DECEMBER 1, 2019
“Mission Gold Jazz Band”
Mission Gold Jazz Band
With a name inspired by the golden hills above Fremont’s Mission San Jose, Mission Gold is an eight piece, two cornet band consisting of a variety of multi-talented musicians from all over the Bay Area.
Mission Gold Jazz Band was formed in 1980 and has a long tradition of performing the music of Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, Lu Watters and Turk Murphy. The band plays standards and more common tunes in the swing genre. The main goal is to please the dancers, strutters, and jazz listeners.
Jack Wiecks (banjo)
Virginia Tichenor (piano)
Paul Campana (drums)
Bob Sterling (tuba)
Bobby Alfaro (reeds)
John Soulis(trombone)
Noel Weidkamp (cornet)
Rich Newcomb(cornet)
Contact Mission Gold on Facebook.
NOVEMBER 3, 2019
“The Jam-a-Roo Jammers”
(Jams all Day!)
“Jam-a-Roo Jammers” Day will be a day filled with “Jammer” fun! Come join us for great music and a fun-filled Early-Independence Day celebration!
Players will come from 
all over – including Sacramento, Modesto, Stockton. Don’t be shy… musicians are welcome at SJDJS!
Here are some photos of one of our past Jam-a-Room Jammers Day – which was fun for all!
Join us!
OCTOBER 6, 2019
Zack Sapunor and
The Hot City Jazz Band
The Hot City Jazz Band, an ensemble like no other, HOT CITY has established an aesthetic of New Orleans style hot jazz and classic swing which they augment with a vast array of exotic musical elements, from Latin and Caribbean rhythms to Pacific Island themes and Middle Eastern melodies, forming an intoxicating aural palette that has been referred to as “SWINGXOTICA”.
Returning to his California home after two years of recording and touring throughout the United States and Europe (Jim Cullum Jazz Band, Wayne “The Train” Hancock”), bassist and vocalist Zack Sapunor did so with the notion of a new ensemble that was steeped in the classic “hot” jazz sound. HOT CITY truly is that band. Featuring regular members William Dendle (2014 “Musician of the Year” at Jazz Bash By The Bay) on plectrum guitar and banjo as well as bright young talent Jeff Kreis (Crescent Katz, Element Brass Band) with his red hot trumpet, these musicians have the capability to explore musical flavors from around the world… all the while bringing it home with their finely honed enthusiasm for the work of classic jazz masters Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Fats Waller and many more giants, famous and obscure.
But while they mix and match exotic sounds over a hot swingin’ foundation, whatever they do is done with a passion and zest for their respective instruments. No matter which way one’s individual tastes may lie, anyone who witnesses a HOT CITY performance will experience the undeniable pleasure of hearing musicians who have dedicated their lives to mining this rich musical tradition with not only competence and expression, but with pure joy and enthusiasm.
With frequent guest musicians called upon from the crème de la crème of the Northern California hot jazz scene, HOT CITY brings both class and excitement to any occasion.
Hot City players:
Bass/Vocal: Zack Sapunor
Guitar: Bill Dendle
Trumpet: Justin Au
Trombone: Brandon Au
Drums: Chris Wilkinson
SEPTEMBER 1, 2019
“The Jam-a-Roo Jammers”
(Jams all Day!)
“Jam-a-Roo Jammers” Day will be a day filled with “Jammer” fun! Come join us for great music and a fun-filled Early-Independence Day celebration!
Players will come from all over – including Sacramento, Modesto, Stockton. Don’t be shy… musicians are welcome at SJDJS!
Here are some photos of one of our past Jam-a-Room Jammers Day – which was fun for all!
Join us!
AUGUST 4, 2019
Ken Brock and
The Jambalaya Swing Band
The Jambalaya Swing Band patterns itself from the great Bob Crosby and The Bobcats Orchestra. The Instrumentation is 4 Saxophones; 3 trumpets; 1 trombone; piano; bass; and drums. The Crosby Orchestra consisted of one additional trombone. Large dance bands of Jan Garber, Dick Jurgens, Sammy Kaye, Russ Morgan, to name a few the 1930’s and 40’s bands, generally consisted of 10-14 players.
Crosby started in 1935, but didn’t become a “hit” band until he released “Big Noise From Winnetka” and additional “Dixie” selections in 1938. His Instrumentation was centered around a “Dixie” front line or the Piano of Joe Sullivan. Bob fronted the band well into the 1980’s and always was a big draw at The Carnation Stage, and The Plaza Gardens Stage at Disneyland.
Jambalaya’s players:
Saxophones and Clarinets: Rich Lesnik, Stuart Yasaki, Mike Kenney, Bruce Saxton
Trombone: Ron Wetzel
Trumpets: Mack Horton, Noel Weidcamp, Ken Brock
Piano: Rich Owens
Bass: Julianne George
Drums: Ed Margolin
JULY 7, 2019
“The Jam-a-Roo Jammers”
(Jams all Day!)
“Jam-a-Roo Jammers” Day will be a day filled with “Jammer” fun! Come join us for great music and a fun-filled Early-Independence Day celebration!
