Entertainment
We thank our fabulous entertainers for making it easy to move and groove at Jazzoo 2011!Little River Band
Little River Band was formed in Melbourne, Australia in 1975. It was originally a blend of musicians who had enjoyed success in other Australian acts. Their new focus was to get airplay on American radio, and they achieved that goal with good songwriting, powerful vocals, and guitar harmonies. They immediately claimed their place as one of the great vocal bands of the ‘70s…and the ‘80s.
Between 1976 and 1983, chart success in America includes the following singles: It's a Long Way There, Help Is on Its Way, Happy Anniversary, Reminiscing, Lady, Cool Change, Lonesome Loser, The Night Owls, Take It Easy On Me, Man On Your Mind, We Two, and The Other Guy.
Little River Band is considered to be one of Australia's most significant bands. Worldwide album and CD sales now top 30 million. They also set a record for having Top 10 hits for 6 consecutive years…the first band to achieve that mark. And according to BMI, Reminiscing has garnered rare status with over 5 million airplays on America radio…and Lady is close behind with over 4 million airplays. LRB was rightfully inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame at the 18th Annual ARIA Music Awards of 2004.
The current lineup brings new energy and arrangements to the classic hits, making new memories for the audience out of each live performance. It's always fun to watch as people are swept up by the show's vitality and the volume of hits from LRB's history. You'll see plenty of people mouthing the words..."I love this song...I forgot it was one of Little River Band's hits!"
The Rainmakers
Twenty-five years ago, the summer of 1986, The Rainmakers released their first album. Four young men from the Midwest began to live out the rock ‘n’ roll dream - their music on the radio, touring the country and the world, recording in top studios, playing in music clubs and arenas across the U.S. and Europe, videos on MTV, great reviews in Rolling Stone, Newsweek, and newspapers across the U.S.
The Rainmakers reunite for the first time in 14 years. Original members Bob Walkenhorst on vocals and guitar, Rich Ruth on bass, and Pat Tomek on drums, are joined by Jeff Porter on lead guitar. New songs are written, a new album is recorded in a 5-day music blow-out. Old friendships and things learned along the way make for a new album that has the spirit of youth, and the wisdom and viewpoints of lives well-lived.
Voler - Thieves of Flight
Voler - Thieves of Flight Performance Ensemble is an edgy and experimental collaboration of aerial dance and acrobatics, comprised of performing artists from the Kansas City area. Our mission is to demonstrate the beauty of collaborative movement that is inspired by various acrobatic, dance and performance backgrounds.
51% Blue Band
The 51% Blues Band was formed in early 2007, by leader and band drummer Ron "Sticks" Hardin. Memebers include, Mel Prezant ( trumpet ), Ron " Turkeybone " Brown ( vocals and harmonica ), Dave Parker ( lead guitar ), Jerry Goldman ( Bass Guitar ), Steve Wright ( saxophone ), Latina Gonzales ( Vocals ) and back-up singers Lanae and Chanelle.
The 51% Blues Band has made appearances all around Kansas City area serving up great Blues music! They also have performed for several charities including, "No More Homeless Pets, " KC, the Kansas City Zoo, and KKFI Public Radio.
The Zeros
If you want a dance party, you NEED the ZEROS!
Made up of longtime local rock heroes coming from bands such as My Three Sons, The Sons of Rex, Naked Soul, Go Kart, Outhouse, and The Elders, the ZEROS have plenty of experience in pleasing a crowd and putting on an infectious show. The ZEROS are the ultimate new wave 80’s band, playing all of the best new wave and no hair bands. Loaded with an intense energy and the power to bring back a flood of memories, the shack is sure to be rockin’ when the ZEROS take the stage.
