Kathy Simpson
(keyboard, keyboard bass, guitar, vocals)

I was born in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio where my father was the minister at Grace Brethren Church. That's where it began; me standing on a step stool between my parents, singing in church.

My mother taught me to play piano, but when I discovered a guitar stashed in the corner of my uncle's closet, I instantly wanted to ditch the piano and go to “the dark side.”

My parents finally broke down and bought me a guitar for my 12th birthday. When I learned enough chords (3 of them), I started writing my own songs. After high school, I took that guitar and my songs to local college coffee houses and concerts.

What followed was years of performing in clubs and lounges, locally as well as nationally; as a single, in duos, trios, rock bands and show groups. (Full list here)

In 1979, I met and studied voice and piano with a brilliant musician and vocal coach, Herb Buchanan Eidemiller (Dionne Warwick, Eydie Gorme, Teresa Brewer), who had moved back to Covington Ohio from New York City when his wife became ill.

In 1980, I recorded an album of original music at Cybertecnics in Dayton Ohio , titled "Girls Don't Play Rock and Roll.”

In 2000, I also recorded a CD of 11 contemporary Christian songs “He Touched Me” at Encore Studios in Dayton .

My latest project is a CD titled "Vagabond;” a collection of original songs as well as a few covers.

You can listen to samples of Vagabond and purchase the CD here

Julie Smart
(drums, percussion)

I was 13 years old the first time I picked up a pair of drumsticks. And from that moment on, I couldn't put them down! My parents purchased my first drum set--red sparkle Ludwigs—from an ad in the Trading Post. What an exciting day for me! I wish I still had that drum set with so many fond memories that go along with my early years drumming.

During high school I discovered the music world away from public school taking courses at Wright State University and Sinclair Community College, playing percussion in musicals at Wittenberg University, Sinclair, Fairborn Playhouse and the Dayton Repertoire Theatre, and performing with the Sinclair Singers and The Tom Daugherty Big Band and Combo. By age 19, I wanted more.

My teacher, well known drummer Jimmy Green, was performing at Annarino's Supper Club, Dayton, and invited me to sit in one night, making sure local booking agent Shane Taylor was there. Within the week I started playing professionally six nights a week with Bobby Wilson's Touch of Class: Bobby on piano/vocals, Stan Smart, bass and Chris Koverman, vocals / guitar / keyboard. We performed around the Dayton Area including Suttmiller's, the Tropics, The Daytonian, Stouffer's, Tiffany's, the Gil Whitney Show, The Bitter End, The Centerville Club, the Holiday Inns and more.

Two years later when Bobby and Chris decided to go on the road, Stan and I formed the Smart Set, playing with a variety of local musicians and vocalists. The Dayton area has a wealth of talented musicians and we worked with the best: Bob McRaven, Jeff Black, Roger Cavender, Terry Taylor, Terry Bradds, George Williams, Jimmy Wooten, Jimmy Kayes, Bernie Edwards, Marc Pequignot,  Gina Shelby, Lea Roberts, Kathy Burch Simpson, Mike Eldridge, and more.

I am blessed to have performed with so many wonderful musicians. I have learned not only from practicing and listening to other drummers, but also from those with whom you play. The learning never stops. That's the magic of music to me.

Stan and I married in 1996, and musically played together for 29 years. He knew what I was going to play before I played it and I knew what he was going to play before he played it. We made a great rhythm section. Sadly, he suddenly passed away in June 2011. Four months later, while intending to honor Stan at the “Smart Fest” jam session, the idea for the Jewels was actually born. It seems Stan still knows what I am going to play before I play it.  

Chris Koverman
(keyboard, guitar, vocals)

I grew up in a musically inclined family. My two brothers were 3 time winners of the hugely popular Ted Mack Amateur Hour. My grandfather was in a band traveling throughout Florida up into his 80’s.

After receiving a “K” guitar for Christmas at the age of 15 the die for me was cast. When my family moved to Sarasota, Florida, I developed my skills as a musician by performing musical theatre at the Sarasota Playhouse.

Through my nearly 30 years of performing I have sung on numerous radio commercials throughout the Dayton-Cincinnati area.

I was lead female vocalist with the popular group, “Touch of Class” featuring Bobby Wilson, who was also one of the songwriters for Motown in the 70’s.

Along with Bobby Wilson, I performed on the Gil Whitney Show and appeared at the Dayton -based nightclub Gilly’s, Suttmillers Supperclub, and numerous night spots throughout the Tri-State.

For the last two years, I have spearheaded a Christian group, Providence Road and have had the opportunity to minister to many people in the Dayton area through its ministry.

Speaking on the recently formed group, The Jewels, Chris simply states, “This group is “magic”, every time we get together it’s amazing.

 

Friday, March 30, 2012 - 7:00pm to 10:00pm
The Jewels will be performing at:
Spinoza's
2727 Fairfield Commons Blvd
Beavercreek, OH 45431
(937) 426-7799
(In the Mall-Outside Entrance near Sears)
http://spinozas.com/

Friday, April 27, 2012
The Jewels will be performing at:
Rotary Conference
Dayton Marriott

Saturday, May 19, 2012 - 8pm to 11pm
The Jewels will be performing at:
American Legion - Post 286 2251
North Dayton-Lakeview Rd.
New Carlisle, OH. 45344
(937) 845-0219

Saturday, June 9, 2012 - 7:00pm to 10:00pm
The Jewels will be performing at:
Brandeberry Winery
5118 W. Jackson Road
Enon, Ohio 45323
(937) 767-9103
http://www.brandeberrywinery.com/

Sunday, June 10, 2012
The Jewels will be performing at:
Private - wedding anniversary

Saturday, July 21, 2012 - 7:00pm to 10:00pm
The Jewels will be performing at:
Spinoza's
2727 Fairfield Commons Blvd
Beavercreek, OH 45431
(937) 426-7799
(In the Mall-Outside Entrance near Sears)
http://spinozas.com/

Thursday, September 13, 2012 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm
The Jewels will be performing at:
Art Fair at Forest Glen Health Campus
2150 Montego Dr.
Springfield, OH  45503
(map here)

For booking information, please contact Kathy Simpson