The One, The Only Shawn Colvin

Just last week I had the chance to capture Shawn Colvin performing, and to be able to shoot her at One World Theatre was such a wonderful experience.  Among the dripping curtains and colorful lights, Colvin walked out onto the stage with nothing but her guitar and her smile.  And she completely rocked the audience!  Along with David Garza by her side, Colvin played a myriad of songs from old classics to tunes off her new record. She and Garza, old friends, played off of each other’s humour and guitar riffs all evening, leading me to capture her delightfully devilish grin.  It was a fabulous performance that I felt very lucky to be a part of.  Here are a few of my favorite moments from the night…

Camp One World 2012

A special guest article by Erin Barkkume                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Photography by Sophie Pearson

One World is well known for presenting exceptional shows and performers, but there is something else folks may not realize One World presents – Summer Camp! For the 7^th time, One World has partnered with Missoula Children’s Theatre to put on a fun filled full summer theatre camp. I’m still amazed that the directors from Missoula Children’s theatre are able to hold auditions, assign parts and get these kids polished up and ready for a full theatre production complete with musical numbers, make-up and colorful costumes in five days! The show on Saturday is performed live onstage inside beautiful One World Theatre, with professional sound and lights, just like any other professional theatre production, so the kids really get the total experience of being in a professional musical. This year’s production was a rendition of the classic story The Tortoise and the Hare, with a modern twist and the kids were fabulous.

A wonderful aspect of camp is there is something for all ages. The older kids tend to spend the majority of their time in rehearsals; and the younger ones, while not rehearsing, get to do crafts and other fun musical activities. We had local musician CJ Menge bring in his steel drums and perform for the kiddos, and Sevilla Del Mazo, percussionist for the Austin band Acoustic Jungle, showed the kids some percussion techniques and then entertained them by letting them all drum with drumsticks on overturned buckets. The acoustics are great in the Celebration Hall, and boy was it was loud! The kids created their own shaker instruments and played them along with CJ and Sevylla.

The kids also got crafty on Puppet Day by creating their own sock puppets, then writing and performing their own puppet show! They were also entertained by local puppeteer Joan Klasson, who put on a fun and interactive puppet show for the kids.

Another day, in keeping with the Tortoise and Hare race theme, the wee ones made bunny ears and competed in the “Bunny Olympics”, which was crazy silly fun but also helped to prepare them for Saturday’s show by following directions and getting in and out of costumes. It was a week of non-stop good times!

One World has been privileged to work with many military families over the years, and thanks to local company LifeSize Communications, the last 2 years we were able to stream live to soldiers in Iraq so they could watch their children as they performed in the show. Afterwards the families were able to go into private rooms and chat with their overseas loved ones on big high definition TV’s. Needless to say, it was touching for everyone involved and the soldiers were so happy to have been able to participate in their children’s big day (and we felt blessed to be able to do something for our troops!).   This year, with support from Polycom and the city of Austin cultural affairs division, our production manager set up Skype with TV for the audience to see the deployed dad in Kuwait, and he got to watch his child perform live in the Tortoise and the Hare. Our wonderful tech guys had her miked throughout the show so he could hear her, and we were even blessed to have him speak with us before the show.

As part of One World’s community outreach, we have enjoyed hosting kids from various non-profits such as the Settlement Home and Wonders and Worries, providing them with full camp scholarships for a week at camp and also tickets to the show. It was wonderful to have them here, and it was a marvelous experience for them too. We are looking forward to seeing everyone again next year for another Camp One World!

The Velvet Teddy Bear at One World Theatre…

With the snap of a switch a burst of lights flash on, illuminating the glossy surface of the stage.  The velvety curtains are extended to the floor, with a splash of turquoise, magenta and purple.  Production crew runs around, making sure every microphone is set in its proper place and all sound amplification is perfection.  The masses start to file in, buzzing with obvious excitement in anticipation for the show to begin.  With the announcement of the overhead speaker, the first taps on the stair tread can be heard.  A dark shadow comes into the light, as everyone jumps into a screaming applause for the one, the only, Ruben Studdard.

