Saturday Night Fervor
The grand Grand on State story continues, now having surpassed its long “soft opening” phase and presenting its official grand opening night last Saturday. A happy and sold-out crowd flocked to the place, conveniently located next to The Granada Theatre, and soaked up the sounds of a round robin list of local musicians. They also soaked up the well-received menu of French food and beverages, adult and otherwise.
Although pressed for time on my Saturday agenda, I was able to catch a half-hour of the goings on. Shawn Thies wrapped her inviting vocals around “Cheek to Cheek” and Jobim’s “Dindi.” The band at this moment consisted of guitarist Craig Sharmat, pianist George Friedenthal (in the seat normally occupied by the grand pianist Brian Mann, also the co-owner, along with his wife Jenna Berg), bassist Randy Tico, and the commanding drummer Dick Weller.
On my way out, I spied Mann and trumpeter Jim Mooy checking out charts they’d soon be playing. In a suitably homey touch, Mann’s dog Goldie was there as well, checking out the checker-outers…