More GJB Events: (2007-2010)
The 2010 SunCoast Dixieland Jazz Classic was November 19-21, and the GJB was there with Jane Campedelli, Bob Price and Herb Gardner! This is without a doubt the best-run traditional jazz festival (outside of Connecticut) that we know of, and it was a wonderful treat for us to see and hear so many of our old friends and to hear several excellent new bands! . . . Jean Hadley's Review of the Festival:
On Sunday, September 12 (2010) the GJB performed in Madison, CT with Bob Price and Noel Kaletsky and Ed Stockmal on drums at the First Congregational Church, located at Meeting House Lane for a morning service followed by a picnic on the lawn.
On August 18 (2010) the GJB gave a free concert at Evergreen Woods in North Branford, with Bob Price on banjo. . . . Route 22 Entrance . . . Route 1 Entrance
On August 14, 2010 the GJB returned to Music Mountain in Falls Village, CT for our 17th annual concert at Connecticut's answer to Tanglewood, the string quartet capital of the universe. Our special guests for this concert were Bob Pilsbury (from the Black Eagle Jazz Band) on piano, Bob Price on banjo, and trombonist George Masso, a true living legend, formerly with Jimmy Dorsey, Tony Bennett, Benny Goodman, and the World's Greatest Jazz Band. George was one of our regular guests during our early years at the Millpond Taverne, and was featured on our very first recording, an LP that we made there live back in 1971. For more info and tickets to Music Mountain concerts call 860-824-7126. . . . MAP & DIRECTIONS. . .
On August 4 (2010) the GJB returned to the gazebo on the town green in Fairfield for another free outdoor concert with Jane Campedelli, Bob Price, and trombonist Art Baron, formerly with Duke Ellington, Bruce Springsteen, and other greats too numerous to mention here. . . . MAP & DIRECTIONS:
The 2010 2010 Great CT Jazz Festival was July 30 - August 1 at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel, located at 275 Research Parkway in Meriden, and we were there with special guest trombonist Roy Rubinstein, vocalist Jane Campedelli, and Bob Price, the "banjo crackerjack".
Bob Giff has posted a great video from the 2009 Great CT Jazz Festival, showing Jane Campedelli singing "Sailin' Down the Chesapeake" with the GJB.
On July 25 (2010) the GJB returned to the Levitt Pavilion in Westport, performing from 7 to 8:30 pm with Herb Gardner, Bob Price, Ed Stockmal on drums, and Noel Kaletsky. . . . MAP & DIRECTIONS:
On July 11 (2010 we returned with an eleven-piece band to Butch and Leigh's annual Big Feathers Polo Tournament/Jazz concert at the Giant Valley Farm on Tuttle Avenue in Hamden. This year the party was open to all GJB fans. The polo started at 1:00 P.M., followed by the cookout dinner and jazz concert 6-9pm with Noel Kaletsky, Carol Leigh, Tom Artin, Red Balaban, Lew Green, and Cynthia Fabian along with the regular members of the GJB. CD Recording from 2009:
The 2010 Hot Steamed Jazz Festival was June 25-27 at the Valley RR Station in Essex, and we were there on Friday and Sunday with Jane Campedelli, Bob Price, and Herb Gardner! MAP & DIRECTIONS:
On June 6, 2010 the GJB participated in a regular Sunday morning service at the First Congregational Church of Southington, located at 37 Main Street in Southington, CT 06489.
On February 28, (2010) the GJB made its long-awaited return to Marisa's in Trumbull for another evening of good food and good jazz. Trombonist Roy Rubinstein came in from Chicago to join us for this special occasion, along with Noel Kaletsky, Sarah Spencer and Russ Whitman on reeds, and Tom Palinko on drums. Please call Marisa's (203-459-4225) for dinner reservations and to inquire about our next appearance there. Marisa's is located at 6540 Main Street in Trumbull, CT 06611.
On August 15 (2009) the GJB returned to Music Mountain in Falls Village, CT for our 16th annual concert at Connecticut's answer to Tanglewood, the string quartet capital of the universe, with guest trombonist Ben Griffin and Bob Price on banjo and vocals. For more info about Music Mountain and tickets to other concerts there call 860-824-7126. . . . MAP & DIRECTIONS. . .
On August 5, (2009) the GJB returned to the gazebo on the Green in Fairfield for another free outdoor concert from 7 to 8:30 PM. Our guests were Jane Campedelli, Bob Price, and Art Baron, formerly with Duke Ellington and Bruce Springsteen.
