
2013 Festival Performers |
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Jake Bergevin & The Javatown Swing Orchestra John Moawad's All Star Big Band |
The Jacqueline Tabor Jazz Band The Next Generation (CWU Jazz Camp Combos)
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Have a seat and enjoy the Alexey Nikolaev Piano Quartet at the Clymer Museum on Saturday, July 27th @ 9 pm
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Brian Nova Trio
Concord Recording Artist and Grammy® award winning artist Brian Nova is considered one of the top Jazz Guitarists/Vocalists in the nation, according to a recent poll in Jazz Improv Magazine. Joe Pass said of Nova: ‘I feel Brian is one of the finest Jazz Guitarists on the scene!’ He has the distinction of being the only guitarist who was mentored by, and toured with, the two titans of Jazz guitar: Herb Ellis and Joe Pass. Rock Icon Steve Miller says: ‘I’ve met and known a lot of guitarists in my career, and ‘B’ is the best guitarists I’ve ever met.’ Nova performs, and records, as a solo artist, with his Trio, Quartet, and his 12-piece Big Band.
Most recently, Brian was part of Arturo Sandoval’s “Dear Diz” jazz ensemble. The CD won the 2013 Grammy award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble!
In addition to performing, Nova also encourages young Jazz musicians to further their own musical education and stage presence. From 1990 to 1996, he was the Director of Jazz and Guitar Studies for the Music Program at Seattle University. He continues to mentor the next- generation of professional musicians through his master classes and the clinics he conducts around the world. Nova began his Jazz career in Seattle, WA. He has lived in New York, Denmark, and now makes his home in California.
Go for the groove with the Brian Nova Trio on Saturday, July 27th at Fitterer’s Furniture from 8 pm to 11 pm.
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Cambalache Salsa
This NW Salsa band has its eclectic styles deeply rooted in the richness and diversity of Latin America while showcasing the latest in music from Cuba and Puerto Rico. Cambalache has broken attendance records of virtually in every salsa club in the NW, Canada and Alaska. Cambalache brings a show that is considered to be one of the most entertaining and fun in the NW for anyone who loves Salsa.
Band members:
Show off your merengue and dance to the latin sounds of Cambalache on Friday night, July 26th on the Main Stage at the Rotary Pavilion.
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Christian Howes Trio
Jazz violinst Christian Howes grew up in Columbus, Ohio and received a degree in Philosophy from the Ohio State University. After spending 8 years based in New York City, he has recently returned to Columbus and now manages a dual residence in Columbus and New York City.
As an educator, performer and composer, Christian Howes has gained great notoriety and respect from critics and players alike. Christian was a favorite of the late Les Paul, with whom he worked for 11 years.
In August 2011, Christian was ranked as the #1 violinist in the Downbeat Critics Poll “Rising Stars.” He was a nominee for the Jazz Journalists Association’s “Violinist of the Year” in 2011. In 2012, he received the Residency Partnership from Chamber Music America for his work in outreach with orchestral education programs. He regularly tours throughout Asia, Europe, and the U.S. as a leader of his own groups and a soloist with orchestras. Says All About Jazz, ”as a jazz violinist he has no peer.” The Minneapolis Tribune called Christian “arguably the most intriguing young violinist in jazz.ť” According to the Chicago Reader, “Not since Jean Luc Ponty has a violinist ranged from pure classical to fuzz-tone rock to convincing jazz with such authority.
Christian Howe on a Sunday afternoon!.... what could be more perfect!! So grab a seat and be at the Main Stage at the Rotary Pavilion to cap off the Festival ...12:30 pm until 2 pm on Sunday July 28th! Don't miss it!
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Dan Kramlich Grunge Trio
Pianist Dan Kramlich has established himself as one of Seattle’s most sought after performers, educators, and adjudicators. His style was informed by jazz legends Fred Hersch and Billy Hart, with whom he worked extensively while studying at Western Michigan University.
