Jacklin Art & Cultural Center hosts 'Gallery Sessions' and a 'Salute to Scotland'

POST FALLS — Lovers of jazz and Scotland, rejoice!

The Jacklin Art & Cultural Center, located at 405 N. William St. in Post Falls, is excited to offer two special events in January — one brand new, the other back by popular demand.

Executive Director Darla Dreyer explains that the first new event, "Gallery Sessions," will be held Jan. 19 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and will feature a familiar face.

"Josh Collins is a local Jazz guitarist who will be playing in the style of jazz legend Joe Pass," she said.

Pass was a jazz guitar greats, perhaps best known for his collaborations with Ella Fitzgerald. The jazz world was lit afire by his 1973 release "Virtuoso," his first in a series of four solo-guitar records.

Collins had previously treated the center to his arrangements of the Beatles' "Abbey Road" album. Now, he plans to treat audiences to note-for-note selections and Pass-inspired improvisations. Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear about the life of Pass.

Collins has toured and performed alongside Charlie Shoemake (George Shearing Quintet), Social Distortion, Los Lonely Boys, Kenny Lee Lewis (Steve Miller Band), Galactic, Built To Spill, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers and others. He currently performs and records with California-based soul band Próxima Parada.

The concert is in an intimate setting in the upstairs gallery. Guests are seated at tables with wine, beer and softdrinks served.

ROBERT BURNS SUPPER

For those wanting a true Scotland experience, but aren't looking to make the trip, the center will also host "Salute to Scotland: A Robert Burns Night" on Jan. 28 from 5 to 7 p.m.

"He is the poet laureate of Scotland," Dreyer said. "People around the world gather on his birthday and do a dinner in his honor. We have highland dancing, music and a great meal in our hall, and we read poetry. It's irreverent fun!"

When the center introduced the event last year, it had roughly 35 attendees.

The Robert Burns supper will begin with whiskey or wine, poetry and live fiddle music in the art gallery, then attendees will gather in the hall for the presentation of the haggis and enjoy a performance of Highland dancing and music, all while dining in the Celebration Hall. A delicious salmon dinner will be prepared by Kevin and Stacie Ward of Purple Onion Catering in Post Falls.

"Join us for this exciting night of food, spirits, education and conversation," Dreyer said.

Tickets for Josh Collins and "Salute to Scotland" are $20 and $90 each, respectively.

For tickets and information, visit www.thejacklincenter.org.