While he may be known as the “Velvet Teddy Bear,” Ruben Studdard is one force to be reckoned with.  Filled with soul and charisma, Studdard first amazed the American public with his pipes and bravado on the second season of American Idol as the underdog from Birmingham, Alabama.   While he started off from humble beginnings, Ruben blew everyone away week after week and ended up taking the crown championship of American Idol winner.

He has since followed the win with five successful albums of gospel and R & B music (produced by Babyface, Ne-Yo, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis to name a few), a grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, and many, many tours under his belt.  Studdard has also branched out into acting, appearing on TV shows such as 8 Simple Rules and being a part of the musical revival, Ain’t Misbehavin’.

On May 7^th, Austin got a real treat when Ruben Studdard was featured at the One World Theatre.  Walking in with a cool confidence and a twinkle in his eye, this soulful artist got the crowd going with an array of songs, including some of his classic tracks, new music and even a few well-known covers like Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On.”  Like any seasoned artist, Ruben also connected with the audience, stopping to tell stories behind the music and tales of childhood and growing up in the South.  Throughout the set, his incredible voice and booming presence knocked patrons to their feet, while his joyful attitude and great sense of humor kept everyone laughing; a perfect combination for the evening.

It was absolutely mind-blowing that I, or any audience member for that matter, would be able to see this true and present star in such an up-close experience.  It was so personal, so superb that I actually forgot where I was, as all surroundings melted away and my eyes were only glued to Studdard and the glow from the spotlight above.  It was more than a treat to see this artist in a venue of only 300 seats, and actually feel his sound wash over you and infiltrate your ears like no large venue could ever provide.  Whether you want to see an incredible R & B talent like Ruben Studdard, Jazz, Country, Alternative or even stand-up, One World will always be able to provide that one-of-a-kind experience for any audience member and their favorite musical star.

A Real Classic: Pure Prarie League

“Amie, what you wanna do?  I think I could stay with you…for a while, maybe longer if I do…” If you were born anytime after the mid 1950’s, these words and music have been ingrained into your psyche as a true insight into American culture and pastime.  As the warm, melodic strum of fingers hits the guitar and the country-tinged sound flows down the ear canals, this classic song immediately takes the mind back to a time when rock n’ roll was king, life was simpler in so many ways, and there was nothing better than hanging out with friends and listening to great music.

It’s 2012, but here at the One World Theatre, Pure Prairie League (PPL) were out to prove that they still rock.  Forming in the late 1960’s, these rock n’ roll country boys of Columbus and Cincinnati finally burst onto the scene in 1974, when their little-known album, “Bustin’ Out,” produced the single “Amie,” that shot them to fame.  While the group had struggled in the beginning before finding any notoriety, their unique myriad of musical styles soon had audiences captivated.  Dueling guitars nearly shredded during a performance combined with a touch of country and a contributing piano, made this group of musical substance stand out among the rest.

While Pure Prairie League enjoyed great success in both the 1970’s and 80’s, they released their last album of nearly twenty years, “Mementos,” in 1987. While the group continued to evolve their sound, band members and tours throughout the next few decades, in 2002 they went back into the studio, and in 2005 released their long awaited album, “All in Good Time,” to great commercial and critical success.

Back on tour, the community of Austin couldn’t wait to hear this group ascend the stage again.  Performing to a sold-out show at One World Theatre, these boys had everyone captivated from the moment they hit their first note.  Playing faster than a cricket on a cool Summer night, this musical group charmed the audience with their lightning skills on the guitar and bass and smooth musical notes.  In between songs, the band proved they had a great sense of humor, even making fun of themselves for waiting 18 years to release a new album.  Among the new songs and old hits, the excitement and joy of the night was capped off with PPL’s modern rendition of “Amie,” which was the perfect way to end such a great night of music.

While One World Theatre always seems to feature fantastic artists from such a wide genre, it was remarkable to see such an act and piece of musical history just steps away from where I sat.  One World never ceases to amaze in its intimacy and incredibly warm feeling when seeing any artist perform in its theatre.  Being able to see a favorite musician perform live is great, but having the chance to view their show so up-close and personal in Austin is what makes this venue stand out from the rest.  If you haven’t had a chance, come by to experience your favorite artist in such an extraordinary way!