Dan can be heard on many recordings by local musicians, including Steve Treseler’s “Inner Sounds,” the Vern Sielert Dektet’s “From There to Here,” and Bernie Jacob’s “One by One.” He currently performs with his own group, the Dan Kramlich Grunge Trio, as well as the Javatown Swing Orchestra, Gail Pettis, and many others.
Dan also maintains a busy teaching studio. He is currently the jazz piano instructor at Pacific Lutheran University and Seattle Pacific University, and teaches privately at Creative Music Adventures in Seattle. This summer, Dan will also be on the faculty of CWU’s Jazz Studies Camp.
Don't miss Jazz piano at its best with the Dan Kramlich Grunge Trio playing at the Clymer Museum on Friday, July 26th from 9pm to Midnight
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Dave Holo Quintet
The Dave Holo Qunitet will perform at the Dakota Café on Saturday, July 27th from 9 pm to Midnight.
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Hardcortet
Hardcoretet is a Seattle-based instrumental quartet that performs original material drawing from jazz, rock, soul and improvised music, among other styles. The band presents music written by each of its members and is reminiscent of fusion groups like Return to Forever and Herbie Hancock's Headhunters, as well as more current modern jazz groups like Chris Potter's Underground and Kneebody. On stage, the band seeks to combine well-written and thought-provoking music with energetic, exciting, and moving performances.
The members of Hardcoretet are: Tarik Abound - Drums, Art Brown - Alto Sax, Tim Carey - Electric Bass, and Aaron Otheim - Keyboard. The group has performed both nationally and around the globe with projects and artists cencompassing a wide array of genres including Allen Stone, McTuff, Polyrhythmics, Reptet, Speak, Jovino Santos Neto, Pocket Change, Theoretics and many others. They have shared the stage with, and opened for, world-renowned artists Skerik, Cuong Vu, Mike Stern, Charlie Hunter, Marco Benevento, Bobby Previte and Bill Frisell.
The musical energy of Hardcortet will be on tap Friday, July 26th at Gallery One from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
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Jake Bergevin &The Javatown Swing Orchestra
Gentlemen, find those white cap toe shoes! Ladies, find your black and white Mary Janes! Get ready to dance to Jake Bergevin and The Javatown Swing Orchestra! This swing dance band has been the highlight of JIV since 1999, and they are back again brining their jump and jive much to the delight of their fans! The Javatown Swing Band is a much sought-after party band that offers up retro swing and jazz with flair. Led by jazz vocalist and professional trumpeter Jake Bergevin, the group is popular with folks who want to let their feet move.
Jake Bergevin combines his talents as band leader, trumpeter and vocalist reminiscent of sounds ranging from Chet Baker to Louis Armstrong to Louis Prima. Accomplishments include a Downbeat award for vocal jazz quartet at age 17, numerous recordings and live performances around the northwest for the past 20 years as both a leader and sideman. Jake holds a Master’s degree in trumpet performance from Central Washington University. He currently teaches music in the Edmonds School District and performs at regional jazz festivals, clubs and private events. A partial list of performance credits include playing with Ernestine Anderson, Bill Watrous, Annette Funicello, Mark Murphy, Colin Raye, the Kingsmen.
Completing The Javatown Swing Orchestra are these talented musicians: RJ Whitlow on bass, Greg Fulton on guitar, Jim Sisko on trumpet, Travis Ranney and Saul Cline on tenor sax, Dan Haeck on trombone, and Mark Yeend on drums.
Jake Bergevin and the Javatown Swing Orchestra are the bee’s knees and will be at the at the Moose Lodge on Saturday night, July 27th from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
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John Moawad's All Star Big Band Directed By Chris Bruya (click here to find about their "first ever" CD)
This Sunday event is dedicated to the memory of John "Coach" Moawad who helped inspire the Jazz festival through the many talented musicians that graduated from his Jazz Program at CWU and who for our first eleven years reunited with them to produce the grand sounds of The "All Star Festival Big Band" that closes the festival on Sunday.
Each year, the All-Star Big Band performance has wowed the crowd - and this year promises to be even more exciting. Chris Bruya will be directing the all star group of musicians that includes many artists that performed earlier in the festival and will stay to be part of this extraordinary experience.
