This is a band called The Grand Marquis, based in Kansas City. On this performance of Bobby Troup's most famous song, the musicians show good jazz chops.
Theater to debut play about Nat King Cole
The Amun Ra Theater in Nashville, Tenn., on Friday will host the world premiere of a one-man musical, "Route 66: Finding Nat King Cole." If you don't know who Cole is or what his significance to Route 66 is, this little clip should suffice: The Amun Ra production stars jeff obafemi carr (yes, that's how his name … Continue reading Theater to debut play about Nat King Cole
Historic building in Albuquerque reopens as hotel
Hotel Parq Central, located at the former location of Santa Fe Hospital in Albuquerque, opened for business last week as a boutique hotel, according to a news release at Travel Daily News. The hospital was built in 1926 near downtown off Central Avenue (aka Route 66) by the Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad to … Continue reading Historic building in Albuquerque reopens as hotel
Signs of life
Tulsa-area residents and frequent travelers of Route 66 in Oklahoma probably have noticed the decline of the Crystal City shopping center in southwest Tulsa. The shopping center, which once featured a bowling alley, was built in 1958 and became a big shopping draw in the region for many years. However, in at least the past … Continue reading Signs of life
Old Chain of Rocks Bridge may be site for casino
I missed this development in the St. Louis area, but longtime St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist Bill McClellan writes about the possibility of a casino being built at the foot of the west side of the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, which once carried Route 66 and now is used as a pedestrian and bicycle trail. … Continue reading Old Chain of Rocks Bridge may be site for casino
Woman bicycling Route 66 for Komen cancer fund
Iris Klein of Germany is bicycling about 70 miles a day on Route 66 to raise funds for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure cancer research charity. On Saturday, she made a stop in Amarillo, according to a story in the Amarillo Globe-News. She quit her day job as a marketing manager in Colon … Continue reading Woman bicycling Route 66 for Komen cancer fund
Early Boss
Someone's posted audio of a very early performance of the Bruce Springsteen Band performing "Route 66" -- before he had a record deal, before he formed the E Street Band. The sound quality from this 1971 show is bad, but I did recognize Bruce's guitar right off the bat during the solo. The YouTube clip includes photos … Continue reading Early Boss
Blue Whale Christmas
The Catoosa Historical Society of Catoosa, Okla., is selling Blue Whale ornaments for the Christmas holiday this year. Each ornament of the historic Route 66 landmark sells for $10, plus $2 shipping. It comes with an attractive card that tells of the Blue Whale's history, all enclosed in an envelope with a picture of a … Continue reading Blue Whale Christmas
66 Bowl sign sold for $3,900
The neon sign at the now-closed 66 Bowl in Oklahoma City sold for $3,900 at auction today -- well under the $50,000 expected, reported The Oklahoman newspaper. The sign was won by Chuck Clowers, 44, of Luther, who said he grew up near the bowling alley. He said he plans to refurbish the sign for … Continue reading 66 Bowl sign sold for $3,900
Tucumcari may try again to land racino
Tucumcari, N.M., may be in the running again for a horse-racing track and casino license after Raton apparently has frittered away its license after winning it two years ago, according to an article in the Quay County Sun. Tombari expressed confidence in Tucumcari's ability to overtake the racing and gaming licenses originally granted to the … Continue reading Tucumcari may try again to land racino