“We got tired of all the noise playing pop/rock covers,” said DAVE WILLIS of the Cheesecake Band that includes himself and two good friends. “We decided to transition to what smart musicians play these days, such as bebop, smooth jazz, swing — in the mode of Stan Getz and Mile Davis.”

Dave has a guitar lesson studio and sells instruments at the Academy of Dance. Still looking like a teenager on a growth spurt, Dave is an easy-going guy who loves to laugh and help amateur musicians.

MATT NASH and JAY BURKETTE play tenor sax and bass, respectively. Dave plays jazz guitar.

“We play for tips,” Dave allowed, adding they want to get the word out that they are available for parties. “We also guarantee we do not play too loud (so neighbors will not complain) — but we just can’t guarantee you’ll like us,” Dave joked.

Besides Angelo’s Caffé, they recently played at the one-year anniversary of Fox Pointe on Pioneer Way.

Dave deeply admires the work of Jean Baptiste “Django” Reinhardt (1910 to 1953) a Belgian Gypsy jazz musician who was inspired by Duke Ellington during World War II.

So the band has a strange name. You still should catch them. Call Dave at 360-969-2937.

A little bite of heaven …

What is NIBBLES? It is a dream come true for RUTH CULBERTSON and her staff, now open at the corners of Dock and Fidalgo Streets.

I took my friends JACK and SUE TINGSTAD with me to a pre-opening party on Aug. 31. Although I saw no actual genuflecting, I did observe people making pronouncements to God that the morsels melting in their mouths were the best they ever tasted.

Culbertson places great store in her staff members Shelby, Keath, Connie, Yumiko, Robin, Roxanne and Brian. She has trained them to be “emotionally invested” in the business and they know exactly what they must deliver to keep customers coming back. This kind of knowledge can only be imparted by Culbertson, who was trained herself on the job at Haggen Top Foods.

Brian expertly prepared an strawberry Italian soda and peach smoothie so we ambled outside for a table. Culbertson, who had been surrounded by guests, stood alone for a moment, taking it all in. The expression on her face was sublime. She has created a masterpiece.

Got plans for Friday?

The Deming Speedway, located just off I-5 on the Mt. Baker Highway, opens at 5 p.m. every Friday with a special race on Saturday, Sept. 23.

Admission for adults is $10, juniors $8, seniors $8 and children 7 and under are free.

LES RANDALL of Oak Harbor was a kid when he got into the sport. Besides driving in California and even building a couple of cars, he now sponsors a car and belongs to the Northwest Mini-Sprint Racing Association.

“There are five classes of cars in all age groups,” he said, “the 250 CC class, 600 stock class, 600 modified class and K.C. Cain Jr., sprints for little kids. The 1200 sprints are the big ones.”

For directions, call (360) 592-5025 or write to info@demingspeedway.com.

Moyse shares talent …

Kimberley Breilein is back from Montpelier, Vt., where she took part in an International Flute Master Class under the direction of Louis Moyse, one of the foremost flutists of the 20th Century. This was Kimberley’s second opportunity to study under him.

On returning to Washington, Kimberley and her daughter Alicia attended the Suzuki Flute Camp in Bellingham where Alicia was privileged to study under Kenichi Ueda of Ontario, Canada. Alicia is a student at Oak Harbor Middle School and plays in the band under Patrick Manuel.

Kimberley is a professional flute instructor and performer and has studios in Oak Harbor and Burlington. Ask about fall sessions by writing to enchantedflute@hotmail.com or call 929-2744.

Why not take a few minutes and send me your news at lifeonwhidbey@yahoo.com or call 675-6611. Until Sept. 13, take care.