Music Man Blog: Barbara King, A Musical Gem At McLoone's Rum Runner in Sea Bright, NJ

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Barbara King, A Musical Gem At McLoone's Rum Runner in Sea Bright, NJ

The Bar At McLoone's Rum Runner

Barbara King

On Thursday, June 2, I traveled down to the Jersey Shore to McLoone's Rum Runner at 816 Ocean Ave. in Sea Bright, NJ to hear the "great" Barbara King. More than a few people had told me that Barbara was an extremely talented singer/p pianist so I knew I had to see her. Barbara started playing and singing while we were having dinner, and after dinner we went over to sit at the piano bar with several other Barbara King fans. I have to say that after Barbara played her first song I knew she was "a cut above".

Barbara began by playing and singing a medley of Gershwin songs that were just outstanding. From there she covered Cole Porter, Rogers & Hart, Johnny Mercer, Jobim, Michel Legrand and what seemed like a thousand requests from those who came to see her. When asked what her favorite song was, she played and sang the Michel Legrand gem, "How Do You Keep The Music Playing". It was wonderful and beautiful! The audience was quick to show its appreciation. Quite frankly, I was not expecting to hear this level of quality musician performing in the quite little shore town of Sea Bright. But I can only tell you with all honesty that someone with Barbara's talent is qualified to be singing in any of the best venues in the country. She is really that good. If you live at the Jersey Shore or if you are going to be any where near the Jersey Shore in the next couple of months, put seeing Barbara King at the top of your "TO DO" list. She is as good as or better than anyone you might find in the "Big Apple" or any place in New Jersey for that matter. If you love songs from the "Great American Songbook"and some of the more recent great new American Pop tunes, you have to make it down to Sea Bright to catch her act. This quality of live eintertainment is getting harder to find every year, but you can savor this experience every Thursday and Saturday right here in Sea Bright, New Jersey.

Later in the evening, Barbara was joined by the multitalented musician Joseph Lowlor who sang a couple of songs with Barbara. Joe plays many instruments including violin, sax, flute, trumpet and joins Barbara from time to time for party gigs. We are looking forward to hearing Joe join Barbara with his violin in the near future.

Barbara plays at McLoone's Rum Runner on most Thursdays and Saturdays and you need to catch her act. You can have dinner and there is no cover charge, although even if there was, hearing Barbara sing and play would be well worth the charge!