Friday, Dec. 21: The McTuff Trio with Skerik

The Olympia Ballroom

By Nikki McCoy on December 20, 2012

These days jazz, in its original swing, bebop or even cool variations, is a hard find. Jazz performed today in the South Sound fuses with funk, soul, rock and dance. I get it. Younger generations have worked to evolve the old style into new, unique sounds. No group so deftly encompasses all the sub-genres of jazz as do The McTuff Trio. Comprised of Joe Doria, Andy Coe, Byron Vannoy, the trio welcomes back the world-renowned saxophonist Skerik for a performance at the Olympia Ballroom. Dubbed the "soulstice," the party will be packed with McTuff fans who aren't afraid to get their dance on. Expect long jams that cross the barriers of jazz with powerful keyboards, rhythmic drums, screaming sax and sometimes fuzz-distorted guitar. Expect a trippy light show. Bring a non-perishable food item and receive $3 off the cover. All donations go to the Thurston County Food Bank. As the Facebook event page says, "You don't want to miss this. We are going to funk you right in the earballs!" Righteous. 

THE OLYMPIA BALLROOM, WITH ELDRIDGE GRAVY AND THE COURT SUPREME, FRIDAY, DEC 21, 8 P.M., $13, 116 LEGION WAY, OLYMPIA