The 2009 Great Connecticut Traditional Jazz Festival was July 31 - August 2 at Mountain Ridge, at the end of High Hill Road in Wallingford. We were there with special guests Jane Campedelli , Bob Price, and Skip Hughes. It was a huge success. VIDEO LINK:
On July 8 (2009) the GJB performed once again on the beautiful lawn of the Wadsworth Mansion in Middletown, CT as part of the free "Music at the Mansion" summer concert series. MAP & DIRECTIONS. . . Our guest stars were trombonist Jim Fryer and vocalist Cynthia Fabian. For audience members, the easiest way to get there is from the back parking lot of Mercy High School at the Western end of Randolph Road (Route 155 at Exit 10 off Route 9). From the Mercy parking lot, there is a very short footpath to the South Lawn of the Mansion, where the performance takes place.
On June 26 & 28 the GJB performed at the 2009 Hot Steamed Jazz Festival at the Valley RR station in Essex, with special guests Jane Campedelli , Bob Price, and Skip Hughes to benefit the Hole In The Wall Gang Camp. . . . Map and directions: On 6/23/09 we did a publicity spot on Channel 3, and they have kindly posted it on their website: Video Link:
On June 24 (2009) the GJB performed at the Ashlar Lockwood Lodge in Newtown with Jane Campedelli and Bob Price. . . . MAP . . .
Galvanized quartet on TV! On June 23 (2009) the Galvanized Quartet played for a 7 AM Chamber of Commerce breakfast in Cromwell, followed by a TV appearance on Channel 3. The latter performance is posted on the the WFSB website: Video Link:
Kentucky Derby Parties
The Third Annual Run for the Roses was Saturday, May 2 (2009) at the beautiful Hartford Golf Club. Festivities began at 4:30 pm with a two-hour cocktail social featuring the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby aired live from Churchill Downs, passed and stationary hors-d'oeuvres, an open-bar including mint juleps, and a silent auction. Following the race, guests enjoyed dinner and dancing with the Galvanized Jazz Band from 7:00 until 10:00pm. Earlier in the afternoon the GJB performed outside at a private party, also in West Hartford, enjoying perfect weather in spite of the rain and thunderstorms that were in the forecast; The Vigorito Voodoo still works!
Our Jan. 18 (2009) session at Marisa's in Trumbull with Art Baron and Noel Kaletsky was a smashing success in spite of the snow; Our February 15 session with Skip Hughes was even better, and on April 19 we were sold out with special guests Skip Hughes and the amazing Vince Giordano! Please call Marisa's (203-459-4225) for dinner reservations and also to inquire about when they can have us back in the fall. Marisa's is located at 6540 Main Street in Trumbull, CT 06611.
On Sunday, January 11 (2009) we performed with Skip Hughes and Noel Kaletsky for a large and appreciative crowd at the Westport Center for Senior Activities, (203-341-5099) at 21 Imperial Avenue in Westport.
The GJB returned to the the Suncoast Jazz Festival, in Clearwater Beach, Florida, November 21-23 (2008), with Jane Campedelli, Craig Grant, and Bob Price. A great time was had by all at this wonderful festival.
On October 28 (2008) the GJB performed in concert at Guilford High School with the award winning Guilford High School Jazz Ensemble, directed by Tom Boates. The GJB and the Guilford High Jazz Ensemble each performed separately, and then together in a very exciting grand finale!
We were at Marisa's in Trumbull on October 26, 2008, for another sold-out night of fun with trombonist Ben Griffin and vocalist Cynthia Fabian. We were also there with Tom Boates, Cynthia Fabian, and Ed Stockmal on November 9 for our last time in 2008.
On September 14 (2008) the GJB performed with Jim Fryer and Bob Price for the Stamford Arts & Crafts Blues Festival on the stage in Latham Park, at the corner of Bedford and Prospect Streets in Stamford.
On September 7 (2008) the GJB performed at the 10 AM Sunday morning service at the First Congregational Church, on Meeting House Lane in Madison, with Fred, Sherman Kahn, Bill Sinclair, Art, and Bob Bequillard.
Then from noon until 3pm we performed with Fred, Russ Whitman, Bill Sinclair, Art, and Bob Bequillard. at the Cheshire Congregational Church picnic, on Church Drive (Route 10 on the Green) in Cheshire, Connecticut.
