"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" 

Johnny Morris Plays The Great Standards Exactly Like the Composers Would Have Played Them Only Better!

Johnny Morris

Johnny Morris

Johnny Morris

Johnny Morris & Earl Knauss

I wanted to hear Johnny Morris play piano for quite a while but never had the opportunity until Tuesday March 27.  Johnny has been playing and singing at The Sandbar Restaurant in La Quinta for many years. After hearing Johnny play a couple of great Hoagy Carmichael gems, "The Nearness of You" and "Stardust" it was very clear why The Sandbar keeps Johnny playing year after year.  He plays standards like he wrote them and for good reason.  In addition to being a talented pianist, Johnny is also an acclaimed published arranger sought after by both singers and pianists. He wrote major arrangements for "Steinway's Most Popular Piano Solo Series".  He recently performed as the musical director for the sold out, highly acclaimed Derrik Lewis' Musical Chairs' production of "Polka Dots & Moonbeams" presenting the songs of Jimmy Van Heusen at the Indian Wells Theater in Indian Wells. While Johnny feels very comfortable playing for the locals that call the Sandbar home, he also is very much at home playing in some of the most upscale restaurants in New York City like the Oak and Edwardian Rooms in the Plaza, the Hotel Carlyle and the Rainbow Room. La Quinta calls itself "The Gem of the Desert" but now I know there is a second gem in the desert, Johnny Morris!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be at a party with Cole Porter, Jerome Kern, Oscar Hammerstein II, Ira Gershwin and George Gershwin playing the piano?  Well now you don't have to wonder, get over to The Sandbar Restaurant on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Sunday, sit back, close your eyes and listen to the wonderful sounds of Johnny Morris.

As is the custom in the desert, there is always someone who wants to sing and tonight was no exception.  Tonight's guest singer was Earl Knauss who sang a few songs along with Johnny's wonderful playing.  If I was a singer, and I am not, I would want Johnny Morris playing for me! It doesn't get any better.