The Undeniable Talent of Paula Cole

The late 1990’s was a collision course in music.  While the entertainment culture overflowed with a myriad of teenage pop bands, Latin dance explosion and alternative punk, there were a few musicians that stood out with a true musical talent and integrity; Paula Cole is one of these artists.  With raven hair, lyrically-significant songs and pipes that could make a window burst out of its frame, this ethereal beauty proved that she was a force to be reckoned with, and carved a name for herself with other strong female singers of that time like Sarah McLachlan and Shawn Colvin.

 While Cole released her debut album, Harbinger, in 1994, it was her sophomore album, This Fire, in 1997 that gained both commercial and critical success.  The radio button couldn’t be turned on without hearing the gritty and haunting message of “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone” or “I Don’t Wanna Wait,” which really showed off Cole’s singing capabilities.  After touring with large acts like the Lillith Fair, Paula Cole broke off and has been doing her own thing since, creating new albums and touring solo across the world.

While Paula Cole has come to the One World Theatre before, seeing her for the first time was such an unbelievable experience.  Coming out onto the stage, she immediately created an overwhelming sense of warmth by talking with the audience, even inviting them to “ask her any question they felt.”  Once her voice hit the microphone and her fingers touched the ivory keys of her piano, she completely blew everyone away with her incredible musical talent.  It’s rare to find an artist with such a capable range, and she nailed it every time; the lows and highs in her voice had my jaw dropping to the floor several times throughout the performance.  Furthermore, it was great to see how involved she was with the One World Theatre patrons.   She laced her show with lots of stories and even got the audience involved in creating a snapping percussion during her song “Feelin’ Love.”  After the show, Cole stayed to take pictures and talk with the audience members, a true testament to how much she cares about her fans.

While no one can deny Paula Cole’s beauty, being able to see her at One World Theatre only made it radiate more.   The dynamic lighting in shades of blues, reds and golds washed over the stage to highlight the band and every move they made.  Furthermore, the sound couldn’t have been better.  With every note that came out of Cole’s voice, patrons were able to hear her pitch perfect even in the back of this intimate venue.  It was truly a treat to see such a talented artist, and to be able to view her show at this theatre was the cherry on top.  Like this amazing Paula Cole show, being able to experience any musician at the One World Theatre will only elevate their performance- just one more reason to come by and see for yourself!

Musician and Funny Man Colin Hay Electrifies Again…

When America looked into the electric glow of MTV on the television in 1982, little did they know what kind of impact four Australians and a saxophone rift would have on the music world.  Behind an ominous door and in the shadows of a blackened room with only one spotlight, these Men at Work proved that they had the singing chops that would make them famous, and songs like “Who Can It Be Now” that continue to be requested to this very day.

However, out of all these men who came from a land down under, none have had quite the impact as Colin Hay.  Starting out as the lead singer of the group, he stood out with his distinctive pipes, mullet haircut and rock-n’-roll attitude.  Nearly 30 years later since his first hit, Hay has reinvented himself over as the Scottish-Australian solo singer with a plethora of softer acoustic guitar songs that show off his still-unique voice on a more playful and irreverent platform.  While many fans remember him from his Men at Work days, Colin Hay has been able to widen his audience and gain a younger fan base lately through his work on the Garden State soundtrack, and his very humorous cameos with actor Zach Braff on the medical dramedy, Scrubs.

On March 22^nd, One World Theatre was able to host this enigmatic musician for a sold-out performance.  For over two weeks prior to the show, the excitement built as I heard people over and over again talk about what an amazing performer Colin is.  Even on the night of the show, Hartt Stearns introduced Colin Hay as “one of the best shows I have ever seen.”  Naturally, the air was thick with anticipation as Hay ascended the stage, where one microphone and several guitars were strategically placed under the glow of an amber spotlight.

I think it’s safe to say, the audience was blown away.  Hay accomplished a performance that was compelling, theatrical, hilarious, poignant and just plain good.  Similar to a platform like VH1’s “Storytellers,” Hay’s act was half musical performance, half stories that were engaging and delightful.   In his interesting Scot/Aussie accent, Hay gave renditions of songs that were both powerful and lovely in their simplicity, all the while peppering his music with a woven tapestry of stories about growing up in Australia, his Dad as his own personal hero and even his first band experiences.  There were times when the audience would listen in silence to the musical notes he sang, while other times they were bowled over in laughter from his hysterical antics.  It was fantastic to have a musician open up his life and history in such a personal way, enriching the story of his songs and creating meaning and magic to his lyrics.

