Tue 8/5 @ 8PM
A.C.O., short for the The Afro-Cleveland Orchestra, was a mainstay at the Grog Shop in the mid-late 90s, back at its original location on the corner of Coventry and Mayfield. It was founded by sax player Rob Williams, who’d been with local ’80s-’90s rock ’n’ reggae powerhouse First Light in its early days, who drew on a network of other local musicians to create an accessible, high-energy mix of danceable jazz, funk, soul, blues and pop and a freewheeling, jam-style presentation. After the Grog moved up the street, it still gathered the old gang together periodically.
Williams passed away during the pandemic, but the musicians who played with ACO still host occasionally reunions as a tribute to their departed friend. When they again come together again this week at the Grog Shop, participants will include pianist Jackie Warren, bassist Ray DeForest, drummer Gary Naherny, harmonica player Larnie Zellner, and sax player Jim Cirillo, along with “special guests,” likely to include some of the area’s best musicians. Go here for more info and tickets.