Jazzin' up the JACC

POST FALLS - It can feel like a quaint bistro on Bourbon Street.

The jazz concert series at the Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center in Post Falls kicks off Sunday for Valentine's Day with Ruth Pratt, executive director of the Coeur d'Alene Library, singing the music of Judy Garland.

"We set up the venue with about 30 small bistro tables with flowers, candles and nuts and we serve beer, wine and soft drinks at the bar," said Rachel Dodge, executive director of the Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center, 405 N. William St.

The band also includes Tom Schager on the drums, Bruce Pennell on bass, Steven King guitar and Dick Hubbard sax.

Pratt, who is involved with several boards in the community, has jokingly dubbed her concert series at the JACC the "Dead Diva" series, having sung tributes to Jo Stafford, Rosemary Clooney, Peggy Lee and now Judy Garland.

"Judy is someone that people associate with romance, so while we were setting our schedule for the 2010 year, we decided to make her concert a theme and what better day than Valentine's Day," said Kelly Lattin, JACC office manager. "We are very happy to report that so far this has been very successful for us."

Future jazz concerts include Leslie Ann Grove and the Brent Edstrom Trio (April 25) and Steven King (June 20, Father's Day). Both are also $20 and start at 6:30 p.m.

Lattin said the "Jazz at the JACC" series sprouted after Grove, former owner of the now-defunct Ella's Supper Club in Spokane, and Pamela Brownlee, owner of Rockin b' Ranch in Liberty Lake, approached the center about creating a new jazz venue for artists after Ella's closed.

"We were saddened by the loss of such a wonderful jazz club, but grateful for the opportunity to help re-create a jazz scene in this area," Lattin said. "Both Leslie and Pamela are extremely talented musicians who were eager to share their talents along with those of musicians they had met along the way."

The concerts at the JACC can hold about 100 attendees.

"We have decided to leave some room for a dance floor since some of our patrons love to dance," Lattin said.

Some businesses, including Rosa's Italian Market and Deli across the street, are collaborating with the series and will be open.

"This is something new for us and we love to take every chance we can to collaborate with our community," Lattin said. "It is a great feeling to be able to work with your neighbors."

Tickets - $20 each - are still on sale. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert starts at 6:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to call ahead and reserve a table over the phone.

Information: www.jacklincenter.org, 457-8950