Players will come from all over – including Sacramento, Modesto, Stockton. Don’t be shy… musicians are welcome at SJDJS!
Here are some photos of one of our past Jam-a-Room Jammers Day – which was fun for all!
Join us!
JUNE 2, 2019
“Trilogy Jazz Band”
The Trilogy Jazz Band was started by Dr. Jay McGee (now deceased) in 2001. The Band had only 4 playing members at that time, and Trilogy had only 2 villages. (There are 7 villages now.) Trilogy is a community of active adults, 55 years of age and older, and is located on the West side of Rio Vista CA, on Highway 12.
When my wife and I moved to Trilogy in 2002, Dr. McGee asked me to “take over” the operation of the band. As more people moved into Trilogy, the Band naturally expanded membership until it reached its current number of 21 instrumentalists and vocalists.
The Trilogy Jazz Band, a 21- person musical organization, plays music from the 1930’s through roughly the 2000’s. The Band plays “big band” arrangements of music from Herman, Miller, Dorsey, and others of that era as well as more modern Jazz, Foxtrots, Waltzes, and a few Dixieland tunes.
The Trilogy Jazz Band is made up of residents of Trilogy and a few “guest” musicians, including SJDJS charter member Loren Iverson.
The Band is looking forward to playing on Sunday, June 2nd, at the Stockton Elks and reminds all patrons to “bring their dancin’ shoes”.
-Jim Lucas
Leader, Trilogy Jazz Band
MAY 5, 2019
“The Yosemite Jazz Band”
Photo from the California Mid-State Fair, July 2016
From Left to Right: Pat Mierkey, Jimmy Kirin, Berl Howell, James Mierkey,
Jennifer Piccolotti, David Quinday, Teddy Strauss, and Jeff Gurule
The Yosemite Jazz Band is from the mountain community of Oakhurst, California, located just outside the south entrance to Yosemite National Park. It all began in October 1993 when Berl Howell, our fearless leader, approached several Oakhurst Community Concert Band musicians about forming a traditional jazz band and soon a new band was formed. Our first performance began in the summer of 1994 at the Oakhurst Pizza Factory, which as since become an annual tradition. The band quickly gained a loyal following and many gigs ensued.
The Yosemite Jazz Band continues its Thursday night performances at the Oakhurst Pizza Factory, beginning at 6:30 PM from May 2nd through September 29th. Should you find yourself in the Oakhurst area this summer, stop on by and enjoy a pizza, the warm evening air, great company, and our traditional jazz sounds.
For our upcoming San Joaquin Dixieland Jazz Society performance, the Yosemite Jazz Band musicians will include Berl Howell on trumpet, Teddy Strauss on reeds, Pat Mierkey on Trombone, Kurt Abel on banjo and guitar, Bonnie Otto on piano, Daniel Green on bass, and Ken Wood on drums.
We really have fun performing for dancers and listeners. Our resume’ include performances for the Fresno Dixieland Society, Modesto Traditional Jazz Society, Monterey Hot Jazz Society, Sierra Traditional Jazz Club, Pismo Beach Basin Street Regulars, Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society, and the Valley Jazz Club. This is the band’s first time performing for the San Joaquin Dixieland Jazz Society and we really look forward to making new friends.
For more information on The Yosemite Jazz Band visit their website here.
APRIL 7, 2019
“The Jam-a-Roo Jammers”
(Jams all Day!)
“Jam-a-Roo Jammers” Day will be a day filled with “Jammer” fun! Come join us for great music and a fun-filled Early-Independence Day celebration!
Players will come from all over – including Sacramento, Modesto, Stockton. Don’t be shy… musicians are welcome at SJDJS!
Here are some photos of one of our past Jam-a-Room Jammers Day – which was fun for all!
Join us!
MARCH 3, 2019
“FULTON STREET JAZZ BAND”
History of the Band
The Fulton Street Jazz Band was organized in the early seventies by pianist Bob Ringwald. Originally the band was an informal group that met once a week at a Sacramento pizza parlor to learn and play Dixieland tunes. The name of the thoroughfare the pizza parlor was located on was, of course, Fulton Avenue.
The Fulton Street Jazz Band became more formalized in 1971 to play in the first Sacramento Jazz Jubilee, later renamed the Sacramento Music Festival, and is the only band to have played in all 44 festivals.
When Ringwald moved to Los Angeles in 1979, Dean Nelson, the band’s cornetist, took over leadership of the group and remained at the helm until late 2005. In 1995 Ringwald returned to the Sacramento area and, in late 1998, he returned to the band as the pianist and in 2005 when Dean retired, once again took over the leadership of the band.
The Fulton Street Jazz Band is a Chicago-style band that plays in the tradition of Eddie Condon’s New York bands of the 40’s and 50’s. This popular and fun-loving group has been featured at jazz festivals and on jazz cruises for over forty years.
The band combines a front line of outstanding ensemble and solo players with a powerful rhythm section that builds a strong foundation for the band’s unique sound. The band’s extensive and varied repertoire is the foundation from which the band makes each performance an exciting and strong jazz statement.
