Memebers Choice Credit Union & Kasasa Present

LaCenterra’s Summer Sounds Concert Series Beginning June 10

June 2, 2010 – Katy, Texas – Live music returns to LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch with the introduction of the Summer Sounds series presented by Members Choice Credit Union and Kasasa.  Guests are invited to unwind after a long day or get a jump on the weekend with this Thursday evening series featuring a talented line-up of local and regional artists. The Summer Sounds series offers a sizzling mix of Latin, reggae, cool jazz and Caribbean country.

 “When the opportunity to join LaCenterra’s Summer Sounds series came our way, we were delighted.  We understand the importance of community and are always looking for unique ways to share information and to say ‘thank you,’” said Kelly Gaines, Vice President of Members Choice Credit Union.  “The series allows Members Choice to introduce its newest banking product, Kasasa, while having a great time with MCCU members and Katy area residents alike.”

MCCU recently announced the availability of Kasasa, a new brand of free checking and savings accounts.  Kasasa pays consumers to use their account with what interests them most—high interest, automatic savings, money donated to charity or free iTunes^® downloads.

The Summer Sounds series kicks off June 10 with JALEA, Houston’s hippest, young Latin dance band. The name JALEA, Spanish for “jelly,” says it all to music fans who love to shake and shimmy on the dance floor.  The group’s repertoire includes salsa, meringue bachata, cumbia, reggaeton and Latin pop, as well as U.S-based party favorites from disco to swing.

Back by popular demand, White Stone Craving (WSC) performs June 17.  WSC offers a spirited mix of jazz, 1970s funk, Motown, rock and pop music.  A horn-driven band assembled in the tradition of Chicago, Tower of Power and Blood, Sweat & Tears, WSC employs wide musical stylings with equal helpings of vocals, instrumentals and improvisation. 

WSC is comprised of eight talented area musicians: Sam Perry (keyboard and lead vocals), Pat Cooper (keyboard), Rush Selden (trumpet), Neel Woods (trombone), Dan Williams (saxophone), Jeff Kronk (guitar) and Bill Chambers, Jr. (drums). Visit www.whitestonecraving.com to learn more.

IRIE TIME heats things up June 24 with their unique blend of reggae, soca, jazz, rock and dub grooves.  Irie (pronounced ’eye-ree’) is a Jamaican patois word that means ‘feeling great,” and IRIE TIME’s music delivers just that – a carefree, good time. 

The band has been entertaining audiences for more than a decade and comes to LaCenterra after its recent 2010 Houston iFest performance.  Members include Greg Brown (drums, percussion and vocals), Laja Gbadegesin (keyboards and vocals), Jairus Mage (bass and vocals) and frontman, Scottie McDonald (guitar / lead vocals). 

IRIE TIME’s highly anticipated new CD, It’s About Time, has just been completed featuring all new songs from the group.  An international tour is planned in support of the CD.   Visit www.irietime.com for a preview.

Break out the tropical shirts and flip flops for July 1 installment of Summer Sounds featuring Jerry Diaz & Hanna’s Reef.  Hanna’s Reef frontman and founder, Jerry Diaz, is a songwriter and solo performer.  The son of a merchant marine from the coast of Venezuela and an artist from Mexico, Diaz has sea salt in his veins and a gypsy spirit in his soul.

His band, Hanna’s Reef, is the premier Gulf Coast Beach Band.  Based out of the Galveston Bay-Port Arthur area, this band knows firsthand about life on the Texas coast.  In fact, the band takes its name from a popular fishing spot in Galveston Bay.  Hanna’s Reef blends a mixture of their own extensive catalog of original beach (and sailing) songs, with classic Jimmy Buffett cover tunes.  They also include a splash of tropical favorites to complete their repertoire.

Hanna’s Reef performs regularly throughout the Gulf Coast area, from Corpus Christi, TX to Key West, FL. The band delivers a Texas-style luau atmosphere with their stage performance. They combine the tropical elements of steel drums and Latin percussion with the driving beat of a rock and roll band. However, they don’t forget their roots. You’ll hear a little bit of Texas music mixed in occasionally, as well as songs with a distinctive Cajun influence.  Sample the Hanna’s Reef sound at  www.hannasreef.com.

The Summer Sounds series takes a break for LaCenterra’s BIG Backyard Barbecue.  The Independence Day celebration will be held Sunday, July 4 from 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. and includes live music, fireworks and more.  No performance is scheduled for Thursday, July 8.

Jawad & Friends bring the Summer Sounds series to a positively, breezy close on July 15. Frontman Jawad has performed on stages with Dizzy Gillespie, Gerald Albright, Alex Bugnon, The Manhattans and others.  Incorporating elements of jazz and world music, his eclectic style epitomizes “cool.”

Regardless of the temperature, the night is sure to be breezy and comfortable when Jawad takes the stage.  For more information, visit www.jawadmusic.com.

The Summer Sounds concert series is presented by Members Choice Credit Union and banking product partner, Kasasa.  Performances will be held weather permitting  from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. in Heritage Square, LaCenterra’s central courtyard.  (Rescheduled dates for any cancellations will be posted online at  LaCenterra.com.)  The all-ages shows are free and open to the public. Food and nonalcoholic beverages are available from any LaCenterra restaurant or specialty food retailer.  Courtyard beverage service will be provided by Fish City Grill.

LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch is located at 23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard and Grand Parkway in Katy, Texas.  Center hours: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Monday – Saturday and 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Sundays.  Individual store hours may vary.  For more information, visit www.lacenterra.com or call (281) 395-5533.  Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

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