Toledo Free Press STAR - March 20, 2013

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MARCH 20, 2013

Feeling lucky Suzanne Carroll returns to ‘The Jazz Brunch.’

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“One thing I like about jazz, is that I don’t know what’s going to happen next. Do you?” — Bix Beiderbecke

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“Jazz ain’t as hard as picking cotton.” — Wynton Marsalis

Feeling lucky

TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / MARCH 20, 2013 n 3

Carroll returns to radio after ‘slow slide down into hell.’

Star of the Week

By Brandi Barhite Toledo Free Press STAR Community Ombudsman bbarhite@toledofreepress.com

When Suzanne Carroll announced she would take a five-month break from her radio show, 101.5 The River’s “The Jazz Brunch,” she wasn’t sure she could return as promised on St. Patrick’s Day. A series of complicated health crises, in concert with her 20-year battle with multiple sclerosis (MS), was pushing her toward a possible early retirement that would include walkers with wheels and preparing doorways for wheelchairs.

It started with extreme nerve pain from going off MS medicine. That was followed by a diagnosis of gall bladder disease. Then she had a breast cancer scare, which delayed her gall bladder removal. During that surgery, doctors found liver disease.

This was in addition to “the worst MS attack of my entire life,” the 57-year-old said. Carroll felt the attack coming on before announcing her break and it got more debilitating during her hiatus. She called it a “slow slide down into hell.”

“I knew my MS was already bad in the summer,” Carroll said. “When I would get up from a chair, I couldn’t walk. I had to stand there and start walking really slow. I couldn’t pick things up; I was so fatigued. I was getting tired 10 minutes after waking up from a full night’s sleep.”

But with MS it is hard to tell how long an attack will continue and Carroll was unsure if she would recover as she had in the past. She thought: “If I don’t take a break right now, I am going to skid right into the dirt.”

Her doctors actually wanted her to retire, something Carroll rejected. She started her jazz show 17 years ago Oct. 7, a date so symbolic she made that her final Sunday morning show before going on extended leave.

Her return to radio March 17 was also meaningful. Twenty years ago on that date Carroll received her MS diagnosis.

“For the longest time I would say to people that I don’t know why I ever went to the doctor’s office on St. Patrick’s Day, what a stupid thing to do. Looking back at it now, I think it is a great day to get diagnosed. I feel very lucky still being function-able.” n CARROLL CONTINUES ON 4

Suzanne Carroll returned to ‘The Jazz Brunch’ on March 17 after a five-month break for health concerns.

TOLEDO FREE PRESS STAR PHOTO AND COVER PHOTO BY JOSEPH HERR

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“Gospel, country, blues, rhythm and blues, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll are all just really one thing.” — Etta James

n CARROLL CONTINUED FROM 3

Taking its toll

Carroll began exhibiting symptoms when she was 19. She lost part of the sight in her right eye and experienced numbing from the waist down.

Her diagnosis was difficult.

“I stopped going to the doctor for all of those strange, awful things, and I thought if I was just patient with myself and rested, it would subside,” Carroll said. “Now I know that it was relapsing-remitting MS.” In January 1993, she woke up with double vision. It was her second day of judging a local advertising contest and she didn’t want to miss it.

All day she kept asking fellow judges, “Can you see anything in my eye?”

When she finished, she called her husband, Dennis Witherell, and said he needed to meet her at the emergency room.

“We had no idea what that was about, but we later found out that double vision is a common symptom of MS,” Witherell said.

The doctors did a series of tests, including a spinal tap. At her follow-up appointment on St. Patrick’s Day, she found out she had MS, an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord.

“A lot of doctors had told me that my mind was playing tricks on my body. In essence, they were telling me I was a little squirrely,” she said.

“Knowing what was happening really was a powerful thing. It gave me a chance to start fighting it.”

When she was diagnosed there were no medications on the market to slow the progress of the incurable disease. She was sent home with no hope.

Eight months later, the first medication came out. n CARROLL CONTINUES ON 6

Suzanne Carroll was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1993.

TOLEDO FREE PRESS STAR PHOTO BY JOSEPH HERR

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6 n MARCH 20, 2013 / TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM n CARROLL CONTINUED FROM 4 “I have been on medication for a period of 20 years, except when I have to take a holiday in between meds,” Carroll said. “I would safely say at this point in time that if I had not done aggressive medication throughout these years, including a two-year stint with chemotherapy, I would not be working.”

Carroll is permanently numb on the right side of her body from the waist down and is three-quarters blind in her right eye. After her most recent attack, her left hand is arthritic-like.

“Every time I have a relapse, I usually get 90 percent of everything back. Over 20 years, I am slowly losing little bits. The cumulative effect, make no mistake, is taking its toll,” she said.

Going off air

Carroll’s health began a slow descent in late 2011 when she stopped taking an MS drug that put her at risk for a brain infection.

The subsequent nerve pain she felt from her waist to her neck was so painful she often had to sit unclothed with her arms in the air.

Gall bladder disease would follow, along with surgery, which had to be delayed when a mammogram revealed possible breast cancer. Fortunately, a follow-up scan came back clear a few weeks ago.

During her gall bladder surgery, doctors discovered the liver disease, which did not require a transplant, but will take two years to heal.

Meanwhile, the stress and body changes aggravated her MS. “When you know something is happening, you chill out. That is all you can do. I have a handicap

“Life is a lot like jazz — it’s best when you improvise.” — George Gershwin

sticker and I don’t usually put the sticker on my car, but as soon as all these things started, I was parking in the handicap spaces, conserving my energy, saving my steps.”

The call to go off the air was made primarily because of the liver disease and MS. “My body was shutting down. I knew it was shutting down. I would have never taken a break if I didn’t know something was happening with me.”

Since the break would be so long, she could not prerecord enough shows; however, management held her spot on 101.5 The River.

“I needed to deal with what was happening.

The number of doctor appointments and testing and time spent on my health pretty much paralleled the time I was spending on ‘The Jazz Brunch.’

There was no time for both,” Carroll said.

In December, doctors decided to retry steroid treatments for her MS, despite a horrible reaction a decade earlier. A few steroid treatments later she was admitted into the Cleveland Clinic with another severe reaction.

Soon after, on the day her leg started to feel a tad less “dead,” she discovered she had shingles.

“I am going to shoot myself right now. I am never going to get back on the radio. My plan isn’t going to work,” Carroll said of her mindset.

