Beat The Winter Blues At The Lake

Profile | February 8, 2010

Winter Blues got you down? It seems like just yesterday that we were all having fun and enjoying the sun on our beautiful Lake. The live music was everywhere. Boats were waiting to take you to your favorite water restaurant. There were ribs waiting to be barbecued out on the grill and all the tasty sides to go along with them were mouthwatering.

Friends were headed down to join you for the weekend. Sunning, splashing, boating, grilling, laughing, dancing and lovin’ where did all the fun go? Now, the days are short. The dark, cold Missouri dampness lingers. We’re suffering from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and there’s no immediate outlook for improvement. Is there any fun to be had in the middle of this dreariness? Of course there is! Do not despair! There are plenty of fun things to do in the Lake area in the cold winter months to keep your spirits up while you wait for those first signs of spring to reappear.

Winter is a great time to indulge in a little culture. Locally, there are several jazz events planned and numerous restaurants have live music regularly on their calendars. There are many theaters and music venues within an evening’s driving distance, and St. Louis and Kansas City make a great weekend getaway to take in a play or concert.

How about a little jazz or blues? Every Friday and Saturday you can catch the jazz piano music of D’VAUGHN PERSHING from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Country Club Hotel and Spa just off Horseshoe Bend Parkway in Lake Ozark, MO. For some great local and regional blues, the Lake of the Ozarks blues society holds its jam session on the second Tuesday of every month with the music starting at 7 p.m. the location changes each time, so be sure to visit their web site, www.lotobs.org to find out where the jam will be.

The historic 1931-era ROYAL THEATER in Versailles, MO, will feature a piano concert on Jan. 9 by KENNY THAMES. From Phoenix, AZ, Thames has seven albums to his credit and has written and published three books. He was given the Echo magazine readers Choice Award for best performer of the year in 2007 and 2008. Reserved seating can be purchased in advance by calling 573-378-6226, or tickets may be purchased at the door.

Jan 30 brings us the Ozark Jazz society’s dinner & dance with BILL MACK and THE WEST SIDE Jazz Band, also held at the Country Club Hotel and Spa. Mack, a local favorite, will be with a five-piece band including Kathleen Holeman on trombone. The $18 ticket price includes a buffet dinner from 5 to 7 p.m., and music from 7 to 10 p.m. you can’t beat that price for an evening of dining, dancing and entertainment.

On Feb 18 if you are a blues lover, here is a show that is a must-see and well worth the trip up to the eastern side of the state. The family Arena in St. Charles, MO, will be hosting blues legends B.B. KING and Buddy Guy. For more than half a century, Grammy Award winner, rock and roll Hall of Famer and blues foundation Hall of Fame inductee B.B. King has been the definition of blues the world over. Buddy Guy, also a rock and roll Hall of fame inductee, has been the main influence to rock legends like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jeff beck and Stevie Ray Vaughn. Doors open at 6:30, music starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are available at www.metrotix.com.

Although finding local live music in the heart of the winter is a challenge, local blues favorite the BAUB EIS BAND has several gigs lined up. You can catch BUAUB, John and K.P. at Journey’s End in Camdenton, MO, on Jan. 8 and Feb. 13, at Chevy’s Bar & Grill in Osage Beach, MO, on Jan. 15 and 29. The band is among several that play in the lake area over the winter. Check your favorite source for a more complete list of entertainment.

Head back to the Royal Theater Feb. 20 and get your ears ready for a harmonic variety show of a cappella jazz, doo-wop and barbershop harmonies by 3 MEN & A MELODY. You’ll be on the edge of your seat or laughing in the isles. Their unique style has earned them the title of international finalist in the barbershop Harmony society.

Sunday, Feb. 28, brings us back to the Country Club Hotel and Spa for a jazz brunch with D’VAUGHN PERSHING hosted by the Ozark Jazz society, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Think it’s time for a new hobby? Cold winter days would be a great opportunity to take the time to pick up some guitar lessons. Our own local guitar virtuoso THOM ROE is an excellent teacher. Whether you like classical, jazz, blues or rock guitar, Thom has the patience and know-how to make learning fun. With a little practice, you’ll be having fun and will have learned a new skill that will last you a lifetime. You can reach Thom by calling 573-964-6096.