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SUPPORT OUR TROOPS JacknEvelyn's Dixieland Jazz Talk,
Information and Links.
"A FAN'S PERSPECTIVE"
Doing our share to help keep
Traditional Jazz alive!
*****
I started writing about our Trad.
Jazz experiences back in 1997!
You will find that first entry way down near the bottom of this
page!
So, maybe you want to scroll all the way down and start reading
there?
On the other hand, if you scroll down only a little bit, you will
find the most recent info!
But, maybe you don't care to read any of it?
In that case, just don't do anything!
Whatever makes you happy! :-)
Jack.
*****
**The information below will
change as new and interesting things become available !**
So,---------->---------------->-------------->----------------->----------------->------------->scroll
down!
See the latest update and
information below!
Scroll down to "WHAT'S NEW!
*****
But, !!!!!
First, please sign our Guest book!!!
Many well known people involved in Dixieland Jazz and Genealogy
have signed, so add your comments!
It is nice for everyone to know you were here!
Join us on a "FUN" cruise!
After being on several "Jazz Cruises" through,
"Jazzdagen"we are
again tempted and are signing up for the,
12 day Sea of Cortez cruise leaving March 26 2010 from San Diego
and returning there on April 6!
These cruises are superbly arranged by Alida Meijers and staff
and loads of fun is provided by the various bands and
musicians!
Never a dull moment on these cruises! Click Logo
for info on this and other cruises! So, Join
us! Some additional news just
in 8/18/2009!
Joining this cruise will be, Greetje Kauffeld, a well
known Jazz singer from the Netherlands!
Click here for a
sample of what to expect!
I am sure you will be very pleasantly surprised!
*****
*****
8/10/2009
Orange County Classic Jazz festival!
We just returned from the,Orange County Classic Jazz Festival in
Costa Mesa California!
and had a wonderful time!
It is always a great festival but this one was outstanding!
Congratulations to the organizers, the volunteers, the many great
bands,
and the large audience who was smart enough to be there!
*****
Sunday June 21 2009!
Whoopee it is Summer, and Happy Fathers day!!
You may have noticed (or not), that I don't write much about
anything unless I have something I really " LIKE" ,
and feel like saying something about it ?
This is my webpage and my prerogative to do so!
But a couple of things have recently really made my day, so I
will talk about that,.... OK???
*****
First, we went to San Clemente to the always wonderful small
festival by the Rotary club and the city ! Great as always,and thanks to Stone Brewery, in Escondido Great
beer that they donated to raise funds!
Also the local wrestling club did a great job providing
outstanding food!
A fun! fun! day!
*****
2/9/2009
FRESNO MARDI GRAS 2009!
Well, we drove to Fresno, had a great time, and drove home
through rain and snow!
This is such a nice friendly festival giving you a feeling of a
big family reunion! The Radisson Hotel where the festival is held
each year, goes out of its way to allow the place to become a
"Mardi Gras fun location to be"! Many "non
Dixieland" people we talked to commented on the general
pleasant atmosphere through out! Also the employees were seen
humming along with the music while efficiently performing their
duties!
A fun atmosphere, great music and every one seemed happy!
But, don't take my word for it, see for yourself!
The jpg numbers will show at the bottom of each picture!
Just e-mail me the
number if you want a copy! Click
here for my slide show!
*****
I also have ALL204 unedited pictures located at
Shutterfly! You can look at them there, I think you can order
prints there (if you like), but if you don't want to do that,
e-mail me the jpg
number and I will send it (or them) to you!
Click on view album and either just look at the pictures or click
on slide show!
Start here to Shutterfly!
*****
12/5/2008
The"29th San Diego Thanksgiving Dixieland Jazz
Festival"
Having attended the San Diego Thanksgiving Jazz Festival since
1983, I never took a camera because I just wanted to simply enjoy
this great Festival, the happy music, and relax at this time of
the year.
In the past I have done some picture programs at some of the
other festivals that we attended once or twice over the years,
and I felt that not writing about, and not having a picture
program about, one of our most favorite Festivals, near to
where we live, might be questioned by Jazz Fans who know us!
They have .....!
So this time I took my camera and am sure I annoyed a number of
people with it.
Besides taking pictures, I make mental and written notes of
things to later comment on and using a camera gives me ideas and
records special happenings that otherwise are soon forgotten!
But it iswork. So, if the pictures along
with my comments about this San Diego Festival and other
festivals helps remind people that weren't there, what
they are missing, I feel I have succeeded in doing my
part in,
"Doing our share to help keep
Traditional Jazz alive"!
Comments on the pictures and below are my individual view and
opinion, but I am almost certain that 99.9% of the many people
that were there last week will agree that, it was
outstanding!
