10
Page Inside ... 2. Art Stone Reviews WWW CD’s 3. Farewell to Mike Montgomery 4. Shield’s Concert Schedule 5. Miscellaneous 6-7. Where’s e Jazz? 8. CJB Returns to Tony Packo’s Insert: Letter to Members / Join the GDJS, Patrons, e Team THE JAZZ SCENE Volume 14, Number 6 November/December 2011 (continued on page 5) Big Band Comes to GDJS Above, vocalist Jennifer Jones performs with the Gary Greenfield Orchestra every other Monday at Jager’s Castle Rock (formerly e Heidelberg). Our Condolences Detroit has once again lost more of our brilliant musicians and friends. Let’s keep their families and close musical asso- ciates in our thoughts and prayers – their music will live on forever in our hearts and recordings. Matt Michaels On Monday, November 4, a tribute concert for Matt Michaels, co-founder of the Jazz Studies program at Wayne State University and legendary Detroit pianist will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Max M. Fisher Music Center, 37 Woodward Avenue, Detroit. Tickets are $5 for general admission and can be purchased by calling 33-576-5. A lovely tribute to Matt written by Mitch Albom can be accessed online at: http://www.freep.com/article/2003/ COL0/030527/Mitch-Albom-Mu- sic-instructor-s-life-beautiful-melody Bess Bonnier On Tuesday, November 5, another legendary Detroit jazz pianist Bess Bon- nier’s memorial will be held at the Grosse Pointe Unitarian Church from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. e church is located at 750 Maumee, at St. Clair, two blocks east of Cadieux, between Jefferson and Kercheval. is will be followed by a At our upcoming Jazz at Shield’s concert on Saturday, November 9, from -4 p.m., the GDJS will present e Millionaires Big Band, featuring Garfield on vocals and under the direction of Bob Connor. We have seen many of you at Callahan’s Music Hall where the band frequently performs, and have had requests to have the band perform for us. We’ll soon know how a 7-piece big band, plus vocalist, fits into our little room at Shield’s! e Millionaires bill themselves as “Detroit’s Premier Jump Blues and Swing Band,” and we think you’ll agree when you hear them that they’re a superb, driving, energetic and very fun band. And speaking of big bands, there are several excellent bands out there performing that you might like to hear, or dance to, and support. Trumpeter (and GDJS Patron) Gary Greenfelder directs Gary Greenfelder’s Orchestra with vocalist Jennifer Jones which performs at Jager’s Castle Rock in Clinton Township every other Monday night. ere’s a large dance floor (complete with a following of swing dancers), and reason- ably-priced good food with no cover charge. A recent Monday night featured guest vocalist Sandra Bomar and Dave Lazar on trombone. Gary also has a quartet, GQ Jazz Ensemble, that plays on alternating ursday evenings at the same venue. A new big band on the scene, Artistry in Rhythm Orchestra, was established in 200 by Jack Kotter, Joe Ivers and Eric Lundquist. e very first rehearsal was held at the Italian American Cul- tural Center in Clinton Township with a group of 6 Stan Kenton devotees rehearsing 35 authentic Kenton arrangements acquired from local big band leader, Manny Balos. e library has now been expanded to 55 charts through the efforts of band member and trumpeter Kurt Beguhn. “We are not attempting to be the Stan Kenton or the Stan Kenton Orchestra, but we are merely Kenton fans and we enjoy playing his style of music,” according to Jack Kotter, baritone sax player and business manager. e band’s first concert was performed at the recent Rochester Arts and Apples festival in down- town Rochester. A more recent concert was performed at B’Jazz Vespers in downtown Birmingham at the First Baptist Church. It was billed as a “Tribute to Stan Kenton” and was very well received by a standing ovation at the end of the concert. e leader of the Artistry in Rhythm Orchestra is Eric (continued on page 5)

Big Band Comes to GDJS

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Page 1: Big Band Comes to GDJS

Page �

Inside ... 2. Art Stone Reviews WWW CD’s 3. Farewell to Mike Montgomery 4. Shield’s Concert Schedule 5. Miscellaneous6-7. Where’s The Jazz? 8. CJB Returns to Tony Packo’sInsert:

Letter to Members / Join the GDJS, Patrons, The Team

THE JAZZ SCENEVolume 14, Number 6

November/December 2011

(continued on page 5)

Big Band Comes to GDJS

Above, vocalist Jennifer Jones performs with the Gary Greenfield Orchestra every other Monday at Jager’s Castle Rock (formerly The Heidelberg).

