Musicians who played with North Shore jazzman Frank Gillis, or who were influenced by his music, are gathering for a concert at What’s Upstairs on October 24-25. In the lineup is Frank’s son, Chris Gillis (left) and Eric Hahn.
Many years ago the old church building that now houses the Betsy Bowen Studio was the scene of some fabulous concerts with Frank Gillis and the Doc Evans Dixieland Band. Frank’s son Chris is reviving the tradition with two nights of performances that are a reunion of sorts for the talented musicians taking part.
Chris Gillis invites everyone to the Frank Gillis Blues, Jazz & Boogie Show at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, October 24-25 at What’s Upstairs at Betsy Bowen Studio
Reached by phone at home in St. Paul, Gillis said the concert has been dubbed the Fall 2014 Festival Reunion, a tonguein cheek reference to the concerts his father conducted during Fisherman’s Picnic from 1957 until 1999. Chris said his dad and Grand Marais Art Colony founder Bernie Quick worked together to bring all sorts of music to Grand Marais, from jazz to classical. Early performances were in the high school gym.
The concert will reunite brothers Bob and Tom Andrews who played base and drum respectively with Frank, and later Chris. It is a reunion for the brothers as well, as they are both very busy with their musical careers. Bob Andrews plays with The Medicine Show and Tom Andrews drums with the Barbary Coast Jazz Band, spending most of the winter in Florida. They have joined forces very little since they performed in the 1960s-’70s with Frank Gillis in the Bill Price & the New Yorkers.
The concert at What’s Upstairs will feature some of Frank Gillis’s favorite tunes such as Waltz for Debbie.
Taking part in the “reunion” are others who played with Frank Gillis or who are lifelong fans of the talented North Shore jazzman. Mike DeBevec will share piano/keyboard moments with Chris Gillis, offering Four Hands Boogie Woogie and Big Noise from Winnetka. Max Bichel will be there with his violin to perform the highly entertaining You’ve Gotta Keep the Devil Down a Hole. On clarinet will be Liz Sivertson and on saxophone, Eric Hahn. And adding her melodious vocals will be Carah Thomas.
The reunion feel is captured in the unique concert poster created by Mark Odegard, who lived in Grand Marais and operated the Tall Tale Yarn Shop. The artists are listed against a backdrop of the Grand Marais harbor, the moon and the sky. In a whimsical touch, Chris Gillis said the moon on the poster is just as it will appear the nights of the concert, just a sliver in the heavens.
So come out on the starry, starry night for some great blues, jazz and boogie Chris Gillis and friends.
“It’s just a joy to see everyone,” said Chris.
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