By Robin Alberti
Jimmy Mee and The Freeze are a very popular Killington Mountain band and have been the mainstay for 28 years at the former Red Rob Inn. These days you can see them performing regularly on Fridays at the Highline Lodge from 7-10 p.m., or Saturdays at the Slopeside Lounge 5-8 p.m. in the Mountain Green complex.
Singer-songwriter James Mee is a life-long Vermonter and has made his living as a professional songwriter, recording artist, story teller, traveling performer and author for over 25 years. His musical career has taken him from Salt Lake to Syracuse, from Fort Lauderdale to Phoenix, from Maine to Minnesota. Mee has opened for some of the biggest names in acoustic music, including Arlo Guthrie, Shawn Colvin, Don McLean, Liv Taylor, Karla Bonoff, Tom Rush, Andrew Gold, Tom Chapin and Doc Watson.
His songs and stories have been included in television shows, movies, on radio, in songbooks and even in commercials from time to time.
The Boston Globe called him “A wonderful storyteller and insightful songwriter with a warm full voice and wry wit.”
Jimmy Mee and The Freeze is a collaboration between James Mee, Steve “Mac” MacLauchlan, Rob Henrichon and Mike Sullivan, offering lots of experience and a large selection of recognizable hits from a variety of eras, styles, and genres. From Texas swing to Motown, from rock and roll to rhythm and blues, pop, folk, jazz, easy listening and timeless standards, all the bases can be covered.
“Mac” plays a mean sax and sweet flute, and has been performing throughout the northeast since the mid 70s. He comes from a Big Band/jazz background and is a Vermont Jazz Ensemble alumnus who performed as a sectional player and featured soloist. MacLauchlan has performed locally with jazz/blues singer Sandra Wright and the Latin jazz band Mogani.
Henrichon is well-known for his talent as guitar stylist and is a sought-after performer, gigging with numerous bands throughout New England to rave reviews.
Bass player Mike Sullivan not only performs on stand-up bass, the fretless and the five-string bass, but is an artisan that built all the guitars the band uses.
The Highline Lodge & Marble Bar is an intriguing venue that recalls the early après-ski scene of the 1960s. It is a treat for those who want to experience the atmosphere of an old Vermont ski nightspot. The Marble Bar still has the original bar, made right here of Vermont marble.
Interesting character, both in the building and the band.
