Arts & Entertainment
Gospel-Jazz Brunch Satisfies Musical Appetites
HighlandPlace Steakhouse puts music on the menu for its first-ever Gospel-Jazz Brunch.
Something is happening at the newly christened HighlandPlace in Maplewood Village. Something rather fantastic. And Maplewoodians have a chance to get in on the ground floor.
Maplewood resident and accomplished bass player Gregory Jones was speaking with heralded jazz vocalist Yvette Glover (mother of Bring In 'da Noise Bring In 'da Funk's Savion Glover) about opportunities to perform locally. Out of this discussion and Jones' conversations with Chris Farrow, owner of HighlandPlace Steakhouse, the restaurant introduced its first-ever Sunday Gospel and Jazz Brunch on August 1.
The band was led by acclaimed arranger and pianist Nat Adderely Jr., famous for his work with Luther Vandross, Jones on upright bass and Greg Bufford on drums. Vocalists Jackie Jones and Glover enthralled the crowd with their interpretations of jazz standards. The performers played two sets and the audience took advantage of the $23 prix fixe brunch and some tasty music.
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HighlandPlace owner Chris Farrow commented, "I see this place as a live music venue and hope to offer customers as much live music as we can." Jones was also hopeful that they could continue to build on the turnout and present more live music.
The next gospel/jazz brunch is scheduled for Sunday, September 12, from 1 to 4 p.m. at HighlandPlace. Patch will be on hand to film some gospel for the next go-round.
Find out what's happening in Maplewoodfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
As Glover said to the appreciative audience, "This is our first attempt to try to do something here, and we hope that you will spread the word." Graciously, Glover then told the audience that she would be back after a short break: "Continue to enjoy yourselves and thank you for your kindness."
