2012
July
27, 28 & 29
Band Lineup for 2012
Lineup is currently in the works. Meanwhile here's last year's which gives a good indication of the quality and variety you'll experience this year.
Yerba Buena Stompers
San Francisco
Devotees of the rowdy San Francisco style, these stellar musicians are longtime fans of such greats as Turk Murphy, Lu Watters and Louis Armstrong. Their individual resumes include time with Murphy, Satchmo, Kid Ory, The Original Salty Dogs, Butch Thompson and other legends, plus appearances on the Carnegie Hall stage, A Prairie Home Companion, The Tonight Show and in feature films such as "The Aviator". Veteran Festival-goers will recognize some of them from work with other bands, but this is the Evergreen debut of the Yerba Buena Stompers. You'll be glad they're here!
Hot Tomatoes Dance Orchestra
Denver
One of the best swing bands anywhere, the Hot Tomatoes have been a smash hit at past Festivals. Dancers and toe-tappers alike can't get enough of their authentic re-creations of Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Harry James and other greats of the Swing Era.
Hot Tomatoes Website
Gypsy Swing Revue
Denver
Close your eyes and picture a smoky Paris jazz club in the late 30s. On stage are two of the most influential musicians of the day, Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, delivering their distinctive violin/guitar gypsy jazz sound. Now open your eyes and find yourself in one of the Festival’s intimate venues. That same great sound is being provided by the Gypsy Swing Revue, one of the hottest groups in the Denver area, back by popular demand. Django and Stephane would have to say “C’est bon!”
Gypsy Swing Revue Website
Joni Janak and Centerpiece Jazz
with special guest Rich Chiaraluce
Denver
Outstanding guitarist Ed Stephen, bassist Colin Gieg and drummer Ron Moewes provide both swinging and sultry accompaniment for the timeless vocals of Rocky Mountain favorite Joni Janak. When they get together in three-part harmony, something special happens. Add sax great Rich Chiaraluce, and special becomes spectacular.
Centerpiece Jazz Website
Independence Hall Jazz Band
Philadelphia
This great organization was started in Philadelphia in 1996, but as leader Doug Finke now puts it,“The band’s from Philadelphia, but we’re all from someplace else!” Regardless of geography, once you hear their distinctive New Orleans sound, you’ll understand why the band enjoys the highest levels of popularity all across the country. They first appeared in the Evergreen Festival in 2006, and it’s a pleasure to welcome them back.
After Midnight Jazz Band
Denver
If Swing is your thing, this is your band. Led by clarinet great Roger Campbell and featuring the fabulous Rick Weingarten on vibes, they re-create the sound of the Benny Goodman Sextet right down to the last toe-tap. Their repertoire also includes many other big names from the Swing Era, and if previous Festival appearances are any indication, they’ll have the house jumpin’ every set.
After Midnight Jazz Band Website
Queen City Jazz Band
Denver
Now in its sixth decade of crowd-pleasing performances across the U.S. and Europe, the Queen City Jazz Band is always a big hit at the Evergreen Jazz Festival. Renowned vocalist Wende Harston once again joins the band on every set, including the Sunday morning gospel service — an experience that is not to be missed!
Queen City Jazz Band Website
John Royen Quartet
New Orleans
John Royen is truly one of the biggest stars in traditional jazz today, and he has assembled three other equally talented musicians especially for the Evergreen Jazz Festival. With Jim Snyder on clarinet, Dean Ross on bass and Connie Jones on trumpet, their sets are sure to be among the Festival’s most memorable highlights.
The Jazz Cookers
Colorado
In keeping with the Festival's mission to encourage and promote jazz with young musicians, it is a pleasure to welcome back The Jazz Cookers. The group is made up of current and former students of Arapahoe High School in Centennial, Colorado, now dispersed across several college campuses as well as the high school. The band has no sponsor or school affiliation and maintains itself strictly through determination and love of the music. Enjoy!
Rain Dogs
Kansas City
Talk about traditional! These four talented musicians pay tribute to the old Southern string bands and classic blues masters such as Bessie Smith, Memphis Minnie, Mississippi Shieks and Muddy Waters. In addition, they have a unique sound of their own that ranges from old country blues to boogie woogie to an occasional flirtation with early rock 'n' roll. They last appeared in Evergreen in 2008, and you're sure to agree that it's good to have them back.
Don Stiernberg Quartet
Chicago
Returning to Evergreen after a two-year absence, this totally swingin' group provides inventive treatments of virtually everything from gutbucket to Gershwin. If you've never thought of the mandolin as a jazz instrument, you're in for a wonderful surprise. Add in the brilliant work of Andy Brown on guitar, Jim Cox on bass and Phil Gratteau on drums, plus Don's droll sense of humor, and it's easily understood that this crowd-pleasing quartet just had to be part of the 10th Anniversary celebration.
Spotlight on Youth
Denver Jazz Club All-Stars
Denver
If you're worried about the future of traditional jazz, you'll be thrilled with this band. They're all high school students from the Denver area, and their sound is first-rate. In fact, even though they've been together less than two years, they've already performed at the prestigious Sacramento Jazz Jubilee and at the 2010 Evergreen Festival. They're sponsored by the Denver Jazz Club and led by retired jazz educator and Festival board member Dr. Ed Cannava. Don't miss them!
View a great 5+ minute video of our 2010 Evergreen Jazz Festival by Jenney Coberly
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