June 13th The Gulf Jazz Society brings two giants to the beach, and one beanstalk climber.” He was referring to the Gulf Jazz Society 2nd Tuesday night event at the new to Thomas Drive on Panama City Beach Neon’s Beach Shack featuring the talents of Bobby Van Deusen, Steve Gilmore and Mike Stone.
This past Memorial Day weekend one of those giants, Bobby Van Deusen from Pensacola, FL. became the third time winner of the Senior Division of the Annual World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest and Festival in Oxford, MS., which features music written prior to 1940. The next giant Mr. Stone was referring to is three time Grammy winner Steve Gilmore who plays jaxx and classical on the big bass fiddle, now of Panama City, who also serves as Artistic Director of the Gulf Jazz Society. Steve has appeared on over a hundred CDs or Albums by major Jazz artists and spent several years traveling with the Tony Bennett trio. Lawyer, writer, actor, drummer and singer Mike Stone will join these musical giants in a musical reunion. As a singer, Mike’s career began in the late 1960’s. He has appeared in numerous venues throughout the South and East and headlined several concerts featuring the music of Frank Sinatra for the Gulf Jazz Society. Shortly before Hurricane Michael hit our area, Mike joined Steve and Bobby at the Martin Theatre, in a concert celebrating the musical legacy of Tony Bennett.
This Gulf Jazz Society event will be at the new “NEON’S BEACH SHACK”, 8501 Thomas Drive Panama City Beach (Former location of Dat Cajun Place). Doors will open at 5:30pm and this great music starts at 6:30pm. Admission for Gulf Jazz Society members is $10.00 and for non-members it’s $15.00. New and Renewal membership applications will be available. The Neon’s Beach Shack features your favorite beverages and a variety of beach delights, including Gator Bites, Crab Claws, Grouper, Shrimp, Chicken, Fettuccine Alfredo, Cajun Pasta, Crab Cakes and Catch of the Day just to name a few.