Sunday 11:00 AM
(gospel) –
6:00 PM
Schedule of
Bands:
Tri-City Elks Lodge | American Legion |
|---|---|
11:00 AM - Rocky Mountain Banjos | Prohibition Six |
12:15 PM - Your Father's Mustache | Barnhart and Draga |
1:30 PM - Prohibition Six | Rocky Mountain Banjos |
2:45 PM - Barnhart and Draga | Alan Frederickson Jazz Ensemble |
4:00 PPM - Poudre River Irregulars | Your Father's Mustache |
5:15 PM - Alan Frederickson Jazz Ensemble | Barnhart and Draga |
6:30 PM - Four Clarinets and Barnhart | Poudre River Irregulars |
8-11 PM ----------------- | Crystal Swing Band |
Sunday,
July 8
11:00AM - Barnhart and Draga | Queen City JazzBand - Gospel |
12:30 PM - Vern Baumer's Jazz Gathering | Pete Wernick's Live Five |
2:00 PM - Queen City Jazz Band | Barnhart and Draga |
3:30 PM - Pete Wernick's Live Five | Vern Baumer's Jazz Gathering |
5:00 PM - Barnhart and Draga - Finale | -------------- |
This festival is funded in part by: The Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), Tier III; Arts and Humanities of Boulder County, the AHAB/Neodata Endowment Grant Program.
$25 two-day badge; $20 Saturday-only; $15 Sunday-only; $10 Saturday dance-only.
For more information, please call 303-449-5930,
303-366-1107 or 303-443-6236.
Bob Draga - Bob, from Largo, Florida, is a self-taught clarinetist who led his own band, The Garden Avenue Seven, for 23 years. His style of playing is a smooth silky sound, often referred to in early jazz lingo as the "fat sound." It's apparent that he enjoys utilizing the entire range of the clarinet. He, with Jeff Barnhart, has joined the Titan Hot Seven, which has become the hottest band on the festival circuit. When not touring with that band he also performs as an all-star and substitute musician for other internationally prominent jazz bands. He has frequently worked with Johnny Varro, Tom Saunders, Rick Faye, Bob Haggart, Tom Fletcher and many others. He's been the Festival director for the Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Classic in Clearwater, Florida for ten years. He is co-leader of the Draga/Vax Connection with Mike Vax. Steve Yocum (formerly of the Black Dog Jazz Band) is the third member of the "front line." Draga Vax Connection have released their first recording entitled "Royal Street Shuffle." He is currently the full time clarinetist with the New Reformation Jazz Band. Bob has recorded once with his own quartet, a CD entitled "Sweet Sweet Clarinet" and with Mr. Jack Daniel's Original Cornet Band, a CD called "Rhapsody in Silver. Last year Bob played at the Denver Jazz Club's Sunday concert in May and at the Soiled Dove with the Queen City Jazz Band on the proceeding Saturday.
Jeff Barnhart - Jeff, from Mystic, Connecticut, is one of the busiest pianists in the country. Traveling over 100,000 miles per year to fulfill hundreds of engagements, he has established himself as one of the nations most versatile pianists. In the wake of his performances, Jeff leaves avid fans impressed with his exuberance, force and blinding speed. His ability to play the "two-fisted" stride style of jazz piano with unmatched speed and agility adds a dynamic visual element to his performances. His mastery of a hugh repertoire of ragtime, stride and hot jazz piano pieces, along with his comfort on stage and his innate ability to intimately communicate with audiences of all ages, have made him an increasingly integral part of many ragtime and jazz festivals throughout the world. Jeff's "take-no-prisoners" approach to piano playing, singing and entertaining has put him in demand as both a soloist and a band member. In addition to his active solo career, he performs with four festival-caliber groups - the Titan Hot Seven, the Draga-Vax Connection, Hot Jam, and the Fryer-Barnhart All-Star Jazz Band. A typical set with Jeff will feature rags, stride, boogie, swing and both familiar and obscure pop tunes from the early 20th Century. He is featured in over 20 recordings, including eight on his own label, Jazz Alive Records. When Jeff is not busy in the recording studio he pursues his other musical interests, introducing young people to jazz and ragtime through workshops and concerts as well as playing jazz and classical music with his wife Anne, a flutist.
With the Titan Hot Five, these two musicians produced a hot CD called, "Jam in Music City." This year as the integral part of this group, now called the Titan Hot Seven, they have just released "Never the Same Way Once" which will be available at our festival. As quoted from the indispensable American Rag, Barnhart and Draga have been instrumental in turning charming but quiet Titan Hot Five into a wildly entertaining and sizzling septet. Both are individually great musicians; and together they're spectacular!
Playing with these two great entertainers will be two well-respected local musicians, bassist Roger Johns (from Pete Wernick's Live five, etc.) and drummer Tony Pantelis (playing with numerous groups in the Denver area). Tony has generously supplied the drum sets at both venues.
Members: Vern Baumer (leader/clarinet/vocals), Bill Stephens (piano), Dean Ross (bass), John Akal (drums), and Mitch Chmira (guitar). For bookings, call 303-936-3962. Crystal Swing Band - The group specializes in the big band music from the 1930s and 1940s era. Led by drummer Kristin Anderson, they play the music of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Harry James, and other great big bands. The Band consists of the finest professional musicians from the Denver-Boulder area and have been featured at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, Louisville's 4th of July celebration, Boulder Creek Festival and numerous concert series and private events. Members: Kristin Anderson (drums/leader), Del Mollenhauer (piano), Jenny Karel (bass), Rex Spease (alto sax), Barbara Christopher (alto sax), Eric McGregor (tenor sax), Tim Hughes (tenor sax), Gene Vigil (Baritone sax), Chaz Bowles (trumpet), Ted Zelio (trumpet), Ron D'Ascenz (trumpet), Dave Williams, (trombone), and Craig Hugo (trombone). For bookings call, 303-774-0426.
Alan Frederickson Jazz Ensemble - This group reflects the true legacy of the originators of this music, preferring fresh interpretations to mindless imitations. Interspersed with their trad jazz repertoire are newer selections from later jazz oriented tunes. As with many of the trad bands today, the musicians in this band have other professions as will as music. Their local monthly gig is Denver's Bull and Bush tavern on the first Sunday of each month. They are the local band at the Summit Jazz Festival held the last weekend in September at the Hyatt Regency in Denver. Members: Alan Frederickson (trombone/vocals), Chaz Bowles (trumpet/flugelhorn/vocals), Bill Pontarelli (reeds/vocals), Hank Troy (piano), Dean Ross (string bass), Rory Thomas (banjo), and Don Grove (drums). For bookings call, 303-674-4190.
Pete Wernick's Live Five - The super charged "flexigrass" sound of this group began as a musical experiment by Pete "Dr. Banjo" in 1992. Fresh from 12 years with bluegrass legends Hot Rize, Pete assembled a unit combining bluegrass with traditional jazz. At major festivals from North Carolina's Merlefest to the West Coast's Strawberry and Wintergrass events, Pete has wowed audiences with their unparalleled blend of American music forms. They have been heard on National Public Radio's All Things Considered and E Town. Pete lives in Niwot and is wellknown for his skill as a music instructor. He has put out several videos and CDs. Pete also appears as a duet with his singer/guitarist wife Joan. Members: Pete Wernick (banjo), George Weber (vibraphone), Bill Pontarelli (clarinet), Roger Johns (bass) and Kris Ditson (drums). For bookings call, 303-652-2299.
Poudre River Irregulars - based in Fort Collins, the band was formed in 1994. They play colorful New Orleans and Dixieland style jazz. Drawing much of their inspiration from Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton, they have a driving beat and an infectious cheerfulness, combined with sound musicianship. Their name came from the Cache La Poudre River and the fact that when the band was formed, personnel changes were frequent and abrupt. They're now quite regular and play at the Northern Colorado Traditional Jazz Society Concerts and in many venues in areas surrounding Fort Collins. Members: Bob Cooke (leader/cornet), Bill Runyon (trombone/tuba), Ted Turner (banjo/vocals), Roger Barnhart (string and fender bass), Dave Johnson (drums), and Clark Burnside (clarinet). For bookings call, 970-226-4903.
