[Dixielandjazz] FW: Arizona Classic Jazz Society - May18th

[CHERYL THURSTON]

"The Joint Is Jumpin'" by Helen Daley Sun Lakes resident Cheryl Thurston will celebrate her birthday by entertaining with her Mardi Gras Jazz Band at the May 18th Arizona Classic Jazz Society Party, 1 – 4 p.m., at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort, One San Marcos Place, Chandler.   Ben Smith, recently retired trombonist for the Dukes of Dixieland in New Orleans, will be playing with Cheryl's band.  New Orleans songs and music will be featured.   As Fats Waller explained in his "The Joint Is Jumpin'" song,  "The Piano's thumpin'The dancers are bumpin'This here spot is more than hotIn fact, the joint is jumpin'" Cheryl wants everybody to jump into the fun and join the celebration.  She will be awarding prizes for best decorated parasol, best dancing and best costume.   A multi-talented musician, Cheryl started cornet lessons at age 4 after her father gave her a Wild Bill Davidson cornet.  She played trumpet in school bands from elementary - high school, toured Europe at age 16 with the American Youth Symphony, and played in a stage band at Kent State.  Piano lesson started at age 6 and her first professional piano gig occurred accidentally at age 14 when she replaced a piano player who didn't show up.    Cheryl's Memories plays every Thursday at Palo Verde Restaurant, Sun Lakes, November - April and at select dates throughout the summer.  You can find Cheryl's Mardi Gras Jazz Band at the Pier de Orleans Restaurant in Mesa (480-844-7437) on many Saturday nights.  Reservations are suggested for both venues.  Cheryl is also the pianist for the popular 52nd Street Jazz Band.  A very busy lady, indeed. Cheryl's Memories plays every Thursday at Palo Verde Restaurant, Sun Lakes, November - April and at select dates throughout the summer.  You can find the Mardi Gras Jazz Band at the Pier de Orleans in Mesa on many Saturday nights.  Reservations are suggested for both venues.     If you find yourself in New Orleans from June 6 - 20, look for Cheryl playing her pocket trumpet in a Parade or piano with Steamboat Willie at Café Beignet, Music Legends Park on Bourbon Street, across from the Royal Sonesta Hotel.  You can reach her at 602-465-0623 for the exact schedule.   Cost for Cheryl's Birthday Celebration is $10 ACJS members; $15 non-members (become a member on the 18th and get in free; yearly membership $35 couple, single $25).  For more information, go to www.azclassicjazz.org or call 480-620-3941.