Village Big Band Introduces Vocalist Jamie Stewart

Village Big Band Introduces Vocalist Jamie Stewart and Remembers Bandleaders Tom Hightower and Bill Morgan

Balboa Pavilion will be rockin’ and rollin’ and rememberin’ on Friday, May 10. That’s because the Village Big Band will be there from 6-8 p.m. for another “Block Party at Balboa.” As current director Jim Kelly says, “This isn’t your father’s (or grandfather’s) Big Band!” Sure, you will hear several big band standards from the day, but that’s not all! The Band will swing on Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl” and the Eagles’ “Heartache Tonight,” then serenade with the Beatles’ “Something.” The Band is proud to introduce crooner Jamie Stewart. Jamie is a very well-known singer/actor in the Little Rock area and has appeared with the Band in Hot Springs, but this will be his first time performing in the Village. He will make Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind” his own. And wait until you hear his jazzed-up version of Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger,” best known as the theme song from the Rocky III movie.

Back to nostalgia, you’ll enjoy the Band’s version of a 1950s classic, “Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most.” Village Big Band founding director Tom Hightower was the arranger. Current director Jim Kelly will be featured on the solo part, which pays homage to several Big Band standards. Long-time director Bill Morgan will also be remembered.

Speaking of Morgan, girl singer Maureen Morgan (no relation) will share songs from Samba style (“It Had Better Be Tonight”) to Stevie Wonder (“I Just Called to Say I Love You”) to sassy Bette Midler (“Stuff Like That There”). She’ll team up with Jamie for a couple of duets, too.

Bring your lawn chairs and your coolers, or just come as you are and take a seat at the pavilion picnic benches. This is a free event sponsored by Taylor Realty of Hot Springs Village. A love offering will be gratefully accepted.

Friday, May 10, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Balboa Pavilion Hot Springs Village. For those coming from outside HSV, visit www.hsvillagebigband.org/performance-schedule for a printable flyer to present at either the East or West Gate.