2007 Board Members. MISSION STATEMENT The purpose of the MODESTO DIXIELAND JAZZ SOCIETY

Transcription

1 MISSION STATEMENT The purpose of the MODESTO DIXIELAND JAZZ SOCIETY To preserve & promote our unique American National music treasure for future generations, To give jazz musicians opportunities to share their talent with appreciative audiences, JULY 15, 2007 Vol. 26 No. 4 Dixieland Jazz at Club Max in the Double Tree Hotel th Street Modesto To encourage youth to learn & to continue the original American art form of playing jazz Board Members The Yosemite Jazz Band was born in 1994 in the mountain communities surrounding Yosemite National Park. Berl Howell, our bandleader, approached reed player Ted Strauss and drummer Jim Kirin about forming a Dixieland jazz band. Other local musicians were sought and it wasn't long before the band was rolling. The newly formed band began performing at the Pizza Factory in Oakhurst, California and the band has been playing there ever since. The band quickly gained a loyal following and many other gigs ensued. You can always see the band perform every Thursday night at the Pizza Factory, from 6:30 PM through 8:30 PM, beginning the first week in May through September. The Modesto Dixieland Jazz Society would like to thank member Charlotte Barrett-White. As part of her membership renewal, Charlotte included a donation to both the General fund, and the Youth Band Scholarship fund. Over the years the band has seen many changes, most n o t a b l y through the passing of our dear friends who once were valued and entertaining members of the band. The band, however, quickly attracted new members, including Pat Mierkey on trombone, Jeff Gurule on banjo and guitar, James Mierkey on piano, and Larry Vaccaro on tuba. The band is sounding it's best yet. The band's repertoire includes an entertaining blend of Dixieland jazz, early swing, gospel, and traditional jazz favorites. The current band members are: Berl Howell Trp/ Flugelhorn / Vocals / Leader; Ted Strauss Reeds / Vocals; Jim "Drummerman" Kirin Percussion; Pat Mierkey Trombone / Double-Belled Euphonium / Vocals; Jeff Gurule Banjo / Tenor Guitar / Vocals; James Mierkey Piano / Vocals; Larry Vaccaro Tuba; Gary Smalz - Piano / Bass President Mary Menz 1st Vice-President Jeannie Wemken (Publicity) 2nd Vice-President Margaret Squires (Music Director) 3rd Vice-President Rozetta McNulty (Membership) Secretary Jan Leer Treasurer Mac McCarter Large Deck Hogin David Livingston Drew Mercer Elinor Purdy The Next board meeting will be Wednesday July 25, 2007, at the Home of Rozetta McNulty 4330 Hwy 108, Riverbank 7:00 PM All Members Welcome.

2 YOUR NAME HERE! Help support the MODESTO DIXIELAND JAZZ SOCIETY by placing an advertisement for Jazzette Advertising Rates: $10 = 1/8 page (business card) $20 = 1/4 page $30 = 1/2 page $60 = full page Annual rate = 10 months paid, plus 2 months free All ad fees are to be paid in advance. The American Rag newspaper is providing a two month free subscription for each new MDJS membership, and a certificate for a 4 month subscription to be offered as a raffle prize. MEMBERSHIPAPPLICATION Modesto Dixieland Jazz Society Annual Membership includes subscription and postage to the monthly newsletter, Jazzette. FAMILY $25 NEW SINGLE $15 RENEWAL CHANGE OF ADDRESS Date: Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: I am enclosing an additional $ for the MDJS General Fund. I am enclosing an additional $ for the Youth Band Scholarship Fund. I am interested in volunteering for Club functions. PLEASE MAIL TO: MDJS c/o Rozetta McNulty 4330 Highway 108 Riverbank, CA Thank you for your help in keeping Traditional Jazz alive!

3

4 A Lagniappe From Lady Reed Many thanks to Hal Needham and Black Tuesday Jazz Band for their entertainment last month. I received a nice thank you letter from Hal that said in part "The Band had fun and was pleased to see the dancers keeping the dance floor busy during the afternoon. Please let your members know how much the band appreciated their wonderful reception." He's already asked to set a date for next year. I don't know about you, but I tend to find music in strange places. I played a concert in the park in Ceres the end of June. Most of the band went for pizza after the concert at the Round Table at Hatch and Mitchell Roads. We had been there for about an hour and a half when a bunch of boisterous men walked in. They were obviously in the same group and had a wonderful time. After consuming their pizzas, one of the men approached our table and asked if we would be offended if they sang a bit. Offended??? By Barbershop Music?? No way. So they entertained us with about eight or ten tunes. What a wonderful sound. Turns out it was the Golden Valley Barbershop Chorus and the last Tuesday of the month is pizza night after rehearsal. So if you fancy Barbershop Music, check out that Round Table on the last Tuesday of the month. You might find an informal concert at your table. We have a new band visiting us this month. They were recommended to me by a member of our jazz society and are excited about playing for us. The band's banjo player had unfortunate accident a month ago. He fell down a mountain and broke a bunch of bones. Hopefully he will make a full recovery. Not to worry though, the banjo chair will be filled by local banjo artist Kurt Abell. In case any of you haven't heard, the Creole Jazz Kings have reunited and will play their first gig at Tailgaters (used to be Kenny's Pagoda) on McHenry. Unfortunately, by the time you read this, it will be too late to catch the first performance on July 9th. But they will be performing the next three Monday evenings from 6 to 9. Tailgaters offers some N'awlins food such as gumbo and jambalaya. Check them out. The Creole Jazz Kings will also perform at the Barkin' Dog Grill, th Street, in Modesto, on July 28th. I am not sure of the time, but call the Dog and make a reservation! I'll see you there! Ballroom Dancing Dance to live music the 1st and 4th Saturday of each month with the Ballroom Dance Club, at the corner of Bodem Street and Scenic Drive in Modesto. Ages 16+ are welcome. Dress to impress! Lessons 6:45-7:45 pm (most nights), $1 more Dancing from 8-11 pm Members: $5 Non-Members: $8 For more information call (209) or (209) Jammers Corner Thanks to all of our June Jammers for sharing their time and talent. ATTENTION JAM MUSICIANS! First jam set at 12:00 noon is open for all. 2nd & 3rd jam sets are restricted for up to 8 assigned musicians per set. For more information contact: Margaret Squires, or saxymargeaux@sbcglobal.net

5 MODESTO DIXIELAND JAZZ SOCIETY CALENDAR July Yosemite Jazz Band Aug Fulton Street Sept Modesto Junior College Night Jazz Band Oct Ernie Bucio Little Big Band 1st Sunday: 2nd Sunday: 3rd Sunday: 4th Sunday: Monthly Trad Jazz Schedule Stockton Jazz Society -- Elk's Lodge Sacramento Jazz Society, Dante Club; Fresno Jazz Society -- Venues vary; Call (559) Modesto Jazz Society, Double Tree Hotel South Bay Jazz Society, Elk's Lodge, Palo Alto ATTENTION FRIENDS If you know of someone who is ill, celebrated a birthday or could use some cheering up, contact Jeannie Wemken at NEWSLETTER DEADLINE The deadline to submit news/ads for the next issue of the newsletter is August 1st. Send news items to the JAZZETTE the last week of the month to appear in the coming issue. Mail to... MODESTO DIXIELAND JAZZ SOCIETY P.O. Box Modesto, CA Or to jazzette@dixielandgumbo.com MARY MENZ President P.O. Box Modesto, CA (209) SUNDAY, JULY 15, :00 TO 5:00 PM DOUBLE TREE HOTEL CLUB MAX