Ralph Butler’s band is synonymous with versatility. They’re a flexible group of musicians whose characteristics and playlists morph to suit the venue and event, public or private. This month, Butler returns to Jacoby at 8:00 p.m. Friday, August 26 with two newcomers. Billie Mues and Herrie Pullom join Butler, Paul Deming and Gerry Liebmann.
Butler says he enjoys playing Jacoby.
“It’s artsy and intimate. There’s an ability to communicate with the audience. Most people (who attend Jacoby) know me and will have heard us. New people are always welcome, so the audience grows.”
A native to St. Louis, Butler has been singing since he was 5, first for family and friends and later in high school. He’s performed in Singapore and Greenland, among other places, but says St. Louis is “home base.”
Influenced by artists as diverse as Stevie Wonder, Bette Middler, Gino Vanelli and John Mayer, the Ralph Butler Band plays popular music – everything from Sinatra to Bruno Mars.
Butler “plays a little guitar and hand percussion” but mostly is the vocals. Helping him with that is Liebmann, who also plays keyboard, bass and drums. Deming plays guitar, Meus is on bass and Pullom is on drums.“I’ve known Billie Meus for years. We’ve played together. I just met Herrie Pullom when he auditioned and it worked. Both bring something to the band and both have excellent musicianship. Now it’s a matter of familiarizing themselves with the band’s music,” says Butler.
Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at the door or follow the link at http://jacobyartscenter.org/event-2227842. Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis. Doors open 30 minutes in advance. Cash bar is available.
The public is invited to view “Natural Force,” on display until Sept. 24. The exhibit is the combined, but distinct, collections of work by Illinois-based artist Danne Rhaesa and Missouri-based artist Megan Singleton. The artists have chosen unified themes of environmental and ecological awareness and use natural material.
In September, Bankside Repertory Theatre brings Aaron Posner’s, “Who Am I This Time (& Other Conundrums of Love) to Jacoby. Check our website for dates and times.
About the Jacoby Arts Center
The mission of the Jacoby Arts Center is to nurture and promote the practice and appreciation of the arts through education, exhibits, cultural programs and community outreach initiatives. Jacoby Arts Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The Jacoby Arts Center is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.
Jacoby Arts Center, 627 E. Broadway, Alton, IL 62002 / 618-462-5222 / jacobyartscenter@gmail.com
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