Our CondolencesDetroit has once again lost more of

our brilliant musicians and friends. Let’s keep their families and close musical asso-ciates in our thoughts and prayers – their music will live on forever in our hearts and recordings.

Matt MichaelsOn Monday, November �4, a tribute

concert for Matt Michaels, co-founder of the Jazz Studies program at Wayne State University and legendary Detroit pianist will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Max M. Fisher Music Center, 37�� Woodward Avenue, Detroit. Tickets are $�5 for general admission and can be purchased by calling 3�3-576-5���.

A lovely tribute to Matt written by Mitch Albom can be accessed online at: http://www.freep.com/article/20����03/COL0�/���030527/Mitch-Albom-Mu-sic-instructor-s-life-beautiful-melody

Bess BonnierOn Tuesday, November �5, another

legendary Detroit jazz pianist Bess Bon-nier’s memorial will be held at the Grosse Pointe Unitarian Church from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The church is located at �7�50 Maumee, at St. Clair, two blocks east of Cadieux, between Jefferson and Kercheval. This will be followed by a

At our upcoming Jazz at Shield’s concert on Saturday, November �9, from �-4 p.m., the GDJS will present The Millionaires Big Band, featuring Garfield on vocals and under the direction of Bob Connor. We have seen many of you at Callahan’s Music Hall where the band frequently performs, and have had requests to have the band perform for us. We’ll soon know how a �7-piece big band, plus vocalist, fits into our little room at Shield’s! The Millionaires bill themselves as “Detroit’s Premier Jump Blues and Swing Band,” and we think you’ll agree when you hear them that they’re a superb, driving, energetic and very fun band.

And speaking of big bands, there are several excellent bands out there performing that you might like to hear, or dance to, and support.

Trumpeter (and GDJS Patron) Gary Greenfelder directs Gary Greenfelder’s Orchestra with vocalist Jennifer Jones which performs at Jager’s Castle Rock in Clinton Township every other Monday night. There’s a large dance floor (complete with a following of swing dancers), and reason-ably-priced good food with no cover charge. A recent Monday night featured guest vocalist Sandra Bomar and Dave Lazar on trombone. Gary also has a quartet, GQ Jazz Ensemble, that plays on alternating Thursday evenings at the same venue.

A new big band on the scene, Artistry in Rhythm Orchestra, was established in 20�0 by Jack Kotter, Joe Ivers and Eric Lundquist. The very first rehearsal was held at the Italian American Cul-tural Center in Clinton Township with a group of �6 Stan Kenton devotees rehearsing 35 authentic Kenton arrangements acquired from local big band leader, Manny Balos. The library has now been expanded to 55 charts through the efforts of band member and trumpeter Kurt Beguhn. “We are not attempting to be the Stan Kenton or the Stan Kenton Orchestra, but we are merely Kenton fans and we enjoy playing his style of music,” according to Jack Kotter, baritone sax player and business manager.

The band’s first concert was performed at the recent Rochester Arts and Apples festival in down-town Rochester. A more recent concert was performed at B’Jazz Vespers in downtown Birmingham at the First Baptist Church. It was billed as a “Tribute to Stan Kenton” and was very well received by a standing ovation at the end of the concert. The leader of the Artistry in Rhythm Orchestra is Eric

(continued on page 5)

Page 2: Big Band Comes to GDJS

Page 2

Record

manufactured by WALLY’S WAREHOUSE WAIFS, Otisv

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Wal

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azz.

com

WA

LLY’SWAREHOUSE WAIFS

Rockin’ N

Rhythm

Cat. No.

