Grind Kicks Off 10th Season in Style

by Dave Lieben

The Monthly Grind kicked off its tenth season Saturday evening with an awesome show. Hostess Phoebe Newman began by recognizing the founders of the Monthly Grind, Eric Hummel, Peggy Hovik, Carolyn Minor and Halli Kenoyer. Newman presented flowers to Eric, Peggy, and Carolyn, as well as long-time producers Maggie Freitag and Tom LeCompte. Next, selected audience members stood up to sing a song for the founders.

The first performer was saxophonist Marsha George, accompanied by Jeff White and Dalton Fox, who switched off on drums and piano. The three played instrumental versions of gospel songs, ranging from lively up-tempo numbers to a soulful slower song.

Next up was the angelic-voiced Jami Guinn, who was excellent in spite of occasionally struggling to hit the right chord. She performed songs by Patti Griffin, Dar Williams and a self-penned number.

A bit of miscommunication followed as Newman announced the intermission just as Eric Hummel and Heidi Hays came out to begin their set. They performed an excellent set featuring Send in the Clowns, an a capella version of Lullaby of Birdland, and Java Jive.

Next up was the always popular intermission, when everyone enjoyed some homemade desserts.

After intermission, guitarist/singer Todd Lesko and keyboardist Dave Rubin performed an all-too-short set. The duo performed last year with two percussionists, who have been replaced by an electronic drumbeat, much to this old-fashioned reporter's disappointment. It was hard to tell if the occasional dissonance was part of the songs or whether they were accidently playing two different chords. One of their best-known songs, written from the point of view of Todd's dog, became bittersweet when Todd told the audience that the dog had recently passed away.

The show was closed by marimba player Karta Shaffer, a 1997 Kayhi graduate. The marimba is similar to the xylophone, except slightly larger. Shaffer apologized for not being better prepared, but still turned in a fine performance, including a selection by Bach and a Japanese tribute to frogs. The crowd requested an encore, but she said she didn't have any other sheet music.

The next Monthly Grind will take place on October 16, and will continue on the third Saturday of each month through next May.