Melanie Massell Swings
With Joe Gransden’s Big Band Tonight!
Catch Joe Gransden’s 16-piece Big Band tonight with guest singer Melanie Massell, daughter of former Atlanta Mayor Sam Massell, at Cafe 290.
Massell has been singing since she was a child and repeatedly has been a featured performer at the Atlanta Jazz Festival. She was nominated as “Outstanding Jazz Artist” at the Coca-Cola Music Awards and appeared at Atlanta Symphony Hall with the Atlanta Concert Band.
In addition to performing on “Star Search” in the ’80s, Massell has appeared in bit parts on TV and film and as a singing talent on radio commercials.
Gransden’s big band, which plays the first and third Mondays at Cafe 290, features a rotating list of the finest musicians in and around Atlanta, as well as a new guest each week. Before starting his own band, Gransden played as a sideman with the big bands of Tommy Dorsey and Glenn Miller and subbed in for Toshiko Akiyo’s band. He has also played sideman gigs with Barry White, The Moody Blues, The Temptations and Aretha Franklin. His big band repeatedly packs the house at Cafe 290—yes, even on a Monday—so call ahead and reserve tickets. Show times are 8:30 and 10 p.m.
Her presence reminds me of that of Bette Midler.