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This Friday, The Knoxville Museum of Art’s (KMA) Alive After Five double-bill with Sara Schwabe and her Yankee Jass Band and Phil Pollard and his Band of Humans will likely be the most interesting and entertaining show in this venue’s 2006 series. (Ethics disclaimer: 520 webmistress, Sara Schwabe, took no part in the writing of this piece.)

Sultry alto vocalist Sara Schwabe, expertly accompanied by Dr. Geol Greenlee on keys, Chris Zuhr on upright bass, and Phil Pollard on drums, performs an impressive array of traditional and eclectic jazz, cabaret, show tunes, and popular music. It’s not unusual to hear “Mambo Italiano,” “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” “Centerpiece,” “Fever,” the Beatles’ “Michelle,” and Tom Waits’ “New Coat of Paint” during one set. The band might even launch into “If I Were a Rich Man” from Fiddler on the Roof. The extensive and enjoyable variety of music is engaging. The KMA’s Michael Gill describes Sara Schwabe as “glamorously talented.” She also looks glamorous, and her smoky, rich vocals will keep you intrigued and will leave you wanting more. On November 18, the band will be recording a live CD at the Black Box Theatre at 9:30 p.m. You can also frequently “taste the band” on Wednesday nights at Sapphire on Gay Street or on Saturday nights at Oodles’ wine bar on Market Square.

Sharing the bill with Sara Schwabe and her Yankee Jass Band is Phil Pollard and his Band of Humans. Phil Pollard, who has a Master’s Degree in Great Books from St. John’s College and teaches English composition at Roane State, has described his band’s music as “Lit Rock.” In April, the Humans participated in the public library’s celebration of poetry month, by performing original songs about Cormack McCarthy’s “Sutree” and “Sylvia Plath”. It’s also not unusual for the band to incorporate into their music phrases from Ernest Hemmingway, Alfred Tennyson or Confucius. What definitely is unusual is hearing Abraham Lincoln’s “Gettysburg’s Address” set to music. And the beauty part is? All of Humans’ music is danceable and their joyful and complex harmonics (ranging from rock, jazz, Latin) are perfectly executed by many of the area’s finest musicians, including: Phil Pollard (vibraphone, flexatone); Matt Moorelock (tympani, banjo ukulele), Kyle Campbell (trumpet, baritone, didgeridoo); Rachel Parton (flute); Dave Nichols (trombone, shofar); Chris Zuhr (electric guitar); Robert Richards (electric bass); Jon Whitlock (drum kit); and Dr. Geol Greenlee (keys, accordion). Pollard promises Friday’s show at the KMA will be “aesthetically pleasing music for your arty ears.” They will definitely keep your mind, body and spirit wonderfully occupied.

Also, earlier this year, the Humans were a surprise hit during their first performance at the annual Bonnaroo music festival. As some new fans enthusiastically reported, “[I] did a double take when I saw the lead instruments in the band…were vibes and tympani,” “the room comes alive with you,” and “you guys tickle my insides.” While the Humans’ music style is different from, say, Spike Jones and his City Slickers, the Humans are every bit as skilled, talented and creative as Jones and his band were during their live performances in the 1940s and 1950s.

The Humans are also kid-friendly, frequently appearing in themed costumes or silly hats. Families who attended the recent “Movies on the Square” showing of October Sky were delighted by the band’s pre-film performance and their original soundtrack accompaniment to the classic silent film “A Trip to the Moon.”

Please do not miss this amazing double-bill!

Knoxville Museum of Art
1050 World’s Fair Park
5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
$8 non-KMA members
$4 KMA members
Free parking
Cash bar and concessions available