On August 16 (2008) the GJB returned to Music Mountain in Falls Village, CT for our 15th annual concert at Connecticut's answer to Tanglewood, the string quartet capital of the universe. Our guests were trombonist Art Baron (formerly with Duke Ellington and Bruce Springsteen) and Bob Price, the "banjo crackerjack". Art graciously agreed at the last minute to fill in for Ben Griffin, who was ill. MAP. . . For tickets or more info about Music Mountain call 860-824-7126.
Our annual free outdoor concert on August 13 (2008) at Ashlar of Newtown was well-attended; the weather was perfect . . . . MAP . . .
The 2008 Great Connecticut Jazz Festival was July 25-27 at the Sunrise Resort in Moodus, featuring selected bands (listed below) from all over the country. The Galvanized Jazz Band was there for all three days with a special international lineup including saxophonist J. P. Alessi from France, Paul Boehmke on clarinet and sax, trombonist Roy Rubinstein from England by way of Chicago, Jane Campedelli and Bob Price. This was the festival's last time in Moodus; the Sunrise Resort has been sold.
On July 20 (2008) the GJB performed on the Town Green in Guilford with Jim Fryer and Jane Campedelli. The no-doubt world famous Sugarfoot Jazz Band warmed up the stage for us and also joined us for part of the concert.
On July 6 (2008) the GJB returned to Westport's Levitt Pavilion for an outdoor concert with Neil DeFeo and Joel Schiavone. Despite the gray clouds all day and predictions of thunderstorms, the weather cleared promptly in time for the concert. Note: you can buy concert tickets ahead of time.
The 2008 Hot Steamed Jazz Festival was June 27 - 29 at the Steam Train Station in Essex. We were there on Friday and Sunday with Jane Campedelli, Craig Grant, and Bob Price, along with numerous other great bands and talented musicians for another great weekend of traditional jazz. Directions: . . . MAP:
On June 18 (2008) the GJB returned to the gazebo on the Green in Fairfield for another free outdoor concert from 7 to 8:30 PM. Our guests were Jane Campedelli, Bob Price (the Banjo Crackerjack) and trombonist Ben Griffin, from the Coast Guard Dixieland Band. . . MAP . . . .
On Sunday, June 8 (2008) there was a free outdoor concert from noon to 3 PM at the gazebo by the firehouse in Old Saybrook featuring Jon Seiger on trumpet and vocals, Russ Whitman, Carol Leigh, New York trombonist Harvey Tibbs, Mississippi pianist Sam Gore, Art Hovey on bass, and Bob Bequillard on drums.
On June 1 (2008) the GJB performed with guest trombonist Tom Boates at the First Congregational Church of Southington as part of its regular Sunday morning service. DIRECTIONS: . . . MAP:
On March 9 (2008) we returned to the Beachhead Restaurant for another evening of good food and good jazz from 6 until 8:30 PM. The Beachhead is located at 3 Cosey Beach Avenue in East Haven. This is a great spot, with great food but limited seating. If you decide to visit the Beachhead please call 203-469-5450 for dinner reservations, and please inquire about our next appearance there.
We were at Marisa's in Trumbull again on February 17, 2008. This is a good-sized restaurant with plenty of seating and parking, but since 2006 our almost-monthly Sundays have all been sold out! Please call Marisa's (203-459-4225) to make dinner reservations and to inquire about our next appearance there. Marisa's is located at 6540 Main Street in Trumbull, CT 06611.
Our free concert on Feb 10 (2008) at the Westport Center for Senior Activities, (203-341-5099) at 21 Imperial Avenue in Westport, featuring Skip Hughes on trombone and vocals, with Herb Gardner on piano was very well-attended. Photo & Story:
Our January 27 (2008) concert at the Thornton Wilder Auditorium in the Miller Cultural Complex, 2901 Dixwell Avenue in Hamden, CT was more than sold out; we had to delay the start while extra chairs were brought in. We do hope to return to that wonderful hall some day. The phone number is 203-287-2546. . . . MAP & DIRECTIONS . . . Our guest trombonist was the incomparable Jim Fryer, with the fulsome banjo and vocals of Joel Schiavone as a added treat. (Jim is the featured guest on our newest CD, "Creole Trombone".)
