After hearing so many wonderful things about Tony Howard’s performances, I was saddened that we had to miss his Motown Revue at the historic Imperial Theatre last month. However, when I learned that he would be performing at Katerwerks Grille at the Clubhouse at Jones Creek, I grabbed my phone and quickly made a reservation.
When I called the restaurant, the woman who answered the phone was helpful and answered all of my questions. Having never visited this establishment, I wasn’t sure whether or not there was a dress code. I was told that we should come as we are. She assured me that jeans were more than acceptable.
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On Friday, Sept. 10, Dean and I hopped in the car and headed to Evans to check out a new-to-us restaurant featuring live music by the legendary Tony Howard. Once we were parked, others began arriving, and I was a bit relieved to see that we weren’t the only ones in jeans. Whew.
Nestled in the Jones Creek subdivision, the Clubhouse at Jones Creek is an inviting space, both elegant and laid back at the same time. The bar runs along one wall and is a walk-up affair. There were no stools in front of it when we were there, but the tables were placed nearby and offered patrons easy access to the bartenders.
Dean and I were seated immediately upon arrival, and our waiter took our orders. We shared a crazy good appetizer of hummus with warm, seasoned pita points. The special of the evening was a seafood basket dinner with your choice of shrimp or cod. We each chose the cod basket. Everything was absolutely delicious and the service stellar. The selections on the dinner menu at Katerwerks Grille ensure something for everyone’s taste at surprising prices. Every appetizer, entrée and cocktail is quite affordable.
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At 7 p.m., Tony Howard got the crowd going with a bit of humor, stating that he was going to do things a bit differently that night. Using backing tracks and standing beneath colorful stage lights, he kicked off his set with a beautiful rendition of the Johnny Mercer/Henry Mancini classic “Moon River,” a song that was featured in one of my favorite flicks, the Audrey Hepburn movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” I loved how Tony took the song and made it his own with stunning vocals filled with emotion. Other songs he covered included “Under the Boardwalk” by the Drifters and “My Girl” by the Temptations.
True to his word, Tony mixed things up throughout his performance, taking a break now and then to give the DJ the spotlight. Old school R&B filled the room as the DJ spun a wide variety of oldies. It’s safe to say that the groove was mighty strong that night in the Clubhouse.
As the evening progressed, people got up to dance in front of the stage. It made my heart smile to see so many people having fun. The entire vibe of the night’s show was electric and everyone in attendance had a great time.
Tony Howard’s stage presence is powerful. His playful banter with the crowd and the songs on his set list made for a truly enjoyable evening. He is certainly the perfect singer to bring those fabulous Motown tunes to life. I am looking forward to seeing him again the next time he brings his Motown Revue back to the Imperial!
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To learn more about Augusta’s musical icon, visit Tony Howard online at www.facebook.com/Tony-Howard-Show-147384985299077
If you have never been to Katerwerks Grille at the Clubhouse at Jones Creek, I highly recommend checking it out. Be sure to call for a reservation. The number is (706) 868-6770 or visit the website at katerwerks.com
In addition to the musical performances at the ArtsCity Festival happening downtown this weekend, you can find plenty of other live music events around the CSRA. Tonight, check out Brent Lundy at Wild Wing Café in Aiken. Show starts at 7 p.m. Also tonight, catch Patterson & Nate at 8 p.m. at Doc’s Porchside in Grovetown. On Saturday, September 18, enjoy the sounds of Vonda Darr Harp at Edgar’s Above Broad starting at 7 p.m.
Francie Klopotic is an author, artist and music aficionado living in Augusta. She writes The Night Beat column the first and third Fridays of each month.
