Our return to the Beachhead Restaurant was Sunday December 11. It was Bob Price's final CT performance for the year; we hope to see him again next summer! MAP & DIRECTIONS:
On September 11, 2011 the GJB performed in Madison for a Jazz service at the First Congregational Church, located at 26 Meeting House Lane. followed by a picnic on the lawn.
On August 20, 2011, the GJB returned to beautiful Music Mountain in Falls Village, CT. The concert began at 6:30 pm and featured guest trombonist Jerry Zigmont and Bob Price. This was our 18th annual concert at the string quartet capital of the universe, Connecticut's answer to Tanglewood. For more info and tickets to Music Mountain concerts call 860-824-7126. . . . MAP & DIRECTIONS. . .
On August 3 (2011) the GJB returned to the stage on the green in Fairfield for our annual concert from 7 to 8:30 pm. Our guests were Jane Campedelli, Bob Price, and Art Baron. There were some brief light showers, but the weather was warm and everybody stayed and enjoyed the music. This event is free and open to the public. . . MAP & DIRECTIONS
On July 30 (2011) we performed in the 25th annual Great Connecticut Traditional Jazz Festival in Meriden at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel with the amazing trombonist Ben Griffin, banjo crackerjack Bob Price, and Jane Campedelli, our favorite vocalist. More Info & Festival History:
On July 21 (2011) the GJB gave a free concert at Evergreen Woods in North Branford, with Bob Price on banjo and Skip Hughes on trombone. . . . Route 22 Entrance . . . Route 1 Entrance
On June 7 (2011) the GJB performed at Coginchaug Regional High School in Durham for a jazz potluck supper. The High School Jazz Band and dixieland band performed, followed by the GJB with Ben Griffin. For the final part of the concert we were joined by the school's dixieland band for a monster jam session. Dean Coutsouridis, the music director at Coginchaug, deserves a lot of credit for his fine work there. Map & Directions . . . Concert Review by Jean Hadley:
On June 5 (2011) the GJB performed from 9:15 to 10:30am at the First Congregational Church of Southington as part of its regular Sunday morning service. - DIRECTIONS . . . MAP:
Later on June 5 we returned to the Beachhead Restaurant for another evening of good food and good jazz from 6:30 until 9 PM. It was a tribute to Benny Goodman, with Noel Kaletsky and Dirck Spicer. We did all of the tunes from our "Air Mail Special" CD, and a few more. The Beachhead (203-469-5450) is located at 3 Cosey Beach Avenue in East Haven. This is a great spot, with great food but limited seating.
On May 31 we performed for a dinner-dance at the Rosecliff Mansion in Newport, for a Harvard Business School 50th reunion. The amazing Ian Frenkel joined us at the Steinway Grand. We also learned that Rosecliff is located at 548 Bellvue Avenue, which is not the address given by Google.
On May 17, 2011 the GJB gave a free concert in Nelson Hall at Elim Park in Cheshire. (This event had been postponed from Feb. 1 because of snow.) Nelson Hall is a very nice 300-seat recital hall with a Steinway grand piano, and we hope to be back there before long. . . Review by Jean Hadley . . . Map & Directions:
On May 7, 2011 the GJB perform at two fund-raisers: From 3 to 5:30 we played for Ron's Run for the Roses at the Folly Farm in Simsbury for the Ron Foley Pancreatic Cancer Foundation. www.ronsrun.org.
Then from 6:30 until 9:30pm on May 7 we were at the Hartford Golf Club, 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. This was a fundraiser for the Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation.
On March 26 (2011) the GJB performed at the kick-off fund raising concert-dance for the Orange Arts and Culture Council, raising funds for a performing/exhibition space in Orange. The event was at the Holy Infant School Gymnasium, 456 Race Brook Road in Orange, CT, with Skip Hughes on trombone and vocals. Seating was cabaret style, with attendees encouraged to bring snacks and beverages. Nearly three hundred people attended, and no one left early.
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:
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.
July 29-31, 2005 - The 2005 Great Connecticut Traditional Jazz Festival was back at the Sunrise Resort in Moodus, and the GJB was there with special guest trombonist Jim Fryer, banjo virtuoso Bob Price, and vocalist Jane Campedelli, along with many other great bands.
July 24, 2005 - The GJB performed from 2 to 4 PM on a sunlit stage on the Branford Town Green with guest trombonist-vocalist Jim Fryer, the amazing Noel Kaletsky, and the fulsome banjo and vocal stylings of Joel Schiavone. Later that evening at the Cedars/RiverRun/Millpond the band performed with the same guests, and were honored by the presence of Jeff & Ann Barnhart and Danny Coots from the Titan Hot Seven!
