Check this star-studded lineup!
After Midnight - Denver
This incredible group is now well into its third decade of delivering the spot-on sound of the Benny Goodman Sextet plus equally authentic renditions of Artie Shaw, Woody Herman and other greats of the Swing Era. Their popularity with Evergreen audiences has earned them “Festival Mainstay” status, and we’re delighted to have the love affair continue. www.aftermidnightjazzband.com
Carl Sonny Leyland Trio - Southern California
Talk about popular demand! One of the most requested groups ever to appear in the Festival, these three mega-talents deliver a range of boogie-woogie, barrelhouse and blues that is certain to have audiences rocking again this year. Each is a genuine star in today’s jazz galaxy, so it’s no surprise that when they get together, the music is over the top! If you’ve never heard them, you’re in for an enormous treat. It’s a genuine pleasure to welcome them back to Evergreen.
Felonius Smith Trio - Boulder, Colorado
If you have a special place in your heart for old-time Blues, this is your band! They’ve appeared in three previous Festivals, thrilling audiences with their authentic sound of those marvelous bottleneck blues players of the 1920s and 30s. Just a few notes and you’ll be carried back to a Southern street corner or rickety front porch at sunset. Enjoy the journey.
Holland-Coots Swingin' West - Nashville
Festival favorites Brian Holland and Danny Coots have put together a special Nashville take on Western Swing just for Evergreen. With all the talent in their hometown coupled with Brian and Danny’s standard for quality, you can be sure the group will provide a memorable listening experience every set. And it may not ever happen again!
Hot Tomatoes Dance Orchestra - Denver
Dust off your dancing shoes – or at least your toe-tappers – and get after it with with one of the top swing bands anywhere. With their authentic re-creations of such Swing Era greats as Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington and Count Basie, the Hot Tomatoes have been creating happy dancers and listeners for over 35 years. Their individual resumes include work with Ella Fitzgerald, Woody Herman, Mel Torme and Clark Terry among many other big names. These guys are good!
Joe Smith and The Spicy Pickles - Denver
Since its creation in 2013, this young, exciting band has gained an enthusiastic following, particularly with swing dancers in Denver and across the country. They pride themselves on being true to the genre, and their marvelous sound, authentic dress and unbridled energy have made them a Festival favorite since their first appearance in 2016. Add the fact that they’re all in their twenties and thirties, and you have another reason to get excited about them. Enjoy!
Your Father's Mustache Band – Denver
This mainstay of the Denver jazz scene traces its roots back to the mid 1960s when the Your Father’s Mustache club opened in downtown Denver. The club survived ten raucous years before closing, and the band reorganized in 1975 to include several members who are still playing today! Those long-timers are leader Joe Petrucelli on banjo, Ray Leake on piano and Mike Johnson, washboard/drums. The band has now been spreading joy to Rocky Mountain audiences for over 45 years and even includes two next-generation Petrucelllis. As a special treat, we’ve arranged to bring their vocal favorite Mary Kelly out of Florida retirement for a guest appearance at the Festival.
Louis Ford & His New Orleans Flairs – New Orleans
The music doesn’t get much more “New Orleans” than this. Louis is a born and bred native, and his musical legacy goes all the way back to the early days of Storyville. The other band members are also from New Orleans, and all are noted performers there. The band’s extensive repertoire and great sound featuring Louis’ high-flying clarinet make them a big hit wherever they play, and that includes festivals from Norway and Switzerland to Sacramento and Sun Valley to Japan. They wowed Evergreen audiences in 2012 and 2013, and we bet it’ll happen again!
Queen City Jazz Band with Wende Harston - Denver
For over 60 years, this treasure of the Queen City of the Plains has been thrilling audiences on both sides of the Atlantic with their big, authentic New Orleans sound. The musicians have changed over the years, of course, but the band’s commitment to quality has been unwavering. Wende Harston is regarded as one of today’s great jazz vocalists, reminding many of a modern-day Bessie Smith. If she starts talking about a tune’s history, pay attention! Their Sunday morning gospel service is not to be missed.
The Dalton Ridenhour Trio - New York City
Making its Evergreen debut, this amazingly talented and versatile group digs deep into jazz from the 1920s through the 40s. You’re likely to hear Nat King Cole Trio arrangements, Swing Era standards, and some seldom heard, early guitar features in the style of Eddie Lang and Nick Lucas. And don’t be surprised if there’s Scott Joplin ragtime and possibly even a jug band blues or two. Yes, versatile – and very entertaining!
