Tickets still available for Night of Chocolate

Tickets will be available through Sunday, Nov. 29, for the Clay County Arts Council's annual Night of Chocolate, set for 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Rector Community Center.

This year's event features The Usual Suspects of Kennett, a popular band which includes Sheryl Crow's dad, Wendell Crow, on the trumpet and rhythm guitar; Jim Baker, vocals and lead guitar; Ken Williams, vocals, harmonica and drums; Daryl Wilcoxson, vocals and keyboards; Gary Wilcoxson, vocals and bass guitar, and Memphis music veteran (and former Kennett resident) Dunk Carter, vocals and lead guitar.

Ticket prices are $30 for Arts Council members and $35 for non-members. Checks may be mailed to the Arts Council at P.O. Box 3, Rector, AR 72461, or those who wish to make reservations may call (870) 595-1444 or (870) 522-3377 in Rector or (870) 544-2206 or (870) 243-1480 in Piggott.

The Usual Suspects play what is termed "blues-based, good time music." Ashley Wilcoxson, daughter of Daryl and an up-and-coming singer in Nashville, usually sits in with The Usual Suspects.

Over the last three decades, these musicians and good friends have played together in different configurations in the rock, country and gospel music fields. In 2003 this particular lineup got together on stage as "The Usual Suspects" for Little River Fest, concentrating on their first love -- blues-based music with a rock edge.

"For the most part, we weren't really that familiar with the blues," said Daryl Wilcoxson. "Jim Baker was probably the one who knew more of the songs and he worked with the rest of us. It actually worked out pretty good. They were teaching Wendell how to play guitar at the time, and they were taking a blues approach with that."

In preparation for their first performance, the group truly jelled, something which was evident on stage.

Since then The Usual Suspects have played many regional shows, including serving as the backup band for Sheryl Crow at the dedication of the Sheryl Crow Aquatic Center in Kennett.

"We've performed with her about five times," Wilcoxson said. "Sometimes when she comes down, we'll get together and jam. We all have a good time. I think it's a nice break for her."

Their annual summer show at BB Kings Blues Club on Beale Street in Memphis has become one of the "must attend" events of the year. Their 2003 show at BB's was named in the Best of the Best list by the Memphis Flyer Magazine.

Individually and collectively, The Usual Suspects have backed up or opened shows for Sheryl Crow, Johnny Cash, Rufus Thomas, Waylon Jennings, Black Oak Arkansas, Narvel Felts, Brenda Lee, The Jordanaires, The Gentrys, The Boxtops, Billy Swan, Sonny Burgess, The Guess Who, Bobby Vee, Rick Dees, Degarrmo-Key Band, John Hartford, Travis Wommack and many, many others.

Band members have played on the stage of the Ryman Theater, played on the Grand Ole Opry stage and appeared on a Grammy-winning platinum album. Members of the band have recorded in major Nashville, Memphis and L.A. recording studios.

Whether playing Beale Street, a regional festival or in their Super Secret Music Room (all guests who play there must autograph the inside of the door), The Usual Suspects are about friendship, good times and good music.

"It's a lot of fun," Wilcoxson said. "We're just some old musicians trying to have a good time. We don't take ourselves too seriously up there. It's just a way for us to get together and do something we love to do."

The Night of Chocolate also will include a delicious meal catered by the Traveling Whisk, a holiday fashion show and a "Dancing with the Stars" type dance competition. In addition there will be a wonderful auction with items provided by local merchants for the council's scholarship fund.

"You will not want to miss the featured entertainment, The Usual Suspects," said council president Gail Burns.