Since tooting their first note as a band in May 1998, the members of the Grand Marquis haven't taken more than a week off in 11 years. Add in the four (soon to be five) albums and 175 gigs a year and that, dear friends, is the portrait of one hardworking band. Of course, anyone who has been to a Grand Marquis gig (which, by this point, is practically everyone in the metro) knows that few bands have more fun — or produce more joy in an audience — while onstage. The Grand Marquis also spreads the gospel of Basie and Big Joe outside of town, taking its jump-blues wagon to such towns as Omaha, St. Louis and Chicago. In other words, they're flush. "I think I love it now more than ever," says drummer Lisa McKenzie. "We've gotten to a point where we're like a family." Get in the picture when the Marquis and its friends and relations, Red Lefty from Lawrence and Miss Jubilee and the Humdingers from St. Louis take back the night in the name of swing this Saturday at Crosstown Station. But get there early: From 8 to 9 p.m., the hot-steppin' folks at Blue Martini Entertainment will be giving free dance lessons.
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