But extremely high doses of antivirals led to a surprising recovery, one that happened over a span of five days in January. Doctors still aren’t positive, but they think shingles may have been the longtime culprit for her illness. Her immune system, weakened by MS, could not handle it.

“All this crap just lifted off of me,” Carroll said.

“It was stunning. It was unbelievable. I am not a big one for miracles, but this feels miraculous.”

These days, Carroll is getting around without her cane. Her legs feel more limber and the tingling has lifted in some places.

“Even after this most recent attack, I did get about 90 percent back again, and I am really grateful because there is going to be a day when this will not remit,” she said.

Her husband said this MS attack was the scariest.

“We were both thinking it likely would not remit and when it did, we were thrilled.”

The voice

Carroll’s return to the radio was much anticipated. “The Jazz Brunch” is her dream job, a position she dared not seek when she was a single mother raising three children.

Instead, she focused on her ad business until she was offered a show. The newly remarried Carroll wasn’t sure she should take it, though.

She had just been diagnosed with a rotten disease and didn’t want such a high-profile position.

“But they were going to let me pick all my own music and do all my own thing. It was going to be all my own show. You don’t get an opportunity like this too many times.”

So she took it and made it her own, even selling the advertisements. The show has become a staple of Northwest Ohio radio.

“We’re thrilled to have Suzanne Carroll back on the air Sunday mornings with her show, ‘The Jazz Brunch,’” said Kellie Holeman-Szenderski, regional market manager for Clear Channel Media and Entertainment, in an email. “Our listeners and the community have truly missed her and we’re

so glad that she is ready to return to 101.5 The River. Suzanne’s show is very important to the station’s Sunday programming and she’s a dear friend of Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Toledo.”

D.J. Yark, general manager of Yark BMW, said that Carroll has been a wonderful partner.

Yark runs seven commercials throughout her four-hour show.

“It was a very tough time for her, but we are glad she is getting back as soon as she has. We didn’t like to have her off,” Yark said.

Carroll said her show has always been intensely personal. Longtime listeners can tell what is going on in her life by what is being played. One of her favorite CDs and title tracks is “Lucky To Be Me” by Carol Welsman.

This song especially resonates because of her recent recovery.

To get in the mood for her live show, she turns down the lights in the studio, gets her coffee and turns on her sexy voice. Longtime fan Gary Enck said he hasn’t listened to The River since she went off the air.

“My Sundays have been very lonely,” he said. “We are really anxious to have her back.

She is a treasure.”

Carroll said she never knew for certain if she would return by March 17. Luck was involved.

“A lot of people would say I have planned on coming back on St. Patrick’s Day all along, but I didn’t. I grabbed at the date in the spring that meant something to me and that was my date of my MS diagnosis.”

Now St. Patrick’s Day is doubly meaningful. It is the day she returned to radio, too. O

“Jazz is the folk music of the machine age.” — Paul Whiteman

Second Round March 21-22

Third Round March 23-24

*First Round March 19-20 Dayton

Regional Semifinals March 28-29

Regional Finals March 30-31

National Semifinals April 6

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

National Semifinals April 6

TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / MARCH 20, 2013 n 7

Regional Finals March 30-31

Regional Semifinals March 28-29

(16) North Carolina A&T (19-16)

(11) Middle Tennessee (28-5)

(16) Long Island U. Brooklyn (20-13)

(13) Boise St. (21-10)

(16) Liberty (15-20)

(11) St. Mary’s (Calif.) (27-6)

(16) James Madison U. (20-14)

(13) La Salle (21-9)

Third Round March 23-24

*First Round March 19-20 Dayton

(1) Kansas (29-5)

(1) Louisville (29-5) (16) North Carolina A&T/Liberty* (8) Colorado State (25-8)

NCAA TOURNAMENT ®

Lexington, Ky. March 23

San Jose, Calif.

March 23

(13) New Mexico State (24-10)

(11) Middle Tenn./St. Mary’s* (3) Michigan State (25-8)

(8) North Carolina (24-10)

(5) Virginia Commonwealth (26-8) Auburn Hills, Mich.

March 23

Auburn Hills, Mich.

March 23

(4) Michigan (26-7)

(6) UCLA (25-9)

NORTH TEXAS

INDIANAPOLIS

(12) Akron (26-6)

(13) South Dakota State (25-9)

SOUTH

MIDWEST

(6) Memphis (30-4)

(16) Western Kentucky (20-15)

(9) Villanova (20-13)

2013

(5) Oklahoma State (24-8)

(4) Saint Louis (27-6)

Kansas City, Mo. March 24

BRACKET

(9) Missouri (23-10)

(12) Oregon (26-8)

Second Round March 21-22

Austin, Texas March 24

(11) Minnesota (20-12) (3) Florida (26-7)

(14) Valparaiso (26-7)

(14) Northwestern State (23-8)

(7) Creighton (27-7)

(7) San Diego State (23-10)

(10) Cincinnati (22-11) (2) Duke (27-5)

Philadelphia March 24

April 8

(15) Albany (N.Y.) (24-10)

ATLANTA April 6

(1) Gonzaga (31-2) (16) Southern U. (23-9) (8) Pittsburgh (24-8)

Philadelphia March 24

ATLANTA

(2) Georgetown (25-6) (15) Florida Gulf Coast (24-10)

ATLANTA April 6

(1) Indiana (27-6)

CHAMPION

Salt Lake City March 23

(10) Oklahoma (20-11)

Dayton, Ohio March 24

(16) LIU Brooklyn/JMU* (8) North Carolina State (24-10)

(9) Wichita St. (26-8)

(9) Temple (23-9)

(5) Wisconsin (23-11)

(5) UNLV (Las Vegas) (25-9)

(12) Ole Miss (26-8) (4) Kansas State (27-7)

Kansas City, Mo. March 24

(13) Boise State/La Salle*

WEST

(6) Arizona (25-7) (11) Belmont (26-6) (3) New Mexico (29-5)

San Jose, Calif.

March 23

Salt Lake City March 23

(14) Harvard (19-9)

(6) Butler (26-8)

WASHINGTON, D.C.

REGIONAL SITES Indianapolis, Los Angeles, North Texas and Washington, D.C.

