Theater Watch: Keb' Mo', Costello and Doo Wop

It’s a busy week at Count Basie with fundraisers and great music being the highlight of the week. The musical lineup includes Keb’ Mo’, a Doo Wop extravaganza and an encore performance by the wildly popular Elvis Costello.

Count Basie’s annual Golf and Tennis Classic hits the greens on Thursday, September 29th. This is the first year that tennis was added, and it is sure to be a welcome addition. The event is held at the Trump National Gold Club in Colts Neck and features a luncheon, tennis and golf tournaments, live entertainment, raffles and silent and live auctions.

On Friday, September 30th, the multi-talented Keb’ Mo’ brings his soulful blues to the stage. A native of Los Angeles, Keb’ Mo’ is a singer-songwriter who is happy to be bringing the blues into the next generation. He’s influenced by greats such as Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne and Robert Johnson, and has released 10 acclaimed albums since his start in 1994.

Keb’ Mo’ has a unique sound that combines pop, rock, folk, jazz, and of course, the blues. He has a knack for storytelling with just the right amount of heart, wit, and humor. Keb’ Mo’ has taken home three Grammys throughout his career, and also numerous awards at the Blues Music Awards.

Keb’ Mo’ has collaborated on multiple films, including a series of films called The Blues with Martin Scorsese. His latest album, The Reflection, includes collaborations with artists such as India Arie, Vince Gill, and David Walker, among others.

On Saturday, October 1st, Doo Wop returns to the Basie. A seasonal sensation, this show is sure to turn into a fall classic with performers such as Eugene Pitt and The Jive 5. Also performing is: Cleveland Still and The Dubs, Jimmy Clanton, The Fireflies, Milton Love and The Solitaires, Willie Winfield and The Harptones, The Paragons Meet the Jesters, Linda Jansen, and The Edsels.

The Basie is also offering a little treat for those who return for the Holiday Doo Wop Show in December—purchase a ticket to Friday’s show, save the stub, and get $5 off the purchase of your ticket for the Holiday show.

On Monday, October 3rd, Elvis Costello and The Imposters Revolver Tour returns to the Basie, giving all those who missed his sold out July performance a change for redemption.

Costello is a British singer/songwriter whose career spans over 30 years. During the 1980’s, he became associated with the new wave movement. Costello’s music is much too diverse to be stuffed into on genre, however. He has at times even been referred to as a “pop encyclopedia.”

Costello’s diverse career has landed him two Ivor Novello Awards, a Grammy Award, and internationally acclaimed music television series and a number of sold out concerts across the United States.  His most recent album National Ransom was released in 2010.

The Revolver Tour was one of the summer’s hottest tickets, gaining the love of fans and admiration from critics in every city.  The Minneapolis Star Tribune called the tour “unfettered, freewheeling fun.” The St. Louis Post raved that the concert provided “three hours of hilarity, musicality and unabated joy.”

What makes it so fun? At each performance, Costello invites fans onstage to spin “The Wheel,” a collection of 40 banners that includes hits, rarities and other music from Costello’s long career. Whatever comes up on “The Wheel” gets played that night, making each show unique to that city. Sound like fun? Hurry and grab your ticket, this tour sells out fast.

Schedule:

Thursday, September 29th, 2011: Golf and Tennis Classic, 8:30am


Friday, September 30th, 2011: Keb’ Mo’, 8pm


Saturday, October 1st, 2011: A Fall Doo Wop Performance, 7:30pm


Monday, October 3rd, 2011: Elvis Costello and the Imposters Revolver Tour, 8pm