Backroom Boys to play for dancing Feb. 12, 13

The Backroom Boys will play traditional jazz and more for dancing on Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras, Feb. 12, at the Michigan House in Calumet. They will also play at other venues next week. Pictured here, from left, are John Munson (clarinet, sax, and keyboard); Oren Tikkanen (guitar, banjo, mandolin and vocals); Bob Hiltunen (guitar and percussion); Belinda Mattfolk (bass); and, inset, Bob Norden (trombone and vocals). (Poster courtesy Backroom Boys)

CALUMET -- Next week, Fat Tuesday -- Mardi Gras -- Feb. 12, the Backroom Boys -- Keweenaw's best, and only, traditional-style jazz band -- will make their annual appearance at the Michigan House in Calumet! Tim and Sue are making sweet potato cakes and gumbo to warm you, the music goes from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and you are expected.

The next day, Wed, Feb. 13, is the Keweenaw Co-op's Owner Appreciation Day, with music from 12 noon on into the evening. The Backroom Boys' set will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. so come on down, dance in the aisles, get your 10 percent off if you are an owner, get your regular Wednesday 5 percent off if you are a "senior" and join in the merrymaking.

"Furthermore," says Oren Tikkanen, "There are secret negotiations in process at this time to arrange a special Backroom Boys Valentine's appearance at an undisclosed venue with the initials of CIBC for either Thursday, Feb. 14, or Friday, Feb. 15, probably from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m." (Watch for more details soon.)