Lexington, Ky. March 23

(2) Ohio State (26-7)

(11) Bucknell (28-5) (3) Marquette (23-8) (14) Davidson (26-7) (7) Illinois (22-12)

(7) Notre Dame (25-9) (10) Iowa State (22-11)

(4) Syracuse (26-9) (13) Montana (25-6)

EAST

LOS ANGELES

(12) California (20-11)

Dayton, Ohio March 24

(15) Iona (20-13)

Download this bracket:

Austin, Texas March 24

(10) Colorado (21-11) (2) Miami (Fla.) (27-6) (15) Pacific (22-12)

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“Writing about music is like dancing about architecture.” — Thelonius Monk

Next year, close Conant Street for Project iAm

N

orthwest Ohio is known for its signature events: The Jamie Farr Toledo Classic, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Mud Hens Opening Day, and after what I experienced on March 10, Project iAm’s Acoustics for Autism. The all-day music festival happened in Uptown Maumee at The Village Idiot and Buster Brown’s and the thousands who attended bore witness to its evolution from the vision of a charitable woman with a KHOURY big heart and a guitar to an event that will give lifetime memories and change lives.

Nicole Khoury, the face and founder of Project iAm, has created a signature event in a small Northwest Ohio town, not from greed but from love.

Project iAm’s concept is simple; it’s a local charity that raises awareness and money for families with children who fall under the spectrum of autism — families like mine. The money raised creates scholarships for early intervention programs, which are key to young children with autism. The never-mentioned

larger benefit of Project iAm is that it creates a support group and network for those families dealing with children who are not “normal,” but in the most beautiful of ways.

This was the sixth annual Acoustics for Autism and from the start, the vibe was different. The family-friendly event featured three stages highlighting more than 30 local musicians and included a kids’ workshop tent. Calen Jeremy Savidge, who opened the main stage inside The Village Idiot, began playing at 12:30 p.m. and by 1 p.m. the place was packed. I was amazed at how busy it got, but more importantly by how much earlier the crowd came and how much longer it stayed.

During the previous five years, people did not start filing in until 4 p.m. and slowly started exiting a little after 8 p.m. — but this year was different.

The feeling and vibe inside The Village

I

Idiot was one of the best I have ever felt, not just in Northwest Ohio, but anywhere. Imagine the crowd from OB’s on St. Patrick’s Day, crossed with the fellowship of any church festival’s chicken dinner on Sunday and an all-day music festival. That is how it felt in Maumee that day. It wasn’t just a charity event — it felt like the wedding reception for your favorite couple.

The 35-minute set times for the local musicians created the perfect soundtrack. Each artist played his or her greatest hits and crowd pleasers to near perfection. At times, the packed crowd sang louder than the PA system, and at

others made the building shake with their dancing.

As near perfect as this event was, next year it can be bigger. More than $25,000 was raised on a single block, on a Sunday in

BAUMHOWER

Media WATCH

Maumee. Thousands of people experienced the beauty that town offers while only seeing the insides of a couple of businesses. The City of Maumee should recognize the success of Project iAm, and take measures to make it bigger. Next year, if you close down the 300 block of Conant Street, this event becomes a festival. Establishments like Dale’s and the Maumee Theatre give even more options for planning such an event.

Autism affects one in 88 and that number is changing daily.

The closing of Conant Street for an event or holiday is not without precedent. Every year, Opening Day for Maumee Little League features a parade through Uptown.

This event celebrates children and America’s pastime, but not every child can play baseball. Let’s shut it down for one more day, and really make a difference, not just in Maumee, but regionally.

The highlight of the day came from the stage inside The Idiot. Joe Woods’ cover of Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” perfectly captured the moment. The song’s words challenged us to make a difference ... the very difference Khoury’s vision was making.

To find out more about Project iAm, visit www.projectiam.com. O

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“Jazz is the false liquidation of art.” — Theodor W. Adorno

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The blues W

hether worn on the job in early years or later as a fashion statement, denim has long been a staple of the American wardrobe. There is just something about it — maybe its practicality, its style or its heritage. Whatever it is, people love it more than ever.

Denim is one of few items that can be worn at almost any occasion and fits all, yes all types of style. Whether you are going for a casual, sexy, edgy, trendy, or feminine look-among many, denim fits the mold.

Denim can truly be anything for LaUREN anyone. It makes sense for most, and is easy, practical and fashionable in one. Denim is almost always the one item in fashion that people of all styles can agree on.

When most of us think of denim, automatically we think of jeans. Jeans have been around forever, are worn every single day and are the most common of the denim family.

Now, more than ever, designers are celebrating denim in a new, fresh way and it is through the denim, button up shirt. Now, and throughout spring 2013, almost every store will carry denim buttonup shirts. Just like jeans, this shirt can be worn in so many different ways — from edgy, to trendy, to chic that you will regret not buying one.

So you may ask, “How in the heck can I rock a denim button-up shirt?” For the first-time button-up denim shirt wearer, here are some fun ideas to get you excited.

Wear a denim button-up shirt over a fitted dress.

First, start with one 00 of your favorite fitted $ black dresses, or even one with a pattern. Keep the dress simple and basic; don’t go for one with studs, chains or zippers. The idea is to keep the look clean and chic.

Next, layer your jean shirt, unbuttoned over your dress almost as if you were wearing it like a blazer. If your dress has sleeves, let the sleeves poke out the bottom of your denim shirt and don’t be afraid to roll up the sleeves a little. Finish the look off with a fun pair of tights, a pair of riding boots or ankle boots, a few chain necklaces, a watch and some layered bracelets. This look is so easy, carefree, and stylish. This would be a fresh look for a night out on the town or even for shopping during the day.

Wear your denim shirt with a pin skirt to work. Many women may be hesitant to wear anything denim related to work and that is understandably so. Denim still can have that casual connotation related to it — that is, until now. One of the sexiest, chicest, and stylish outfits a woman can sport to work is a fitted denim button-up, with a pin skirt, a

A new wave of denim. pair of great pumps, and a statement necklace. The look is so unexpected, yet works. It’s where your down to earth side meets your powerhouse side and creates an incredible look. Try ladies, it wont disappoint.

Wear your denim shirt under a fun sweater. This look is perfect for first time wearers of the denim button-up shirt. The look is timeless yet fun. Start with your denim button up shirt, and over it, layer one of your favorite sweaters.

However, the look is best if you keep the sweater loud and fun.

