Jazzing up Superior

Nick Ianniello

Mineral Independent

Old school jazz lovers from Mineral County swung by the Superior Baptist Church Saturday evening for a performance from jazz vocalist Lori Conner sponsored by the Mineral County Performing Arts Council.

“It’s a wonderful loving audience. Everyone has just been so nice to us, the room is great and we’re just having a great time,” said Conner at intermission.

Conner, who has performed music in Western Montana for the last 35 years, was accompanied by bassist Pete Hand, guitarist Eric Keeling and clarinetist and saxophonist Chuck Florence.

“We love coming to Superior and we hope we get to come back soon,” Conner said.

After performing as a vocalist and guitarist in the area for 25 years, Conner discovered her true musical love in older jazz songs and has been perfecting her silky vocals and tributes to great jazz artists ever since.

The quartet filled the church’s halls with smooth quite jazz tunes from the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s and Brazilian Bossa Novas from the 60’s.

Conner’s subtle yet unmistakably beautiful voice led the band through two sets that lasted a few songs past the band’s planned end time at 9 p.m. with the audience’s blessing.

“I love how quiet and intimate it is. Everyone is very respectful. I feel like they’re really listening and enjoying what we’re doing,” Conner said.

The concert was free to listeners, although the MCPAC took up a collection from those in the audience that were willing to donate.

Organizer Jim Goss said that the MCPAC tries to keep their concerts free or as affordable as possible whenever they can afford it.

The MCPAC operates entirely off of donations and some grant money from the Western Montana Community Foundation.

Goss said that while they did not pack out the seats at Saturday night’s concert, he was impressed with both the turnout and the music provided by Conner.

“I love it, it’s intimate and beautiful,” Goss said. “I think the acoustics are nice, in a little bit bigger hall it would be too impersonal I think.”

Conner, who plays regularly at the Red Bird and Finn and Porter in Missoula, said that she was excited for the opportunity to play for a group in Superior.

“It was a nice surprise,” Conner said.

The MCPAC is currently booking entertainment for sometime in March and they plan to announce the event as soon as they have things organized.

For more information on Lori Conner or booking information call 777- 4994. To donate to the MCPAC call Goss at 822-5000 or mail in donations to P.O. Box 93 in Superior, MT 59872.