WWW105

Small

Orchestra for

Rockin’ With

Trademark

Editor’s note: Art Stone, jazz aficionado and Windsor resident has been a long-time member of the Greater Detroit Jazz Society and before that, the Windsor Detroit Jazz Club. He has agreed to review some new CD’s for us again, and we hope to have more for you in the future.

“Dead Beat – A Celebration of Life” and “Rockin’ in Rhythm”

Dave Tatrow (tpt); Cody Henry (tbn); Jim Snyder (reeds); Randy Mor-ris (pno); Paul Scavarda (bjo/gtr); Frank Steed (bs); Dick Maley (drs)

Playing Dixieland, in today’s Rap-infested music scene, is rarely a full time occupation for those who strive to keep the music alive. It is, therefore, hardly surprising that there would be changes in a band’s per-sonnel from time to time. But “Wally” has adopted a whole new family of Waifs since the last time I heard them. (With one exception … Frank Steed is still around to play the bass.)

I popped the first of these CD’s into my player with trepidation. Would this new group measure up to the old “Waifs” that I knew and loved? I played the second CD, still searching for variances. I even pulled an old WWW CD from my rack and played it for comparison. Happily, my worries were unfounded.

Dave Bennett’s Goodman like phrases were gone, replaced by Snyder’s Pete Fountain influenced clarinet. The New Orleans tailgate trombone of Keith DeWitt is now the somewhat smoother, big band sound of Cody Henry. But you’ll have to listen hard to pick up the differences. It’s still a happy group who obviously enjoy what they’re doing and who reflect the personality and talents of their leader. A new “Warehouse” maybe, but from the same musical district.

“Dead Beat” is a collection of tunes that the band might play if it was hired for a funeral. It includes “Just a Closer Walk with Thee;” “The Saints;” “Old Rugged Cross;” “Just a Little While to Stay Here” and others. The highlight is a beautiful version of “Amazing Grace” featuring guest vocalist Theresa Scavarda. If you’re planning a traditional New Orleans funeral when you “buy the farm” you’ll want to keep this CD handy, just in case the band is working another gig when you really need them.

“Rockin’ In Rhythm” is perhaps closer to what you’d expect from WWW…a rollicking collection of old favorites: (“Tuxedo Junction;” “Four or Five Times”) jazz standards (“The Chant;” “Tiger Rag”) plus a charming original (“It Was Nice Talking to You”) played by the com-poser, Cody Henry.

“Rockin” also serves to introduce the talents and versatility of this new group of Waifs. “Out of Nowhere” features the banjo stylings of both Paul Scavarda and Randy Morris. The same two are back on “Lin-ger Awhile” but this time on guitar and piano respectively. Henry, of course, is showcased on “Nice Talking to You.” Snyder swings mightily on sax on “Dreamboat” and plays some fine Dixieland style clarinet on “Tiger Rag.” Steed and Marley anchor the rhythm section and contrib-ute vocals as required.

Tatrow, of course, needs no introduction. While his rendition of “I Can’t Get Started” tips its hat to Bunny Berigan, this version is all Tatrow and all good!

Both CDs are available from Wally’s Warehouse Waifs, 2�7 E. Main St., Otisville, MI 48463 or at www.wallysjazz.com Price is $�8 includ-ing postage and handling. n

Wally’s Warehouse Waifs – Almost All New and Still Hot!By Art Stone

DEAD BEAT A Celebration of Life

Tit le

Composer Time

1. O D’ H R

Will Handy 1 :11

2. I ’ B G W Y’ D ( Y R Y )

Voca l : Randy Morr i s

Sam �read 2 :25

3. J A C W W TAmerican Spiritual 3 :18

4. O D’ H R

Will Handy 1 :16

5. W S G M I American Spiritual 2 :43

6. S L S CWallace ( Wall is) