Newsletter of the Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society STJS is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of traditional jazz music. New addr: 1030 North D Street • Sacramento, CA 95811 • (916) 444-2004 • www.sacjazz.org
VOLUME 48 • NO. 1 FEBRUARY 2016
2016 Sac. Music Festival info ...... 2 Ad rates...... 2 Election Results...... 3,5 Elks Lodge #6 – info/directions...... 2 In Loving Memory ...... 14 In the Months Ahead ...... 2 Jazz Sunday Notes The Cricket...... 6–9 Membership application...... 14 Music Lesson Awards...... 5 Musicians from Dec. Jazz Sunday...... 5 Notes From the Office Tom Duff...... 2 President’s Message Dave Becker...... 3 Feb. 14: all-star Clinicians Band Publisher of Am Rag retires Yvonne Au...... 13 Raffle Cent$ Kathy Becker...... 3 “Rent Party” bands/musicians ...... 10-11 in town for Valentine’s Day! TNT / Music Lesson Award info ...... 3 hanks to the 11th annual Trad. Jazz BILL DENDLE, T-bone/Guitar/Banjo TYouth Band Festival at Sac State, Bill began playing banjo in 1963, and by “Jazz Sunday” info ➤ pg. 2 with its talented group of educators and 1967 he performed at Mickie Finn’s in Jazz Sunday photos on pg. 6–7, and pg. 11 mentors for the next generation of trad San Diego as leader of the South Market jazz musicians, STJS will have access Street Jazz Band. Bill was the lead ban- Dec. 13 to an all-star ensemble that’s been flown joist at Capone’s Warehouse in Monte- in from cities across the country. They rey for nine years. 1977 found Bill as put on a great show each year, with lots an entertainment consultant, banjoist, Peter Petty of laughs and upbeat music for dancing. trombonist, bandleader and entertainer We truly appreciate the STJS Founda- at Florida’s Disney World, where he tion for making it possible. Learn more opened on the Empress Lilly Showboat. about the band (alphabetical order): In late 1977 he revived (cont. on pg. 11)
March 13 Jazz Sunday Sac. Music Fest. Moonlight Swing Big Band Get your Early Bird This popular band takes you back to the 1930s and ‘40s, as each performance is a living- Discount tickets history experience with emphasis on the music while they last! of bandleader Glenn Miller, including his famous Army Air Forces stateside service band! $110 (Will be $125) STJS Office 1030 N. D Street (as of Dec. 2015) Sacramento, CA 95811 Notes From the Office (916) 444-2004 FAX: 444-2060 STJS EXEC. DIRECTOR [email protected] www.sacjazz.org by Tom Duff
2 Dec. 2015 / Jan. 2016 Notes ... (Cont.) President’s Message The new Big DoG website is coming very soon, and I will send by Dave Becker STJS PRESIDENT out the link to our page in a future communication.
Dec. 2015 / Jan. 2016 3 STJS JAZZ CAMPS
SACRAMENTO TRADITIONAL JAZZ SOCIETY sacjazz.org 30th Anniversary! 17th annual TEAGARDEN JAZZ CAMP TRAD. JAZZ CAMP for YOUTH (ages 12-18) for ADULTS (ages 18+) August 1 – 7, 2016 July 24 – 29, 2016
The camps are held at Sly Park Envi- Payment plans and scholarships are Rusty Stiers trumpet/cornet ronmental Education Center, the Sac. available, and many jazz societies Bria Skonberg trumpet/cornet County Schools Outdoor Education sponsor students. Contact STJS Anita Thomas clarinet and sax facility (5600 Sly Park Road; Pollock (916) 444-2004 to help locate a jazz Terry Myers clarinet and sax Pines, CA), about an hour east of society in your area. For more infor- Greg Varlotta trombone Sacramento in the beautiful foothills mation contact Bill Dendle, Camp Curtis Brengle piano of the Sierra Nevada. Director, at: [email protected] Jason Wanner piano Ed Metz, Jr. drums Tuition for Youth Camp 2015 = $650. or (916) 927-5222. Nahum Zdybel guitar and banjo Tuition for Adult Camp 2015 = $900. Our camp faculty (subject to change) Howard Alden guitar and banjo .APPLY ONLINE: consists of some of the finest trad Matt Perrine bass and tuba http://sacjazzcamp.org/ jazz players in the country, including: Shelley Burns vocals
4 Dec. 2015 / Jan. 2016 Election Results Stained Glass Artistry Dec. 13, 2015 Supports “Up Close” hank you to all the STJS members who voted, and thank you to all melding of jazz and stained glass artistry supports the the STJS members who ran for office this year. T A“ Up Close and Personal” fundraiser for the Trad Jazz Beth Scott was elected as Secretary. Musician Members Zack Youth Band Festival (TJYBF). For the second year in a row, Sapunor, Dominic Ruggieri and Todd Morgan were elected. Granite Bay jazz supporter Ron Muth was the highest bidder Non-Musician Members Lyle Van Horn and Jeff Hedrick were for Vern Delk’s stained glass panel at the December fundraiser elected. concert. Delk became inspired by a poster for the Sun Valley A special thanks to the Poll Workers: Felix Smith, Beth festival. This gave him the idea of depicting a jazz musician, Smith, Geri Ross, Mary Stewart, Dick Pryor and Larry Frant- shown in an abstract manner. The first one artwork was of a zen, for their hard work. saxophone player (2010), and the most recent project (2014), which Vern generously donated in support of the 2016 TJYBF, features another saxophone player wearing a red-banded Music Lesson Awards fedora. It is one of 50 panels in Vern’s jazz series. For his by Patti Jones STJS EDUCATION COMMITTEE CHAIR donations, we express our gratitude, and personally wish Vern the very best, as he is undergoing extensive medical treatment. 17 students receive free private music lessons n Jan. 10, STJS awarded certificates worth $300 each in O..private music lessons to 17 local students. The Music Jazz Sunday Performers Lessons Award (MLA) program of STJS is administered by Dec. 13, 2015 the STJS Education Committee and funded through the STJS Foundation. MLA Committee Chair Elinor Hackett pre- GOLD CARD ROOM sented the awards on stage at the January STJS Jazz Sunday Trumpet: Jared Blum, Grady Flamm, and Bill Sharp; Trom- (which was the 18th annual “Rent Party”). bone: Bob Gonzalez, Mike Hudson, Jack Mootz, Jay Paulus; Reeds: Dick Lockwood, Arthur Eriksson, Gene Mondro, The 2015-16 MLA recipients were selected from 24 appli- Dominic Ruggieri; Piano: Ken Meyers, Frank Lindskoog, cants, each of whom submitted an application, brief bio, and Carl Kaiser, Todd Morgan; Strings: Mark Kramer, David note of recommendation from their teacher. Award recipients Metz, Jan Buhlert; Bass/Tuba: Dave Rees, Alan Ginter, Bill have until the end of 2016 to redeem their certificates. See Hoffman, Ray Farley; Drums: Jack Scott, Jim Laveroni, Jim page 11 for photo of nine recipients. Awards were presented to: Roberson, Carl Warmdahl; Vocalists: Paula Dula, Bev Ludlow Casey Bruce, age 10, trombone Anderson, Vanna Turner, Gwenetta Brooks, Larry Sikorski, Devon Hernandez, age 11, trumpet/bass Claude Purcell, Geri Eckert, Harry DuVall, Alan Ginter, Jackie Freda Garrett, age 12, clarinet Clauson, Jeanette Hall, Julie Gallaher, Edd Burhans, Clint Sara Haley, age 12, Bari/trombone Ritchie, Todd Morgan, Tressa Dahlberg, Dan Lee, Kate Rees. Breanna Haley, age 12, flute Paula Dula, Gold Card Room Director Annette Griffin, age 13, saxophone TAILGATE ROOM Jaelin Johnson, age 13, trumpet Welcome to newcomer Jenna Eckard. She was joined by: Michelle Kamyshin, age 13, clarinet Trumpet: Grady Flamm, Jared Blum, Jenna Eckard; Trombone: Da’Von Stallings, age 13, clarinet Bob Gonzalez, Jack Mootz, Larry Tyrell; Reeds: Dick Lock- Aloni Whiteman, age 13, trumpet wood, Arthur Eriksson, Nancy Kreis, Gene Mondro; Piano: Jason Wilson, age 13, clarinet/bass clarinet BillChiechi, Carl Kaiser, Frank Lindskoog, Augie Eriksson, Pat Blucher; Guitar/Banjo: Jimmy Spero, Dave Metz, Ned Poffin- Zoe Devine, age 14, trumpet barger, Jan Buhlert; Bass/Tuba: Bill Hoffman, Dave Sieber, Brian Ross, Jr., age 14, trumpet Mike Melnikov; Drums: Greg Ayala, Bill Cheichi, Bill Cham- Kelsey Smith, age 14, vocals, teumpet berlain, David Rees, Garrett Frazier; Rich Kreis; Vocalists: Breanna Bell, age 15, saxophone Claude Purcell, Bev Ludlow-Anderson, Bill Relffy, Dan Lee. Ray Freeman, age 15, saxophone Jane Reinmuth, Edd Burhans, Bev Ludlow – Co-Directors Evan Hughes, age 15, saxophone Grady Flamm, Garrett Frazier – Assistants
Dec. 2015 / Jan. 2016 5 And Byron Colborn is a beneficiary of our youth jazz - educa Jazz Sunday Notes tion programs (years ago). The ones we didn’t know before were By “The Cricket” Adrian Coulson, Arlyn Anderson, Peter Philis, Sasha Tkacheff [who is NOT the AATJ editor] and Dana Moret. (Mick Martin fans know Dana as a previous vocalist for the Blues Rockers.) Petty frequently channels Cab Cal- LOWER ADMISSION at Jazz Sundays! $8 / $10 loway, but he can also throw in “I’m An Old Cowhand” or “Viper’s I am sorry to start with wrenching news, but some of you may Drag” or “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” He was a blast! not have heard that we lost both Jim Fusaro and Bev Gunter in Dancers Stacey and Mike said they love Peter Petty, and the the last two months—dreadful losses for our Jazz family. Bev had band matches his skill level. They thought our expanded dance been failing for several years, while Jim sang at the November floor was smooth and clean, and a nice size. Check it out! Jazz Sunday. Both made huge contributions to STJS over the The New Traditionalists (TNT) started the Main Stage – Olivia years. Bev was proud of being “The