A sensitive yet powerful jazz vocalist who loves to sing ballads, Tommy Gearhart has developed his own sound as he explores the Great American Songbook and jazz standards.

Born in Toledo, Ohio, Tommy Gearhart spent much of his childhood there and in Detroit. As a young teenager he became serious about jazz and began his musical career as a jazz drummer, playing with local bands. Having accompanied many singers as a drummer, when he was 25 he thought to himself, “I want to do that, and think I can”, so he dug in and got to work on his studies.

Blessed with a warm baritone voice and influenced by his jazz background, he developed quickly as a vocalist. His mentor was Jon Hendricks, who was also from Toledo and with whom he worked on multiple occasions. The young vocalist was also inspired by the swing of Frank Sinatra, the depth of Andy Bey, the musicianship and artistry of Jon Hendricks and Mark Murphy, and the many instrumentalists he had heard. He listened to everyone, did a great deal of study, and emerged with his own highly appealing voice.

Tommy Gearhart has since performed at many jazz venues and festivals around the U.S. and Canada. In addition to Jon Hendricks, he has also worked with Detroit tenor-saxophonist Donald Walden (whom dubbed Tommy a “true balladeer”), trumpeter-educator Marcus Belgrave, and guitarist Peter Bernstein.

Ravenscroft
Jazz & Dine
September 15th, 2023

Menu

Shared Plates

Bread & Spread Platter
Hummus, Spinach Artichoke Dip, Pesto
Fried Pita Bread

$14.00

Charcuterie & Artisan Cheese Board

Aged Cheddar, Triple Cream Brie, Aged Gouda, Prosciutto, Salami
Assorted Nuts, Grapes, Strawberries, Pesto, Fig Jam, Pickled Jardiniere

Grilled Baguette or Gluten Free Crackers

$16.00

Salad

Mixed Greens Salad

Grapes, Radish, Candied Pecans, Goat Cheese
Balsamic Vinaigrette

$6.00

Southwestern Grilled Prawn Salad
Corn, Sweet Baby Bells, Avocado, Butter Lettuce
Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette
$18.00

Buffet

(Served with vegetable side and dinner roll)

Braised Green Chili Pork

Cilantro Lime Rice, Bok Choy
Fresh Salsa

$18.00

Shiner Bock Braised Beef Brisket
Herb Roasted Red Potatoes, Sautéed Bok Choy

$22.00

Desserts

Chocolate Cake
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

$8.00

Food Provided By: CUISINE PRIVÉ

*items may be served raw or undercooked. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.