Known as one of the world’s premier interpreters of the works of Gershwin, pianist David Syme returns to the Yavapai College Performance Hall in Prescott on January 23, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.

The show is presented by Yavapai College Community Events and co-sponsored by The City of Prescott/Acker Trust, The Daily Courier; and the Performing Arts Charitable Endowment (PACE).

Based in Houston, Texas and in Ireland, David Syme has performed with many of the world’s finest orchestras, including the Royal Philharmonic, London Philharmonic, the Vienna Symphony and Czech National Symphony.He has made a lasting mark on the world of music in recent years, emerging as a pre-eminent and definitive interpreter of the works of George Gershwin.

Watoto means “The Children”, and these children are on a mission. Through their inspirational songs and compelling stories, the Watoto Children’s Choir is spreading a message of hope for Africa’s children.

In 1994, Gary and Marilyn Skinner were moved with compassion concerning the critical orphan crisis in Uganda. As a result, Watoto Child Care Ministries was established as an outreach of Kampala Pentecostal Church. Today, Watoto is caring for over 1500 parentless children by providing physical, emotional, educational and spiritual care.

The goal of Watoto is to raise the next generation of Ugandan leaders by pursuing excellence in academic and practical skills, integrity in conduct and moral values, so that each child becomes a responsible and productive citizen.

The Jazz at the Grille Series is a monthly Sunday brunch event held at 129½, An American Jazz Grille, at 129½ N. Cortez Street in downtown Prescott.

Under the musical direction of Steve Annibale,  trios, four piece ensembles and more will present a variety of themed performances once a month.

There will be two seatings at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and reservations are required as seating is limited. $25.00 buys you Prime Rib, Eggs Benedict or other fabulous selections from an a-la-carte menu (see right).

Scheduled perforrmances through March include:

Jan. 18 – “Swing in the New Year”, The Arizona Swing Machine
Featuring Steve Annibale, Clyde Score, Denny Garr, and AJ Siniaho

Matt's
FRIDAY & SATURDAY: Southbound. A pretty "far" country/rock band. 9:00 p.m.

Hooligans
FRIDAY & SATURDAY: King Gypsy Caravan. FUN Dancin'. Everything from Stevie Wonder to Bob Marley and The Doors. Male and female vocals. Sax & Harp. 9:00 p.m. to close.

Jersey Lily
FRIDAY & SATURDAY: Little Larry. Excellent R&B and Motown 8:00 p.m. to midnight.

Coyote Joe's
SATURDAY: The Cheektones. Excellent listening & dancing. 7:00 to 10:30 p.m.

Bird Cage
FRIDAY & SATURDAY: Back Street Crew. Classic rock with a little 80's and 90's mixed in. Upbeat and fun. 9:30 p.m.

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday...I certainly did...albeit a cold one.  Now, nestled back into the nest of home I have time to reflect about the week past and the week to come.  Here's what's in store for you:

Monday: Allen Huddleston spins a "Funky Happy Hour Set " from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.  Then, Pizza, Pitcher and a Picture night continues with the classic tale of ageless love, "Harold and Maude ."  8:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Regular menu on Tuesday as Tony will be gearing up for New Year's.

Wednesday: One year has been left to the history books while another is being born into a world of possibility.  There's no better place to get off on the good foot than at the Raven Cafe New Year's Party.  This year's music will be performed by Blue Wail and Tony has put together a special menu for the evening.  Miss it and you'll miss at least two weeks worth of water-cooler talk.  Dinner starts at 6:00 p.m. ...Band will play from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Arizona folk favorites D-Squared will headline the new year's first Granite Peak Folk Sessions Concert, on Friday, January 23 at the Granite Peak Unitarian Universalist Hall.

Natural storytellers with a sly wit, D-Squared enchant audiences with tales of their beloved Southwest and the rocks, stars, plants and critters that share it.

A harp and guitar duo, D-Squared, weaves a tonal fabric of poignant lyrics, earth-rooted melodies and stark, hypnotic rhythms. Combining guitar, mandola, banjo and a low, resonant voice with folk harp, concertina, accordion and beguiling vocals, Don Charles and Deb Gessner lead listeners through a landscape that is both arid and lush, pristine and desecrated, innocent and arrogant. Attending a show is like joining a gathering of friends around the kitchen table.

Matt's
FRIDAY: Rondavous. Catch the 3rd set for Country Rock & the 4th
set for Funk & Country! Two female singers!!! 9:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Bird Cage
FRIDAY & SATURDAY:Alley Cats. Medium & hard rock from the 90's. 9:30 p.m.

Pinon Pines
SUNDAY: Muddbone. Straight ahead R & R. 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Raven Cafe
SATURDAY: SHRI. The lady sings good blues, the guy sings sings fair folk. 8:00 p.m.

Spirit Room

SATURDAY & SUNDAY: Cadillac Angels. Rockabilly. 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.

10/12 Lounge (Clarkdale)
SUNDAY: Retros. Back to the future. 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.

We’re entering the holiday home-stretch and everyone is trying to tie up loose ends, which is certain to cause some anxiety, but when you need a moment to relax, the Raven is a great place to unwind.

New Year’s is just around the corner and we’ve got a big night planned.    Round up your friends, hire a babysitter…Blue Wail will be playing and Tony is putting together a stellar menu.    More info to come.

Monday: Allen Huddleston is spinning records for happy hour to set the stage for pizza, pitcher and a picture night. Tonight’s movie: The holiday favorite, “A Christmas Story.”  8:30 p.m.

Tuesday: From Chicago, The Andreas Kapsalis Duo returns for an evening of amazing instrumental virtuosity.    Last time they played the response was overwhelming, and I’ve had so many people asking when they would be back. Well, Merry Christmas. 8:00 p.m.

Tony’s menu:

Appetisers:

• American Kobe Beef Sliders-3 Ways...Caramelized Onion & Roasted Red Pepper, Artichoke Aioli, & Roasted Poblano Sauce
• "Mero" Cheeks Sauteed with Butter & Garlic & Topped with Bacon
• Southwest Crab Cakes, with Black Bean Puree, Sauteed Spinach, Black Bean & Corn Relish, Mango Gastrique
• Pesto Flatbread Pizza with Spinach, Pine nuts & Feta

Entrees:

• Chili Dusted Beef Tournado's with Cinnamon Spiced Sweet Potato Mash, Grilled Asparagus & Blackberry Sauce
• Roasted "Airline" Chicken Breast with CinnamonSpiced Sweet Potato Mash, Grilled Asparagus & Balsamic / Molasses Glaze
• Seared Salmon with Wild Rice & Pinto Beans, Grilled Asparagus & Poblano Cream Sauce
• Grilled Rib-Eye with Blue Cheese Butter, Lotus Root, Wild Rice and Grilled Lemon
• Spicy Peanut Stir-Fry with Jasmine Rice

"Catch of the Day"...aka Fish of the Day