The Rich and Poupee Open Mike Show Brings Out the Best Musical Talents in the Valley

Poupee Boccaccio

Poupee Boccaccio

Poupee Boccaccio

Poupee Boccaccio

The Indian Wells Resort Hotel has "Open Mike" every Wednesday night hosted by two of the most talented performers in the West, Rich Bono and Poupee Boccaccio. I have written about Rich Bono in previous blogs but every time I hear him, I am just amazed at his abilities on the keyboard and his skillful vocals. Rich also has the ability to accompany a vast amount of singers with different singing styles. Rich Bono's resume is stellar. He performed in some of the biggest hotels in Las Vegas for over 25 years. He also toured with the famous Harry James Orchestra and played as an accompanist for many musical stars like Jack Jones, Tony Bennett, Frankie Laine, Linda Darnell, Mary Kaye Jane Morgan, Don Cherry and Pat Boone just to mention a few.

Rich's partner, the stunningly beautiful Poupee Boccaccio is also a mighty talent in her own right. Poupee has had a successful career in the movies and TV and also speaks and can perform in 5 different languages. She has appeared on the "Johnny Carson Show", "the Joey Bishop Show", "I Spy", "Wild, Wild West", and "Get Smart" and many others. Poupee has acted in the following movies: "Colombo" with Peter Falk, "April Fools" with Jack Lennon, "Fastest Guitar Alive" with Roy Orbinson and "Pocket Money" with Lee Marvin & Paul Newman. And for many years, she was a headline singer for the "Follies Bergere" in Las Vegas. I especially love when she sings in French. She could perform and star in any Jazz club in France with no adjustments. Because so many Valley singers want to perform on Wednesday nights, Rich and Poupee really never have an opportunity to show off all their talents. But make no mistake, these two are major-league performers.

Tonight a long list of singers joined a packed house and performed to the delight of the crowd. "Open Mike" is so much fun, and I recommend it to anyone who likes great singing and the best songs of the Great American Songbook. I have attached pictures of Wednesday's performers. I personally enjoyed everyone!

Ken Steele

Carole Hampton

                                                                                                       

                                   

Thom McMorris

Sally Skeoch

                                             

         

Beverly Jensen-Leys

Ron Negri

Ilone Albert

Colin Bray

Leonard Kaye

Amadeo Bacci

"It's Better With A Band" Produces Cheers From "Sold Out" Audience at Azul Tapas Lounge in Palm Springs

Lindsay Ouelette

Carol Taylor, Jeff Stover, Don Rice and James Nation

Jean Sorf, Jeff Stover, Don Rice & James Nation

Ryan Wojcik and Jeff Stover

Sharon De Haworth, Singer and Host of the Evening

Marcello Tulipano

Beverly Jensen Leys and Jeff Stover

Francesca Amari 

Court Graves, Jeff and Don

Eve Holmes

Christiane Joubert

Gina Zollman & Don Rice

Gianni Battali

Lori Donato

Deryl Jon Bair

There was tons of excitement in The Azul Tapas Lounge on Saturday March 9 as  the 6th installment of the popular series, "It's Better with A Band" provided a showcase for 15 of the best singers in the Coachella Valley. This successful series of shows is directed and produced by Derrik Lewis who deserves much thanks and recognition from everyone who enjoys hearing great music and the singing of songs from the "Great American Songbook".  Even though Derrik is always fully book with performances all over the Valley, he always seems to make time to support great singers and songs whenever he can. Derrik Lewis is directly responsible for much of the live music programs we all love and I would like to personally thank him for all his efforts.

Tonight's Program contained songs we all know and love from the show "Your Hit Parade-Songs From the 50's".  What a great walk down memory lane!  If you missed this great show, you will have another chance as the 7th in the series will take place at Azul Restaurant on Saturday April 13.  I believe the theme of this show will be the songs of Frank Sinatra and will surely be sold out. So get your reservations in early.

Singers and Songs & Musicians

The Derrik Lewis Quartet: Derrik Lewis, Piano, Jeff Stover, Electric Bass,  Don Rice, Tenor Sax and James Nation, Drums

Francesca Amari: "Chances Are" & "Why Don't You Do Right"

Beverly Jensen Leys: "When I Fall In Love" & "Teach Me Tonight"

Court Graves: "Orange Colored Sky" & "Mona Lisa"

Eve Holmes: "I Want You, I Need You" & "Sincerely"

Ryan Wojcik: "All I Have To Do Is Dream" & "Love Me Tender"

Christiane Joubert: "Misty" & "Hey Good Lookin"

Lindsay Ouelette: "Make Someone Happy" & "Music, Music, Music"

Gina Zollman: "Cry Me A River" & "The Wayward WInd"

Carol Taylor: "I Can't Stop Loving You" & "It's All In The Game"

Gianni Battali: "Smoke Get In Your Eyes" & "Don't Be Cruel"

Jean Sorf: "Wheel of Fortune" & "Hey There"

Sharon Di Haworth: "Que, Sera, Sera" & "Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend"

Lori Donato: "I Love Being Here With You", "Doogie In The WIndow" & "Allegheny Moon"

Marcello Tulipano: "Put Your Head On My Shoulder" & "Papa Loves Mambo"

Deryl Jon Bair: "Only You" & "I Only Have Eyes For You" 

My Day At The Newport Jazz Party Explosion By Beverly Jensen Leys

A group of Jazz lovers from Palm Springs including my friend, Beverly Jensen Leys recently traveled to Corona Del Mar, CA to attend the 13th Annual "Newport Beach Jazz Party". I asked Beverly if she would do a "guest" blog and tell us what she saw and heard on the day she attended.

                                         My Day At The Newport Jazz Party Explosion
                                                      By Beverly Jensen Leys
On Saturday, February 16, my friends and I witnessed and enjoyed some of the world's finest musicians.  Our first stop was the beautiful and elegant Ritz Restaurant.  My friends and I had the perfect table right in front of the band which consisted of Graham Dechter on Guitar (my nephew) Llew Mathews on Piano and Scott Hamilton on Alto Sax.  They were a wonderful and exciting trio. We enjoyed every minute.

The following group was also trio consisting of Brian Nova, Doug Macdonald and Bruce Foreman, all of who played guitars with Danny Flahive on Bass.  They provided additional wonderful and exciting sounds.

We then strolled across the street to the Marriott for the big evening performances by the great musicians at the Newport Jazz Party.  Our table was not as close to the stage as we would have liked, but there was no problem hearing every musician.  First up was James Morrison from Australia who was fantastic on Trumpet, Bass and Trombone.  The always great, Jeff Hamilton Trio plus Brian Nova accompanied him.

The Jeff Hamilton Trio performed again with Jeff on Drums, Tamir Handelman on Piano and Christoph Luty on Bass.  WOW... what a band and after three tunes Jeff brought out a special guest, my nephew, Graham Dechter to play Guitar.  His playing was phenomenal and brought down the house.

Next was Ernie Andrews who is a great performer and singer.  He was backed by my dear friend Richard Simon on Bass, Jeff on Drums and Eric Reed on Piano.  They were fabulous!

The Last group was Houston Person on Tenor Sax, Ken Peplosky, Gary Foster, Chuck Berghofer and friends.

The entire Newport Explosion begins on Friday and goes until Sunday night.  We were only there for one day.......but what a day!!  We returned to Palm Springs around 3:00 a.m., and it was worth every minute.  We are already making plans to go again next year, and you should do the same.

Bob Scofield, Jane Bush Betty Johnson, Beverly Jensen Leys and Cliff Johnson
A/K/A  The Dynamic Five