Skip Hughes (trombone, vocals) - Started playing at age nine, was introduced to traditional jazz while in college by classmate David Paquette. Skip worked in marching bands, symphonies and Broadway pit orchestras. He also performed in Manhattan at Jimmy Ryan' s and Eddie Condon's. He played at jazz festivals from Maine to Florida, including the DownEast, the Great Connecticut Traditional Jazz Fest, and the SunCoast. Skip was a regular member of the Bearcats and the Heartbeat Jazz Bands for many years, as well as being a frequent guest with the GJB. Skip is featured on several of the Galvanized Jazz Band's CD recordings. Skip served his country in Vietnam as an Army paratrooper in the 1970s. He also retired from New York’s prison system as a counselor several years ago. Skip passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2019, after a long illness. Shirley Bombacci was by his side for the past two years as he dealt with many medical issues. We are all grateful to Shirley for taking such good care of him. The music will be a little bluer now, but whenever we hear Roll the Patrol, Bona Sera, Way Marie, Is You Is or The Old Rugged Cross, we’ll be reminded of the joy Skip brought to all of us.