Prohibition Six - Formed in 1981, the Prohibition Six has played for many private functions as well as participating in the Central City Jazz Festival and several BFJ festivals and concerts. The band plays Dixieland and Ragtime, and features the vocal talents of Cindy Chengery who brings her Mississippi riverboat experience to blend with this high-energy band. Derek lives in Boulder and all his musicians are BFJ members who appear at the monthly BFJ jam sessions. Derek was on the founding BFJ Board of Directors and has been membership chair, treasurer and president. Members: Derek Lucas (leader/trumpet) John Bredenberg (clarinet). Doug Howe (trombone), Jim Tracy (banjo), Ray Leake (piano), Roger Johns (bass), and Woody Mudge (drums). For bookings call, 303-449-1888.
Queen City Jazz Band - The band was formed in 1958 and played regularly at the tiny Mon-Vue roadhouse for 30 years. They recreate the sounds of the 1920s bringing to life the music of Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, King Olivier and Ma Rainey. In the early 1990s, the band started expanding its audience by playing festivals across North America and Europe. This year they'll be featured at the Sacramento Dixieland Jazz Jubilee; Orange County Classic Jazz Festival; Lander, Wyoming Jazz Festival; Swing-N-Dixie Jamboree in Sun Valley, Idaho as well as Colorado's Central City and many summer concerts and church services. Members: Bill Clark (leader/tuba/bass), John Bartmann (trumpet), Lance Acker (clarinet), Mark Janicki (trombone), Jim Tracy (banjo), Bill Morse (piano), Marl Shanahan (drums), and Wende Harsten (the hottest jazz vocalist on the festival circuit). For bookings call, 303-232-8350.
Rocky Mountain Banjos - The band features vibrant, energetic, toe-tapping arrangements that guarantee an unforgettable afternoon filled with jazz, blues, swing and classic standards. For the past five years they have entertained at jazz clubs, parades, grand openings, conventions, church socials, saloons, summer concerts and private parties. They are the only banjo group in Colorado. Pete and Doris, from Louisville, were the founders of BFJ, Pete being president for several years. Members: Pete Clements (leader/banjo), Doris Clements (gut bucket bass), Don O'Neill (piano), Teesha Lane (vocalist/washboard), Ray Bubick (banjo/accordion), Ron Moermond (banjo/vocalist), Ralph Roghstein (banjo), Jim Calm (tuba/piano), and John Mumford (string banjo). For bookings call, 303-665-7990.
Your Father's Mustache - The group originated as a sing-along band in 1965 in a club in Denver called Your Father's Mustache. They reorganized in 1974 and play a razzmatazz style of New Orleans Dixieland Jazz as well as tunes from the Gay '90s and Roaring '20s. The band plays at many West Coast festivals from Oregon to Pismo Beach, from Sacrament to Monterey and from Redding to Santa Cruz. You can catch them at the Bull and Bush in Glendale on the second and fourth Sunday of the month. Members: JoePetrucelli (leader/banjo), Craig Hugo (trombone), John Bredenberg (clarinet), Charlie Smith (trumpet), Stubby Heist (piano), Stu Miller (bass), Nick Petrucelli (drums), Mike Johnson (washboard) and Mary Kelly (red-hot vocalist). For bookings call, 303-693-4476.
The "Four Clarinets" playing with Jeff Barnhart and Bob Draga are local clarinetists John Bredenberg (from Your Father's Mustache, etc.); Bill Pontarelli (from the Alan Frederickson Jazz Ensemble and Pete Wernick's Live Five) and Albert Galli (from Dixieland Express). Accompanying Jeff Barnhart and Bob Draga in this and their other six sets are bassist Roger Johns and drummer Tony Pantelis.
Boulder Friends of Jazz is a non-profit organization founded in 1986 by a group of musicians and jazz lovers. They hold a jam session on the first Sunday of each month at the Tri-city Elks Lodge at 525 Main Street in Louisville. Cover charge is $4 (members), $6 (non-members) $2 (students) 0 (musicians and children under 12). Club membership (which helps put on the festival) is $20 (individuals) $30 (couples).