
Last Sunday, October 11th, was a night of surprises for patrons of the Elysian Inn, which is the current home of The Play It Again Jam. Rock and Roll talents that hail from as far North as Canada and as far South as Fort Meyers Beach were there to add to the excitement and fun of the weekly musician's get together.
Canadian born singer/songwriter/guitarist Val Halla--also this Summer's winner of the Tennessee Concerts Talent Competition--made a surprise appearance, stunning the crowd with her physical beauty, musical prowess and dazzling the eyes with that pearly guitar.
From down Florida way, Tag Graves treated the crowd to some pretty outrageous guitar licks, while keyboardist Mike Gauthier played counter to Nashville's own Rick Durrett, current keyboard player for Grady Nations and formerly with Pacific Gas and Electric. At the end of the night, just before the Titans game kicked off, Chicagoans Gary Maier and Frank Petricca (former bass player with PG&E) joined these great players and myself in a rocking version of the 1970's hit Are You Ready.
Quite a few other great players hit the stage that night and, judging from the feedback received by those I am in contact with, a great time was had by all.