Parking B*tch.” Jim was Flournoy, Jerod Eastlick, Christine Chapa, Breanna Rodgers, pretty much the face of the Jubilee, having been the drum major for Gabriel Carpenter, Parker Weis and Gabriel Anuszczyk, led the Parade for several years. We are very, very sad at the passing by TNT alumni Nolan Cyr. Nolan and Parker had fun exchanging of each of them. Condolences to their families and loved ones. verbal barbs. [We’ve taught them more than just music.] December 13, 2016 MC Barbara Paulus read a lovely tribute to Boy Singer Jim Peter Petty & His Titans of Terpsichore Fusaro before turning the stage over to Charlie Gehlbach. Since he December “dance” had the best turnout in many months, it wasn’t completely Jay Paulus Society Band OR Dr. Bach and Tthanks in large part to Peter Petty, a non-stop energy machine. the Jazz Practitioners, Gehlbach came up with a sort of goofy He went above and beyond his contract, and brought His [14-piece] name for his Set 3 jam – The Swinger Dingers. Besides Charlie Titans of Terpsichore, which includes STJS Members Dave John- and Jay, it had Parker Weis, Jim Elsaas, Jerry Lopes, Bill Chi- son, Justin Au, Brandon Au, Otis Morning, Bonnie Otto, Alan echi and Angela Elsaas. “Am I Blue?” is one of moi’s favorite Parks and (newly-elected STJS Board Member) Zack Sapunor. songs, thinking back to Rita Coolidge’s version in the ‘70’s.
Dec. 13, 2015 PETER PETTY and His Titans of Terpsichore
Peter Petty’s Dana parents, Jack & Carolyn Moret
6 Dec. 2015 / Jan. 2016 We apologize for the scheduling goof that gave us a shorter than TG 3 was Blum, Jack Mootz, Gene Mondro, Frank usual day. Rats, just when we were having so much fun. We were Lindskoog, Dave Metz, David Rees and Bill Chamberlain. TG able to stretch just a little by announcing the Election Results, fol- Assistants Grady Flamm and Garrett Frazier were on TG 4, lowed by the Raffle, with Kathy Becker’s fun gift-wrapped prizes. with Gonzalez, Arthur and Augie Eriksson, Jan Buhlert and Mike Melnikov. Dan Lee was the vocalist. Apparently it takes an election to get Geri Ross out to Jazz. She was one of our poll workers, and has done many other jobs over the By all reports, TG 5 was one of the best sets of the day, with years. Come to think of it, the same can be said of Mary and Dick, first-timer Jenna Eckhard on trumpet, Larry Tyrell on trom- and Larry, and the Smiths. Volunteers now and forever! bone, Mondro and Nancy Kreis as dual reeds, Pat Blucher (I’m reminded he was seriously ill around this time last year), and Sandi Redenbach and her husband Ken Gelatt are good Sieber. And – wait for it – Rich Kreis on drums. Rich is the patri- friends of Pat and Bob Gonzalez. Sandi was their daughter’s high arch of the Kreis Family Circus – but I somehow missed the fact school teacher. And at Jazz they ran into a dear friend from 30 that he’s an actual musician. What a pleasant surprise! Anderson years ago, Carol Fusaro! and Lee were the vocalists. Linda Martinez was prancing around in a tricked-out reindeer Speaking of the Kreises, Jeff startled his friends with a “legit- antler headdress she found at Rite Aid. Did you see what I did imate 1940’s military cut.” He offered to let me touch it. (And there? Reindeer. Prancing. Prancer. Right? Get it? Should I fire Nolan Cyr followed suit with the same style in January. Is this the my gag writer? new thing?) Let’s repair to the Tailgate. Set 1 was a combo, with Bill Chi- Arthur Eriksson joined Rich Lockwood as the reed section echi on piano, Jimmy Spero on guitar, Bill Hoffman on bass and for Set 1 in the Gold Card Room. They joined Blum, Mootz, Greg Ayala on drums. Claude Purcell and Bill Relffy were the Kaiser, Metz, Rees and Jack Scott. And Grady Flamm was vocalists. And then Chiechi moved to drums for Set 2, with Jared the trumpet player for GCR Set 2, and Mootz/Paulus, Eriksson/ Blum, Bob Gonzalez, Dick Lockwood, Ned Poffinbarger, Dave Mondro, Lindskoot, Hoffman and Jim Laveroni. Dave Reitz Sieber and Carl Kaiser. Bev and Poffinbarger were the vocalists. was missing from the Vocal Set back-up (continued on page 8)
TNT - The New Traditionalists
Dec. 2015 / Jan. 2016 7 (cont. from page 7) band, but Ken Meyers, Alan Ginter and Jim Morgan and His Jazz Band had stand-alone personnel, thank Roberson did their usual excellent job. you very much! In fact, Todd Morgan’s combo of Nolan Cyr, ` Bill Sharp lead both Set 4 and Set 5, with Carl Kaiser on piano Parker Weis and Jim Laveroni, was fabulous! (Carol Laveroni on both. Set 4 had Gonzalez and Lockwood, with Mark Kramer, was expressing some admiration that Jim managed to keep up with Ray Farley, Carl Warmdahl and Geri Eckert. Set 5 had Mike the young guys!) Hudson, Dominic Ruggieri, Buhlert, Ginter and Laveroni. The Bechet Fantasy Band, though, was top of the hill, in my opinion. Just wonderful. Lyrical. Exciting. “Bagatelle.” “Sid- Elks Chaplain Deborah Fairly said her husband, Thomas, just ney’s Wedding Day.” Just WoW. I heard on NPR the other morn- ended a lengthy hospital stay due to esophageal avulsion – very, ing that the reason time seems to fly by faster as you get older is very serious. We’re glad he’s back at Jazz (enjoying Peter Petty). not because each year is a smaller fraction of your life (as I had Organist Dave Moreno was on hand with flyers for Harmony always heard) but because there are fewer new experiences in your Winelands’ silent movie night, featuring Moreno on organs, with life, leading to boredom. Well, if you’re an STJS member/jazz fan, Matias Bombal. And after that comes January Jazz Sunday. there is ALWAYS something new in your life! There was a little mix up in the Gold Card Room, too. When it came time to start the music, we discovered that the piano key- board was still locked, and both copies of the key were elsewhere. Sound Tech Norm Echols has one of the copies, but he is still banned from work for a few weeks longer, so he didn’t have it 18th annual RENT PARTY on him, although we were otherwise thrilled that he was there. January 10, 2016 Lock-picking skills were solicited but the key showed up before It was the annual Rent Party, so the bands are listed elsewhere any damage was done. Apologies to Parmys Weinberg. She got (along with lots of lovely pictures). I assure you, each and every to play a tambourine for a couple of numbers. band was marvelous. We especially appreciated Thomas Banue- Speaking of Sound Techs, Brady Harris was on Winter Break los bringing Dixie Dominus all the way from Fremont Christian from Chico State, and showed up at 8:00 a.m. to help set up equip- H.S. for the first Tailgate Set. ment. Ya’ gotta love him. And then another of those pesky scheduling goofs almost threw Elk Dana Schilling was looking for a band for a February us off our pins. Celia Cottle was accidentally given the wrong dance at the Elks. Towards the end of the afternoon, she said performance time, so we had no band for the second set. But wait! it definitely would be one of the GCR bands. Lots of talent to Veteran organizers to the rescue – Jill Harper and Dick Lock- pick from. Speaking of talent, Elinor Hackett presented Music wood grabbed Nancy Kreis and Larry Tyrell, Chris Williams, Lesson Awards mid-afternoon. Tawonna and Robert Johnson Grady Flamm and Thomas Monce, and voilà – a legitimate Jam were there to see son Jaelin receive his award. He plays trumpet, Band. And then, the kindest thing – Syncopating Sea-Monkeys drums and flute. Former TNT member and music award winner, and River City Swingers I scrunched up and gave up half of their and Jazz Camper Anthony Coleman II was there in support. set so the Awktives could have a chance to play when they arrived. Anthony brought his Afrobeat band, Sankofa, to the 2011 Jubilee. River City Swingers II and TNT finished up the Tailgate sched- ule. As with every Rent Party, the audience in the Tailgate was I knew Graham and Charlyn Connor were longtime mem- bigger and more enthusiastic than the other two rooms together. bers of STJS; I DIDN’T know how rich their history is. They Or at least it seemed that way. started back when Tom Wallace first gathered up “The Clarksburg MC Ken McMurray introduced the Crescent Katz for Set 1 Crew.” They worked at Bacchus Theatre, Tootsie’s, Hotel Enter- on the Main Stage. Sister Swing followed, and then Black Tues- prise, Old Sac Club, Annabelle’s, Alvernaz Attic, L Street Rendez- day, Dr. Bach and the Jazz Practitioners, and Midnight Rose vous, the Bistro, Firehouse Lot. Somewhere in there they became Jazz Band. Dannie Balser is so talented on trumpet and vocals, Site Managers, and finally they worked behind the scenes at the it is only us really old-timers who remember that she started out as office. Many hats over the years. a (really good) ragtime pianist. Speaking of hats: The STJS Street Band used to have some Dominic Ruggieri, leader of Black Tuesday, was ALSO the really spiffy uniforms for events, including the parade. DO YOU leader of Bechet’s Fantasy Band, therefore requiring a little HAVE THOSE UNIFORMS? ESPECIALLY THE HATS? Or do squirming around with that Main Stage/Gold Card schedule. The you have a clue who DOES have them? We’ve lost track over the cross pollination between Dr. Bach and Jay Paulus Society Band years but NEED them (for a secret project). Call Judy Hendricks also had to be accommodated. Seldom Herd, Hot City and Todd at 916.641.5781. Any assistance appreciated. (Cont. on pg. 9)
8 Dec. 2015 / Jan. 2016 (Continued from pg. 8) Barbara Rasmusson reported she spent Christmas in Oregon with her son and grandson. Clinicians Band (cont.) Congratulations are in order for Rio Americano High School’s the South Market Street Jazz Band. From 1982 to 1995, Bill Mingus Combo, one of only three high school bands nationwide appeared as one-half of the duo called Goodtime Banjos. Bill chosen to participate in this year’s Charles Mingus Festival. Rio is currently director of two trad jazz camp programs and is the scored big at the Folsom Jazz Festival recently, too. Also, congrats lead clinician in the STJS Traditional Jazz Project. He plays to Duncan McElman, who was awarded a $1,000 scholarship to trombone, guitar and banjo in Shelley Burns & Avalon Swing, the Stanford Summer Jazz program. Further congrats to Parker and with Fast Eddie Erickson. Bill has performed with Bob Weis, Valentina Makovey, Timothy Voet for their awards. (I’m Haggart, Bob Crosby, Johnny Varro, Dick Cary, Abe Most, probably missing others. Apologies.) Well done, all! Nick Fatool, Bob Draga and others. He retired two years ago as Vice-Principal at Lindbergh Ed. Center in Manteca, Ca, and We had dogs, big and small. Phoebe Rector fit nicely into the will become the curriculum director and banjo/guitar instruc- bend of Becky Rector’s elbow, while Barkley Maihack is larger tor at Camp Hoagy in Elkhart, Indiana this June 15-22. than some of the Youth musicians. Carol Fusaro was dog-sitting Barkley while Jim and Wendy Maihack were cruising the Carib- SHELLEY DENNY — Bass bean with Bob Schulz’ Frisco Jazz Band. Wendy said they ate a Shelley Denny is a free-lance trombonist and bass player with LOT, but didn’t gain any weight. (I’ll have what she’s having!) broad experience as both a performer and a teacher. His play- They were back in time to attend Jim Fusaro’s celebration of ing credits include Stan Kenton, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sina- life. Pat Yankee sang with Bob Schulz, Scott Anthony and Bob tra, Nancy Wilson, and The Supremes, plus thirty years with Ringwald to honor Jim. Miss Delta was dancing. Stan Mark the Sacramento Music Circus. He has taught music theory, ear came down from Oregon to pay tribute. Jim’s grandson, Anthony training, and jazz improvisation at Sacramento State Univer- James Fusaro, is also from Oregon, plays bass, and put together sity, coached lower brass at University of the Pacific, Stockton, a lovely slide presentation. Max Weis videotaped everyone’s and offered private instruction for over thirty-five years. remembrances. Paige Morrow helped Carol put together a really BOB DRAGA — Clarinet heartwarming afternoon. TJYBF Guest Clinician in 2006 Kathy Becker helmed the 10th annual Crab & Pasta Feed, Bob’s professional career encompasses over thirty-five years with Peter Petty, and Black Tuesday for dancing. Petty per- of live performances (national and int’l) at jazz festivals, jazz formed an amusing ditty named “Bald Spot,” which he wrote. He cruises, and personal engagements. Bob performs exclusively brought a smaller group, but really throws himself into the perfor- on the “high seas” for Jazzdagen Cruises, sailing throughout mance. Many thanks to Nanette Hall and 10 young people from the world. Previously part of the Titan Hot 7. Since leaving the California Conservation Corps. They worked hard, from the Garden Avenue Seven, a band he founded and led for twen- set-up right through clean-up. Some bought raffle tickets and one, ty-two years, Bob has led several all-star bands, was co-leader Braiden Massao from Center Unified in Antelope, rediscovered of the Draga-Vax Connection for three years, and has worked his ballroom dancing skills! frequently with Johnny Varro, Tom Saunders, Rick Fay, Bob Tom Duff undoubtedly mentions these two items in his column, Haggart, and other world-class jazz performers, and has many so this is just back-up or reinforcement. From March 9 through recordings to his credit. In addition to playing superb clarinet, March 12, mention Bookfair ID# 11807286 when you make any Bob presents an almost wicked brand of humor, making him purchase at a Barnes & Noble store (or online at www.bn.com) one of the busiest musicians on the trad jazz circuit today. and a percentage will go to STJS. TNT will be playing at the EDDIE ERICKSON — Banjo/Guitar/Vocals Creekside Town Ctr. Barnes & Noble in Roseville on March 9. TJYBF Guest Clinician in 2008 Krista Penney is in charge of Instrument Security/Storage at Eddie