The Boykin Jazz Alley Gigs present John Rankin, Don Vappie and Matt Rhody

The Paramount Arts Center continues their Boykin Jazz Alley series with John Rankin, Don Vappie, and Matt Rhod,y September 8 at 8pm.

John Rankin is a well known New Orleans musician and performer. A versatile master of solo acoustic guitar, he blends a New Orleans feel with originals, jazz, folk, blues, rhythm and blues, classic guitar, and the American songbook. He has been described as a New Orleans version of Leo Kottke or Chet Atkins. He is a singer songwriter with a wide array of songs, vocal and instrumental, that reflects his broad approach. His powerful harmonica playing, in sync with his guitar, adds a real impact to his songs and stories. A featured solo performer at most New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festivals since 1981, he was a winner of the 1985 American Finger-Style Guitar Festival, and won two Big Easy Awards for Best Folk Music. Although well known as a soloist, he performs with many ensembles, including the New Orleans Guitar Quartet and The Classic Jazz Trio.

The New Orleans String Kings is a jazz string trio that lives up to its regal name. With John Rankin on guitar, Don Vappie on guitar, tenor banjo, and upright bass, and Matt Rhody on violin and mandolin, the royalty of the Big Easy string world is well represented. All three musicians like to sing as well as play. Together they balance virtuosity with humor and the engaging easy feel that typifies the best of New Orleans music. John played this series two years ago with the NeoClassic Jazz Trio.

Tickets are $35, $15 for Students. For tickets and more information please call 606.324.0007 or visit www.paramountartscenter.com