Dancing, Food, Drinks & “Stellar Jazz”

The Space Coast Jazz Society is hosting an evening of live jazz and dancing with a stellar performance by the popular and talented band, Stellar Jazz at the Rockledge Country Club on Friday, April 21st, 6-10pm.

Saxophonist Billy Davis, guitarist Phil Coe, Ron Pirtle on bass and Bryan Gardenour on the drums, will keep your feet moving for a fun evening of live jazz.

Billy Davis is from Iowa and currently lives in Satellite Beach. He has toured with a group opening for such artists as Chicago, Hall and Oates, Eric Clapton, and more. He then toured with another group who were appointed Ambassadors of Culture for the State of Iowa and they traveled to the Soviet Union to perform. He was also a guest soloist with the Cedar Rapids Symphony and has performed as a member of the Cedar Rapids Jazz Band playing with national artists such as Ernie Watts, Randy Breacker, Eddie Daniels and Bob Mintzner. In 2005, Billy worked on an album project called “Crazy Eight” in which the song “American Dream” was nominated for a Grammy in Best Contemporary Jazz Album and Best Popular Instrumental. Billy says he loves sharing the gift of expression through music.

Phil Coe is a freelance guitarist who plays locally around Brevard County. He was born and raised in suburban Chicago and began playing guitar professionally in 1971. He began teaching guitar, bass, and music theory in 1975. He graduated from De Paul University with a B.A. in Music Theory and Composition. Phil has performed with numerous funk, rock, jazz groups, and show pit orchestras. He has also played with Clark Terry, Bill Watrus, Eddie Daniels, Frankie Avalon, Marlena Shaw and Ed Shaunassey, to name a few.

Ron Pirtle comes from Ohio.  At the age of 12 his parents gave him an electric bass guitar. Ron’s proficiency grew with music and his bass, and soon he was much in demand by bands. Ron traveled throughout Ohio and neighboring Pennsylvania playing music. While working with an older blues piano player he discovered blues and jazz. He switched to upright acoustic bass and nurtured his talent and love for this pure American art form. He released an album in 2003 entitled “Gettin’ In The Groove.” Today, he is one of the most sought after upright bass players.

Bryan Gardenour is originally from Melbourne, Florida. Bryan is a professional drummer with over 25 years of performing experience, including High School Symphonic/Marching Bands, Florida All Star Marching Band and DCI Drum Corp Suncoast sound. He has studied with Chester Thompson (Genesis, Weather Report), Jeff Sipe (Aquarium Rescue Unit) and Shawn Pelton (SNL House Band). Other notable experience included: nationally touring Top 40 bands, Disney World, Universal Studios, Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise ships and performing on the steps of the Capitol in Washington, D.C. Bryan lived in NYC for 8 years and played with numerous jazz artists and also performed at venues such as Birdland, the Rainbow Room and Smalls while studying at Drummers Collective. He was a member of the Eric Stuart Band and toured the U.S. as the opening act for Peter Frampton. Since returning, he has become busy once again performing jazz and is currently a member of the Jazz Cats and the Space Coast Big Band.

This event is open to the public, no reservations are needed and a $20 general admission is paid at the door.  $15 admission for members of the Space Coast Jazz Society and the Rockledge Country Club.  Food and beverages are available for purchase. Attire is casual or business casual, unless you want to dress up more.  The Rockledge Country Club is located at 1591 S. Fiske Blvd., in Rockledge.

For questions, call (321) 960-4897, email Jazz@SpaceCoastJazzSociety.org or go to www.SpaceCoastJazzSociety.org