The Master Keys deliver thesis on the Blues at Columbia U.

We're in the big leagues now. Ivy, that is.  The band was invited to play for the incoming class of graduate students at Columbia University this past Monday and we happily bestowed them with bluesy wisdom as they gnoshed on Columbia branded cupcakes and blue (school colors) champagne!  What a great crowd of bright-eyed PHDs to be, all eager to meet one another and get to know some of their professors. 

You can't see it in these photos but we played for a crowd of about 1,500 people under a huge tent covering most of Low Plaza. 

Thanks again to the folks at Columbia for making this possible!

Jazz, Blues & Dancing at a Wedding on Long Island

Sometimes you know that a wedding reception is going to be a lot of fun from the moment you walk in the door with your upright bass and band in tow. Last night was one of those nights. As soon as we got there, we were welcomed warmly by the father of the bride, who was setting up the PA for us, and immediately we were invited to sample the locally catered barbecue, which was delicious.

We began by playing a jazz standard as people entered the reception hall, thinking that we would save the dance music for later - but the guests had a different idea. They started the dance party right then and there. Maybe the extended cocktail hour had something to do with it. Nonetheless, we got off to a great start, and the night took off from there.