Barb Boyles, Preston Jackson, Cassie Hart and the Panache Crowd and of course, his own band, The Swing Daddies.
Bill Duncan has likewise drummed with many groups in the Peoria scene, including Spare Change, The Gaile Thomas Quintet and the Bogside Zukes. Also infamous as the CIJS sound man and CEO of Cedar Hills Sound, Bill provides sound for the CEFCU Summer Jazz Series. The referee of this bunch is Billy Cook, who has played guitar in Peoria since the early 80's, most notoriously with the Fulton Street Quartet in all its incarnations and the CIJS House Band. The band provides a nice mix of smooth vocals and some original (Lon Tucker) instrumentals.
The Central Illinois Jazz Society House Band will perform during the middle set, under the leadership of Larry Harms. The CIJS House Band features outstanding jazz musicians from the area. They will entertain you with a
mixture of jazz styles. This talented group is the heart of our monthly jazz offerings for the jazz fans of Central Illinois. We are grateful to them for their variety of live jazz offerings. Come out and support them and Live Jazz.
For more information about jazz in the area and the Central Illinois Jazz Society, go to http://www.peoriajazz.com.
Admission: $5.00 Members $7.00 Non-Members
Children 14 years and under are free with an adult
The Central Illinois Jazz Society is a non-profit organization that is open to anyone who enjoys jazz. You do not have to be a musician to be a member or to attend our programs. Please consider joining the Central Illinois Jazz Society and supporting live jazz.