June 29, 2005 - The GJB returned to the Ashlar Village in Newtown with banjo virtuoso Bob Price and trombonist Tom Boates for its annual free concert Directions... ..Map..
June 24-26, 2005 - The Hot Steamed Jazz Festival at the Valley RR station in Essex. The GJB was there on Friday evening and Sunday afternoon with trombonist Craig Grant, banjo virtuoso Bob Price, and vocalist Jane Campedelli. As always, we enjoyed perfect weather; the thunderstorms in the forcast never appeared. A particular thrill for us was drawing a crowd in one tent while the fabulous Dick Hyman performed in the next tent. .....Directions.... ..MAP...
June 25, 2005 - Music Mountain: Each year in June the GJB returns to Music Mountain in scenic Falls Village for its annual concert at "the string quartet capital of the summer music universe", Connecticut's answer to Tanglewood. Our 2005 concert was June 25, with special guest trombonist Craig Grant, banjo virtuoso Bob Price, and vocalist Jane Campedelli! Note: Gordon Hall at Music Mountain is now fully air-conditioned!... For more info about Music Mountain or to order tickets by phone, call 860-824-7126.... Directions... .. MAP ..
June 22, 2005 - The GJB returned to the gazebo on the green in Fairfield, CT for its annual free outdoor concert with special guests trombonist Jim Fryer, banjo virtuoso Bob Price, and vocalist Jane Campedelli. Although there was a thunderstorm earlier in the afternoon, and although it was still raining just a few miles away in Milford at the time of the concert, we enjoyed perfect weather that evening. There was not a cloud in the sky and the temperature was about 70 degrees. . . . MAP . . . .
April 3, 2005 - The first Jazz Brunch fund raiser for the 2005 Great CT JazzFest at the River Run. The GJB performed for a SRO crowd with trombonist Tom Boates and vocalist Cynthia Fabian.
March 19, 2005 - Art Hovey's Famous Trio (with Gim Burton and Harvey Tibbs) performed at the NORTHEASTERN REGIONAL TUBA AND EUPHONIUM CONFERENCE hosted by the United States Military Academy Band at Eisenhower Hall, West Point, New York.
January 21-23, 2005 - We particularly enjoyed participating in the Central Illinois Jazz Festival, with Craig Grant, Jane Campedelli, and Bob Price. Although there was a blizzard in Connecticut that weekend we escaped its effects completely; our trip went well and we got home safely.
November 19-21, 2004 - The GJB was featured again at the 14th annual Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Classic in Clearwater, Florida, with Craig Grant, Jane Campedelli, and Bob Price. The weather was perfect, the crowds were huge and appreciative, and all the bands were hot. Photos from the 2004 Suncoast Festival.........
November 12, 2004 - The GJB performed with Jimmy Mazzy and Jim Fryer at the Cheers Pub at Faneuil Hall in Boston before a large and exceptionally appreciative audience. Jim Fryer had just returned from a South American tour with the Titan Hot Seven; the sudden transition from the sunny beach of Ipanema (Rio) to the snow of Boston was quite a blow, but he delivered his usual stellar performance.
August 29, 2004 - The GJB performed at a special tribute to Spiegle Willcox, 3-5 PM in Cortland, NY, in the Brown Auditorium on the SUNY Cortland campus . Our guest trombonist-vocalist was Rocco Patierno. The concert honored the memory of Spiegle Willcox, who passed away five years ago at the age of 96. Proceeds from the event went to the Willcox Music Scholarship Fund at SUNY Cortland. Seven Cortland students have received Willcox scholarships in the last six years. The concert was made possible by a grant from the Center for the Arts of Homer in conjunction with the SUNY Cortland Department of Performing Arts.
Well known as an elder statesman of traditional jazz, Spiegle left his home town of Cortland in the early 1920's to join Paul Whiteman's Collegians. Shortly thereafter, he hooked up with the Jean Goldkette Orchestra, one of the top jazz bands of the era. While with Goldkette, he traded licks with such jazz immortals as Bix Beiderbecke, Frank Traumbauer, Eddie Lang, Joe Venuti and Jimmy Dorsey. In 1930, he "retired" from the music business to return to Cortland and run his father's coal business. Despite the company motto ("There's no fuel like an old fuel"), Spiegle made the transition to fuel oil and developed a successful business while his big band played weekends in the Central New York area. His active life, which always included music and laughter, left him rested and ready for his international rediscovery in the mid 1970's. It was his association with Bix that brought him the recognition that he continued to enjoy. In 1975, Spiegle performed two Bix tribute concerts in Carnegie Hall, along with five other guest Goldkette alumni. European tours, a guest spot on the Tonight Show with Wild Will Davison and a host of all-star appearances at jazz festivals were typical of Spiegle's final years. He was awarded an honorary doctorate in music form SUNY Cortland in 1988 and was crowned the "Emperor of the 1995 Sacramento Jazz Jubilee." He also received the Benny Carter Award from the American Federation of Jazz Societies. For information about his final recording, click on the photo above.
