2010

July
23, 24 & 25

Band Lineup for 2010

Celebration Jazz Band
Ft. Collins, Colorado

Colorado legend Bob Cooke heads this group of all-stars that helped inspire the Festival's beginning, and they have understandably become a mainstay of the Festival lineup. It's not often you get to hear world-class musicians in an intimate jam session, which is why audiences love them—a rare opportunity you don't want to miss!

Carl Sonny Leyland Trio
Southern California

This Festival favorite group led by piano great Carl Sonny Leyland includes veteran jazz drummer Hal Smith and the versatile Marty Eggers on bass. Their swingin' Kansas City Jazz, Boogie Woogie and Blues vocals are guaranteed to be a big hit again this year.
Carl Sonny Leyland Website

James Dapogny's Chicago Jazz Band
Ann Arbor, Michigan

This polished and vibrant group, known for its extensive repertoire and noteworthy Dapogny arrangements, lists among its many credits appearances at Carnegie Hall, the Smithsonian and on A Prairie Home Companion radio show. They play very few festivals, but Evergreen has won a place in their hearts and on their calendars.
James Dapogny's Chicago Jazz Band Website

Festival Feetwarmers with Anita Thomas
International

Last year’s festival audiences couldn’t get enough of this all-star group and its renowned leader, Australia native Anita Thomas.  Her sensational reeds, memorable vocals and sparkling personality have made her one of the true stars in today’s jazz world.  Add New Orleans piano legend John Royen, delightful Katie Cavera on guitar and vocals, and swingin’ Mike Earls on bass, and this is a very special group that you won’t experience anywhere else.

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 30’s.  On stage are two of the most influential musicians of the day, Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grapelli, 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.

Independence Hall Jazz Band Website

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

International Sextet
International

Introduced at last year's Festival, this unique group springs from the creativity of drummer Hal Smith and features veteran jazz musicians from other groups at the Festival — Carl Sonny Leyland on piano, Katy Cavera on guitar, Clint Baker on bass, Anita Thomas and Kim Cusack on reeds.

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 Orange Kellin on clarinet, Mike Earls on bass and Clint Baker on trumpet, their eight sets are sure to provide some of the Festival’s most memorable highlights.