Chris Bruya, has been at the forefront of jazz education for over 26 years at multiple levels in the jazz ecosystem. In his current position as Director of Jazz Studies at Central Washington University, he has pioneered a hybrid improvisation sequence that develops a student’s ear and inner voice, has developed the small group program in both traditional and creative genres, and has succeeded in placing the big band program on the same level as many of the most prestigious programs in the country, performing at the Montreux, North Sea and Next Generation (Monterey) jazz festivals, and at the 2012 Jazz Educators Network (JEN) Conference in Kentucky. His Combo was a 2013 selection to the JEN Conference in Atlanta as well.
A 2008 CWU Jazz Band CD In A Mellow Tone (SeaBreeze Records) was cited by Jazz Times critic Scott Yanow as “consistently impressive and well worth hearing”. Chris has served on the state music educator boards and was an IAJE president of both Washington State and Oregon and has organized state and Northwest jazz ensembles numerous times. Chris’ presentations at state and Northwest conventions have brought numerous accolades and he is in demand as a clinician and adjudicator throughout the Northwest and beyond. He has shared the stage with some true heavyweights of today, including Terell Stafford, Gary Hobbs, Ingrid Jensen, Bobby Shew, Eddie Daniels, Nancy King, Dave Pietro, David Friesen, and more.
The John Moawad All-Star Big Band is scheduled for Sunday, (July 29th) at 2:30 p.m. on the Main Stage at the Rotary Pavilion in historic downtown Ellensburg.
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KGB will close out the Saturday afternoon (July 27th ) performances on the Main Stage at the Rotary Pavilion at 6 PM.
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Little Bill & the Blue Notes
Coming back to stir things up with their style of blues are Northwest icons, Little Bill and the Blue Notes!
Led by Northwest legend "Little Bill" Engelhart, this four piece band is a powerhouse of Blues, R&B and Soul Music. With his 55 years in show business Bill knows how to put together a multifaceted show and band that is always a crowd pleaser. "Little Bill" on Fender Bass and lead vocals is the very personification of "Soul". The fabulous Dick Powell on keyboards, harmonica and vocals will amaze you with his ability to solo simultaneously on piano & harp. Guitarist Billy Stapleton shows off a wide variety of styles on Lead and Slide guitar, and on drums the rock steady Tom Morgan, Little Bill's drummer since the very beginning.
Boogie down with Little Bill and the Blue Notes, Saturday, July 27th from 9pm 'til Midnight at Prosody.
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Orville Johnson & Grant Dermody
Orville Johnson was born and raised in the southern Illinois heartland. In St Louis, MO, he was exposed to and participated in a variety of blues, bluegrass and American roots music. Johnson can sing the blues, pick the guitar and dobro and just about anything with strings on it, write you a song and tell you a story and then teach you how to do it, too. Johnson is a hard musician to categorize since he can do it all. He's a singer, player, songwriter, and the top dobro player on the West coast of America and has become a vital figure on the NW music scene in the 30 years he has lived here. He loves every aspect of music and wants to let you know about it!
Grant Dermody is a harmonica player, singer, songwriter, and teacher from Seattle, Washington. Described as "an understated harmonica virtuoso and a vocalist of subtlety and warmth" by Don McLeese of No Depression magazine, Grant is a highly versatile musician and a lifelong student of the harmonica and acoustic blues. Beyond the blues, Grant is passionate about old-time music. As a member of The Improbabillies, whose 1998 self-titled CD made a serious splash in the old-time world, Grant brought a unique blues sensibility and an innovative harmonica style to that genre.
Sit back and enjoy the blues uniquely played by Orville Johnson and Grant Dermody on Friday, July 26th at JJ's on Main from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
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Pearl Django
Fans of Stepane Grappelli and Django Reinhart can look forward to having Pearl Django back for an encore performance. This group’s inception was as a trio in Tacoma WA in 1994 and now has a performance history spanning almost two decades. The focus of Pearl Django was, and is, to incorporate the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli with American swing music. They quickly expanded to a quintet, adding a violinist and a third guitarist, and their extensive repertoire includes traditional jazz classics and original compositions.