The weather except for a bit of rain before, and some early
morning fog during, was as always exceptional!
The Festival itself showed the experience of the many years of
organizing this event ! Flawless sound systems, knowledgeable
volunteers who know the ropes, the noticeable interaction of
cooperation between the Festival organizers and the staff of the
hosting facility "The Town and Country Hotel Resort and
Convention Center"!
In all the venues, the space between the rows of chairs was wide
enough to stretch your legs and people to walk through without
stepping on your toes! Great feature!
Fine and reasonable priced food and refreshments were available
throughout the facility.
Also, a major shopping mall and restaurants all within walking
distance! Like I say on one of the pictures,
"Park your car for 5 days"!
Before concluding my comments, let me not forget the outstanding
Thanksgiving Dinner presented by the Town and Country! For all
these years now I have each time been amazed at how delicious and
attractive this dinner is presented!
And last, but certainly not least, the great lineup of
entertainment each year and hopefully for many years to come!
Will you blame me next year, if again, I will not bring my camera
and just sit and relax and enjoy this super Festival?
Click here for my slide show!
If you want a copy of a picture e-mail me the jpg
number!
If you like, you can also see all 171 unedited pictures I
took!
Once there, click on "view album" and than "Play
slide show"!
Start here to Shutterfly!
I will try to install a buzzer to wake you up in an hour or
so!
As has been my pleasure to do , I took some pictures, (257),
eliminated 56 and created a slide show with 75 of the better
ones!
The 75 picture slide show gives a pretty good overview of the
festival so I won't have to go into a lengthy report!
I will say this though, the weather was nice, the festival it
self extremely well organized and pleasant, a great entertainment
line up, great service by the employees of the Crown Plaza San
Marcos, and compared to some festivals, reasonable charges for
excellent food and refreshments!
I guess I could just have said "everything was great"
!
I don't wear one, but if I did I could say "My hat off
to Helen Daley and all the super volunteers"!
It was fun , thanks! Click
here for my slide show!
(Use the back arrow on your browser to get back here!)
I also have ALL201 unedited pictures located at
Shutterfly! You can look at them there, I think you can order
prints there (if you like), but if you don't want to do that,
e-mail me the jpg
number and I will send it (or them) to you!
Click on view album and either just look at the pictures or click
on slide show!
Start here to Shutterfly!
*****
10/21/2008
I can not believe that it is almost a month ago that I talked
about the Heliotrope
Ragtime Orchestra
performing at the monthly AFCDJSconcert!
Yesterday we again went to the beautiful Historic San
DiegoLafayette
Hotel
This month the Great Sounds (and fun) were provide by, one of our
most favorite bands The
Titanic Jazz Band!
This group of unbelievable professional musicians perform with
such ease and greatness that the beat and rhythm makes you worry
about the glassware and windows! These guys really were swinging
yesterday!
A word about the facility! The location and facility are not only
great, but the employees handling the refreshment bar (well
stocked) and food and snacks (outstanding)are doing their best to
help and please every one thereby making the whole affair even
greater!
Thanks to them and Lafayette's Management!
I took my camera yesterday, took some pictures, and I am happy to
report that I am getting better at it!
Instead of struggling 3 -4 days uploading unloading and back
downloading, it only took me 10 hours to put some pictures
together to show!
So, what you should see, hopefully will tell a little story!
A story about ,the facility, the work Al Adams does to have the
sound do what it is supposed to do,the hotel employees, the door
prizes, the always present AFCDJS volunteers and organizers, and
all that resulting in a very happy time for dancers and every one
else coming in the door with a smile knowing it is going to be a
great afternoon!
THANKS ALL!
*****
After finishing looking at the pictures, use the back arrow on
your browser to get back here!
You can also use the F11 key on your keyboard to see the picture
full screen.
***** 9/29/2008
On Sunday September 21, we attended the monthly AFCDJS concert
program in San Diego!
These monthly concerts arranged by the American Finest City
Dixieland Jazz Society are held at the historic Lafayette Hotel!
It is an event we always look forward to ,we enjoy watching the
dancers on the large dance floor and listening to an afternoon of
great "happy" music.
This month,the music was to be provided by the,Heliotrope Ragtime
Orchestra!
This was the first time for us to see or hear them and the
afternoon was an absolute delight!
There were also some dancers from the San Diego Vintage Dance
Society which further added to the 1920ties atmosphere!
Besides performing that day, the orchestra members were
celebrating the release of their new Stomp Off CD
"THAT'S GOING SOME"!
This is their 2nd, the first CD was "It's a Bear!"
also Stomp Off!
You can hear some Heliotrope Orchestra excerpts on
this page of the Stomp Off website where you can also buy
this delightful music!
We thoroughly enjoyed their(just purchased) newest CD playing in
the car as we drove away from The Lafayette at 4PM after a fun
filled afternoon!
(You can see and read more about them on my Band Links
Page!)
*****
8/12/2008
Just returned from attending the,
Orange County Classic Jazz Festival in Costa Mesa California!
The arrangement were as always outstanding and so was the band
lineup!
We met with many friends from past festivals and also met many
new people.
Although I didn't't take any pictures this time, you can
get a good Idea how great this festival is by looking at my
pictures from 4 years ago. Find them somewhere below !
Check out next years program by clicking picture above!
*****
5/13/2008
Happy 13th of May and a belated Happy Mothers day!
In a recent Guest book entry and some recent conversations I have
been accused (be it in a nice way), of not doing my job!
In Part the entry in my Guest book says, we need some updates
on this page... Right??????
(You know who you are that said that!)
Hmmff, ok already!
So here is the requested "update" but read on
further below about "Mothers day"
and Dixieland Jazz in Beautiful San Clemente!
"UP DATE", Well, we went to the
Fresno Sounds of Mardi Gras
February 7-11 and as always the Fresno Dixieland Society
Organizers and Volunteers did their flawless-outstanding job they
are known for!
The Band lineup is always great.
If you haven't been to one of these you missed a GREAT
festival held at the Radisson Hotel.
But there is next year we hope!
Next we attended JAZZAFAIR 2008 in Three Rivers California,
wonderful as always but different for us! In the past (24 years)
we had our Alpenlite Fifthwheel trailer to go there, but now
trailerless, we Motelled it! Still great but not quite what we
have been used to for years. Great band lineup as always and a
new great band first time on the West Coast named, Barbary Coast from
Saint Paul Minnesota.
About the Three Rivers Jazzaffair in general there is nothing I
can add to anything I have said in the past, or anything to the
pictures that you can look up further below in this page!
IT WAS GREAT AS ALWAYS! Click for Jazzaffair
2009!
5/13/2008
Yesterday we came home after an absolute Lovely weekend.
For one thing, celebrating Mothers day on Sunday, but also
attending a GREAT two day Jazz Festival held on May 9 and 10!
Every year, the San Clemente Rotary in conjunction with the City
hosts the Dixieland Jazz Festival to raise funds for local
charities and scholarships. With an all-star lineup of some of
the best Dixieland Jazz Bands this Dixieland Jazz By the Sea
festival is a "must" for any jazz lover!
Check their website for next year! Rotary San
Clemente.
Here is how it went:
We arrive on Friday at the motel who also sponsors the event (and
has special Jazz rates), and we spend the evening at our most
favorite hangout Fishermans Restaurant and Bar on the right side
of the pier.
who is also a sponsor of the festival! Fishermans
website.
They are located on both sides of the pier and built over the
beach and the surf! A Lovely place to spend an evening! We also
go there on Sunday morning to get-together with our Daughter,Son
in Law, and Grandson who live in Orange County to celebrate
Mothers day on the left side of the pier where they serve a super
brunch!
Now about the Jazz by the Sea Festival!
It is great, cozy, well organized, great reasonable priced food,
and excellent venues in 3 rooms and the bands and sound system
are excellent!
Besides the many excellent Jazz Bands that we have known for
years, there was in the lineup, a band I had not heard of before
(I thought)
The name of the Band sounded familiar but didnt register with me
at that moment.
Here is why:
A couple of weeks ago I received an e-mail from someone I
didn't know asking the following question-
Hello: What would it take to get our picture and band on your
advertising page of bands. Our web site is:
www.southburgundystreetjazzband.com Many Thanks, Mike Olson
I answered Mike saying it would take either $10.000 or an entry
in My Guest book, his choice, (why doesn't anybody sign my
guest book unless I threaten them?),he chose to sign my guest
book, but his Band picture was already installed on my page by
then anyway.(no charge of course)
So sitting at the festival, the band name sounded familiar and
half way into the set it finally dawned on me why!
Looking at the picture on the program and at the band in front I
saw, playing the clarinet, the above mentioned Mike Olson!
The only reason I went through this lengthy explanation is that
in my humble opinion this J.B. is made up of a group of
OUTSTANDING musicians and in my opinion a super-super sounding
band! But judge for your self, my prediction is that they will be
everywhere soon!
So Mike and gang, here again is your picture!
Hope to see you again soon!
From Arcadia California!
Click picture to go to their web site.
Being fond of wine, I pronounced their name like the wine but it
is Burgundy! :-)
*****
October 5th 2007
Great news for all of us who loved
to see and hear CHRIS NORRIS!
NOTE!
To order the DVD below, E-mail Dick Shooshan!
Shooshan54@yahoo.com,
Or click here to do so !
******
12/12/2006
Just came home from our "Jazzdagen"November
26 through December 11 Hawaii cruise on Holland America's
Ms Zaandam!
Based on past experience with Jazzdagen tours, we had high
expectations and we were not disappointed this time around either
since everything again went great.
Check-in at the San Diego cruise ship terminal went like well
oiled clock work and we were having lunch on the ship about half
an hour after arrival at the terminal on Sunday the 26th of
November.
By the time the ship left shortly after 5PM, we were unpacked and
settled in for the first musical performance of the
High Sierra Jazz Band.
Sunday the 26th through Thursday the 30th was spent
"Cruising the Pacific Ocean" and listening to great
music by, High Sierra, Coronet Chop Suey, Paris Washboard and the
Jazzdagen All-Stars with Nina Ferro along with other activities
presented by Holland America Line.
Friday December 1 through Tuesday December 5th we enjoyed bus
tours of the various Hawaiian islands arranged by Jazzdagen
giving us a great over-view of Hawaii.
Late Tuesday evening the ship past the Kilauea Volcano showing
the impressive hot
lava flow into the ocean, and we were on our way back to San
Diego.
Wednesday December 6 through Sunday December 11 we again listened
to great music and enjoyed the rest of this well organized cruise
and the memories!
All in all it was a great trip with few things that could
go wrong quickly handled and corrected, in short it was FUN!
I have about 1000 pictures I have to go through (eliminating
many):-) and I will be working with a new program to show them,
so be patient and check back to see if they are uploaded yet!
It may take a bit of time!
In the mean time, sign my
GUESTBOOK please so I know who was there to see
them! Be sure and follow the instructions by scrolling down the
page before clicking the sign button.
It certainly has been a pleasure meeting old and new friends and
hope some of you will enjoy seeing yourself in some of the
pictures!
Are you a member of,
America's Finest City Dixieland Jazz Society
San Diego, CA?
If not, become one and click their Logo above for information
about them!
Also find out about the famous
Thanksgiving Festival!
*****
Held in, THREE RIVERS,
CALIFORNIA
On April 2,3, 4, 2004
******
What can I say that I haven't said before about this
festival?
The weather was beautiful, the food and drink that the Lion's
provided was
as great as always, and the music was super!
Several special events we were able to attend were also
great.
One in particular, was the Kirk Clague Exeter High Jazz Band!
They did an outstanding job, and it is good to see such a large
group of young people not only sounding great but having a good
time besides!
It makes you realize that there are a lot of young people with
potential to do great things for this country!
Three Rivers also hosted a Car Show in the parking lot of the
Village Market. Just a great atmosphere all around!
Check area news and the new Kaweah Kam here!
The Kaweah Commonwealth.
*****
The bands were, High
Sierra,(Host) Cornet Chop Suey
Tom Hook and Les Chien Noirs with Brady McKay Night
Bloomers Blue Street Gator Beat Titan Hot 7 Uptown
Lowdown Raisin Babies
Papa bear & Co.
(Check their web sites!)
*****
I was happy to hear of several newcomers to the festival because
they stumbled on to my Web site on the Internet.
Welcome, the more the
merrier!
Yes, if you read this, and have seen this year's and past
years reviews and pictures below, it will be difficult for you
not to come and see for yourself!.
So have fun looking at the 58 pictures I have posted.
(I had a horrible time getting them there)
Should you want a picture of a particular situation e-mail
me.
Click for 2004 Jazzaffair Pictures!
******
We were unfortunately unable to attend or report on the 2003
festival!
******
4/20/2002
HERE IS THE REPORT ON THE29th
Held in THREE RIVERS, CALIFORNIA
On April 12,13, 14, 2002
BUT FIRST A QUESTION!
Why is the wordso perfect to describe the Three
Rivers Festival?
ANSWER!Because it is not just another Trad.jazz festival, it is
instead "an Affair" consisting of many many factors
blended together!
Sure, the great performances of the various JB's is an
important BIG part of the festival, but there are so many other
factors that make this festival the AFFAIR it is.
In the 17 years we have attended each year had it's unique
character.
Last year and some other years it included weather we don't
easily forget, but this year it could not have been better!
Besides Jazz, the affair includes the people you meet and see
year after year, the beauty of the area, the sound of the frogs
and peepers in the early evening,the birds soaring overhead, the
hard work of all the volunteers who make this happen, the
wildlife you can spot, the wildflowers and blooming trees, the
fresh air, the cute shops like, The Dolls Nest and the great
restaurants downtown Three Rivers, and of course the great and
entertaining work of the Band members who wear them self out
trying to please everyone with their music and fun things.
I could probably go on finding many other facts that make the
Three Rivers Festival such a great AFFAIR!.
But instead, I took some pictures that I think will give someone
who has never been to this festival a pretty good idea of what
they have been missing!
Sure, I can't provide the sounds of the birds, the aroma of
beans cooking to perfection starting as early as 8am, or the
barbecues and flowering bushes and trees, but I hope you get the
idea and come to see for yourself!
Click for 2004 Pictures!
Have fun!
********
******
4/11/2001
REPORT ON THE
28th
Held in THREE RIVERS, CALIFORNIA
On April 6,7, 8, 2001
******
Gosh, were do we start?
As reported in prior festival reports, (still listed below, in
case you didn't read them,)
Three Rivers easily qualifies as one of the most beautiful places
to hold a Jazz Festival!
Not only that, but the preparations by the STJC, for this event,
(in my opinion,)
were outstanding!
Additionally, the Three Rivers Lions Club and the Community of
Three Rivers and their volunteers again showed their capability
of making their visitors feel welcome! TO ALL OF THEM A GREAT BIG
"THANK YOU".
After 19 years of attending this festival in our Fifth wheel,
Evelyn and I are equipped for pretty near any kind of conditions.
(So we thought!) :-) We have thermal underwear, boots, sweat
suits, umbrellas, rain gear, bailing buckets, emergency rations,
extra blankets and many other handy gadgets. Well, we used almost all of them!
The weather forecast we knew was for RAIN, but 3 1/2 inches in
one day??
All areas of traffic became mud, the roping area where cars are
normally parked was closed so it wouldn't be ruined, people
were slipping and sliding all over, and a few RV's left.
It is my understanding that the new tent venue became a 4th river
for a while!
(The ever able Lions came to the rescue to dig ditches around the
tent).
But, the Bands played on, and the fans kept coming and stayed to
hear the great music they played until the bitter end. (Which
wasn't all that bitter really.)
The Lions club members assisted with their reasonably priced bar,
good food and hot drinks.
Again, GREAT JOB!
Indeed the weather didn't cooperate on Saturday, but Sunday
was fine!
In all the years we have been there, this was only the 3rd or 4th
time that the weather did not completely cooperate but, for all
those years Three Rivers has has provided us with its own special
beauty!
While in Three rivers, we always like to see the local shops and
have an outstanding lunch at our favorite restaurant, The
Gateway! We thought we had seen most of the shops in town until
we visited
"The Doll Nest"! What a superb surprise! Hundreds and
hundreds of Russian and other nesting dolls, unique statues,
little fountains etc. The place is owned by two sisters, Berta
Geertsen and Marilyn Mitchell. I took a few pictures there, check
them out and see if you don't agree that the display is
awesome!
The Scheduled Bands, listed in alphabetical order,
(certainly not in order of greatness as they were all great)!
*Blue Street Jazz Band
*Chicago Six Jazz Band
*Gator Beat
*Grand Dominion Jazz Band
*High Sierra (Host Band)
*Jean Kittrell & the St Louis Rivermen
*Night Blooming Jazzmen
*Wooden Nickle Jass Band
**They are all to be complimented for performing like there was
no rain, cold, wind or problems!**
Thursday night was the Lions recognition dinner, a pre-Jazzaffair
dinner-concert to honor Three Rivers residents for exemplary
community service. The music was provided by the High Sierra
rhythm section, led by Pieter Meijers with special guests Night
Bloomer Chet Yeager and Grand Dominion's Jimmy Armstrong.
Great combination. Now lets go to the important stuff,
"THE BANDS".
There really isn't much I can add to what I have already said
about them somewhere else below in this page, except they were
all great!
I will however comment on some observations at this festival.
* Blue Street Jazz
Band
The old Band members are always great, but what about
those young ones????
What talent! Both the Jason's, Nathan and Bobby, are
outstanding.... and so young!
There is a future through them for this great music, and to
paraphrase Dave Ruffner, we should listen to their interpretation
of this music (with pleasure Dave) and they will play it also the
way we are used to hearing it!
"That's the way it works" according to Dave! You
are so right!
Super great JB.
*Chicago Six Jazz Band
What can you say that hasn't been said already about them?
Great music and Bob Finch's jokes are improving!
*Gator Beat
Something refreshingly new to add to the Jazz fest we have been
used to. They combine Cajun, Zydeco and New Orleans funk rhythms
making the joint, (tent or Lion's building) jump with a beat
that bites!
Great group of people that really know how to play this exciting
sound.
*Grand Dominion Jazz Band
Always great, although we will miss seeing and hearing Mike Fay
with the Golden Eagles as he is now a permanent member of Grand
Dominion he told me.
*High Sierra Jazz Band
Better and better all the time! (if that is possible.) Love their
CD with the picture of Pieter and Bryan tied up for the time
being!
*Jean Kittrell & the St Louis Rivermen
Always great, always entertaining and what a great Lady she is!
"Red" Lehr the Sousaphone player is pretty amazing and
funny too! *Night Blooming Jazzmen
A new face among them.. Can you really play two saxophones at the
same time? I guess Jim Richardson can! *Wooden Nickle Jass
Band
I have said so many nice things about them in past reports that
are listed somewhere below, that adding more compliments might go
to their heads! I will say this though,Brady and Bonnie are sure
great!
Last but not least, outstanding performance by David Hull
throughout the festival!
*****
I get many e-mails requesting information on where to buy High
Sierra JB tapes and CD's and since there is no Web site for
the Three Rivers Jazzaffair that I know of, I suggest you
call,
(559) 561 4549
or
(559) 561 4418
for information.
Their mailing address is, Sierra Traditional Jazz Club. PO Box
712,
Three Rivers, CA 93271-0712. Also,High Sierra JB.
has a new web site!
******
*****
5/24/99
As the date above indicates, it is now May 24th, and I am going
to talk about a great Jazz festival we attended!....
....Which was, the 26th held in the
"Land of Giants", Gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon
National Parks,....Three Rivers California on April 9/10/11/99.
Yes I know, it was well over a month ago, so why so late talking
about it?
Well, we just got home from there, (200 miles), which fact
prompted Bob Williams from the great Wooden Nickel Jass Band to
comment in an email,.... "My, you sure drive
slowly!"
No Bob, we were in Three Rivers in our Alpenlite fifthwheel
trailer, and from there we went to Oregon and places in between
and now 3000 miles later we are home!
But no matter the delay, the festival and the great lineup of
bands is well worth talking about anytime, so here goes!
As we have for the last 15 years, we parked our trailer in the
Lions Roping arena 3 day's before the festival and watched
over 100 other rv'ers-jazz lovers do the same! We have
encountered all kinds of weather there over the years, rain ,
wind, beautiful spring weather etc. but never has it been as cold
as it was this year. We had lots of warm things like
thermals and stuff, but we felt sorry for the performers who
dressed for the stage! Like Jean Kittrell and the St. Louis
Rivermen commented, "It was warmer in St. Louis when we
left!"
But they all did great!
While on the subject of Jean Kittrell and her band, we have
always loved her performances and we have heard about the sad and
great happenings in her life. This time, after their Sunday
morning "Gospel" performance (which was full of Jean
Kittrell humor), I had a chance to talk to her about an email I
had received over a year ago from a friend of her who's name
I couldn't recall. She knew exactly who it was and remembered
the message! No matter how busy or involved she is at the time
you talk to her, her focus is on you and on what you are
saying!
What a great wonderful Lady and performer!
We enjoyed the performance of all the members and in particular,
David "Red" Lehr who does things with his sousaphone
that can't really be done! In addition to the above, the rest
of the line up was the usual "Three Rivers" great!
First of, of course the Host Band , the always great High Sierra
J. B.! They were even Greater this year due to the addition of
two new members. (Well New they are not actually, they are well
used in the Trad circles), or should I say sort of old:-)?
Whatever they may be called, they are a great addition! First
,due to the retirement of leader Al Smith, the Coronet was
replaced by a new leader, named Pieter Meijers and I don't
have to tell you how great he is on reeds! He is also the one who
sings in Dutch,.. " Louise zit niet op je nagels te bijten,-
BAH wat vies Louise. Met al dat gebijt gaan je nagels verslijten,
-Bah wat vies Louise. En als ik dat maar geweten had, had ik het
toch maar nooit gedaan jabadaba" ......etc, etc! Easy for
him to say!! :-) He certainly has added great sound besides Ice
Cream! The other great of course is Bryan Shaw - Trumpet. I
remember him playing in Newport Beach years ago at a brunch on
Sunday morning in a fancy hotel with Chuck Anderson on trombone
and Brian was always sleep walking that early in the morning but
of course he didn't miss a note!
Yes, this Band is certainly great and now even greater!
Next listed in the line up, Clint Baker's New Orleans J.B. Is
there any instrument Clint doesn't play? Fun group of great
musicians!
Then there was the Crazy Rhythm Hot Society with of course Miss
Kelley Foster! Super roaring 20's Band!
"Prime time with Jan Sutherland". What can you say
other than dynamic? Have you ever heard her sing, (no, belt) the
Menopause Blues?
Going on with the line up, St. John River Boat Band a fun group
from Visalia that started as a youth band at the College of the
Sequoias.
Next 10TH avenue J.B, this band plays"hot and cool jazz from
the 21st Century" and just look at the talent in this band
to know they are good!
Wooden Nickel Jass Band! What can I say to add to what I said 2
years ago somewhere below in this page!
There really is not much praise I should add! I know Brady and
Bonny can handle it but I am not so sure about the guys, it may
go to their heads! Brady was great as ever in spite of the cold
weather, and boy was Bonnie ever grumpy at 10 am Sunday Morning!
Didn't affect her piano playing though! All kidding aside,
this band gets better and better all the time!
Yankee Wailers J.B.As many, many times we have seen them, it is
always a joy to see and hear them again! Last but in no way least, Hull's
Angels, What a bunch of great young people! I talked about them
also 2 years ago, and this year again they amazed us with their
poise, showmanship and ability to play great music. There were
some new faces from two years ago , but the older ones help the
newer ones toward greatness.
Ed Hull can be found in the audience somewhere during the
performance. The kids don't need him because they learned
from a Pro!
Thanks Ed, great show!
Of course we bought their latest CD which is pictured below.
I tried to scan their picture from the festival brochure with the
new faces in it but I am still having a difficult time with
scanning, so when I figure things out , I will insert it.
All in all, it was a great festival.
We got to test the long johns and other cold-wet weather gear us
RV'ers carry around with us, and because of the hospitality
of the Three Rivers Lions Club, their barbecues and bar facility
, and the great music, we didn't worry about a little cold
wet weather!
*****
"A VERY SAD NOTE"
After way too few years of life, and entertaining Jazz fans with
her great voice and personality, Chris Norris passed away at a
young age, a victim of cancer.
During the short years of her life, Chris sang with the Golden
Eagle Jazz Band, who in memory of Chris established a memorial
fund for her Daughter, Natalie, now age 6.
Here is the information if you wish to participate.
3/8/98
Today Evelyn and I went to our local Trad. Jazz club's
monthly concert!
The band that performed, consisted of 18 musicians and their
Director. An unusual number of performers for a Dixieland band,
but not unusual for a BIG SOUND band which this was!
THEY WERE OUTSTANDING!
Soo outstanding, that Ev and I just had to purchase two of their
CD.s to add to our collection!!
The titles, "One more for the road", and "Get it
on".
We played part of one on the way home and it was just great! If
you get a chance, you should go out and listen to this Band and
get their CD's!........The name of the band ???........ Oh,
it's Jazz Trax! Once you have seen them you will remember
that name!
WHAT IS VERY UNUSUAL,is the fact that these OUTSTANDING musicians
are between the ages of 12 and 19!
Yes, two of them turned 18 recently!
These young people are so great and seem to have such a good time
doing this, you just shake your head and say "what is this
world coming to?"
I'll guarantee you with this group nothing but greatness!
Their Director Ricki Pederson, volunteers her time, and told us
that the band members started off together when they were young
:-) , and wanted to stay together, so they volunteer two nights a
week, many many hours , days, weeks, in other words they work
very, very hard to be this good!
Well it shows, and this group of young people is in great demand
to play at festivals and Cruises etc.
These Guys and Gals are just outstanding, you won't believe
your ears!
Check them out and congratulate them and their leader,....after
you buy their CD's which is what helps support them!Here is
their picture on one of the CD's!
The tunes, Take the 'A' train, Whatever it takes, One for
my baby, Kiks"n"Licks, Bella Donna, MoodIndigo, 42ND
Street, and 7 more great selections!
*****
2/1/98
I received the following comments in one of my Guest books a few
days ago, and I think the subject of these comments is a very
worthy one to repeat here! So here it is! Comments: Was surfing
for info. on Dixieland Jazz.
Your site is both informative and fun. Was a thrill for me to
find mention of Jean Kittrell. Jean has been playing Dixieland
around the world since the early 50s (while raising a family,
teaching, earning her Ph.D. and eventually heading the English
Dept. at Southern Ill. University) and is still going strong!
Last June, in honor of her 70th birthday, she threw a terrific
birthday bash for 900 of her friends and fans from around the
world.
Of course, Jean's idea of birthday fun is playing jazz - all
night long.
The first set was with the incredible Don Franz on banjo, then
Jean's Jazz Incredibles trio, followed by her 7-piece group,
the St. Louis Rivermen, and ending with her 5-piece ensemble, the
Old St. Louis Levee Band.
Besides all the incredible music, the event raised over $11,000
for the Independence Center, a rehabilitation center in the St.
Louis area which assists those with serious and persistent mental
illnesses in living and working independently and with
dignity.
I can't say enough about Jean as a musician, person and
friend.
Sheldon Harris' Blues Who's Who (a must for the libraries
of all blues and jazz lovers) includes Jean's bio, and while
it has not been updated for 20 years, it certainly provides an
overview of her commitment to Dixieland Jazz.