For instance, top your denim with a hot pink sweater, a neon yellow sweater, one with polka dots, or leopard print. Again, the down-to-earth look paired with trendier items creates a fashion masterpiece! Top your look off with your favorite pair of skinny jeans, a great pair of flats, and a true statement necklace. This look is definitely no-fail.

There is no time like the present to try something fresh, new, fabulous and did I mention no-fail! The looks that you can create with a very simple button-up denim shirt are endless.

Best of all — these denim shirts are everywhere and affordable. Try Target, Forever 21, or Old Navy for cute fits and even hotter prices. O

O’NEILL

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Lauren blogs about fashion at www. mypinmoneyfashion.com. Email her at lauren@ mypinmoneyfashion.com.

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“Did Bach ever eat pancakes at midnight?” — Nathan Reese Maher

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12 n MARCH 20, 2013 / TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM

“If you have to ask what jazz is, you’ll never know.” — Louis Armstrong

((((((((((((( THE PULSE

MARCH 20-27, 2013

What’s what, where and when in NW Ohio

Compiled by Whitney Meschke Events are subject to change.

The Ark

MUSIC

This intimate venue showcases acts from the A-list to the lesser known. 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. (734) 761-1451, (734) 761-1800 or www.theark.org. ✯ Rachael Davis, Dominic John, Chris Buhalis: 8 p.m.

March 21, $15. ✯ Griffin House: 7:30 p.m. March 24, $15. ✯ Martha Wainwright, Clarence Bucaro: 8 p.m. March 25, $21. ✯ Emily Hearn: 8 p.m. March 26, free. ✯ Alejandro Escovedo, the Sensitive Boys: 8 p.m. March 27, $25. ✯ Thao & the Get Down Stay Down, Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside: 8 p.m. March 28, $15. ✯ Suzanne Westenhoefer: 8 p.m. March 29, $26.

Bar 145°

This new venue features burgers, bands and bourbon, if its slogan is to be believed. $5 cover. 5304 Monroe St. (419) 593-0073 or bar145toledo.com. ✯ Piano Wars: March 20. ✯ Kings of Hollywood: March 21. ✯ Dirty Little Rock Stars: March 22. ✯ Arctic Clam: March 23. ✯ Hello My Name Is: March 29.

Basin St. Grille

This Toledo standby has been revived with more than 20 different flavors of martinis and live, local music. 5201 Monroe St. (419) 843-5660. ✯ Li’l Ed & the Blues Imperials: 5 p.m. March 24, $16-$19.

B-Bop Records/Third Space

Offering “organic music for the cyber age,” this music store offers vinyl, CDs, memorabilia and the occasional concert.

Third Space, 137 N. Michigan St. (419) 535-1234, www. bboprecords.com or www.thirdspacetoledo.com. ✯ Paul Stranahan: 7-10 p.m. March 22, free/donations. ✯ Juanito Pascual New Flamenco Trio: 7-10 p.m. March 28. ✯ Luna Moth: 7-10 p.m. March 29.

BGSU concerts

The university’s ensembles, choirs, quartets and more — and their friends — will present the music they’ve been perfecting. Halls are located in Moore Musical Arts Center, Willard Drive and Ridge Street, Bowling Green, unless noted

otherwise. (419) 372-8171, (800) 589-2224, (419) 3728888 or www.bgsu.edu/arts. ✯ Tom Rosenkranz: 8 p.m. March 20, Bryan Recital Hall. ✯ ADJ-ective New Music: 8 p.m. March 21, Bryan Recital Hall. ✯ Horn’s a Plenty Young People’s Concert: 11 a.m. March 23, Bryan Recital Hall, $4. ✯ Praecepta: 8 p.m. March 24, Choral Rehearsal Hall. ✯ Annette-Barbara Vogel, violin: 8 p.m. March 25, Donnell Theatre, Wolfe Center for the Arts. ✯ Trombone and Horn Choir: 8 p.m. March 26, Donnell Theatre, Wolfe Center for the Arts. ✯ Christopher Fisher, piano: 8 p.m. March 29, Bryan Recital Hall.

The Blarney Irish Pub

Catch local acts while taking in the pub’s modern Irish and American fare. 601 Monroe St. (419) 418-2339 or www. theblarneyirishpub.com. ✯ Dave Carpenter: 8 p.m. March 21. ✯ Last Call Heroes: 9:30 p.m. March 23.

Blind Pig

A variety of rock, soul, pop and alternative acts perform at this bar. 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor. $3-$20 unless noted.

(734) 996-8555 or blindpigmusic.com. ✯ Ben Rose, Kelly Elizabeth, Paper Bags, the White Ravens: 9:30 p.m. March 20. ✯ The Alcoholic Oracles, the Vail House Band, Fox, Howabout Jam: 9:30 p.m. March 21. ✯ Pato Margetic, Fingers and Brain, the Mackinac Peaches, Army of Clouds, Will Glover: 9:30 p.m. March 23. ✯ Steddy P & DJ Mahf, Kadence, SA the Abolitionist, Tree City: 9:30 p.m. March 27. ✯ Fly Union, Fowl, Clear Soul Forces, Gameboi, Metal Apes, Up in the Sky: 9 p.m. March 28. ✯ Mustard Plug, Mixtapes, the A-Gang, Sailor Kicks: 9 p.m.

March 29.

Bronze Boar

Be sure to check out this Warehouse District tavern’s namesake, overhead near the entrance. 20 S. Huron St. (419) 244-2627 or www.bronzeboar.com. ✯ Open mic: Thursdays and Mondays. ✯ Crucial 420: March 22. ✯ Decent Folk: March 23. ✯ Swamp Kings: March 29.

Caesars Windsor

If you have your passport, consider hopping the Detroit River for this casino’s entertainment offerings. Starting ticket prices, in Canadian dollars, are for the cheapest seats; attendees must be 19 or older. Caesars Windsor Colosseum, 377 Riverside Dr. East, Windsor, Ontario. (800) 991-7777 or

www.caesarswindsor.com. ✯ The Doobie Brothers: 9 p.m. March 29, $25.

Clazel Theater

This venue has been rocking BGSU students (and others) for years. 127 N. Main St., Bowling Green. (419) 353-5000 or www.clazel.net. ✯ “Live Wire,” featuring Kitty Glitter, City of Kings, Gold, the Matt Truman Ego Trip: 9 p.m. March 21, $2. ✯ Of Mice & Men, Chunk! No Captain Chunk! March 29.

