Gigs

If you’re a guitarist in the DFW Metroplex, you’ve probably heard of Guitar Sanctuary. (If not, you’re in for a treat.) For those not in the know, Guitar Sanctuary is the store that all other music stores wish they could be. Great atmosphere. Great selection of fine guitars. Great staff. Great service. Great location. The list goes on and on…

Anyway, one of the cool things they do each month is to sponsor a “customer appreciation” night/a showcase for Guitar Sanctuary customers at the local watering hole, Zin Zen. It’s an opportunity for local musicians to be heard in a venue that, in it’s own way, is every bit as charming and relaxing as is Guitar Sanctuary. I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be on the program for May’s showcase, starting at 7:30PM. I’ll get to play an abbreviated set of a half-dozen songs or so, likely mostly my originals. If you’ve not been to Zin Zen yet, that alone is worth the trip to McKinney. And, of course, there’s the whole ‘live music’ thing. So if you’re looking for something to do on a Thursday night in May, head on over to the showcase and say ‘Hi!’

I was born and raised in Shreveport, LA. My hometown has been in the news and under the weather lately…literally under water, at least a good portion of it. I’m pleased to announce a couple of show dates back home, with more to come.
I’ll be playing Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8th, at Ernest’s Orleans Restaurant, and Friday, May 13th at the brand spankin’ new location of Blue Southern Comfort Food on Fairfield Ave. That’s two places I’ve always wanted to play, so this is a major “get” for my personal bucket list. I’ll be playing some originals, as well as a healthy selection of my original takes on songs you already know and love.
I should come loaded with guitar(s), my keyboard, and a couple of surprises. Both gigs should be a lot of fun. Hard to pick between the Shreveport classic, Ernest’s, and the relative newcomer, Blue Southern Comfort. I’ll settle things for myself, and plan on enjoy the food at both restaurants. And if you’re so-inclinded, I suggest you do the same.

If you’ve not heard me play, here’s how my bio reads:
A multi-instrumentalist who’s musical styles run the gamut from pop and folk, to jazz and blues, Kozak began his musical career at the age of four, taking up the drums. He turned ‘pro’ at 15, playing with such artists as Gladys Knight and the Pips, Barry White and the Love Unlimited Orchestra, Bob Newhart, and Robert Guiilame. He was a member of the Louisiana Hayride Band, and has jammed with musicians such as George Benson and Ray Brown. In addition to drums, Kozak plays guitar, bass, vibes, piano, keyboards, banjo, mandolin, harmonica, and a host of other fretted string and percussion instruments. His original music defies labels, with elements of jazz, blues, R&B, pop, folk, Latin, and classically-inspired riffs. A solo concert with Kozak is an eclectic experience, where you’ll hear one of his originals, perhaps followed by an original arrangement of a tune from the Great American Songbook, with a segue to some gritty, Chicago-style blues or a cool bossa nova.

Critics have called his music “intelligent,” “evocative” and “memorable,” with “unforgettable hooks, intellectual lyrics and sly musical references.” His performances are a tour-de-force of deft musicianship, dry humor and show-biz savvy, leaving his audiences wanting more.

Please come out to either (or both!) gigs and say ‘Hi!’, and give us a listen.

Blue Southern Comfort Food’s new location:

Ernest’s Orleans Restaurant & Cocktail Bar:

July’s almost history, and there’s no better time to beat the heat and join me at the Anvil Bar & Grill, this Friday, from 6:30 to 9:30. If you’ve not been there before, you owe it to yourself to check it out. The food is great (and surprisingly, it’s not going to force you to take out a loan to get through dinner), and it’s got a really great ambience.

Come on out and see me – the Anvil’s located immediately South of Superior Grill on Line Avenue. Plenty of parking, great food, live music…what’s not to like?