February, 2004 - Our 2004 Mardi Gras celebration at the River Run was sold out. There were costumes and prizes and a free buffet, and we had Herb & Abbie Gardner joining us on trombone and vocals. This was also our 33rd anniversary of Sunday night jazz! We are grateful to all of our loyal fans for sticking with us all these years and for coming out in spite of snow flurries and freezing rain on that fine February evening.
November, 2003 and 2004 - The GJB performed in Clearwater Beach, Florida, at the 13th and 14th annual Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Classic with Jane Campedelli, Craig Grant, and Bob Price. We enjoyed perfect weather for both festivals, which were very well-run and well-attended; we especially enjoyed seeing so many old friends from Connecticut who are now living in Florida. For more details visit the festival website or write to Suncoast Classic Jazz Inc., P.O. Box 1945, Largo, FL 33779-1945, or call (727) 536-0064. The GJB returned to the Suncoast festival in November, 2004 and 2005. Photos from the 2003 Suncoast Festival.........
August, 2003 - The GJB and acres of people enjoyed beautiful weather for our annual Masonic Home concert in Wallingford, pictured below:
July 27, 2003 - The GJB was joined at the RiverRun by members of Paris Washboard for an exceptionally exciting evening of hot jazz with a standing-room-only crowd.
June, 2003 and 2004 - We enjoyed perfect weather on the last weekend of June in 2003 and 2004, performing at the Hot Steamed Jazz Festival in Essex. Hot Steamed Festival Photos... One of the highlights of the Hot Steamed festival was 8-year-old jazz violinist Jonathan Russell, who sat in with us at our final set there. On the Saturdays of both weekends we performed at Music Mountain in Falls Village. Apparently the famous Vigorito Voodoo was working; it was the first weekend without rain in quite a while.
June 8 and 15, 2003 - The GJB enjoyed standing-room-only crowds for its first two nights at the RiverRun (formerly the Millpond Tavern) with Jane Campedelli. We were thrilled to see so many dear friends and loyal fans turn out for the occasion. Kim Steffen is to be congratulated for all the work she has done, rebuilding our old home and bringing it into the 21st century.
April 27, 2003 - Although we enjoyed good crowds at the Chowderpot in Branford every Sunday evening for seven years, the management decided that our services are no longer needed. Our final performance there on April 27 was a big night, attended by loyal fans from as far away as Massachusetts and North Carolina. The Chowderpot (203-481 2356) was a wonderful home for the GJB; perhaps someday we can return. Photos from the Chowderpot Farewell...
Events before 2003 are not listed here because this website did not yet exist. For a history of the very early years, click HERE.
GJB & THE WEATHER . . . . TUBA WEBSITE . . . PHYSICS WEBSITE
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.
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.
The 2006 SunCoast Jazz Festival was November 17-19 in Clearwater Beach, Florida, and the GJB was there with Jane Campedelli, Bob Price, and Craig Grant! A grand time was had by all. One of the highlights for us was having Davy Jones (formerly with the Black Dogs) join us for a set. The GJB took a break from the Suncoast festival in 2007 to make room for other bands, but we will return in 2008; please continue to support this fine festival!
On October 1 (2006) the GJB returned to the wonderful Penn's Peak Entertainment Facility in scenic Jim Thorpe, PA for a 3 PM concert with Craig Grant, Bob Price, and Jane Campedelli. (Bob and Jane flew in from Florida just for this occasion.) The concert was a huge success, attracting an audience of over 350. We do hope to return next year. DETAILS . . . DIRECTIONS. . . MAP . . . PHOTOS FROM OUR 2005 CONCERT . . . VIDEO CLIP #1 (Changes Made, featuring Jane Campedelli) . . . VIDEO CLIP #2 (Avalon, featuring Bob Price) . . .
