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Event
Stardrums & Lady Keys - at the Conway Muse
Born into a loving family on July 20, 1938, the legend began. Leslie started bringing rhythms to life by tapping his hands and fingers on everything in sight, and he got his first set of drums at the age of 10. His Uncle Ernest 'The Kid' Milton, a famous show drummer in his own right, took Leslie under his wing and taught him the fine art of show drumming and showmanship in all genres of music. By age 12, he was playing drums professionally in the famed French Quarter of New Orleans, music capital of the world. Leslie has traveled far and wide to nuture his destinyfrom street corner musician, burlesque halls and night clubs in his native New Orleans, and the juke joints on the Chitlun' circuit of the south, to the Apollo Theatre in New York in (where his signature lives on that famous wall), and the great concert halls of America and Europe.
In the early 60's, Leslie moved to Los Angeles. He sparked an active career in both live gigs and recording sessions with the best in the businessJohnny Otis, Etta James, Ray Charles, Little Richard, Roy Brown, Ike & Tina Turner, Sonny & Cher, Bill Cosby, and others. He worked with Quincy Jones and 'Bumps' Blackwell with Mercury Records and played on several national hits, such as The Rivington's (Papa Ouh Mau Mau), Watt's 103rd St. Rhythm Band (Spreadin' Honey), Jackie DeShannon (Put a Little Love in Your Heart), and the beat goes on. Leslie appeared on many T-V shows, including the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, the Ed Sullivan Show, and Johnny Otis' Big Band Show on Saturday morning.
in 1976, inspired by America's Bicentennial Celebration, Leslie created his spectacular 'Star Drums' Showcase. He used his 'extra-terrestrial' vision to invent taking the audience on an imaginary journey into spacewith a dazzling array of lights, special effects, and sizzling show drumming. Leslie soon presented his magical "Star Drums" extravaganza to audiences all over the world, and in Seattle at the Coliseum and Key Arena for former Mayor Norm Rice and his political guests.
In 1977, Leslie moved to Seattle to 'semi-retire'. It wasn't but a 'millizon' before he picked up his sticks and started performing again with the best bands around. First with the Blue Lights Band; they were the opening act for Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon at the Show Box. Leslie later recorded and toured Europe with the Slamhound Hunters, and their album entitled 'Slamhound Hunters' (with locals Kim Field and Mark Dalton) was selected by Rocket Magazine as one of the top 10 albums of all time in the Pacific Northwest. Leslie then joined Freddy James and the Rocking 88's' in the 1980s and played with Freddy's band for 10 years.
Leslie always wanted to sing so, in 1998, Leslie teamed up with Gael 'Lady Keys' Kurath, who hails from Chicago, and is a very talented, classically trained pianist and vocalist. The musical partnership of 'Star Drums & Lady Keys' has continued now for over 16 years. They played the 'Alligator Soul Restaurant' in Everett, WA every Saturday night for eleven years, from 1998 to 2010. They have recorded a collection of 4 CDs: "Star Drums & Lady Keys Live at the Alligator Soul" in 1999; "From the Soul" in 2003; "A Decade of Soul" recorded live in 2008 on their 10-year anniversary at the 'Gator'; and a rockin and soulful Christmas CD in 2010 with guest artists Walter Young on Guitar and Lonnie Williams on saxaphone. Now that the Alligator Soul has closed its doors they are enjoying playing other nightclubs, private parties and special benefits. To Leslie, song lyrics are stories. Although Leslie knows how to read music, his passion is to play and sing with soulful feeling, and do justice to the story of the song. As always, their music is rated 'E'for Everyone!
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LocationThe Conway Muse (View)
18444 Spruce/Main St.
Conway, WA 98238
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: No |
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