Pearl Django endures as one of the most highly regarded Hot Club style groups working today and has performed at festivals, dances and nightspots throughout the U.S. and abroad,. They have played at the prestigious Festival Django Reinhardt in Samois sur Seine and have been featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered.” The band’s signature style is marked by pristine and dexterous string work, colors of Bal Musette, the steady pulse of rhythm guitar and an unmistakable swing that delights audiences of all musical sensibilities.
Pearl Django‘s music will delight and please your musical sensibilities! Join them on Saturday, July 27th from 9 pm 'til Midnight at Gallery One.
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Karl Walterskirchen, banjo and leader, provides the chords and driving rhythm for the group. He formed the Sidewalk Stompers after moving to Tri-Cities from San Francisco in 1997. In California he played in several Dixieland and New Orleans style jazz bands in the Bay Area. He is an avid collector of old jazz music from the 20’s and 30’s and continues to play it and promote it.
Dave Holo is a hot lead horn player on the cornet noted for his tasty mute work. Dave hails from Spanaway where he leads three jazz bands of his own in the Seattle area. Currently he plays twice weekly at the New Orleans Restaurant in Pioneer Square having played there for the past 21 years. Dave started with the Uptown Lowdown Jazz band in the 70`s playing banjo and eventually moving to the second lead horn position.
Jim Buckman is a noted world class jazz musician and playing clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax and bass sax with some of the finest traditional jazz bands in the country and abroad. He now calls Portland his home where he originally started his jazz career with Monte Ballou of the well known Castle Jazz Band. In the early `70’s Jim became the clarinetist with the Climax Jazz Band, out of Toronto, touring the world. He still tours with the band as well at with the Titan Hot Seven. Jim is an amazing reed player and much in demand in the traditional jazz world.
Dave Loomis fills out the front line with the traditional flavor of the slide trombone. Dave is from Seattle and often plays in Dave Holo's bands. He is a remarkably talented horn player as well as band arranger. His solos and fine ensemble harmony work give the band a depth and very full sound more than one would imagine.
Mark Vehrencamp, tuba, became enamored of the early west coast Dixieland jazz bands (Firehouse Five, Lu Watters and Turk Murphy) at an early age and quickly developed into an accomplished San Francisco style brass bassist. He migrated to Portland in the '70s working with Don Kinch's Conductors Ragtime Band, the Uptown Lowdown Jazz Band and Stumptown Jazz Band. An accomplished soloist on the tuba, Mark continues to perform with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra as well as playing jazz gigs in the Portland area.
The Sidewalk Stompers will be strolling throughout Historic Downtown Ellensburg during the Jazz in the Valley Festival, providing sidewalk sounds to make you smile. They also will perform Friday night (July 26th) from 5:30-8:30 p.m. and between sets during the Saturday Afternoon's performances (July 27th) on the Main Stage at the Rotary Pavillion.
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Skyler Mehal & Isaac Castillo
Skyler Mehal & Isaac Castill will perform on Friday, July 26th at JJ's on Main
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Stacy Jones Band
Making their first appearance at JIV is the Stacy Jones Band. Stacy was the winner of The 2010 Washington Blues Society "Female Vocalist of the Year", and her band, was awarded “Best New Blues Band” in 2009 by the Washington Blues Society.
The stunning & brilliant Stacy Jones is the lead vocalist for The Stacy Jones Band as well as songwriter/guitarist/keyboardist & harmonica player, Stacy belts out a vocal richness beyond her years & is collaborating with talented professionals that match her ability & showmanship. The Stacy Jones Band is a true collaboration between Stacy Jones and Rick Bowen (drums), Tom Jones (bass) and Jeff Menteer (guitar) provides the foundation for a strong ensemble sound and the band’s obvious joy of making music together is contagious.
SJB continues to blow fans away with their high-energy, genre bending performances. Amazing vocals, incredible musicianship, outstanding songwriting and powerful, dynamic arrangements – it’s easy to understand why Stacy and her band are captivating the crowds and gathering new fans at each event they perform.
