Musical changes are happening. Bobby Nesbitt is in Flagler's, and Larry Smith's Sunday Night Showcase is at the Pier House in the new Market Bistro, which has replaced the Wine Galley, currently being remodeled. Manager Kathleen Peace tells us you can still purcase some market goodies on one end, but the majority of the space is Bistro. Larry IS superman. He's working five days at the Sands in the Reach and two at the Bistro. So Larry, when do you have time to play golf? Oh, and happy birthday!
I read in the Tribute section of the Musician's Union paper that Hargus `Pig' Robins is quitting session work. It isn't through choice. His chemotherapy has affected the nerves in his fingers. Pig is blind. He got his nickname at the Tennessee School For the Blind, where he and a little friend used to slip away and slide down the coal shute. They could never understand why the teachers always knew what they'd done. Pig took Floyd Cramer's place as the number one pianist in Nashville when Floyd became a star and quit playing sessions. Pig played with everybody. You may remember Charlie Rich's "Behind Closed Doors" with its brilliant piano. Pig played on several of Gary Chase's sessions, and he was superb. I'm saddened by this unwelcome news.
Franko Richmond is back. You'll find him at the American Bar on Front Street. Franko is a marvelous pianist. He was a student of Earl Wild for classical and Ahmad Jamal for jazz. He is excellent at both and even writes his own.
Meanwhile, Marilyn Holderfirld will be Larry Smith's guest performer at the Sunday Night Showcase at the Pier House Market Bistro. She's a marvelous jazz singer. Larry celebrated a birthday at the Sands at the Reach yesterday, so be sure to congratulate him for making it this far.
Many, many more, Larry.
Max Bozetti has been named food and beverage manager at the gorgeous new Grand Key Resort. He will begin a music schedule soon, and you already know the food will be divine with Max at the helm.