Thanks again for your wonderful website!
Linda Claudine, Houston,Texas.
Adding my comments to that, we saw Jean in Three Rivers, and what
an amazing , witty, entertaining and "Great Lady" she
is!
She has done so much good for those who are less fortunate, and
there is always that sense of humor no matter what, that keeps
her and every one around her going!!
**GREAT GREAT LADY!**
*****
Well, that's enough for today!!
We have a new CD you need to check out!!! It's called, Hello
Central Get
Me................................................................................................
Dr. Jazz!
Ours is Autographed by DR Jazz himself, Dr. Thom Mason,DMA.!
Get it ,you'll like it!!
FEATURING, DR JAZZ on reeds of course!
Paul Reid(pianist withNBJ)
Larry Kostka(drummer withNBJ)
John Chiodini (guitarist with Natalie Cole)
Greg Field (drummer with Frank Sinatra)
Tim Emmons (bassist with the Glenn Miller Orchestra)
Mail orders to, Music LTD 3623 Lavell Drive Los Angeles, CA 90065
Phone:(213) 258-7616,..FAX:(213)
258-4322,..E-MAIL:tdmaso@mizar.usc.edu
Well, that's it for today!!
Thanks to Frank Powers from Cincinnati for signing our Guest
book! He said, "I'll be with John Gill's Dixieland
Serenaders in Sacramento. Maybe I'll see You there!"
A lovely e-mail arrived from Carol McGiffin, who found our site
by,
(in her words)
"I was cruising the Dixieland pages and stumbled onto
you!". She also signed our Guest book! Thank you Carol!
To us it was a delight to see and hear Carol for the first time
as she performed with the Alamo City JB. at Three Rivers. She
will again sing with them during the Alamo City JB. cruise
scheduled in November!
There is a new CD about to be released, so watch for it!
4/15/97
We just arrived home, back from Three Rivers (west of Visalia
Calif.), parked the fifth wheel, and I am ready to talk about
this glorious 24th Annual Three Rivers Jazz affair we just
attended!
First of all, the setting of this event at the foot of the
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park is beautiful! A valley
surrounded by snow covered mountains and green foothills. We and
200 other RVers were parked at the Lion's roping arena, one
of the venues.
Just sitting there, watching the hawks circling overhead and the
quail running by, makes you say, "What a wonderful
world"!
The band lineup was great!
Alamo City Jazz Band
Bob Schulz' Frisco Jazz Band Blue Street Jazz
Band
Catsnjammer Jazz Band High Society Jazz Band
Jean Kittrell & the St. Louis Rivermen
Ray Templins Chicagoans
Wooden Nickel Jass Band
And of course High Sierra Jazz Band
All outstanding in their own individual way!
On Saturday, we watched a special performance by The Raisin
Babies, a young Highschool-College aged Band guided by Dave
Ruffner( who looked a little nervous when they had not arrived
close to starting time) Don't worry Dad, they had things well
in hand, started on time and did a GREAT job! Good to see young
people interested in carrying on with this great music! They were
a pleasure to listen to! ( But than look who is teaching them no
wonder they are good) Evelyn and I and everyone we
talked to could not say enough about the special performance on
Sunday by, Hull's Angel's from Fresno California
Ed Hull's musicians range in age from 10 to 16, and they are
unbelievable! You don't applaud just to be polite and
encouraging to a group of kids, you applaud because they are
great musicians and performers! They sounded superb, were greatly
entertaining, and yes I did have tears in my eyes when they
received a deserving standing ovation from all us old folks !
I told Ed Hull I was going to say something in my page, and he
said" Put in a good word for them."
How could I say anything but good words Ed?
They are just GREAT!
Of course I had to add to my CD collection, and we played our 4
new additions in our truck's CD player on the way home.
1...Golden Gate Rhythm Machine-I Wonder What's Become Of...
Great disk about Sally,Dinah, Kansas city Kitty, Ida,Marie ETC..
2...Jean Kittrell & The St. Louis Rivermen-Syncopate Yo Papa
Entertaining and unique.. 3...The Catsnjammer JB.-Live On The
Delta Lots of fun and songs you don't hear all the
time...Pink Elephants on the wall?? Another CD purchase was,
4...Wooden Nickel Jass Band- Look Out She's Gonna Blow How
can you improve near perfection?
I don't know but they did!
It is like sitting in a concert hall!! If Brady had gotten any
closer, I would have lost my grip on the steering wheel! What a
voice!
Super CD!
That brings my collection to about 140, and lots of
entertainment!
This also is IT for now, if you have any comments or info
you would like me to list ,let me know!
Well, enough for now, if you have any interesting, printable,
info. let me know! Jack.
..............................
!!!!!
March 11-14
2010
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2009!
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