Erickson began his banjo/guitar career in the mid-‘60s the Trad Jazz Youth Band Festival on Feb. 13th. On Jan. 14, 2016, working at Capone’s Warehouse on Cannery Row. From there, Krista and husband Ryan Brown brought Wesley Elliot Brown Ed went to Disney World and Disneyland, where he was fea- into the world. If Krista can make it to TJYBF, by golly, you should tured in the “Class of ‘27” show at the Diamond and Golden be able to! Plus, you get to hear Wycliffe Gordon! See you soon. Horseshoes, and starred in the Banjo Kings. He has been a Dr. Steve Roach, our TJYBF Director, will be performing featured performer, and appeared with Jackie Coon, Rick Fay, on Mon., Feb. 29, at Hilton-Arden, with Mike “Frank Sinatra” Dave Frishberg, Johnny Varro, and others. From 1978 to 1983, Martis, Alan Ginter, and Dave Chan Louie. 6:30-9:00 (Har- Eddie led the “Riverboat Rascals” show band onboard Dis- vard Grille, 2200 Harvard St.) 2 ney’s Empress Lilly Showboat. Eddie (continued on page 12)
Dec. 2015 / Jan. 2016 9 Dr. Bach and the Seldom Herd Band Awktives 18th annual Jazz Practitioners Charlie Gelbach, trumpet Jessica Block, trumpet STJS Charlie Gehlbach, leader, Chris Williams, trumpet Jacob Comingore, trumpet trumpet Bob Gonazalez, trombone Evan Belks, trumpet Jay Paulus, trombone Dick Lockwood, reeds Jesse Brandt, trombone Norm Gary, reeds Jimmy Spero, guitar, vocals Jack Premzic, trombone Carl Kaiser, piano Carl Kaiser, piano, vocals MacRae Dudman, clarinet Jim Elsaas, banjo/guitar, vocals Ray Farley, bass Isabel Montesanto, tenor sax Jim Roberson, drums Carl Warmdahl, drums Tioga Benner, piano Jan. 13, 2016 Angela Elsaas, vocals Geri Eckert, vocals Jake Gooding, bass Andrew Leavitt, drums Hot City Midnight Rose Jazz Band River City Swingers I MAIN STAGE Zack Sapunor, leader, ______Dannie Balser, trumpet, string bass, vocals Grady Flamm, trumpet vocals, leader Jeff Kreis, trumpet Thomas Monce, trombone Nancy Kreis, clarinet Crescent Katz Mark Curry, clarinet, sax Sophie Modar, clarinet Carl Warmdahl, drums Bill Dendle, guitar, banjo Arthur Eriksson, alto sax Brandon Au, leader, Jan Buhlert, banjo Montana Monce, piano trombone, euphonium Tim Kreis, saxophone Maya Monce, sousaphone Jeff Kreis, trombone, vocals Todd Morgan Jazz Band Jeff Kreis, trumpet Nolan Cyr, trumpet Joseph Bly, drums Greg Sabin, bnj/gtr, vocals Bonnie Otto, piano Kelsey Smith, vocals Reuben Smith, tuba Parker Weis, clarinet Priscilla Ornelas, tuba Jim Laveroni, drums Patrick Skiffington, washboard, River City Swingers II kazoos, vocals Bryce Hansen, trumpet GOLD CARD ROOM Sister Swing ______TAILGATE ROOM Grayson Cliff, trombone ______Caelin Such, clarinet Valerie Marston, vocals Steven Bondaruck, tenor Sax Paula Chafey-Merrill, vocals Jay Paulus’ Society Band Mary Bongo, banjo Leigh Hannah, vocals Jay Paulus, trombone, leader Dixie Dominus Jake Nalangan,piano Dave Johnson, trumpet Barbara Paulus, co-leader, Lydia Porter, trumpet Ryan Loanidis, bass Bob Williams, trombone vocals Karen Cruz, trombone Garrett Frazier, drums Otis Mourning, reeds Charlie Gehlbach, trumpet Michelle Boutell, trombone Lisa Doubek-Kraft, vocals Steve Wall, guitar Charlie Hull, reeds Stephanie Wu, clarinet Alan Parks, bass Parmys Weinberg, piano Wallace Lee, clarinet, alto TNT Ron Jones, drums David Rees, bass Calvin Manesh, tenor sax Eric Treadwell, trumpet Ray Rector, drums Carlo Cardenas, baritone sax Olivia Flournoy, trombone Black Tuesday Jazz Band Kate Rees, vocals Vince Argonza, banjo Annie Hsu, piano Parker Weis, clarinet Dominic Ruggieri, leader, reeds Rebekah Handran, drums Jerod Eastlick, sax Dave Johnson, trumpet, Bechet’s Fantasy Band Danny Rohwedder, tuba Breanna Rodgers, banjo flugel horn, vocal Dominic Ruggieri, co-leader, Nick Leong, bass Christine Chapa, piano Mike Hudson, trombone reeds Kaitlyn Weins, vocals Gabriel Anuszczyk, bass Jan Buhlert, plectrum gtr/bnj Bill Sharp, co-leader, trumpet, Gabriel Carpenter, drums Alan Shaw, piano valve trombone, vocals Syncopating Sea Monkeys Alan Ginter, bass Jan Buhlert, plectrum guitar, Jim Laveroni, drums, bongos banjo Spencer Nyberg, tpt/tbn Suzanne Wiggins, vocals Alan Shaw, piano Ray Freeman, reeds Alan Ginter, bass Paige Burks, Michael Colbert Jim Laveroni, drums, bongos Ashley Davis, Zoe Devine Casey Hamby, Abigail Luft EJ Monjaras, Kaleb Meisinger Jojo Reyes Soria, Brian Ross Will Chan, guitar Ishmael Morales, drums Alicia Lopez, vocals
10 Dec. 2015 / Jan. 2016 Music Lesson Award winners