The icing on the cake was being able to see Colin Hay perform at the One World Theatre.  In such a small and intimate venue, any audience member could hear even the most subtle note that hit the microphone, and see every animated face or body movement this dynamic performer made.  Hearing his stories in this theatre made it feel as though the whole world melted away and it was only you and Colin exchanging songs.  The combination of it all made for one exhilarating night, and a performance that truly couldn’t be missed.  The next time Colin Hay performs at the One World Theatre, be sure to catch a great performance by this brilliant and funny musician!

It Just Takes a Little Blood, Sweat and Tears

Think about a musical group that has been around for over forty years.  A band that combines, rock, jazz, pop and blues into one magical musical experience.  Now imagine this same band winning numerous grammys, writing songs that have been the backbone of popular culture, and promoting a world tour every year since they first joined together.  While no one could argue that this type of music madness has produced throngs of success and unforgettable times, there has also been a lot of hard work and toil involved.  For any group to be successful for over four decades, it takes more than just an average group member, it requires true “Blood, Sweat and Tears.”

Blood, Sweat and Tears is more than just a band.  With a history that began in the late 1960’s, this is a veteran group of musicians that has been an integral part of American culture and still remains popular today.  They are known best for their billboard and grammy-winning classics like “Spinning Wheel” and “When I Die” and are often compared as the Saturday Night Live of bands due to their vivacious theatrics on stage and audience-based performances.  Similarly, BST has also seemed to have “seasons” of musicians that have performed throughout the years like Al Kooper, David Clayton-Thomas and Tom Malone.  Now with nine members on vocals, guitar, bass, keyboard, drums and horns, BST has been able to provide one rip-roaring, energetic and mesmerizing show.

In February, One World Theatre was able to host this legendary band within its theatrical walls for a night of incredible sound, lots of laughs and true musical history.  The group was lead by new vocalist Jason Paige, who previously performed with artists such as Michael Jackson and Aerosmith, and has been seen in movies and on Broadway.  Under Jason’s direction, the room was jumping with energy and applause.  Glimmering brass trumpets and saxophones swayed up and down, their tubes exploding with jovial sound.   Drumsticks snapped down and vibrated against the hollow percussion, while fingers swept across the black and white of the keys to compliment all other instruments.  This was a show that was full of passion, and made audience members want to jump up and dance (and many did.)

While BST has performed in venues from New York to California and everywhere in between, being able to experience their show at the One World Theatre made for one remarkable night.  While the band has performed at music halls, festivals and large venues, being able to see all nine members and relive the music of a band that has been playing for decades in such an intimate venue was more than divine.  Experiencing your favorite artist in this theatrical jewel will only elevate their music to its full potential, and is just another reason why One World Theatre is one of the best music venues in Austin.  Come and enjoy its magic for yourself.

The Incredible Los Lobos

It’s a hot day out in East L.A.  The simmering asphalt lines the avenue of colorful concrete buildings.   A glossy red vintage car rides down the road, its rumbling engine echoing throughout the street.  There is not another soul in sight.  The sun is shining bright, the sky is clear blue and the air is quiet.  Suddenly, the murmur of a sound can be heard.  Inching closer, it appears that a building is moving with vibrations, the thin glass of the windows rattling in their panes.  With the pull of a door, the atmosphere is suddenly hit with a one-two punch of music.  People are screaming, jumping and dancing on the floor.  Toes are moving, skirts and pants are swirling.  The men of Los Lobos have taken the stage, and are ready to give the audience a show they won’t ever forget.

From an unknown band that started over 30 years ago, Los Lobos has proven they are a group to be reckoned with in music’s hall of fame.  Originally starting on the streets of East L.A. in the 1970’s, Los Lobos (or “The Wolves”) broke out of the shadow of so many other musicians with an undeniable talent and interesting mix of music styles.  Blending Rock n’ Roll, Tex Mex, Country, Folk, Blues and Spanish music, the band quickly gained notoriety with songs like “La Bamba” (their #1 single cover of Richie Valen’s original) and was later followed with tracks like “Mariachi Suite,” the soundtrack song for the 1995 movie, Desperado.  The boys have toured with everyone from Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead to U2 and Eric Clapton, and have won several grammys along the way to mark their success.  Now touring across America, Los Lobos are giving fans everything they want and more with thrilling, heart-pounding, foot-stomping shows.

