The following are scheduled to perform - more to come.
Michigan clarinetist Dave Bennett, is an authentic musical prodigy (totally self-taught) who brings to life the classic sound and music of Benny Goodman with incredible technique, style, beauty of tone and naturalness. Drummer extraordinaire Hal Smith & Dave Bennett have combined to bring a new powerhouse swing band and we're excited to debut them at our festival. Clarinet-driven swing, performed by the master reedman with a hard swinging lineup that includes Dave Bennett, Hal Smith, former Asleep at the Wheel piano man Dan Walton, Jamey Cummins, guitar; and Steve Pikal, bass.
2016 Featured Bands
Dave Bennett Swing Quintet
High Sierra Jazz Band was formed in 1976 in the small town of Three Rivers, located in Central CA at the entrance to the Sequoia National Park. The band has seen only a few changes in its long history. Of the original six members, four: Charlie Castro, Bruce and Stan Huddleston and Earl McKee, are still active members.
From the beginning the band has enjoyed enormous popularity; it enjoys the support of a large group of jazz fans. An American Rag readers poll recently pronounced the High Sierra Jazz Band the second most popular traditional jazz band ever, just behind the Turk Murphy band, ahead of the Duke Ellington Orchestra.
Pieter Meijers - Leader, Reeds Howard Miyata - Trombone, Vocals
Stan Huddleston - Banjo Earl McKee - Sousaphone, Vocals
Bruce Huddleston - Piano Charlie Castro - Drums
Marc Caparone - Cornet
High Sierra Jazz Band
Clarinetist Bob Draga has joined forces with three talented West Coast musicians to form the hottest new quartet on the jazz festival circuit. Pianist Jason Wanner, drummer Ron Jones and bassist Shelley Denny, provide the powerful rhythm section behind Bob’s inspired solo clarinet. The quartet provides an opportunity for Bob to expand his repertoire from traditional jazz classics to new takes on old standards. Long a Guest Artist at jazz festivals, his new quartet allows Bob to occasionally welcome other artists into his combo, thereby making each performance unique. Bob Draga With Friends is quickly becoming the “must-see” band everywhere they appear.
Bob Draga - clarinet Jason Wanner - piano
Ron Jones - drums Shelly Denney - bass
Bob Draga & Friends
Gordon, Brandon & Justin Au have been playing the traditional jazz of New Orleans ever since their uncle, High Sierra trombonist Howard Miyata, turned them on to the music at an early age. Among them, they have performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Preservation Hall, Cafe Carlyle, and the Sydney Opera House, as well as jazz festivals around the country. The brothers' unpredictable and entertaining selections include a variety of traditional tunes, originals, and even movie/TV themes arranged in the trad jazz style."
Gordon Au - Trumpet Brandon Au - Trombone
Justin Au - Trumpet Danny Coots - Drums
Howard Miyata - Tuba Jason Wanner - Piano
The Au Brothers Jazz Band
Based out of California and New Orleans, The Red Skunk Band is swingin’, spontaneous, spunky, and exceedingly entertaining. Drawing inspiration from the styles of Django Reinhardt, Fats Waller, Louis Armstrong, as well as more contemporary influences, the Red Skunks cultivate a fresh and unique sound that honors and expands upon their jazz roots.
Molly Reeves, Guitar/Banjo Justin Au, Trumpet
Lauren Donahue, Violin Josh Gouzy, Bass
Samuel Boorman - guitar
Red Skunk
New York-based New Orleans-style hot jazz band, reviving and refreshing the music of the 1920s onward for today’s listeners, swing dancers, and music fans. With the talent and experience of NYC’s top traditional jazz singers and players, they delight audiences.
The Stompers are loved not only for their authentic performances of vintage jazz tunes, but also for their jazzy versions of songs from classical music, Disney, TV, film, and even pop music, as well as their own exciting originals.
