321illy
Tyler, Texas, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2012 | INDIE
Music
Press
Video Review - ARZUK
illy is Arzuk Artist of the Week - LIVE Video Review - ARZUK
"This (AIN'T MISBEHAVIN') is illy’s directorial debut, and it certainly bodes well for her future. It’s obvious that she’s an experienced choreographer, as the movement is always interesting and fun to watch." - NCPR News
"Smokey Joe's Cafe" brings together a stellar ensemble cast from around the country: Phillip Boykin, Sara DelBeato and iIly headline this exciting musical tribute." - Tampa Bay Newspaper Weekly
"Soul singer illy's bell-clear sound, long notes and all-out delivery could shatter the glasses on the back row" - St. Pete Times
News and Tribune
February 24, 2012
Derby's ‘Smokey Joe’s Cafe’ takes you back in time with music
By CHARLES WHALEY
newsroom@newsandtribune.com
CLARKSVILLE — How fabulous it would be if every neighborhood sported a cozy, companionable joint much like Derby Dinner Playhouse’s “Smokey Joe’s Café,” the (Jerry) Leiber and (Mike) Stoller songbook celebration now on the Clarksville stage.
It’s a place where nostalgia jostles with good times, hard-driving romance, male-female contretemps, sexy dancing, and dynamic takes on more than 30 songs by a multi-talented cast of nine.
There’s no story line or dialogue, just song-after-terrifically-sold song on Lee Buckholz’s handsome streetscape set dotted with lamposts and benches. Associate producer Buckholz’s direction keeps things moving at top speed with Heather Paige Folsom’s vigorous choreography and Sharon Murray Harrah’s spot-on costumes ramping up the enjoyment.
And what a song list it is of early rock ‘n’ roll from the ‘50s and ‘60s immortalized by such as Elvis Presley, Dion, the Coasters and the Drifters.
“On Broadway,” that 1963 Drifters hit (Barry Mann and Cynthia Weill were collaborators) brought forth an appreciative howl of recognition as spiffy Alonzo Richmond, Lem Jackson, Christian Bradford and Lamont O’Neal, dressed in black and white and wearing shades, resurrected the era as they tapped, blended voices and postured.
Then there was force-of-nature Willie Illeana Kirven blasting out “Hound Dog” as a latter-day Big Mama Thornton, shoving aside thoughts of Elvis. “The Pelvis,” however, got a masterful “Jailhouse Rock” tribute from Matthew Chappell and company. Chappell also soared in an impassioned “I Who Have Nothing.”
Slinky, leggy Brooke Aston, trailing a mile-long red feather boa, was electrifying in “Don Juan,” matter-of-factly telling her man who’d lost his fortune that “when your money’s gone, your baby’s gone.” And she knocked out of the ballpark the cheekily erotic “Some Cats Know.”
“Dance With Me (and we’ll be lovers when the music ends)” switched gears hilariously when determined Willie Illeana Kirven went after guys scared to death that she’d get them.
The four women did booming right by “I’m a Woman,” their feminist manifesto, and the whole company, led by Alonzo Richmond, brought the festivities toward a close with a heartfelt “Stand By Me.”
It was a nice touch when musical director Scott Bradley from his piano bench sang a soulful “Stay a While.” His splendid fellow musicians in the show produced by Bekki Jo Schneider were Darryel Cotton (drums), Mark McCulloch (bass), Jim Schweickart (guitar), and Tim Whalen (saxophone).
“Smokey Joe’s Café” runs through April 1. For tickets and information call 812-288-8281, toll free 877-898-8577, or www.derbydinner.com.
- News and Tribune
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
illy is a powerhouse vocalist and balladeer. She comes from an
extensive theatrical and dance background and has performed coast to
coast entertaining audiences of all sizes.
She has been compared to a wide variety of entertainers. She is a big
fan of a huge variety of music from big band to alternative, pop, rock,
jazz, hip hop, R & B, Soul, folk, country, classical, gospel,
musical theatre, and new age, to name a few. She is also a forever fan of
the "oldies" and classics. These influences provide a unique blend and a
wide variety of style to the music she performs and writes.
2012 marked the debut of Mama Told Me Not To Come (COVER) which is the first official release for illy.
Feb 25, 2013 she was named ARZUK Artist of the Week.
She released her original tune, Friend of Mine in the summer of 2013.
Recently, illy teamed up with Booberken Productions to add lyrics,
lead and back up vocals to their smooth jazz ballad, Reminiscing You, March 2014.
She also co-wrote lyrics and added vocals to Find You, the pop/electronica duet by Marek Starx featuring illy which released June 2014. Her full, self titled CD, "illy", is
on track for a November 2014 release.
illy is interested in performing at festivals, touring and playing other events in the upcoming year and beyond.
Join illy on her official website: 321illy.com for more information, updates and events.
Thank you for your interest.
Band Members
Links