Cock n’ Bull Tavern

Another drinking-and-dining option has opened up near Fifth Third Field and will feature occasional musical performances. 9 N. Huron St. (419) 244-2855. ✯ Open mic with Breaking Ground: 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays. ✯ Captain Sweet Shoes: 9 p.m. Thursdays. ✯ John Barile & Bobby May: 6 p.m. Fridays. ✯ Danny Mettler: 8:30 p.m. Sundays. ✯ Luke James & the Thieves: 9:30 p.m. March 22. ✯ The Rivets: 9 p.m. March 23. ✯ Luke James: 9 p.m. March 26. ✯ Jeff Stewart & the 25s: 9:30 p.m. March 29.

Dégagé Jazz Café

Signature drinks, such as pumpkin martinis, plus live local jazz performers. 301 River Road, Maumee. $5 weekends for cafe seating. (419) 794-8205 or www.degagejazzcafe.com. ✯ Gene Parker & Friends: 7-10 p.m. March 20 and 26-27. ✯ Michael Peslikis: 7 p.m. March 21. ✯ Alexander Zonjic: 7:30 p.m. March 22-23. ✯ The Trio featuring Mark Williams: March 28. ✯ Skip Turner: 7:30 p.m. March 29-30.

The Distillery

Karaoke is offered Tuesdays, but paid entertainers rock out Wednesdays-Saturdays. 4311 Heatherdowns Blvd. (419) 382-1444 or www.thedistilleryonline.com. ✯ Bush League: March 22-23. ✯ The Bridges: March 29-30.

Doc Watson’s

Named in honor of the owners’ forefather, this bar and restaurant serves a variety of dishes and entertainment. 1515 S. Byrne Road. (419) 389-6003 or docwatsonstoledo.com. ✯ Shawn Sanders: 10 p.m. March 22. ✯ Dan Stewart, Frank May: 10 p.m. March 23. ✯ Cliff Millimen: 10 p.m. March 29.

Dorr St. Café

Grab a reuben or some fish while bobbing your head to some tunes. Southwest corner of Dorr Street at Reynolds Road. (419) 531-4446 or www.dorrstreetcafe.com.

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✯ Scott Ballard: March 22. ✯ Rance Crane: March 29.

Evolution

A club “for the mature crowd,” Evolution offers $5 martinis on Thursdays and the occasional live musical performance. 519 S. Reynolds Road. (419) 725-6277 or clubevolutiontol.com. ✯ Cont-Nuite Band: 7 p.m. March 21. ✯ Alexander Zonjic: 7 p.m. March 28.

Fat Fish Blue

Serving blues and similar sounds, as well as bayoustyle grub. Levis Commons, 6140 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg. (419) 931-3474 or fatfishfunnybonetoledo.com. ✯ Bourbon Street: 9 p.m. March 22-23.

Frankie’s Inner City

Toledo’s venue for rock. 308 Main St. $5-$15, unless noted.

(419) 693-5300 or www.FrankiesInnerCity.com. ✯ Golden State, Jeffrey Oliver: 7 p.m. March 20. ✯ Close to Home, Adestria, Alive in Standby, Dismember the Fallen, Dementria: 6 p.m. March 22. ✯ Professor, Little American Champ, Dismantle, Xdont get boredX: 9 p.m. March 23. ✯ Trouble Giant: 9 p.m. March 28.

French Quarter J. Patrick’s Pub

Live entertainment after 9:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. Holiday Inn French Quarter, 10630 Fremont Pike, Perrysburg.

(419) 874-3111 or www.hifq.com. ✯ The Late Show: March 22-23.

Greektown Casino-Hotel

Three stages — at Shotz Sports Bar, Bistro 555 and Asteria — offer competition for gamblers’ attention. 555 E. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit. No cover charge, unless noted; guests must be 21 or older. (888) 771-4386 or www.greektowncasino.com. ✯ Daniel Harrison & the $2 Highway: 5-9 p.m. Wednesdays, Asteria. ✯ Christina & Joey: 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Shotz. ✯ Athena Johnson: 8 p.m. March 22, Asteria. ✯ Laura Rain and the Ceasers: 9:30 p.m. March 22, Shotz. ✯ New Tenants: 8 p.m. March 23, Asteria.

T

LE ry our SP NT EC EN IAL S

“If Music is a Place — then Jazz is the City.” — Vera Nazarian H Lounge

The newly opened Hollywood Casino Toledo offers musical distractions from all the lights and jackpots. 777 Hollywood Blvd. (419) 661-5200 or www.hollywoodcasinotoledo.com. ✯ Risque: 9 p.m. March 22. ✯ Sierra Shame: 9 p.m. March 23. ✯ Remedy: 9 p.m. March 29.

Hamway’s on the Main

Live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights gets a side order of steak, seafood and prime rib at this 30-year area institution. 5577 Monroe St., Sylvania. (419) 885-0290 or hamwaysonthemain.com. ✯ Clifford Murphy & Mike Whitty: March 22. ✯ Dan & Don: March 23. ✯ B.J. Love: March 29.

Headliners

All ages, all genres are welcome. 4500 N. Detroit Ave. Ticket prices vary between $5 and $15, unless noted otherwise.

(419) 269-4500 or www.headlinerstoledo.com. ✯ Orgy, Vampires Everywhere, Davey Suicide: March 28.

Jazz on the Maumee

The Art Tatum Jazz Society will provide smooth, cool “Twilight Jazz” along the river, appetizers included. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Grand Plaza Hotel’s Aqua Lounge, 444 N. Summit St. $5-$15. (419) 241-141 or www.arttatumsociety.com. ✯ Turner Organ Trio: March 20. ✯ Chris Buzzelli, Eric Dickey, Lori LeFevre-Johnson: March 27.

Kerrytown Concert House

This venue focuses on classical, jazz and opera artists and music. 415 N. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor, Mich. $5-$30, unless noted. (734) 769-2999 or www.kerrytownconcerthouse.com. ✯ Suono Mobile USA: 8 p.m. March 20. ✯ Peter “Madcat” Ruth: 8 p.m. March 21, free. ✯ Larry Fuller Trio: 8 p.m. March 22. ✯ Ann Arbor School for the Performing Arts fundraiser: 5 p.m. March 24. ✯ Kenzie Slottow: 8:30 p.m. March 25. ✯ St. Olaf College Piano Tour: 8 p.m. March 27, free. ✯ Barbara Wisse, Mark Kahny: 8 p.m. March 28, free.

TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / MARCH 20, 2013 n 13

Manhattan’s

This “slice of the Big Apple” in the Glass City provides entertainment most weekends. 1516 Adams St. (419) 243-6675 or www.manhattanstoledo.com. ✯ Zac Kreuz: 6-9 p.m. March 21 and 28. ✯ Buddy Boy Slim & the Blues Rockers: March 29.

✯ 2XL: 5:15 p.m. March 23. ✯ Big Will & 360 Band: 10 p.m. March 23. ✯ Sun Messengers: 3:30 p.m. March 24. ✯ Random Family: 7 p.m. March 25. ✯ Randy Brock Group: 7 p.m. March 26. ✯ Killer Flamingos: 7 p.m. March 27.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop

MGM Grand Detroit

One2 Lounge at Treo

The Pour House

Ottawa Tavern

Robinwood Concert House

Live music rings out over the slots and croupiers on the weekends in the Int Ice lounge. 1777 Third St., Detroit. (877) 888-2121 or www.mgmgranddetroit.com. ✯ Solo piano: 6-8:30 p.m. Fridays. ✯ Modern Tribe, Charles & Gwen Scales: 9 p.m. March 22. ✯ Thornetta Davis: 9 p.m. March 23. ✯ Persuasion: 9 p.m. March 29.

Mickey Finn’s

A variety of genres to wash your drinks down with. Open mic nights, 8 p.m. Wednesdays, no cover; $5-$7 cover other nights. 602 Lagrange St. (419) 246-3466 or www.mickeyfinnspub.com. ✯ The Icarus Account: March 20. ✯ A Life Lost Once, Author & Punisher, Encrust: March 21, $11. ✯ Tasha, Dios Ama, Human Juicebox, Raine Wilder: March 22. ✯ Demonshifter, Buried but Breathing, Truth Ascension, Animation of Instinct: March 23. ✯ The Chariot, Goodbye Blue Skies: March 26, $11. ✯ Native: March 27. ✯ Wheeler Brothers, What Made Milwaukee Famous: March 29.

Motor City Casino/Hotel

This casino’s Sound Board offers big names, big sounds and a big experience. 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit. Guests must be 21 or older. (866) 782-9622 or www.motorcitycasino.com. ✯ Colbie Caillat: 8 p.m. March 21, $30-$42. ✯ Jewel: 7:30 p.m. March 24, $30-$42. ✯ The Infatuations, Lewis Hensley: 7:30 p.m. March 27, free.

The casino’s Chromatics Lounge also features live performances. ✯ Love Sick: 7 p.m. March 20. ✯ Fabulous Soul Shakers: 7 p.m. March 21. ✯ Jimmy D Scott: 5:15 p.m. March 22. ✯ Dal Bouey: 10 p.m. March 22.

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Live music starts at 7:30 p.m. 5703 Main St., Sylvania. (419) 882-2266 or treosylvania.com. ✯ John Barile & Bobby May: March 20. ✯ Stonehouse: March 22. ✯ NOPA: March 23. ✯ Organized with Tim Tiderman: March 29.

Casual meals and bingo and trivia nights with weekend entertainment. 1815 Adams St. (419) 725-5483 or www.otavern.com. ✯ The Black Atlantic, Dewdroppers, Mary Lynn: 10 p.m.

March 22. ✯ Jonathan Hape, Bikini Babes: 10 p.m. March 23.

What began as an antique store in Chicago turned into a string of more than 200 eateries nationwide, including Toledo. All of the shops feature live music. 4038 Talmadge Road. (419) 725-5037 or www.potbelly.com. ✯ Jamie Mills: Noon-2 p.m. Fridays.

This bar was founded by local musicians with a focus on the tunes (and a good time). 7430 W. Central Ave. (419) 4503234 or (419) 307-9691. ✯ Chris Knopp: March 21. ✯ The Rivets: March 22. ✯ Nick Neenan: March 23.

A home for the avant garde and untraditional, this Old West End venue hosts artists on the experimental end of the musical rainbow. 9 p.m., 2564 Robinwood Ave. $5 donation, unless noted. www.toledobellows.wordpress.com. ✯ Tasos Stamou: March 22.

14 n MARCH 20, 2013 / TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM

“What is my definition of jazz? ‘Safe sex of the highest order’.” — Kurt Vonnegut

Take me out to The Blarney!

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The personal touch and individual attention we provide our guests make your dining experience unique in a way that all chain restaurants unsuccessfully strive to emulate.”

Founded in 1968, this Celtic-style bar and eatery offers entertainment at its three locations. 4400 Heatherdowns Blvd., (419) 381-1281; 105 S. Third St., Waterville, (419) 441-1081; and 7436 W. Bancroft St., Sylvania, (419) 7247981. www.shawnsirishtavern.com. ✯ Johnny Rodriguez: 9:30 p.m. March 22, 27 and 29, Toledo; March 21, Waterville.

Stella’s

Nouveau cuisine gets a helping of music Thursdays through Saturdays. 104 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg. (419) 873-8360 or www.stellasrestaurantandbar.com. ✯ Eddie Molina: March 21 and 28. ✯ Kyle White: March 22. ✯ Meaghan Roberts: March 23.

Swig

Anyone curious about this charcuterie can check out the menu while also sampling some music Tuesdays through Saturdays. 219 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg. (419) 873-6224 or www.swigrestaurantandbar.com. ✯ Jason Slone: March 21. ✯ Kristi & the Dudes: March 22. ✯ Gingerlove: March 23. ✯ Scott Biddle: March 28.

Table Forty 4

Upscale dining plus live entertainment is a welcome combination. Music starts at 9:30 p.m. and concludes at 1:30 a.m.

610 Monroe St. (419) 725-0044 or www.tableforty4.com. ✯ Distant Cousinz: March 22. ✯ Jeff Stewart and the 25s: March 23.

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Trotters Tavern

Tequila Sheila’s Downtown

This corner bar-type hangout offers the occasional bit of entertainment. 702 Monroe St. $3. (419) 241-1118. ✯ Clifton Smith: March 23.