On August 19 (2006)> the GJB performed for a record-breaking crowd with Bob Price and Skip Hughes at Music Mountain (Connecticut's answer to Tanglewood) in Falls Village, CT. Note: Gordon Hall at Music Mountain is now fully air-conditioned! For more info about Music Mountain call (860)824-7126.... DIRECTIONS .... MAP...
The 2006 Great Connecticut Traditional Jazz Festival was back at the Sunrise Resort in Moodus July 28-30. (Click HERE for a map and/or directions.) We were there with Jane Campedelli, Bob Price and Craig Grant. Clarinetists from the other bands (Pieter Meijers, Dan Levinson, Craig Ball, Dr. John Clark, and Sherman Kahn) joined us, as Russ was away at another festival.
On July 5th, 2006 the GJB performed with Herb Gardner and Bob Price at the Wadsworth Mansion in Middletown, CT as part of the "Music at the Mansion" summer concert series, which is free and open to the public. Although there was rain in the morning, the weather cleared and was perfect for the concert; over 1000 people attended. MAP. . .
Despite dour predictions by the weather forecasters, the 2006 Hot Steamed Jazz Festival (June 23-25) got off to a fine start on Friday. The GJB performed with Cynthia Fabian, Skip Hughes, and Bob Price. Thanks to the famous "Vigorito Voodoo" there was not a drop of rain until all the performances were finished and the instruments were back in the cars. (And then it was just a light drizzle.) We were not asked to perform on Saturday, and therefore could not keep the rain away. But the rain did stop for our two sets on Sunday with trombonist Jim Fryer, on leave from the Titan Hot 7. . . . .Directions: . . . MAP:
November 18-20, 2005 - The GJB performed again at the 15th annual Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Classic in Clearwater Beach, Florida, probably the best-run jazz festival anywhere. It was a treat to see so many of our good friends from Connecticut and to hear so many excellent bands from all over the country. Festival Photos:
October 22, 2005 - Several members of the GJB performed along with the rest of Connecticut's traditional jazz community at the New Orleans Jazz Benefit Concert on at the Unitarian Meeting House in West Hartford. This event was organized by Tom Schmutzler, who sends his heartfelt thanks to all who attended and participated. All proceeds (amounting to $1300) are going to the Preservation Hall Hurricane Relief Fund.
October 16, 2005 - The GJB performed in concert at the wonderful Penn's Peak Entertainment Facility in Jim Thorpe, PA with special guest trombonist Jim Fryer, clarinet & sax wizard Dan Levinson, Bearcat banjoist "Gim" Burton, and our favorite vocalist, Jane Campedelli. In addition to entertaining a large and enthusiastic crowd, we raised $1190 for the Preservation Hall Hurricane Relief Fund. (See below.) . . Photos. . .
September 28, 2005 - FUNDRAISERS FOR VICTIMS OF HURRICANE KATRINA: The GJB performed with trombonist Jim Fryer, clarinetist Sherman Kahn and other friends of the band at a special fund-raiser for hurricane relief at the Cedars/Millpond. More than $3000 generated by this event (all of the cover charge money, all of the musicians' pay, all of the staff pay, and many individual donations) went directly to the Preservation Hall Hurricane Relief Fund, set up by Preservation Hall specifically for New Orleans musicians in need.
September 23, 2005 - The Guilford, Connecticut church community sponsored an ecumenical New Orleans Night to raise funds for the victims of Hurricane Katrina and for the support of families relocating to the New Haven area. The Galvanized Jazz Band performed New Orleans style music, with Tom Boates and Donn Trenner. Richard Marvin, a Christ Episcopal Church member and graduate of Tulane University in New Orleans, prepared a magnificent New Orleans-style dinner of rice, red beans and smoked sausage with vegetarian alternatives and food for children. This event, though marking a real tragedy for the Gulf Coast, also celebrated the culture and traditions of New Orleans and affirm the certain knowledge that New Orleans and the entire Gulf Coast will rise again. All donations and money from the raffles (totaling approximately $6000) went to the American Red Cross Relief Effort and to the New Haven Katrina Relief Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Greater New Haven. The New Haven Katrina Relief Fund is to aid evacuees coming to our area.
September 17, 2005 - Jazz supporter and fan Bill Taggart hosted a Jazz Picnic at his home in Lafayette, New Jersey. We were there with Skip Hughes, Sarah Spencer, and the amazing John Gill (formerly with Turk Murphy) on banjo. Other performers included the Smith Street Society Jazz Band, Hot Antic's Michel Bastide (cornet), Australia's Trevor Rippingdale (reeds), trumpet master Bill Barnes, and many others. Recordings of this even will eventually become available at www.okom.com.
