Sue Papillion loved this community, but she recognized the need for change, one that would keep it current and more appealing to its newer and younger residents.  She also believed the Summit, with it beautiful art deco lighting, dance floor, outdoor patios and expansive views of Las Vegas, was a means to that end.  The building, owned by the Association, was not being used.  Sue instinctively knew that it could serve the residents well while also benefitting the community. But, how to do this seemed a little less clear, however.

That is where her long-time friend and Sun City resident, Marsha Klein, came to the rescue.  A lover of music and big supporter of local Las Vegas musicians, Marsha immediately saw the connection between Sue’s dream and her own – to keep local musicians employed and the music they play alive.

Having met “Detroit” Mike Hepner through Ann Parenti, the Executive Director of the Forgotten Song Music Foundation, Marsha knew he would be the link between the Summit and the music it needed to rock the house and bring in residents whose youth was just one song and one dance away.  A terrific keyboardist himself, Mike knew how to pull in bands and singers who could give us Classic Rock, R&B, Soul, Motown & even a little Pop from the late 50’s through the early 90’s.

It was on Friday, September 10, 2015 when STEFnROCK performed at the Summit and Sue’s dream came to fruition.  And, it was on that night that Sun City Summerlin was regenerated as were those who came to reclaim their youthful joy and exuberance.

One could say that “Detroit” Mike’s music career began the first time he heard Boogie Woogie when he was just 13 years old.  From that point on, his musicianship grew to what it is today.  And, while old enough to be a homeowner her in Sun City, he is still younger than many of us here.  But, through his years in business and now as a Culligan man, Mike also has a sense of people – what they need, like and propels them to be better and happier.  It is that sense and his knowledge of music, musicianship and musicians that makes Friday Band Night what it is.  He knows who and what can get us on our feet and moving and stay moving despite ourselves and whatever aches and pains we bring with us.

Admission to Friday Band Night is $10.  Tickets can be bought at the door.  Doors open at 7:00 p.m.  The music begins at 7:30 p.m. and ends at 9:00 p.m.  You will see that your $10 admission pays for much more than what is given to the members of the band.  It also pays for a night that exudes pleasure and will last you the entire week.  You will find yourself wanting to know who is playing next week and once you start learning the names of the bands, you will make plans to come back when your favorites return.

See Friday Band Night’s flyer on scsliving.com’s Home Page to see all the bands scheduled to appear that month and the genre of music they play.

And, in particular, please note that on Friday, September 9th, Jolli’s Jammers will be the featured band in which our very own “Detroit” Mike will be the keyboardist.  It will also be Friday Band Night’s one-year anniversary.  We are grateful to our Board of Directors and Homeowners Association for having given us this wonderful year of music and fun at the Summit every Friday night.  To show your appreciation, come and enjoy.  It will be a particularly joyous evening.

…and, remember to watch “Midnight Muse” on PBS at 10:00 p.m. on September 19th, featuring “Detroit” Mike as one of the interviewed musicians, to learn more about our local musicians and why live music is so important…

This article originally appeared on scsliving.com