The Stacy Jones Band will rock your socks off on Friday, July 26th from 9 to Midnight at Prosody.
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Stephanie Porter Quartet
Seattle native Stephanie Porter, an outstanding jazz vocalist with a clear, sultry tone and a bright and appealing stage presence, has had a passion for music her whole life. From 1996 to 2000, Porter opened for a multitude of national acts (including Chaka Khan, Living Colour, Cameo, Glen Fry, Michael McDonald and Kansas), as a member of the popular disco group, “Hit Explosion.” During this time, she also recorded “My Heart Belongs to Daddy,” which ascended to the top 100 of the Gavin Jazz Chart. National Public Radio station, KPLU (88.5 FM), still features a number of songs from her critically-acclaimed album, Mood Swings, nationwide. The album has been sold in over 25 countries.
A longtime figure in the Northwest jazz scene, Porter has worked with over 50 groups as a freelance vocalist and is often spotlighted as a featured or special guest artist in some of the region’s top venues. She has also performed at numerous festivals and special events. In addition to the Northwest, she has performed in venues across the country, as well as Canada, France and England.
Listen to what you’ve been missin’… Stephanie Porter will be at Rodeo City BBQ on Saturday, July 27th from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
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The Jacqueline Tabor Jazz Band
Jacqueline Tabor is an award winning vocalist who lives and performs in the Pacific Northwest. This sultry alto has a voice that contains style, passion and sophistication. Expressive in her approach to a jazz standard, she creates a memorable moment and lures you in wanting more. A native of Bellevue, Washington, she was instructed by Jack Halm at Sammamish High School. After graduation she studied Music and History at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she developed a deep understanding of the blues and the origins of jazz music.
Jaqueline has been influenced by Edmonia Jarrett (her God-Mother), Diane Reeves, Eva Cassidy, Melody Gardot, Tuck and Patti, Mel Torme and Sarah Vaughn.
In early 2011 while having a moment of progression, The Jacqueline Tabor Jazz Band was born to pursue her solo career. This band is the formulation of fantastic musicians, and the result of diligence and basic hard work. She was awarded Seattle Kobe Jazz Queen in 2011 and in 2012 she was presented with the NW Vocalist of the Year for the Golden Ear Award.
The smooth jazz sounds of the Jaqueline Tabor Jazz Band will be at Fitterer’s Furniture on Friday, July 26th at 8 pm. until 11 pm. Come listen to what you’ve been missin’!
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The Jeff Chang Quartet
“Straight ahead jazz mixed with a strong influence of Taiwanese traditional music “is one description of the Jeff Chang Quartet’s sound. Chang grew up in Taipei, Taiwan and, at the age of 16, he moved to the Bay Area with his family. He began playing jazz saxophone under the tutelage of saxophone virtuoso William Trimble. Jeff’s debut album “It’s Not What You Think” was the number one selling jazz CD in Taiwan in 2009. He has worked with Jazz greats such as Joe Henderson and George Russell. Chang will be on the CWU Jazz Camp faculty this year, and is currently the music director at Mt Adams School District and Jazz faculty at the Yakima Community College.
The Jeff Chang Quartet will play for your enjoyment on Friday, July 26th from 8:30 pm at Rodeo City BBQ.
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The WIRED! Band
JIV is pleased to welcome The WIRED! Band: WINNER of the 2012 International Blues Challenge on Beale St. in Memphis. The WIRED! Band features Washington Blues Society Performer of the Year and Songwriter of the Year Kevin Sutton with perennial Pacific Northwest rhythm kings Rick 'the stick' Jacobson on drums and his uncle, Seattle legend Keith Bakke on bass.
This most entertaining blues band puts on a diverse and entertaining show from start to finish, sporting strains of Blues, Rock and Rock-a-Billy. Their stage isn’t just where they park the drum kit; the Wired Band shows up to play the whole room!
Get out and shake your tail feathers to The WIRED! Band appearing on the Main Stage at the Rotary Pavilion on Saturday, July 27th from 9 pm to Midnight.
