Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
TEKOA — Zonky Jazz Band will play music written by Tekoa’s Mildred Bailey at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 21, in the Empire Theater.
Friends of the Theater is eager to assist with hosting the event, said Suzie Creger, president of Friends of the Theater.
“This is a huge event for us. To have this jazz band come and do this for us is huge,” Creger said.
Mildred Bailey was born in 1907 in Tekoa. She grew up with her family on the Coeur d’Alene reservation and eventually moved to Seattle to begin her jazz career.
Bailey would later go on to assist famous musicians such as Bing Crospy and personally know Louis Armstrong.
Bailey released several records from the late 1920s to ‘40s; she died from heart failure in 1951.
“There is a big picture of her at the theater. The band will show a video about her life and play her music,” Creger said.
Zonky Jazz Band and Friends of the Theater are encouraging patrons to dress the part for the concert.
“We really encourage people to dress in style for the 1920s jazz scene,” she noted. “We want a full house. We are excited to see this come to life. She was nationally famous.
“It’s just great music that will keep the history of Tekoa and the Empire Theater alive.”
Tickets will be available at the door, she said.
Olivia Harnack is a Journalist at the Whitman County Gazette. Olivia is enrolled at University of Idaho and is majoring in digital film studies. She serves in the United States Army National Guard and is proud to serve Whitman County.
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