Showcasing live multi-genre music, buffet dining and chances to win jazz lovers’ prizes, a Summer Music Showcase will be held Aug. 3 at Benedum Civic Center.

 

Serving as host band is “Decon Blues” featuring locals Bob Workman, drums; Davin Seamon, keyboards; Terry Hotsinpiller, percussion/vocals and Phil Wyatt (sax/vocals), as well as Seth Maynard (guitar/vocals) and Lars Swanson (bass).

 

After serving as host band for the April 7 Concert of the Decade at Bridgeport Conference Center, the musicians left a sold-out audience wanting more.

 

“The diverse music format and the buffet – together with some cool raffle prizes – turned out to be a big hit,” Workman said. “So we thought we’d do the same thing on Aug. 3. If this Summer Music Showcase works well, we may have something we can do regularly.”

 

Also performing is Gracie Matheny, a country guitarist/vocalist from Elkins, who is a musical protégé of Maynard and his company, Seth 1 Productions.

 

“Gracie is someone special,” he said. “The minute you har her, you will know why I consider her a genuine phenomenal talent.”

 

Rounding out musical artists are guitarists Vince Lewis and Dan Baker. Lewis is a resident artist at Greenbrier Resort and Baker is from western Pennsylvania, were he plays various genres from classical to bluegrass.

 

“Vince and Dan are first-call artists for the West Virginia Jazz Society,” said Workman about the guitarists who first played together at the April 7 event. “We are looking forward to an artistic collaboration of the highest order.”

 

Lewis and Baker will likely sit in on the set performed by Decon Blues, which on Aug. 3 will also include Harrison County native and current Atlanta, Ga. resident Karen Greene, co-founder of Decon Blues.

 

“We’re leaving lots of room for improvisation, of course,” Workman said. “This is billed as a concert, but it seems to be turning into more of a great summertime community party.”

 

Dinner will be served from 6:30-8 p.m. Music will start around 7 p.m.

 

Tickets are $35, which includes all music, reserved buffet seating and entry into a drawing for a prize package including vintage jazz LPs with portable turntable, copy of The Jazz Standards, a West Virginia Jazz Society Gold Pass and gift cards from local merchants.

 

Purchase tickets by calling 304-517-9813 or email WVJazzSociety@aol.com. Tickets can also be purchased from members of Decon Blues, presenter of the Summer Music Showcase. The event if made possible through generous sponsorships from the Barbara B. Highland Fund, Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, MVB Bank, The Media Man LLC, the Bridgeport Arts & Heritage Foundation and the West Virginia Jazz Society, Inc.

 

Editor's Note: Pictured top is "The Grey Agents." Members Bob Workman (second from left), Davin Seamon (right) and Phil Wyatt (center) are members of Decon Blues. Also pictured above is Gracie Matheny.