Meet Rex Merriweather | Professional musician, Band leader, Conductor and Jazz Club owner.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rex Merriweather and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rex, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
While “Brain storming” with friends after discussing how local venues continue to fail musicians and artists. From a performer and band leader view point, I could do it better. With that, “Jazz Club” was born. Jazz Club is a “Pop – Up” business, we can set up and use anytime we need. This provides flexibility along with very low financial investment.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The desire to be a musician goes far back for me. I have passed many opportunities in other areas to seek out what is inside me. Early on I took the opportunity to study finance, law, bookkeeping, etc. to learn to hang onto what little money that I may make as a struggling musician. I try to treat all people just as I would want to be treated. There is a spiritual fulfillment from giving some money to someone who really needs it, to playing music for someone who, even just for a few hours needs to escape sadness that surrounds them. I have always thought “Outside the box”, when dealing with life obstacles. Sitting back and thinking of all the possibilities can help overcome many tough obstacles in life. Also talking with good friends and really listening to what they have to say.
The world has changed considerably since my life’s path began. I have rethought my life plans many times. In. the end, it’s about love, for my family, my friends and my music. 23 years ago I was asked to be part of a “Blue Eyed” Soul band, to be called, “Stone Soul”. I have made life time friends in this band and played for hundreds of thousands of people. Today, Stone Soul is a very busy and much in demand dance band, playing concerts in the park, private parties and even recording original songs that are featured in movies and commercials. My other passion for my art, is “This Ain’t Your Daddy’s Big Band”, a 21 piece Jazz “Juggernaught” that specializes in Movie and TV themes and puts an emphasis on exciting live music. I’m very proud.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are so many fine, fun and unique places right here in Southern California to visit, but outside of taking them to a “Hidden Gem” restaurant, club or scenic destination. I have created an oasis where I live, that friends love to hang out at.
I also have serious cooking skills from a time when I was younger and studied to be a chef. My wife and I work as a team to make people comfortable, where they are just coming over for drinks and snacks, one of my famous Christmas parties or staying with us for awhile. Outside of that, I have a few restaurants I love to take out of towners to.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Along life’s journey, I have been blessed to have many great teachers. To this day I use advice and teachings from them on a daily basis. I have friends who have partnered up with me on my various projects and my wonderful talented songbird wife, who encourages the pursuit of my art.

Website: BigBandRockParty.com StoneSoulMusic.com

Facebook: This Ain’t Your Daddy’s Big Band, Rex Merriweather, Jazz Club. Stone Soul Music

Youtube: Rex Merriweather. This Ain’t Your Daddy’s Big Band. Stone Soul