We are thrilled that JRQ will be providing entertainment for this year’s Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet on March 17 at Little America here in Cheyenne.

This year’s gala is being presented by Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Wyoming to recognized 150 years of community excellence and celebrate 110 years of supporting the business in our city.  The event will recognize exceptional businesses and professionals in Cheyenne including the Chamber’s Person of the Year award.

 

We will be playing for the cocktail reception which begins at 5:30 and then after dinner and the awards presentations, we will start up again and continue through the evening playing our favorite jazz, Latin, swing and vintage pop tunes.

We’ve added drums and vibes!

I am especially excited to be playing with this expanded group of fabulous musicians.   Joining Shawn Mickelson on trumpet, Peter Queal on guitar and vocals, and Dennis Griffing on bass will be Chris Allen on vibraphone and Ward Durrett on drums.   The sound that is happening is really tight and very jazzy.

It is unusual these days to encounter a vibraphonist, especially one of Chris Allen’s caliber.

Chris is a graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston and studied under jazz legend, Gary Burton, among others.   (Here is an interesting story on Gary Burton’s life in jazz.)  Chris is also an assistant professor of biology at the Colorado State University in Fort Collins and avid rock climber.

Ward Durrett

Ward is an astonishing drummer.  He has been a professional musician throughout his life working in every aspect of the percussion and audio industry.  He manages Drums West at Boomer Music Company in Fort Collins.

Shawn Mickelson, Dennis Griffing and Peter Queal

Of course, it is always a delight to be joined by Shawn,  “Griff” and Peter who have been part of my group since last year.  Shawn is a manager at The Music Depot in Cheyenne.  Griff plays with the Cheyenne Symphony and teaches in Fort Collins.  Peter now lives in Greeley and has just finished a new album, Humility.

Here’s a link to that album available on Amazon.