Gordon Au - Trumpet, vocals Dennis Lichtman - clarinet, violin, electric mandolin
Tamar Korn - vocals Rob Adkins - bass
Greg Ruby - Guitar Brandon Au - trombone
Bill Moehnke - drums
Grand St Stompers with Tamar Korn
Little David Rose's thumpin' stand-up bass, the double-shuffle drumming of Lee Beary, and the bounce piano of William Beatty provide the rhythmic foundation of the band's jump style. Riffing on top is the trumpet sound of Robert Dehlinger and Erv Ervin on the saxophone. These two fellas create the fireworks of vintage rhythm and blues. Smooth vocals of Glenn Walters. These guys always have the dance floors jumpin'.
Erv Ervin - Sax & Vocals
Rob Dehlinger - Trumpet & Vocals
William Beatty - Piano
David Rose - Upright Bass & Vocals
Leor Beary - Drums & Vocals
Glenn Walters - Vocals
Stompy Jones
Dave puts down his clarinet and shows his chops on barrel house boogie woogie piano. For the Speed Kings he joins drummer Hal Smith, guitarist Gino Meregillano and bassist Joe Jazdzewski for some serious Rockabilly fun. This high energy act frequently plays to standing room only crowds. The Memphis Speed Kings play classics by Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Chuck Berry, Hank Williams, Mickey Gilley and more.
Dave Bennett, Piano Gino Meregillano, Guitar
Joe Jazdzewski, Bass Hal Smith, Drums
Dave Bennett & The Memphis Speed Kings
Northern California multi-instrumentalists and vocalists Kristy and John Cocuzzi combine with drummer extraordinaire Danny Coots to bring the classic sounds and music of Miss Peggy Lee, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Pete Fountain and Sydney Bechet, Nat "King" Cole, Lionel Hampton, among others, to the stage for an afternoon of classic swing and jazz. Individally their resume includes performing alongside jazz and blues greats such as Bucky Pizzarelli, Duke Heitger, Allan Vache, Ken Peplowski, Dave Bennett, Harry Allen, Antti Sarpila, as well as touring throughout the US, Canada and Europe.
John Cocuzzi - piano, vibes, vocals
Kristy Cocuzzi - clarinet, sax, vocals
Danny Coots - drumbs
Steve Pikal - bass
Cocuzzis & Coots Courtet
While the "Gator Beat" name has been retired, their musical bond drives these talented musicians forward as the "Gator Nation". Building on the amazing 25-year history of Gator Beat, and its founder Richie Domingue, they have created a community among themselves and their many fans. Rockin' Zydeco, Cajun and Blues guaranteed to keep the party going.
David Scott, Saxophone/Pennywhistle/Vocals Bobby "G" Gavioloa, Drums
Randy Quan, Guitar Tim Haggerty, bass
Dennis Hadley, Accordian Willard Blackwell, Washboard/Vocals
Gator Nation
Twice As Good, also known by their acronym 2XG, is Paul & Richard Steward, the son & father, native american, ultimate blues duo. Backed by their 2XG band, they perform a blend of Blues and Soul, R&B, Rock & Roll, with a hint of the Indian beat. The name “Twice As Good” is not a claim of status. To Paul & Rich it is a dedication to hard work , quality of craftand having the courage to try something as hard as becoming a successful professional musician. They were once told, “you can’t make it in the music business, you got to be twice as good,” so they replied, “well all right then. We will be, Twice As Good.” Always a festival favorite - This is the Blues you can dance too, bringing joy out of sorrow; with a sweet screaming guitar and a soulful shout.
Paul Steward - guitar Rich Steward - guitar Robert Watson - bass
Robert Reason - keyboard Julius Johnson - drums
Twice As Good 2XG
The Zydeco Flames have gained a reputation as the West Coast's premiere Zydeco band. The Flames consistently pack the house in venues ranging from contemporary clubs to major festivals and traditional dancehalls. Their sizzling roots rhythms are timeless and the execution of them relentless, with a stunningly powerful groove. The Flames' sixth CD release "Fire It Up", provides fans with hot Zydeco in the tradition of masters like Clifton Chenier, Buckwheat Zydeco and Queen Ida.