On November 29 (2007) Noel Kaletsky and Dirck Spicer joined us for a special CD release party at the Beachhead Restaurant, located at 3 Cosey Beach Avenue in East Haven. It was a wonderful evening; all of our dear friends from the Millpond were there! As one fan put it, - It was a great night. Music was wonderful - just an amazing gathering of old friends sharing great memories and making new ones! Food was great and the service was spot on too! We also played there on July 1, September 30 and October 26 as a quintet for standing-room-only crowds. This is a great spot, with great food but limited seating. If you decide to visit the Beachhead call 203-469-5450 for dinner reservations, and please inquire about our next appearance there.
Sarah Spencer and Art Hovey were featured with Roy Rubinstein's Chicago Hot Six on October 14 (2007) in a concert for the Jazz Appreciation Society of Syracuse at LeMoyne Manor in Syracuse.
On September 29 (2007) the GJB performed at the Old Brick Building, 103 East Main Street in Clinton. It was an outdoor fundraiser for the Clinton Historical Society, to help pay for a new roof. The event included wine and cheese, the “Clintonion Derby”(a spoof horse race), and a horse comedy routine. Thanks to the famous Vigorito Voodoo, we enjoyed clear blue skies and temperature in the low 70s; a perfect fall day.
On September 15 (2007) the GJB performed at the Foxwoods Casino as part of the Food and Wine festival's Mardi Gras masquerade party. There was a huge and appreciative crowd, and even some of the chefs joined in with the shapely dancing willow trees in front of the stage.
On September 8 (2007) the GJB performed with Jane Campedelli and Jim Fryer for a large and very appreciative audience at the Somerset Vocational and Technical High School Theatre in Bridgewater, NJ as part of the 14th Season of Jazz in Bridgewater, which raises needed funds for the United Way and is co-sponsored by the New Jersey Jazz Society. This was the final concert of the series.
On August 11 (2007) the GJB returned to Music Mountain in scenic Falls Village, CT for our 14th concert at the "string quartet capital of the summer music universe", with the incomparable Jim Fryer and Bob Price. . . MAP. . . For more info about Music Mountain or to order tickets for other events there, call 860-824-7126.
The 2007 Great Connecticut Traditional Jazz Festival was back at the Sunrise Resort in Moodus July 27-29, and we were there! Our guest trombonist on Friday was Ben Griffin from the Coast Guard Band. On Saturday and Sunday we had the inimitable Herb Gardner. Since Russ was performing at the Bix Festival in Iowa with James DaPogny on that weekend we featured a series of guest clarinetists, including Noel Kaletsky, Sherman Kahn, John Clark and Joe Midiri. Members of the GJB also performed with Bill Logozzo's Heartbeat Band and Sarah Spencer's Transatlantic Jazzz Band.
On July 15 (2007) the GJB presented a free outdoor concert at the Levitt Pavilion in Westport, with trombonist Neil DeFeo and Bob Price, the "banjo crackerjack". Although thundershowers were in the forecast, we enjoyed a beautiful evening and a substantial and appreciative audience. The voodoo still works!
On June 14, 2007 the GJB returned to the gazebo on the green in Fairfield for its annual free outdoor concert with Jane Campedelli, Bob Price. and trombonist Art Baron, formerly with the Duke Ellington orchestra and currently on leave from Bruce Springsteen's band.
On June 3, 2007 the GJB performed at the First Congregational Church of Southington with Tom Boates, Scott Kahn, and Sherman Kahn as part of its regular Sunday morning service. Directions...
On April 15, 2007 the GJB traveled through some wet weather to perform in Easton, PA for the Pennsylvania Jazz Society with Craig Grant and Jimmy Mazzy. Click HERE for a map and directions.
On February 26 (2007) the GJB returned to the Creative Arts Center at the University of New Hampshire in Durham as part of the Dorothy Prescott Traditional Jazz Concert Series, with special guests Skip Hughes and the one and only Jimmy Mazzy on banjo and vocals. Although there was enough snow in Connecticut that day to close all schools, the famous Vigorito Voodoo worked for us once again; we had no difficulty getting there and back. A CD recording of this performance is now available; see the "Recordings" section of this website for details and ordering information. Tickets to other concerts in this series are available from www.portsmouthnh.com. (Look for "Traditional Jazz Series".) You can also call 603-862-2290 between 10AM to 4PM, weekdays. For more details, go to www.unh.edu/music. A CD compilation of music recorded at several previous concerts from this series is available at the UNH Library Website.
