By Nedra Miller.

 

It was a warm rainy Wednesday night. Instead of being at home, forty to fifty brave souls including me headed out with a common goal in mind. We eagerly anticipated hearing the funky sophisticated sounds of Beast Wellington. Prior to the show, I spoke with band leader Mark Ingraham who told me, "I write for people to dance. It's my driving force. I want people to love my music the way I do." I understood what he was telling me, however I had no idea what I was really in for.

There we were, discussing how we felt about our first non-smoking night at the bar, when out of seemingly nowhere the trumpet hailed. With just the first note, they captured our attention. Mark Ingraham on trumpet along with the Femme Fatale Horns: Mary Lawrence Hicks on trumpet, Suzi Fischer on saxophone and Maureen Wisniewski on trombone were producing awe inspiring harmonies. Guitarist Chris Ryan exuded electricity from beginning to end. When asked to describe what he feels during a performance Chris said only this: "I just tend to play with my heart on my sleeve. I really don't know any other way!" If Chris' heart was beating similar to mine, we were both in sync with the pulse of the band bass guitarist, Derrick Englert, drummer, Devonne Harris and percussionist, Jeff Morris. These three gentlemen kept us all on beat and Mr. Morris even mystified us from time to time with chimes. Already pleasantly surprised by the sounds being produced by this band, I see Margaux LeSourd, vocalist, making her way to the stage. Hearing Ms. LeSourd's powerfully enchanting soulful voice was the moment I had been anticipating most. With style and grace she approached the microphone. As the words from "Its Love" by Jill Scott poured from her lips I could do nothing more than watch with admiration. We were all getting started dancing, when lo and behold, it was time for a set break.

The second set opened with a song Mr. Ingraham wrote entitled "Brown Chicken Brown Cow." If you are anything like me you are wondering, what could that possibly sound like? My advice, don't even try to imagine. This one you just have to hear for yourself. Not only was this a cohesively composed piece, it was also a chance for Mr. Ingraham to engage the crowd by tossing them balloons and gracing us with his presence on the microphone. "Mark is good at producing counter and interlocking points. We are both growing and changing with this band," explains Ms. LeSourd during our evening interview. Though many of the members have known each other for years, playing for other local bands such as Bungalo 6 and Oregon Hill Funk All-Stars, it is almost unfathomable to believe this band has only been practicing together since August of this past summer. Mr. Ingraham already proclaims," I feel lucky. I feel I got it right." I wholeheartedly agree.

If you enjoy dancing, laughing or even just tapping your feet Bogart's on Wednesday night is the place to be. Show starts at 10 but I recommend getting there by 9:30 for a good seat! Great music, great atmosphere, did I mention the show is free? Thought that would get your attention! I'll see you all there!

Links:

Facebook.com/BeastWellington

Twitter.com/BeastWellington

Myspace.com/BeastWellington

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Comments(3):

1. BEAST ROCKS!!

   Great article Nedra! You definitly recreated the Beast Wellington experience. I can almost see the sweaty bodies dancing, smell the draft beer, and hear Ingraham's horn blasting. Great Job!

   Friday, January 01, 2010 Doug

2. Great Debut!

   Hi Nedra, I really enjoyed your article.

   Monday, January 04, 2010 Leigh

3. Thank You!!

   Thank You so much for reading it!! Ill do my best to Satisfy the readers!!! Until Next time!! XOXO!!

   Wednesday, January 13, 2010 Nedra