Lloyd Meadows - vocals, rubboard, harmonica
Frank Bohan - guitar
Bruce Gordon - accordion
Timm Walker - bass, vocals
Wilson Brookes - drums
Zydeco Flames
Gino and the Lone Gunmen is a 3 piece band that performs a rockin' mix of ROCKABILLY, SWING, BLUES, COUNTRY, and Vintage ROCK and ROLL. They do rockin, swingin original music, as well as all your favorites, including everything from Elvis and Buddy Holly to the Cavern Club days of the Beatles.
The Gunmen have shared the stage with many other greats such as Slim Jim Phantom, Big Sandy and more, and after making their debut at the 2012 Viva Las Vegas festival, they've been quickly gaining more and more fans from around the world.
Gino & The Lone Gunmen
Gino and the Lone Gunmen is a 3 piece band that performs a rockin' mix of ROCKABILLY, SWING, BLUES, COUNTRY, and Vintage ROCK and ROLL. They do rockin, swingin original music, as well as all your favorites, including everything from Elvis and Buddy Holly to the Cavern Club days of the Beatles.
The Gunmen have shared the stage with many other greats such as Slim Jim Phantom, Big Sandy and more, and after making their debut at the 2012 Viva Las Vegas festival, they've been quickly gaining more and more fans from around the world.
Gino & The Lone Gunmen
Among the finest young roots-oriented acts on the west coast, Jacob Miller and the Bridge City Crooners have taken the hot jazz of the 20's & 30's and combined it with country blues, western swing, and ragtime to create an irresistible sound that satisfies dancers and listeners alike. Leaning heavily on their expertly crafted originals, this 6-piece outfit based in Portland, OR also creates stunning arrangements of traditional material.
Evidenced through their live performances and own studio recordings, Jacob Miller and the Bridge City Crooners are a breath of fresh air in both the Americana and trad jazz worlds.
Jacob Miller - Guitar/Vocals Ben Hampton - Drum Kit/Percussion
James Ramey - Plectrum Banjo Nate Lown - Trombone
Leon Cotter - Clarinet/Saxophone Mike Team - Upright Bass
Jacob Miller & The Bridge City Crooners
Navy Band Southwest gives you a taste of New Orleans with its newest group - the 32nd Street Brass Band! This new brass band will have you thinking you are on Bourbon Street celebrating Mardi Gras.
The 32nd Street Brass Band performs upbeat music for homecoming ship arrivals and community events. By incorporating the styles of Jazz, Funk, Dixieland, and R&B, the 32nd Street Brass Band will be sure to keep you moving and entertained.
Led by Musician First Class Adam Stuble, the 32nd Street Brass Band will bring Mardi Gras to any venue.
MU1(SW) Duke Stuble - Trombone/Leader MU2 Bryan Parmann - Trumpet
MU2(SW) Collin Reichow - Trumpet MU2(SW) Tony Carter - Saxophone
MU1 Andrew Pacchiarotti - Trombone MU1 Eric Snitzer - Sousaphone
MU1(SW) Joseph Muzika - Bass Drum/Aux Percussion
MU3 Kristen Hampton - Drumset
Navy Band Southwest - 32nd St New Orleans Brass
Joe Smith and the Spicy Pickles Jazz Band is a Denver-based vintage jazz band devoted to revitalizing swing music and dance. This small group style swing band packs a punch of power, personality, and wit into each show, intriguing generations new and old with the beloved charm of big band swing from the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s. The Pickles bring it all – high energy, musicianship, and an authentic big band sound and look that celebrates the unique American spirit of swing. The band fuses musical influences from the sounds of Count Basie, Benny Goodman, and Artie Shaw with the showmanship of Louis Armstrong, Lucky Millinder, and Jimmy Lunceford. With a smart respect for the preservation of vintage jazz music and entertainment, the Pickles are constantly adding new and original tunes to their repertoire. They bring a unique visual flair to each performance with movements inspired to captivate audiences all night long.
Joe Smith & The Spicy Pickles Jazz Band
Dave Bennett Swing Quintet
High Sierra Jazz Band