Houston Jones delivers big-time

If you like to listen live to some of best Americana folk/ blues/jazz/gospel, the music written by and performed by the Houston Jones band on Friday night at Mamma Llama in Weaverville would have been just your cup of tea, coffee or a Mocha Latte, plus a piece of chocolate cake.

The original music written by Travis Jones, Chris Kee, Glenn Pomianek and Henry Salvia presented one surprise after another while keeping us moving in our seats completely enthralled by the diversity of this band of accomplished musicians. Lead guitarist Glenn Houston plays his instrument left handed and upside down, keeping a quiet demeanor while his fingers walked quickly over the strings. He has shared billing with many big names in music including the David Grisman Quintet, Emmylou Harris and Hank Williams Jr.

Lead vocalist Travis Jones sings with a strong folk/gospel sound. Jones has a manner and sound all his own and although I can’t really compare him to Burl Ives, I came away soul-filled like I used to when I heard Ives sing.

Henry Salvia on keyboard was amazing. You needed to be there. He has been playing since he was a young child, journeying through many piano venues before moving from Detroit to Los Angeles and then San Francisco where he joined up with Houston Jones. He also played accordion and performed a song with a bit of a comedic flare.

Chris Kee was great on the stand-up bass and acoustic guitar. His bio states that he has performed with Norah Jones and other celebs. We enjoyed his backup vocals on many of the songs the Houston Jones band performed.

And then there was Peter Tucker the drummer who gave us a taste of Gene Krupa at one point, winning points with the audience. He was great and kept just the right touch on the sticks while filling in when needed with backup vocals.

This performance was top quality and if you missed it, I’m sorry. The good news is that they loved Weaverville and will be back to perform again at Mamma Llama in the fall.

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I have noticed that nearly all the musical groups that perform in Trinity County return. They feel the love here. Not just from the audiences but from everywhere they go. They talk about the beauty, the people, and the way they are treated off stage in shops and stores where they are strangers greeted in a welcoming manner.

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The percentage of patrons of the arts is growing in Trinity. It’s been noticeable in the turnouts for the Art Cruise. There were many events, dances and fundraisers this weekend because of Valentine’s Day.

In front of Ace Hardware, the Weaverville Fire Department sold a pre-packaged gift (Teddy bear, rose and handdipped chocolate covered strawberries) that volunteers designed and put together themselves.

Douglas City Elementary School held a successful tritip dinner and auction on Thursday night. There were several art items in the auction. Art teacher Debee Olson was the chairperson.