June 9, 2007
Lannie Garrett's 10-Piece Swingin' Big Band Show
By Stan Dyer
Last March, I went to
Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret, in the D&F Tower on the 16 th Street Mall to see "The Patsy DeCline Show". I told her I'd be back to see her "Swing" show as soon as I could. I got my chance on June 8, and I took it. I was pleased to discover a Clocktower Cabaret that is really growing up.
It's still the same great location with many of the same people, but things are greatly improved. The website, for one, has improved graphics, more information and they email a monthly calendar of events to those who leave their email addresses. It's a good idea since the variety of shows and talent has improved too. You won't find entertainment quite like this anywhere else in town.
The club also added an outside "hula" bar where anyone can enjoy a beverage and then come down for a night of great entertainment. To simplify your night, management has arranged with the
Rialto Café, also on the 16 th Street Mall at 934 16 Th Street, (303-893-2233, to offer a dinner and a show option. If you're a vegetarian, you'll want to skip the Rialto. They just don't have anything on the dinner menu that can be called vegetarian except for salads and tortilla chips. We went down to BD's Mongolian Barbecue at 1620 Wazee where we know we can get a variety of vegetarian options at a fair price.
As for the Big Band Show, it's Lannie Garrett, so you'll know it will be good. The show is $35 per person, general seating for 25 songs in two sets. The ten pieces I counted were two trumpets, two saxophones, one trombone, one set of drums, one electric guitar, one electric keyboard and one "slap" bass. That's nine pieces, and Lannie makes ten. Some of the musicians double on other instruments as needed for individual songs, and they are all top-notch players. You can call it swing, big band, jump or whatever else you want, but I like to think of it more as nightclub music of the 50's, 60's and 70's as played in Vegas during that time with the flavor of the Trocadero Ballroom. Yes, there are standards from different eras, but I liked that she did a Kili Smith song, and that just made me think of Las Vegas. Another Vegas touch is how Ms. Garrett can sometimes sound just like Liza Minelli, and, in the next song, sound just like Barbra Streisand. I am interested to see her tribute to Hollywood music coming soon.
One of the best aspects of the show and the club is the dedicated staff. These people really seem to enjoy what they are doing, and some of them are part owners. They really make an extra effort to keep people coming back and make everyone feel comfortable. One person, (although I doubt she is a part owner), was our server, Janeva. She is a real asset to the Cabaret. Whatever they pay her, it's not enough. That girl ran around all night long, kept everyone happy, engaged the customers in conversation, shared information about the club, and even had time to break into a Fox Trot with another server. She did all this effortlessly and never lost her smile. Now, that's talent!
Overall, I rate Lannie's Big Band Show a solid A. I grade them up for the improved website, the great staff, and the improved variety of offerings. I grade them down for still starting 10 minutes late, $9.00 well drinks, and affordability. OK, maybe I'm the only one, but I still cringe at $35 a person for a show. That's what keeps me away from the Center for the Performing Arts. The economy has left a few people behind, and, as much as we would all like to enjoy shows like this, they just don't fit into our budgets. I would come down every night if I could, but I can't. I just settle for seeing Lannie whenever I can.
Health Inspection Report: In a report dated March 31, 2007, Lannie's was found in violation of the following:
Type 1 violations: 6b, 6c - Hand washing and toilet facilities inaccessible and/or not properly stocked. Also 8c - Toxic chemicals not in proper concentrations
Type 2 violations: 11a, 11c - No conspicuous thermometer in refrigeration units and no chemical test kits.
As of June 1, 2007, there were no enforcement actions
Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret
1601 Arapahoe Street (on the 16 th Street Mall)
303-293-0075
On the web at :www.lannies.com