Dec. 2015 / Jan. 2016 11 (cont.) Morristown, N.J. and Ocean County College. The Golden Inn Clinicians Band in Avalon, N.J. has featured the Midiri Brothers Big Band as has been featured with Big Mama Sue at festivals, fairs, and the part of their Big Band Get Away weekend package for nearly Sancy Snow Jazz Festival in France. Also a vocalist, Eddie has a decade. The big band features many of the arrangements of joined forces with Rebecca Kilgore and Dan Barrett to form Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw and the Dorsey Brothers as well Rebecca Kilgore Quartet, popular at jazz festivals throughout as many of their own arrangements. The diversity of the Midiri the country. Eddie is a respected and beloved member of the Brothers can be heard on their many recordings, notably: Trees, jazz fraternity, and one of the funniest performers on the scene. A Shaw Thing, In The Garden, and Finger Bustin’. Recently, they have recorded two CDs with the Brooks Tegler Orchestra RON JONES — Drums and one with Harry Salotti. After Ron retired from playing drums with the US Air Force show bands for many years, he backed up such prime time GREG VARLOTTA — Trumpet/Trombone entertainers as Frankie Laine, Kay Starr, the Ink Spots, and Greg Varlotta began studying trumpet under his fathers direc- Diahann Carroll. Since he moved to Sacramento in the early tion in Lockport, Illinois at the age of 5 and received his music 1980s, he’s played with many top West Coast jazz bands. A degree in trumpet performance from Arizona State University member of the Youth Band Festival committee and immediate in 1985. He has performed with numerous symphony orches- Past President of the STJS board of directors, Ron is a very tras, brass quintets, jazz ensembles, and is the recipient of the popular drummer on the national jazz festival circuit and per- prestigious Arion Trumpet Award. In addition to his accom- forms with Sister Swing and the Draga Quartet. Ron and the plishments on trumpet and trombone, this multi-talented per- TJYBF Clinicians Band were selected from a highly compet- former also enjoys singing, tap dancing, and has a strong inter- itive, field of applicants to present a performance at the first est in music technology, working with computers, program- West Coast convention of the national JEN (Jazz Education ming synthesizers, composing and arranging music. Network) last year in San Diego. He performs regularly with the Bob Draga Quartet at trad festivals. JASON WANNER — Piano TJYBF Guest Clinician in 2010 MIDIRI BROTHERS In younger days, Jason’s dad used to bring him to the Sac. Jazz JOE MIDIRI: Reeds — TJYBF Guest Clinician in 2014 Jubilee, where his love for jazz grew. As a Music Award recipi- PAUL MIDIRI : Vibes/Trombone ent, he played for TNT, the STJS-sponsored youth band. Jason The Midiri Brothers have made music, both jazz and classical, went from being a student at the STJS Jazz Camp to earning the focus of their lives since graduating Glassboro State Col- his place as an instructor there. Jason performs regularly with lege. On recordings, they can be heard leading groups ranging Blue Street, appears every so often with Sister Swing and is from trios, quintets, sextets and big bands – all featuring Joe’s a frequent guest artist at jazz festivals. He enjoys composing outstanding clarinet and saxophones, and Paul on the vibra- and arranging for a variety of shows, films, and recordings, phone, xylophone, marimba, drums and trombone! After nearly and performing with at trad festivals across the country, as a a decade working in Philadelphia, New York and Atlantic City, guest artist and as a member of various bands, including the they began to branch out and perform at jazz festivals across Bob Draga Quartet. Jason studied music for one year at USC the country, and for many jazz clubs from Chicago to Florida. but returned north to graduate from the CSUS School of Music In their home state of N.J., they play concerts and dances. Two with a Bachelor of Music in Classical Piano Performance. In, of the most popular concert venues, both run by their good 2011, Jason was selected as the “Musician of the Year” by friend and supporter Bruce Gast, are the Bickford Theater in Monterey’s Jazz Bash by the Bay festival. 2
Clinicians Band from 2015 TJYBF