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ThreeJazz is known for its original compositions by Debi Eng and Greg Metcalf. However, a number of standards done in the ThreeJazz way allow this group to stay creative and fresh in its approach to music making. “The cool thing about our performances is that no two concerts are ever exactly the same, due to the improvisatory nature of our compositions and arrangements,” says saxophonist Greg Metcalf.
Listen to the fresh and creative jazz stylings of Three Jazz at the Dakota Café on Saturday, July 27th from 9 pm to Midnight.
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Total Experience Gospel Choir
![]() Total Experience Gospel Choir was organized in September 1973 at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Seattle. The core group represented members of the "Black Experience Gospel Choir" of Roosevelt High School and the Franklin High School Gospel Choir of Seattle. United, the choir became known as "Total Experience Gospel Choir". When the choirs merged, the community's children were also invited to participate. And, participate - they did! The choir's numbers grew to 108 within the first two months, with the youngest person being 8 years old. Today the choir's ages range from 6 to 65. Since their inception, MUCH history has taken place. The choir has become known nationally and internationally. Their travels have taken them to 36 contiguous states as well as Hawaii and Alaska - for a total of 38 states. They have performed on 4 continents and in 22 countries.
Total Experience Gospel Choir has over 150 awards and recognitions locally, statewide, nationally and internationally. They have performed on the same billing with the late Dr. James Cleveland, founder of the 60,000 strong Gospel Music Workshop of America; Quincy Jones; Ray Charles; the Hawkins Family of "Oh Happy Day" fame; Take Six - award winning acapella group; Mormon Tabernacle Choir; Winans; Michael Bolton; Sweet Honey in the Rock; The Judds; Charlie Daniel; Pete Seeger; Steely Dan; Olympia Dukakis; Chuck Mangione; and many others.
Total Experience Gospel Choir is a regular performer of the National Anthem at many professional sports events as well as halftime activities. They have been the featured group for seven seasons of Langston Hughes' play "Black Nativity" at Seattle's Intiman Theater. Each performance is SRO for 25-30 shows per season (month of December). They are the featured voices of many local and some national commercials as well.
This extraordinary singing group can be experienced Sunday Morning, July 28th at 10:30 a.m. until noon on the Main Stage at the Rotary Pavilion.
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Trombanga
TROMBANGA is a very unique and exciting 6 to 9 piece Latin jazz group that features 2 to 4 trombones. It specializes in Latin Jazz, SALSA, Merengue, and Cha-cha. TROMBANGA performs in the Pacific Northwest in and around Seattle.
Trombanga means "heavy trombones" in slang Spanish. The trombone and rhythm section sound has had a long history in Latin Jazz. Eddie Palmieri, Manny Oquenda, Willie Colon, and others have used 2 and 3 trombones to back groups. But Trombanga uses 4 trombones with a Latin rhythm section. Bringing you the chance to merengue around the room are: Malo Castro, Bud Parker, Rick White, Gary Shutes, Susan Pascal, Greg Schroeder, Christian Pepin, Jr Medina and John Moak
Cha Cha to Tombanga on Saturday, July 27th from 2pm – 3 pm on the Rotary Pavilion Main Stage and later that evening at The River @ Grand Central from 8 pm. until 11 pm.
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Two Sheds Jackson
Appearing for the first time at JIV is the lip-smakin’ blues band, Two Sheds Jackson. The Pacific NW group is comprised of seasoned R & B musicians who have recorded for major record labels such as Mercury, Epic and Atlantic Records and have thrown their collective talents into Two Sheds Jackson. Band Members are: Charlie Morgan - Guitar, Danny Hoefer - Guitar, Rick Bourgoin - drums, and Steve Boyce - Bass Guitar. Word is that this will be a homecoming of sorts for Charlie Morgan…welcome back Charlie!
Two Sheds Jackson wants to rock your blues away on Friday, July 26th from 8 pm – 11pm at The River at the Grand Central.
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Dance to the music with Wind Power at the Moose Lodge on Friday, July 26th from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
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