Fulton Street is a delight to listeners and dancers alike.
Members include:
Vince Bartel (drums)
Darrell Fernandez (bass)
Paul Edgerton (reeds)
Bob Williams (trombone)
Bob Sakoi (trumpet)
Bonnie Otto (piano) subbing in for Bob Ringwald
FEBRUARY 3, 2019
SJDJS’ 40th BIRTHDAY BASH!
Our 40th Birthday celebration!
“Jam-a-Roo Jammers” Day will be a day filled with “Jammer” fun! Come join us for great music and a fun-filled Early-Independence Day celebration!
Players will come from all over – including Sacramento, Modesto, Stockton. Don’t be shy… musicians are welcome at SJDJS!
Here are some photos of one of our past Jam-a-Room Jammers Day – which was fun for all!
Join us!
January 6, 2019
“Midnight Rose Jazz Band”
From Left to Right:
Reuben Smith, Jan Buhlert, Jeff Kreis, Carl Warmdhl
Bonnie Otto, Nancy Kreis and Dannie Balser
Exciting — Hilarious — Energetic — Spontaneous — Entertaining
These words and more have been used to describe the Midnight Rose Jazz Band, one of the best loved traditional jazz bands today. This band has a unique combination of qualities and personalities that captivates audiences wherever they go.
For over 25 years, the Midnight Rose Jazz Band has been winning fans and bringing their own special brand of fun and entertaining music to jazz festivals and clubs all up and down the west coast.
“We have always tried to play high quality music, but equally important to us is having fun. We work hard to make sure that our audiences have a fun time as well, to leave our performances with a happy heart and a lighter step. We have never tried to sound like any particular band or ‘style’. We are well rehearsed, but our arrangements are loose enough to allow for spontaneity…. and, more importantly, fun!”
~Dannie Balser-Singinghawk
BAND PERSONNEL:
Dannie Balser-Singinghawk – Trumpet, Vocalist & Leader
Nancy Kreis – Clarinet
Jeff Kreis – Trombone & Vocalist
Bonnie Otto – Piano, vocals
Jan Buhlert – Banjo & Guitar
Reuben Smith – Tuba & String bass
Carl Warmdahl – Drums
Tim Kreis – Tenor Sax (not pictured)
Dannie Balser~Singinghawk: Trumpet, vocalist and leader, formed the MRJB in the spring of 1990. Over her 34 year career as a jazz musician, Dannie has performed with such notable jazz musicians as Trummy Young, Dick Cary, Bob Havens, Abe Most, Howard Alden, Johnny Varro, Dan Barrett, Edie Metz Jr., Art Farmer, Jon Faddis, Plas Johnson, and Bill Watrous. Active also in the area of jazz education, Dannie taught for over 20 years at the Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society jazz camps both as a trumpet instructor, vocal instructor and as a band instructor.
Nancy Kreis: Clarinet, began her jazz-playing career with the Tuleburg Jazz Band in 1985. Prior to that she was a classical clarinetist, playing with the Sacramento Symphony Orchestra. Nancy has excelled also in the field of music education, having been awarded the prestigious California Music Educators Teacher of the Year award given by the CMEA. She has formed and directed two award winning youth trad jazz groups over the years, The Howling Coyotes and Take Two jazz bands.
Jeff Kreis: Trombone and vocalist, Jeff is probably better known as one of Sacramento’s premier trad jazz trumpet players. Jeff is a veteran of many Sacramento Jazz jubilees. He is also very active with several bands in the Sacramento area, such as Crescent Cats and the Hot City Jazz Trio.
Bonnie Otto: Piano, vocals, Bonnie is one of the most recognized and best loved performers on the jazz festival circuit. She has performed in more popular bands than we can list here, the Wooden Nickel Jazz Band and Sister Swing are just two you may recognize. A great entertainer as well as musician, Bonnie is a must-see wherever she is performing.
Jan Buhlert: Banjo, guitar: Jan is the type strong, musically dedicated rhythm section player that both provides and creates a strong confident sound. Jan divides his time between Midnight Rose and playing with the Black Tuesday jazz band with whom Midnight Rose has shared the stage on more than one occasion.
Reuben Smith: Tuba, although Reuben can handle both the tuba and the string bass with ease, his focus is now on the tuba which lends itself to a better two-beat sound which the MRJB is more stylistically geared to. A devotee of trad jazz Reuben ‘haunted’ Hambone Kelly’s and Lou Watters jazz clubs in the 1940’s. In the 1980’s Reuben began playing with the California Express Jazz Band and in 1990 became one of the Midnight Rose’s founding members.
Carl Warmdahl: Drums, Carl worked for many years as a free-lance drummer before joining Midnight Rose. Carl plays with a hard-driving yet extremely musical style. Carl is also an accomplished artist, working primarily in oils, acrylics and pen and ink.
Tim Kreis: Tenor sax, (not pictured) now a student at Northridge’s prestigious school of jazz, drops in when he can. His quiet demeanor belies a prodigious talent and we’re always happy when he’s in town and able to join in!