12 Dec. 2015 / Jan. 2016 Publisher of The American Rag retires by Yvonne Au TJYBF COORDINATOR on and Cathie Jones became swing dancers are finding how much fun the name to The American Rag, which Dcaregivers for Cathie’s mother, it is to dance to what they discovered as soon attracted East Coast readers, and who moved into Don’s home office last Hot Jazz (OKOM). being its publisher has been his longest- fall. They also celebrated Don’s 84th Don, like his late father, James held job since. birthday in January, and their retire- Donald Jones, is a man of many pas- During the past 11 years as coordina- ment from The American Rag after 26 sions, especially for jazz. Don relates tor of the Trad Jazz Youth Band Festival, years. They sold the paper to one of that he, “had eleven occupations since I have had the distinct pleasure of getting their writers, Andy Senior of New York, graduating from high school in Feb. better acquainted with Don, and more where it will take on a new life as the 1950 — ten of them lasting about 3 recently, Cathie. Along with many of Syncopated Times. The new cover page years after which they became boring.” already appears on its Facebook page their faithful readers, I have appreciated At age 63 he purchased the newspa- with Andy’s recent post that he promises all that they have done to actively sup- per, West Coast Rag, from jazz friend to, “keep Don and Cathie’s work going port jazz education in their newspaper. Woody, who wanted to retire. Don long into the future.” On behalf of our fellow jazz volun- shared that he and Woody were both teers and fans here in Sacramento, I’d With a long history of jazz in his jazz fans and also recovering alcohol- like to thank Don and Cathie for all the family, it is no wonder that Don eventu- ics (with help from the AA meetings tireless work that they have done to ally became the owner of the venerable they attended). I think having these promote OKOM. Cathie, in a recent American Rag newspaper 20 years ago. in common created a significant bond His father, James, played clarinet and between them. (Don proudly reports FB post, wished Andy much luck and alto sax in all the bands at the two World that he quit drinking 28 years ago.) Don enjoyment with the newspaper, noting Fairs in SF until 1940, when World War did an internship with Woody for about that she and Don “had a blast over II broke out. Don recalled that his father nine months before eventually taking the past 20 years,” and met many new had regular gigs with various bands four over the newspaper in August 1995. friends through the paper. We fondly nights a week at the Sweet Ballroom Don met Cathie the following month, wish Don and Cathie an equally fulfill- in Oakland. Local area dancers came and by fall she was driving to Fresno ing retirement, and look forward to still nightly, for fifteen years, to dance to on weekends to work on the paper with seeing them at some West Coast jazz the tunes played from the band’s same him. After they got married, he made festivals. All hail the 2013 Fresno Mardi tune book. Don is delighted that young her his executive editor. Don changed Gras Emperors! 2
Dec. 2015 / Jan. 2016 13 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society In Loving Memory DATE______r NEW r RENEWAL r E-MAIL CHANGE Name______Laurie Beth Stackhouse Address______August 10, 2015 City______State_____Zip ______Phone______Larry Gene “Woody” Wasson October 27, 2015 E-mail______
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP includes discounts for monthly STJS Carole June Retter Jazz Sunday concerts, plus newsletter, And All That Jazz. November 11, 2015 Note: DUES INCREASED on JULY 1st, 2013 *** ! *** Louis D Francis r Single $30.00 r Couple $50.00 r Student $10.00 (ages 12–20) November 19, 2015 r PATRON Membership $400. Includes: 2 Festival All-Events Badges, 2 programs, and your name listed in the festival program. Joan Fritzell r I am enclosing an additional $______for (please check one): November 22, 2015 r Sacramento Music Festival r Other STJS programs
Would you like to VOLUNTEER? (Please check one.) Peter Desalernos r Sac. Music Festival r Other STJS programs December 19, 2015 r Both (Festival & other pgms) r I am currently a volunteer Bev DeMers Gunter Make CHECKS or money orders PAYABLE to STJS or CHARGE to: m Visa m MC m Discover m AmEx January 8, 2016 Card # ______Dan Hicks Expir. date ______Security # on back of card ______February 6, 2016
MAIL TO: Membership Chair 301 N. 10th Street • Sacramento, CA 95811 (916) 444-2004 www.sacjazz.org [email protected]
THANK YOU for your support! We appreciate your membership.
Please take a moment to complete this form. Your information and opinions will help the STJS better serve you. (Answers may be approximate.)
• How long have you been a member of STJS?______• How far do you travel to attend monthly sessions?______• Number of monthly sessions you attended in the last 12 months______• Who was your favorite guest band or musician? ______• What band or musician would you like as a guest? ______• What would you like to change about the monthly sessions? ______Thank you for your help!! UPDATED NOVEMBER 2014
14 Dec. 2015 / Jan. 2016