The Brubeck Brothers (with two sidemen) rocked the Brewery Performance Hall Friday as it probably has never been rocked before.
Dan on drums and Chris on fretless bass and trombone were joined by pianist Chuck Lamb and guitar whiz Mike DeMicco. Much of the music was from the brothers' recent CD, including a wild version of the Paul Desmond hit 'Take Five," when dad Dave Brubeck. Dan is a cut above most jazz percussionists in that he doesn't just flail away, but punctuates the tune in a meaningful way.
The packed house loved the show - for good reason. Bravo!
Old but still singing
OK, so it's not the original Mills Brothers. They started singing 75 years ago. But John Mills - son, grandson and nephew of the original four - will visit the Celebrity Showroom at John Ascuaga's Nugget at 8 p.m. Sunday and Monday.
John Mills has performed with his father, Donald Mills - the last surviving original - since 1982, and now brings to stage the newest generation of the Mills Brothers. Among the memorable portfolio will be "Tiger Rag," the original group's first hit from 1928; "Cab Driver"; "Glow Worm"; "Lazy River"; "Paper Doll" and others.
Catch these songs from a bygone era for $23 at (800) 648-1177 or 356-3300 or by visiting janugget.com.
Gypsy jazz at Comma
In the past 20 years, John Jorgenson has composed music for the Olympics, won three consecutive American Country Music Awards, formed two award-winning groups, spent six years on tour alongside Elton John, and ventured into film where he was featured in Charlize Theron's 2004 movie "Head In The Clouds."
On Wednesday, he'll perform at Comma Coffee with his band, the John Jorgenson Quintet
In 1994, Elton John called and invited John on an 18-month world tour. The 18 months stretched into six years.
Gypsy jazz is the style of music closest to Jorgenson's heart. Because of his international reputation as a gypsy jazz player, John was twice asked to recreate Django Reinhardt's music for feature films.
Tickets are $25 at www.CommaConcerts.com or at Comma Coffee, 312 S. Carson St. Doors open at 6 p.m., and music runs from 7-9. Call Doug Reynolds at 220-0995.
From the vaults
Fernando Meirelles directed "City of God," a story of life in the ghetto of Rio de Janeiro. It's a brutal story of gang warfare revolving around Busca-Pe (Alexandre Rodrigues). Photography is excellent, but the story is weakened by the lazy approach to a plot.
The 2002 film is rated R, which is an understatement. The casual way that murders take place is deadening. This is not for those with weak stomachs, but the 130 minutes roll by quickly.
Then there's the classic Charlie Chaplin film, "City Lights." This was Chaplin's last silent film (although there is music), and it is a reminder of how good he was and how good silents could be. Again, he played the Little Tramp, and in this case, he falls in love with a blind flower-seller girl (Virginia Cherrill). The sight gags are witty, the story touching, and the film a delight for all ages.
• Contact entertainment editor Sam Bauman at sbauman@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1236.