Trotters Tavern

5131 Heatherdowns Blvd. (419) 381-2079. ✯ Jeff McDonald’s Big Band All Stars: 8-10:30 p.m. Tuesdays.

The Village Idiot

Tunes combined with pizza and booze, some would say it’s

Black Pearl

a perfect combination. 309 Conant St., Maumee. (419) 8937281 or www.villageidiotmaumee.com. ✯ Old West End Records: 8 p.m. Wednesdays. ✯ Bob Rex Trio: 6 p.m. Sundays. ✯ Frankie May and friends: 10 p.m. Mondays. ✯ John Barile & Bobby May: 8 p.m. Tuesdays, $5.

Wesley’s Bar & Grill

A huge variety of beers helps wash down the entertainment.

1201 Adams St. (419) 255-3333 or wesleysbar.com. ✯ Lucian Townes, Sarah Donnley Band: 10 p.m. March 23, free.

Ye Olde Durty Bird

A full bar featuring frozen drinks and multiple happy hours (4-7) on weekdays, plus salads, soups and sandwiches, accompany live entertainment four nights a week. 2 S. St. Clair.

(419) 243-2473 or www.yeoldedurtybird.com. ✯ The Eight-Fifteens: 8 p.m. March 20. ✯ Kristi Gilson: 7 p.m. March 21. ✯ Dan Stewart, Frankie May: 8 p.m. March 22 and 7 p.m.

March 27. ✯ Kyle White: 8:30 p.m. March 23. ✯ Mike Whitty: Noon March 24. ✯

employment general

DAY CAMP AND NATURE PROGRAM STAFF Metroparks of the Toledo Area is looking for qualified individuals to deliver day camp and nature programming at Wildwood Preserve and other parks. Some college education in an environmental field and experience working with children, camp counselor or outdoor education experience required. Seasonal positions, 40 hours/week, May through August or longer. Lead camp coordinator $10.22 per hour; nature program interpreter, $9.28/hr. Go to www.metroparkstoledo.com for complete job requirements and descriptions; must submit online application and resume by 3/31/13. EOE

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Maumee Valley Romance Writers of America members Shay Lacy, Susana Ellis, Jenna Rutland and Constance Phillips at Sanger Branch Library.

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TOLEDO FREE PRESS STAR PHOTO BY JOSEPH HERR

Book lovers Local romance writers host March 23 event.

By Sarah Ottney TOLEDO FREE PRESS STAR MANAGING EDITOR sottney@toledofreepress.com

Several years ago, aspiring writer Jenna Rutland finished reading a romance novel and was surprised to discover its authors lived nearby.

The book was written by Tony and Lori Karayianni, a Toledo couple who have published dozens of titles under the pseudonym Tori Carrington.

“I found out they lived in Toledo, Ohio, which just totally shocked me because I always thought a writer has to live in New York,” said Rutland, the pseudonym of a Temperance medical transcriptionist. “I went to their website and saw they were going to be doing a book signing in Monroe so I went and met them and they told me about this group.”

Many people are surprised there are published romance writers in the Toledo area, said Rutland, who recently published her first book, “Just for the Summer,” through Entangled Publishing.

The Maumee Valley Romance Writers of America (MVRWA) is the local chapter of Romance Writers of America (RWA), a group with more than 10,000 members in 145 chapters.

The local chapter, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, will host its free annual Book Lovers Event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 23 at Sanger Branch Library, 3030 W. Central Ave.,

featuring free books, readings from published authors, panel discussions, raffles and more.

“Just pop in and say hi,” said Wendy Burke, the pseudonym of a Springfield Township woman who works at a local television station.

“If you think it’s just a bunch of people sitting around being stodgy and talking about books, that’s not the case at all.”

Members said they find kindred spirits and a support system through the group.

“You can talk writing and they understand you,” Rutland said. “As supportive as my family is, you only have a short amount of time and you lose them.”

“I like breaking boundaries. I like the freedom of imagination,” added Shay Lacy, the pseudonym of a Toledo secretary who has six books published. “This group supports me through my successes and my difficult times.”

Unpublished members can glean tips from more experienced writers.

“Everybody’s so willing to share,” said Constance Phillips of Perrysburg, who works in the office of her husband’s hardwood flooring company and is one of the few group members who writes under her real name.

Phillips’ first book, “Fairyproof,” was published in September by Crescent Moon Press.

Her second book, “Resurrecting Harry,” came out in March. n ROMANCE CONTINUES ON 16

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“Jazz isn’t dead, it just smells funny.” — Frank Zappa

n ROMANCE CONTINUED FROM 15 “It’s amazing [to be published],” Phillips said. “You can’t really describe it. You spend years and years fighting the current and battling rejections and then to get that is pretty amazing.”

Romance novels generated more than $1.36 billion in sales in 2011 and accounted for 14.3 percent of the U.S. consumer fiction market, according to research cited

by RWA. That’s compared to religion/inspirational fiction ($715 million), mystery ($709 million), science fiction/fantasy ($579 million) and classic literary fiction ($467 million).

The genre is broad — ranging from faith-based inspirational to erotica — but the hallmarks are a central love story and an emotionally satisfying ending, according to RWA. “About the only universal law to a romance is that there’s a happily ever after,” Phillips said. “Other than that, you could put five different romance books together and they’d be as different as night and day.”

The percentage of romance titles sold as ebooks has proportionally doubled in one year, from 22 percent in 2011 to 44 percent in 2012, according to RWA. “There’s been a huge growth there in the past five years,” Phillips said. “I think the big change is

Amazon and Barnes & Noble developed readers the public could easily use. The physical devices opened up the market for e-publishing to grow.”

Half a dozen MVRWA group members were newly published last year.

“It was a pretty amazing time last year,” Phillips said. “It was one after the other.”

The streak hit shortly after a meeting where members were feeling pretty discouraged, Burke said.

“We all kind of sat there and cried,” Burke said. “It was a difficult time. We encouraged everybody and then it was bam, bam, bam, bam, bam, in the matter of a few months.”

Retired teacher Susana Ellis of Toledo found MVRWA while searching online for writing groups. The emotional day Burked described was Ellis’ first meeting. Rather than scare her away, the tears made her feel less alone after getting some negative feedback about her writing.

“I was totally devastated,” said Ellis, a pseudonym for the former eighth-grade foreign language teacher. “So when I saw the group members were all upset, I thought, ‘Oh, I’m not the only one.’ I just felt like these were people who liked to do what I liked to do and we had a lot in common. I’ve learned so much in the past year.”

Ellis grew up on a farm, where she told stories to her sisters and was often chastised for shirking her chores to read.

