Dateline November 8, 2018 at the Milton Athletic Club

     The "Next One UP Quintet" was made up from jammers that play regularly at Jazz Central in Dayton. Their leader Grant “King” Koeller (retired Air Force Band of Flight) played bass on this occasion. Joining Grant was Todd Bridges on drums, Jason Swann on saxophone, Ayn Wood  on vocals and Cameron Voorhees (also an Air Force Band of Flight retiree) on guitar. The played Jazz, Rock and Roll, Pop and Dance music for those in attendance. 

      At one point during the performance they played Johnny Be Good with Cameron featured on the guitar and doing the vocals. Ayn Wood did a beautiful job on vocals such as Georgia On My Mind, The Tennessee Waltz and more. At another point Grant called out Wooly Bully during which, one of the club members jumped up and did The Monkey on the dance floor. The idea of a Jazz Band not doing dance music was disproved by the number of folks on the floor through out the evening.

     The Milton Club’s motto is Good Times and on this night good times were had by all in attendance. 
    If you have never been to the club; its location at 640 Cosler Drive in the Eastern Hills neighborhood has been its home for over 50 years. It was established in 1914, the Milton Athletic Club is the oldest active chartered private club in the state of Ohio.
   
      You might consider coming to the club on a Monday Night when the Kettering Banjo Society has their practice starting at 7:00 pm or on a Thursday Night to watch or join the dancers, again starting at 7:00 pm. Both nights are oen to the public very affordable. Food is available both evenings. -- Ron Gable

Counting my blessing - giving my thanks to all!

Ron Gable

What is a "Jazz Jam?"

      Over the years, many have asked me, “Just what is a Jazz Jam? “ Without getting technical, the easy answer is; a venue like Jazz Central, who has been doing Sunday Night Jams for close to fifty years, hires a core group to perform and then lets anyone who shows up to sit in with the group. Sometimes they have to take turns, which is handled by the Jam leader. Many times it’s just another evening of good inexpensive entertainment but there are times, when depending upon who shows up, it’s magic and some of the best jazz anywhere.

     Having talked Grant Koeller into doing a gig on my birthday and since he has been leading the Jazz Jams at Jazz Central (2932 E. 3rd. St. in Dayton) in recent years, I asked him if we could open my event and invite other jazz musicians and vocalist form our area to sit in. That would give them a chance to see what the Milton is like as a performance venue. It is my hope that some of my Jazz musicians (and vocalist) might have the desire to join us.

More Good Times at the Milton Club:

Upcoming June Events at the Milton Athletic Club

Thursday, June 14th:

Thursday, June 14th:

Thursday, June 21st:

Thursday, June 28th:

Upcoming, Open to the Public, May Events at the Milton Athletic Club:

      As a recently new member, I'm still trying to get a handle on the entertainment events coming to our club. I will proceed like I know what I'm talking about, but since we know that is not always the case, feel free to add your comments and corrections at the bottom of this blog. -- Ron Gable 

We'll start with this note from the men's room:

     

      Some comments on the above note: There are some regular and one new, open to the public, events that are not listed:

      Line Dancing Instruction with Kevin Glueckert every Sunday from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.
     The Kettering Banjo Society has practice sessions every Monday that are free and open to the public. They run from 7:00 to 8:30 pm  and a special limited menu during their sessions.

      Tom Benner & Friends event will take place on Thursday, May 31st from 7:00 to 9:00 pm with a $5.00 cover for non-members.

      Rum River Blend, based in Troy, Ohio bill themselves as 'Unprofessional Entertainment'!  The band takes its name from the Rum River that flows through Linda's hometown of Milaca, Minnesota. They perform a blend of traditional bluegrass, folk, Gospel and children's songs. The audience is encouraged to join in on the fun as kazoos, spoons, washboards, and various other noise making instruments are often passed out to the crowd.

The Perfect Venue for Dancing in Dayton, Ohio

      For as long as I can remember people have been telling me there are not enough good places to go dancing in Dayton. I went to the Milton Athletic Club last December to see the Generations Big Band perform and was so impressed I joined the club. 

      Amenities include: Plenty of free, lighted parking, a covered entryway, a private ballroom entrance (separate from the club entrance), private restrooms and coatroom, a full-service bar, and a spacious stage and dance floor. They offer a wide selection of high quality food and beverage choices at very reasonable prices. Thursdays are traditional steak nights in addition to the regular menu.

I’m remembering my friend Charles:

      As I get older, I’ll be eighty this June, I look around and many of my friends have passed. Today on Easter as we celebrate the raising of Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life, I’m remembering my friend Charles who died on this day, three years ago. The friendship and love in my heart endures for Charles and all of the family, friends and love ones I have lost. It’s my belief that through God’s Grace, we will meet again. – Ron Gable

Easter Sunday Brunch at Whole Foods

Good Food and Entertainment:

      We’re going to see James and Moore at the Milton Club on April 26th to celebrate Rosemary’s birthday and since it’s an open to the public event  we’re hoping to see many of our friends there.

     Note the Milton Athletic Club is hiring part time cooks - 20+ hours per week, Monday - Friday, 5:00 - 9:00 pm.  Contact the club manager at 937-252-1411 or by email at: miltonclub@ymail.com

Message from Keigo Hirakawa:

      Hi Ron. You should check out this show Saturday. Vanessa Rubin toured with everyone, from Woody Herman to Herbie Hancock. I helped Troy Hayner organize this show. Thanks to the support of the local tax levy, this event is presented free and open to the public.

A friend of mine is running for Congress

      I have known Theresa for many years and can attest to her integrity and honesty; therefore, I have no problem in recommending her for your consideration!