With two completely sold-out performances, One World Theatre was the place to be in Austin to see the boys in action.  The auditorium was packed to the gills as you could sense the excitement and anticipation in the atmosphere from every patron in sight.  As the spotlights of red, orange and yellow hit the floor, the stage was suddenly taken over with Los Lobos and their unmistakable sound.  Every member of the band was so energetic, playing both to the audience and off of one another, making the whole experience even more playful and fun.

In addition, each musician (including Louie Perez, Steve Berlin, Cesar Rosas, Conrad Lozano, David Hidalgo and Cougar Estrada) were all playing several instruments and singing on top of that- what incredible talent!  Listening to their pitch-perfect music that was so exuberant and fiery, and seeing the exhilaration of the crowd’s reaction, it’s obvious why this group has been around for over three decades and continues to play sold-out shows.  By the time Los Lobos performed “La Bamba” towards the end of their set, it was over; any audience member could have just died and gone to heaven (metaphorically speaking, of course.)

Furthermore, it couldn’t have been a better experience than to see these musical artists at the One World Theatre.  For a band whose played sold-out arenas and even entertained at the White House, this venue was able to provide an up-close and personal performance for its audience members with such a well-known band.  Between the intimate auditorium of 300 seats, the incredible acoustics that captured the band’s sound and the lighting to help the artists shine even more, patrons left buzzing with a true satisfaction from experiencing such a great show.  The next time Los Lobos are at One World Theatre, be sure to catch them and see what everyone else has been talking about!

Baby, it’s Cold Outside! Kat Edmonson and Friends Perform a Holiday Tribute

Flashback to a 1950’s jazz nightclub.  The lights are dim, the air is smoky, and the murmurs are faint.  Amongst the muted shadows and huddling bodies, a spotlight is awakened from the corner, its fiery brightness singeing a glowing sphere onstage.   The distinct click of heels comes tapping up the tread of the stairs, and suddenly a figure is seen coming into the light.  With a quiet confidence and looks that could kill, this songstress takes the mic by the hand, exhibiting an inviting, kittenish voice that has the whole audience glued to her.  Only this isn’t the 1950’s; this is the present day and Kat Edmonson is about to give her fans a myriad of musical festivities they have been waiting for at the One World Theatre.

While Austin’s Kat Edmonson is the city’s present day songbird, she makes you feel as though you are in another time and place when listening to her.  Petite in stature, with a blonde pixie cut and large doe eyes, she looks like a modern day Mia Farrow with the singing chops of other Jazz greats like Cassandra Wilson or Madeleine Peyroux.  Although Edmonson never had any formal training, she was quick to start climbing the ladder of musical notoriety.  While she traveled around the U.S. performing music and even had a stint on American Idol, she returned to her Austin roots and singing at open mics, and soon her sound was well-known with the River City locals.  With the release of her album, “Take to the Sky,” Edmonson proved her jazz prowess nationwide.  Straddling the lines of both contemporary and vintage, she transforms classic jazz songs and tunes of her own into a sound that anyone could enjoy now, while still maintaining the girlish, sultry croon of another era that she is famous for.

On December 11^th, Kat Edmonson performed at the One World Theatre to an auditorium brimming with Austinites and out-of-towners alike.   Dressed in a sparkly white top and standing next to an evergreen tree bedecked in twinkling lights, this show was all about the holidays.  And of course, there was a spin on the performance too.  Throughout the night, Edmonson had a plethora of her musician friends join the stage to accompany her to sing some favorite seasonal tunes.  Asleep at the Wheel’s own Ray Benson commenced the stage first, giving Edmonson a bear hug that lifted her off the floor and performing several duets that were full of many jokes and smiles.  It was fantastic to see the juxtaposition of Benson’s towering being and deep voice against Edmonson’s petite figure and coquettish purr, creating an extraordinary experience that audience members will remember for a long time.

