Callie Chappell, A Refreshing Performance at the Blasé Café

Last week, a friend called and asked if I had ever heard of singer-songwriter “Callie Chappell.”  I said “no” and she said “get my butt over to the Blasé Café on Siesta Key on Friday night because Callie was performing.”  I had never been to Blasé so I figured this was as good a time as any.

The Blasé Café is a very cool place on the “Key” with a strong local flavor.  This seems to be the place where everyone knows your name.  I came with my gal pal, Julie and we got a table outside.   The restaurant has a great drink selection and a diversified menu.

Callie was already singing and playing the guitar when we arrived.  Oh, what a voice….smooth and silky.  Callie was accompanied by violinist Willie Royal, and percussion extraordinaire, Steve Apostale.   The music was sensational.   Julie turned to me and said “Sande, this music is refreshing.”   Oh yeah, she was absolutely right.  Some of the cover songs that they played and sang were “Woodstock,” “Ode To Billy Joe” and “White Bird” by It’s A Beautiful Day.  These were songs that I sang and enjoyed from years back. They did several originals including “Evan Jane” and “I Can Take You There.”

Callie appears to be so unassuming, almost a bit shy!  When the band took a break, I introduced myself.  She thanked me over and over when I told here we would be writing this story.  This lady has character and it was a pleasure to meet her.

I was so impressed with Callie’s performance.  It was refreshing!   I am even more impressed when I found out that Callie was a Program Director at an Alzheimer’s unit.  When she figured out that her residents responded to music more than anything else she knew she could do more.  Today, Callie sings for residents in nearly 35 facilities between Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice.   How wonderful!

It looks like Callie and her boys are amassing a very big following at the Blaze Café on Friday nights.  I know I will be going back to hear her sing again and I will bring more friends.  Callie will be recording her second CD in late February.  You can follow Callie on her Facebook page.  The Blase Cafe is located at 5263 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key, Florida.