May 11 kicks off the Labyrinth Walk Coffee House (LWCH) Jazz Under the Stars series. First up is E-Flat Porch Band is named for the porch in McKinney where the band first practiced and which resonates to the key of e-flat.

E-Flat Porch Band’s “Porch Music” is played on acoustic instruments and pays homage to our varied Texas musical roots.  It is influenced by Country Blues, Texas folk music, Jazz and swing standards, and Depression Era country songwriters. Guitar playing styles include finger picking and slide guitar.  Other instruments include the acoustic bass, harmonica, cymbal, and a drum-like instrument of their own design made out of a wooden soda pop box. This is a small band with a big sound.

The band is on the Touring Artist Roster of the Texas Commission on the Arts, and they offer workshops and performances for a variety of age groups, including school and library performances.  They have been playing together for over 15 years, and have three CDs, Porch Music, Pork Chop Night, and No Unauthorized Play.

Rudy Littrell

A self-proclaimed "recovering percussionist," Rudy has the coordination to play 4 instruments at one time--acoustic bass, high hat, harmonica, and a wooden soda pop box.

Duane Brown

Duane has been making music since he was a kid, when he strummed the broom (today it’s a guitar and harmonica) and sang Roger Miller songs for the neighbors.

The E-Flatters present an educational and entertaining introduction to folk music, to enable the audience to understand and appreciate the folk roots of today’s music. They recognize and pay homage to many Texas musicians, who have had an important role in influencing music trends everywhere.  Through their original songs, they carry on a tradition of creativity in its musical form. Their website is www.eflatporchband.com  

May 18 sees Chilo & the High Energy Band.  Classically trained artist Chilo has adapted traditional Latin music, combining it with jazz, blues and flamenco. The result is a unique, energetic sound that is exclusively his.

Finishing the series on May 25 is Lady Diamond (Kertrina Dauway), an incredibly multi-talented woman whose vocal performance and jazz style leaves her audience wanting more. Lady Diamond hails from a classically trained background with a style that fuses jazz, classic and soul.

Purchased separately, tickets for each event is $10; combined tickets for all three events is $25.  The performances will be under the stars in the gazebo but inclement weather moves the shows indoors. Attendees are asked to bring their own lawn chairs and may bring food and beverages (beer and wine allowed).  For tickets and more information, please see  http://www.labyrinthwalkcoffeehouse.com

The LWCH is a non-profit live music venue featuring a variety of musicians and events. Our events include our monthly JazzJam as well as both indoor and outdoor concerts.