Nightflying: The Entertainment Guide

---Sondra Goode

The West End Smokehouse is proud to present; Arkansas Own “The Old School Players” Saturday Night May 10th at 10:00 PM. This group of talented & seasoned Spa City Musicians have been setting the standard for hard rock bands in the region with their blistering assault of Classic Rock Metal laced with Blues overtones. Not just one, but all members of the band are exceptional players, and have more than 30 years experience each on their respective instruments. The Quartet was completely formed in the fall of 2007 when a case of laryngitis left former front man and current lead guitarist Tommy Roeck unable to sing. He called on his old partner in crime Ben Thompson to come and save the day, and now the band is performing all around the state.

In 1997-1999 Roeck, Thompson, and Bowes masterfully built themselves up into local Spa City legend status with Area-51. They broke all attendance records at various clubs in the state. Now with renewed vigor, and a nearly 10 year hiatus from that era, the band is back on track in the 21st century with a new name-“The Old School Players”.

Scott Bowes, is one of the best at his craft you will ever see. They say that bass players get no respect, but after hearing his thumping, grooving, Jaco Pastorius / John Paul Jones-like style, everyone will ask, “Who was that guy?”

Stephen Avary on percussion is a true treat to behold. He makes playing difficult rudiments look so easy a caveman could do it. But don’t let his shy, tenuous façade fool you, He is the essence of John Bonham reincarnated, and will captivate you with his solid, flowing performances and backing vocals.

Ben Thompson as lead vocalist / front man, is every girl’s dream, with a near 5- octave vocal range. His charisma is only matched by the size of his heart, good looks, and self-confidence. He makes connecting to and entertaining the audience his number one priority, with incredible style and grace.

This project is the brainchild of lead guitarist Tommy Roeck a.k.a. “Tommy Rock”. After Touring the U.S.A. for nearly 20 years, and performing at many nationally known venues from Detroit, to Hollywood, and Las Vegas, such as; “The Whiskey-a-go-go”, “The Ritz”, and “The Palace” to name a few, he returned home to Hot Springs in 1995 to be with his family. He landed a job at Banjo Dan’s as Guitar Instructor in 1997, and hosted the Spa City Blues Society’s weekly jam from 1998 through 1999. He coined the phrase “Hump Night Blues Jam” and named the house players Rooster Meeks, Steve Danger and himself, “The Hump Night Blues Band”. His Acoustic Duet, “Rock & Rogers” is currently booked at “Grumpy’s Too”, “The Waterin’ Hole” and “Club 2720” on a regular basis.

Roeck is now half-owner of “Spa City Music” with partner Chad Carter. Buying, Selling, Trading, Playing, Building, and Teaching guitars is his first, best destiny. He will amaze you with the ferocity, soul, and speeds at which his fingers fly up and down the necks of his Stratocasters. And with a 4-octave vocal range as well, he harmonizes with Thompson like a genetically matched brother. Local piano guru Chuck Dodson said, And I quote; ”these guys sing like everyone else wishes they could”. Recently the boys broke the attendance record at “Counterpoint” in North Little Rock and are a favorite act there.

Individually great, and collectively awesome, this band will entertain all who love 80’s, 90’s, Classic Rock, and Blues. Specializing in, but not limited to covers by “Guns-n-Roses”, “Led Zeppelin” “Ozzy Osbourne”, “Jimi Hendrix”, Candlebox”, “Alice in Chains” and many more. They are sure to impress like no other local group can in the hard rock genre. So come early and get a good seat, this show is sure to sell out fast, and please visit www.theoldschoolplayers.com for complete show schedules, information, and music. Event sponsored by Spa City Music Inc., 421 Albert Pike in Hot Springs (501) 318-1223.

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