Benson’s performance was followed by many other locals taking the stage, including the vocal talents of Laura Scarborough, Floyd Domino on piano and Elias Haslanger on saxophone.  Each musician brought a unique sound and range to the theatre, creating a fete of differing duets that covered songs like “Baby, it’s Cold Outside” and “Let it Snow.”  Edmonson even managed to sneak in a few tracks from her new album, slated for release in February 2012.  The favorite of the night, though, may have been Kat Edmonson’s interpretation of “Santa Baby.”  Although different in tone than the original 1953 Eartha Kitt rendition, Edmonson’s combination of sass and innocence through her voice brought that quintessential “wink wink” to the classic that had patrons laughing throughout.

Even though I have seen Kat Edmonson in clubs and venues all over Austin, she truly shined while performing at the One World Theatre.  Her stunning voice accompanied by her friends and a myriad of instruments could be heard crystal clear within the intimate, acoustically-sound venue.  While Edmonson continues to gain notoriety nationally and her star progressively rises among larger and larger crowds, it was very special to see her in an auditorium of only 300 seats and experience her music in such an up close and personal way.  Edmonson is one of Austin’s greatest talents, and combined with the One World Theatre, she had everyone feeling the spirit of the season.  Happy Holidays!

Go Daddy-O! The Boys of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

A dark room is filled to the brim with the murmurs and shadows of many figures.  Daddy-O’s with pinstriped suits and felted fedoras sit back with a cool charisma, while their swingin’ sweeties sip their sparkling cocktails and talk amongst each other.  Beneath the dim spotlight on the tables and chairs, the excitement and euphoria of the atmosphere can be sliced with a knife.  With the flip of a switch and the burst of rainbow colored lights, the stage becomes alive.  Dapper musicians dressed in a cloak of black and shiny brass instruments ascend the platform to the roar of the audience.  With toes tappin’, fingers snappin’, limbs jivin’ and bodies swingin’, the boys of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy are going to give these swingers and music lovers the time of their lives.

It’s not often that a stage full of nine musicians can produce a sound that is so tight and vivacious that is seems as though there is only one instrument that is melded together and has the audience up on their feet.  But that’s how the band members of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy roll.  With five men on horns, a drummer, an upright bassist, a keyboardist, and of course, Scotty Morris as the lead singer and guitarist, these movers and shakers had the whole audience at One World Theatre jivin’ to their big band music.

While Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (or BBVD as the cool kids say) has performed at the One World Theatre more than once, they have been playing and developing their sound for years.  Founded in the late 1980’s by lead singer Morris and drummer Kurt Sodergren, they caught on to the public eye with their tracks “You and Me and the Bottle Makes Three (Baby)” and “Go-Daddy-O” in the classic cult favorite, Swingers.  With many hit albums under their belt, the boys have been touring everywhere from California to Atlanta, and even writing songs for movies.

Even though this booming band has been together for over 20 years, their sound was as fresh and dynamic as ever at One World’s venue.  Trumpets, trombones and saxophones moved up and down in unison, their gleaming brass tubes peppering the performance with upbeat pops of sound.  Fedoras and ties swayed back and forth along with the spin of the bass and fingers gliding across the keyboard with a smooth elegance.  The drumming served as the perfect backbone of the whole musical feast, providing the quintessential tap and percussion while letting all others shine too.  And the shouts of “daddy-o” and immaculate harmonies between the group would make anyone in that audience reminisce back to the “good old days” of a mid-century Swing club where men still wore zoot suits and couples knew how to Jitterbug.   There was not one audience member I saw that wasn’t bobbing their head, snapping their fingers or tapping their toes-the joint was jumping!

One of the best parts of the whole night, though, was being able to experience Big Bad Voodoo Daddy inside the One World Theatre.  In such an intimate space with top-notch sound acoustics, every note of the saxophone and string of the bass could be heard and truly experienced.  Instead of feeling like an outsider trying to listen in, the crowd was immersed in the colorful bursts of music that is the heart and soul of Swing.  In another venue, the hard work and passion of the band could have been lost among the atmosphere, but inside this venue even the audience members in the back could feel as though they were front and center.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is not a name that you would forget easily, and neither is their music.  Whether or not you are an avid Swing music fan, these boys have something for everyone, and a sound that makes you want to put on your finest suit and gown and dance the night away.  If you missed their performance this time, be sure to lookout for when they come again to the One World Theatre- these cats always show their audience a jivin’ good time!