Regional jazz musicians join concert
Vikki True said, “It would be a plus to my concert to have instrumental talent offered locally participate in the “True” Jazz Explosion at 8 p.m. on Jan. 16.
McMinnville resident Mike Chilcutt, now retired, will join the Vikki True Trio to entertain the audience in a couple of powerful songs. Chilcutt has played trumpet for 50 years in big bands, combo and Dixieland bands and occasionally performs at a Motlow Music program and joining the college students. He is a church choir director, director of the McMinnville Silver and Gold Community Band and retired after 36 years as high school band director.
Scott Young, a life-long resident of Tullahoma, was very active in the Tullahoma High School Band program and received award recognition while playing in the jazz band. Young will also join Vikki True on several music selections on alto saxophone. As a five-year member of South Jackson Street Band, he continues his love for music. Young is a registered professional engineer employed by the Tullahoma Utilities Board as the Water/Wastewater Department manager.
Curtis J. Cooley became very fascinated with music at the tender age of two. When he was seven his father, Vincent, gave him the gift that would change his life forever, a jazz album. Very motivated by this music, Cooley didn’t hesitate to start banging away on drum-sets. He has performed with Cody Kilby, currently with Ricky Scaggs and Marcue Finney, currently with Wooten brothers.
Cooley stays involved in music working at Horns, Strings and Things in sales and as percussion instructor, the Freedom Assembly Church and performs with Utopia and routinely with other musicians from the region.
“I play professionally entertaining with popular music but this is truly an honor to be invited to participate in the love of jazz,” Cooley said.
Curtis Cooley, John Cook and Charles Hickerson, the Cookie-Time Trio, are also preparing a prelude to the concert for the audiences pleasure as everyone settles in their seats for a “True” Jazz Explosion concert at 8:00 p.m.
“Vikki True, a native of Louisville, Ky., joined by Richard Downs, bassist of Islip, L.I. and Peter Schneider, pianist of Great Barrington, Mass., are bringing a driving and dynamic performance to our region. I am so excited that South Jackson Civic Center and the local talent our regions are going to be a part of this experience,” stated Patti Wimsatt, facility manager. “The quality of entertainment presented at South Jackson Civic Center is our focus as a venue to foster, promote, and preserve the performing arts center and continue to encourage young people in the interest of theatre and music through our series of Education Outreach.”
Students in the area also have the opportunity for an educational experience at 12:15 p.m. on Jan. 16 when Vikki will host A Jazz Journey for Young People. This seminar will educate young music students on the many styles and periods of jazz throughout the years. Student tickets and study guides are available for $3.
Tickets to the 8 p.m. show are $25. Combination tickets to the show and dessert at Emils restaurant immediately following are $37.
For more information and ticket reservation, call the South Jackson Civic Center ticket line at 931-455-5321 or visit the website www.southjackson.org. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.