I have sad news to deliver.  On Wednesday (4/22/09), my friend and long-time String Bassist, Nick Pennington, passed from this earth.

Since 2003, Nick was a regular member of The Sooz Thomas Trio.  He was an exceptionally talented musician and a beloved member of our "Musical Family."  Nick's bright and sassy Spirit was a delight to band members and audiences alike.  He was a good and generous man.

In his lifetime, Nick Pennington accompanied many greats:  Helen O'Connell, Rosemary Clooney, Clint Black, Chet Atkins, George Benson, Cab Calloway, Mitzi Gaynor, and Stephanie Mills to name a few.  He also played with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, the Guy Lombardo Orchestra, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Atlanta Pops and the Atlanta Ballet.

It was my honor to include Nick Pennington as an anchor member of The Sooz Thomas Trio.

There will be a Memorial Service, tentatively set for Saturday, 6/6/09, at 3:00 pm, at Emerson Unitarian Universalist Congregation.

I know that Nick is playing his socks off now . . . with the Angels.

Chuck Mandt ~ Newest Official Steinway Roster Artist . . .

On November 9, 2008, Chuck Mandt, long time friend of Sooz Thomas and pianist for The Sooz Thomas Trio, was inducted into the official roster of Steinway Artists.  Chuck's induction follows that of Freddy Cole (renowned sibling of Nat King Cole). 

A celebration event, hosted by James Schneider, was held at the new Steinway Galleries in Alpharetta, Georgia.  Many of Atlanta's best Jazz musicians supported this tribute to Chuck Mandt with guest performances.  In the line-up were pianists Kevin Bales, Jose Manuel Garcia and Dan Lawrence, with string bassist Neal Starkey and drummers Keith Runfola and John Foster in the rhythm section.  Chuck Mandt took the piano for a creative rendition of "Satin Doll," followed by playing for the appearances of guest vocalists, Sooz Thomas, Rai Ragland and Penny Iannuzzi.

Chuck is the proud owner of an upright Steinway that was formerly owned by Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton, the American ragtime pianist and composer, who is considered to be one of the originators of Jazz music.

Visit Chuck's web site at:  www.chuckmandt.com to see others in his long list of accomplishments and credits.

Vocalist Sooz Thomas Returns From Hiatus In Benefit Appearnace For OnStage Atlanta Theatre . . .

After a hiatus from public performance to assist her husband in opening his "post-retirement" gourmet coffee business, Vocalist / Entertainer Sooz Thomas hits the stage at OnStage Atlanta in Decatur!

In a September 16th benefit show to support the OnStage Atlanta theatre, Sooz Thomas will perform a dozen tunes as part of a lineup of talented local artists that includes former Channel 2 television newscaster / Peach Radio broadcaster, Don Stewart, and popular vocalist, Tracey Lindsay.  The vocals are backed by The June Dunaphant Trio.  First rehearsal revealed that the vivacious Sooz still lights up the room!

Regular performances by a myriad of Atlanta's best pro musicians and vocalists have been scheduled to help OnStage Atlanta theatre meet it's goal of $20,000 to cover operating costs for live productions.

Tickets for the summer Cabaret and Concert benefit series are $20.  For more information, you can access OnStage Atlanta via their web site at:   www.onstageatlanta.com.

Vocal Stylist and Bandleader, Sooz Thomas, is called for a repeat appearance on "Atlanta Jazz and Blues" television program . . .

Sooz Thomas appeared with her Trio in January 2006 on the popular cable television program  "Atlanta Jazz and Blues."  In August 2006, Sooz was asked to appear again with The Sooz Thomas Quartet, featuring Sooz Thomas' vocals with piano, string bass and drums. ..:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Produced and directed by Tom Carpenter at Comcast studios in Atlanta, the show features live artist performances with bits of Jazz history and interesting trivia about prominent legends in Jazz.  "Atlanta Jazz and Blues" is broadcast weekly in several Metro-Atlanta counties.  The show also plays in Hollywood, California.

Sooz was thrilled to be called back to participate again in this televised showcase of the best of Atlanta-based Jazz and Blues artists.

The Sooz Thomas Trio brings in the harvest -- in Grapes!

Vocalist and Bandleader, Sooz Thomas, has appeared regularly at the original Grape in Vinings since its opening in 2001.  With multiple new franchises in 2005, The Grape is becoming one of the fastest growing, popular venues in the Atlanta area.  An upscale, yet warmly inviting Wine Bar and Bistro, The Grape features live entertainment three nights per week for a diverse clientele.

With her Jazz Trio, Sooz Thomas is now a regular in the entertainment lineup at four new Grape locations in metro Atlanta.  The most recent booking: Weekly appearances through April 2006 at The Grape at City Walk in Sandy Springs, GA.

The popularity of The Sooz Thomas Trio is really brewing!