The Happy Pals at Grossman's Tavern

The Happy Pals really lived up to their name at their afternoon show on Saturday, June 25th at Grossman’s Tavern. The seven-piece jazz band which specializes in authentic, New Orleans style party tunes is comprised of musicians with exceptionally cheerful spirits. Their music is naturally infectious and inviting, encouraging listeners to get up and dance, or simply smile from ear-to-ear.

They quickly established rapport with the crowd of music lovers who filled the legendary Chinatown tavern; the audience demonstrated their enthusiasm by constantly clapping along with the music and hollering out song requests.

As a resident ensemble at Grossman’s Tavern for over thirty years, the band seemed very much at home as they chatted with audience members in between tunes and invited both waitresses and customers to perform with them. There was impeccable chemistry between band members, who played with fiery passion and whose improvised solos occasionally lasted more than five minutes. Alto saxophonist Toby Hughes and trumpeter Patrick Tevlin had the most solos, but trombonist Lindsay ‘Kid’ Kotowich - the youngest member of the band - stood out with top-notch musicality and rhythmic playing which had the crowd cheering. She’s also imbued with a deep, riveting voice which was powerfully displayed during the band’s rendition of gospel tune "Over in Gloryland.”

The group dedicated “When the Saints Go Marching In” to the deceased relative of an audience member, giving the spiritual the full upbeat, Dixieland treatment. The crowd sang along and some cried out “Okay! Okay!” when the band exchanged fast-paced, improvised sequences at the end.

As the concert came to an end, the audience formed a line, dancing in a procession around the tavern. Happy pals indeed!