“I really think you write what you read,” said Ellis, who writes historical romance, mainly set

in the early 1800s Regency Era. “I’ve just read historical romance, especially Regencies, for decades, so that’s what comes naturally to me.”

Ellis recently published her first short story, “Treasuring Theresa,” through Ellora’s Cave, a publisher mainly known for erotic romance, but which also has a line of Regency romances called Blush Cotillion.

Ellis didn’t plan on telling her conservative family about her writing, but accidently revealed her secret when she replied to an email with the signature of her pseudonym.

“I have one sister who is definitely not supportive, but actually it’s turned out to be a pretty positive thing,” Ellis said. “Everybody else has been really supportive.”

MVRWA is also inspiring the next generation of romance writers. Phillips’ daughter Katelynn Phillips joined two years ago and was inspired by her mom to become a writer herself. The 20-year-old Bowling Green State University sophomore recently changed her major from visual communications technology to English.

“I’m not entirely sure where that’s going yet, but I do want to be a writer sometime in my life,” Katelynn said. “I don’t think I would have had the idea to even switch majors if I didn’t have people like the people in this group, my parents or my friends who told me I could do it.

“When [my mom] was published it was great because it’s wonderful to see somebody who’s put in so much time and effort and supported you achieve their dreams,” Katelynn said. “It shows that hard work pays off.”

For more information, visit www.mvrwa.net. O

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TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / MARCH 20, 2013 n . 17

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18 n MARCH 20, 2013 / TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM

“There is no such thing as a wrong note.” — Art Tatum

‘Doin’ the D’

Alexander Zonjic to perform ‘intimate’ show at Dégagé Jazz Café on March 22-23.

By Matt Liasse Toledo Free Press Star Staff Writer star@toledofreepress.com

A publication of Toledo Free Press, LLC, Vol.4, No.12 Established 2010.

Thomas F. Pounds, President/Publisher tpounds@toledofreepress.com Michael S. Miller, Editor in Chief mmiller@toledofreepress.com EDITORIAL

Mary Ann Stearns, Design Editor mastearns@toledofreepress.com James A. Molnar, Lead Designer jmolnar@toledofreepress.com Sarah Ottney, Managing Editor sottney@toledofreepress.com Brigitta Burks, News Editor bburks@toledofreepress.com Jeff McGinnis, Pop Culture Editor PopGoesJeff@gmail.com ADMINISTRATION

Pam Burson, Business Manager pburson@toledofreepress.com CONTRIBUTORS star@toledofreepress.com Jim Beard • Amy Campbell • John Dorsey Matt Feher • Dustin Hostetler • Stacy Jurich Vicki L. Kroll • lilD • Martini • Rachel Richardson

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Toledo Free Press Star is published every Wednesday by Toledo Free Press, LLC, 605 Monroe St., Toledo, OH 43604 • (419) 241-1700 Fax: (419) 241-8828 www.toledofreepress.com. Subscription rate: $100 /year.

Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner without permission is strictly prohibited. Copyright 2013 with all rights reserved.

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Alexander Zonjic became a flutist by accident.

Starting out as a “rock ’n’ roll guitar player,” Zonjic was visiting his parents in Windsor, Ontario, when a man (who recognized him on the street as “the guitar guy”) walked up to him and asked if he wanted to buy a flute.

“I said, ‘How much do you want?’ He said ’50 bucks.’ I said, ‘I only have $9,’ and he said ‘I’ll take it,’” Zonjic said. “That’s really how it started.”

And so it was that at 21 years old, he said, he went in a “completely different direction.”

“I fell in love with the idea of playing it,” Zonjic said. “About eight months after that I auditioned for the University of Windsor [for] classical music studies.”

Since then, Zonjic has played with jazz greats like Kenny G., Keiko Matsui and Jeff Lorber, according to a news release.

“From that point on, the flute became a bigger part of my musical personality,” he said.

Zonjic said even though his successes have come out of his flute playing, the guitar still holds significance, and he still plays it at shows.

“I do consider myself a flutist, there’s no question about it,” Zonjic said. “I mean I’m an artist in general, I still play the guitar.”

Zonjic said he’s not quite sure that he’s a jazz musician.

“I play music that is jazzy; I play things that can be considered jazz,” Zonjic said. “But my preoccupation really is more with being a great artist than being a jazz musician.”

All that matters, he said, is the music.

“It’s the old cliché,” Zonjic said. “There’s only two kinds of music: good music and bad music.”

Zonjic will play at Maumee’s Dégagé Jazz Café on March 22 and 23 for the first time. He said his shows will include selections from his latest album “Doin’ the D.” “The music is real high-energy,” Zonjic said.

“I will pick up the guitar occasionally and play some rock ‘n’ roll blues.”

Zonjic said his relationship with Toledo goes as far back as the ’80s.

“We’ve been wandering in and out of Toledo quite a bit,” Zonjic said. “People told me about [Dégagé Jazz Café]. I ran out there on a little visit a couple of months ago and I just found the room to be so charming.”

Zonjic said he is excited to play at the intimate setting.

“In all fairness, I enjoy every setting,” Zonjic said. “We’re not popstars; we’re artists in a literal sense. We just love playing in general.”

Zonjic said smaller venues provide intimacy.

“There’s a lot of magic, a lot of energy as well,” Zonjic said. “I love that up-close-and-personal kind of vibe. It’s like playing in someone’s living room sometimes.”

Zonjic’s friend James Lloyd will join him for the shows as keyboardist. Lloyd is a founding member of the band Pieces of a Dream and has

Alexander Zonjic will play at Evolution Toledo on March 28.

PHOTO BY JOHN SECOGES

produced much of Zonjic’s music. Zonjic’s regular keyboard player was unavailable, so Lloyd, who lives in Youngstown, will join the band.

“My last three records all have a very big James Lloyd stamp on them,” Zonjic said.

“He’s written a lot of songs that we play in my show. I always love playing with him and welcome the opportunities.”

Audiences can also catch Zonjic at Evolution Toledo on March 28. O

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TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / MARCH 20, 2013 n . 19

Now bringing traditional Neapolitan pizza and fare to the Toledo area with authentic imported techniques and ingredients.

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20 n MARCH 20, 2013 / TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM

3793 DeversMB_TFP_1230_Layout 1 2/5/13 1:20 PM Page 1

“The piano ain’t got no wrong notes.” — Thelonius Monk

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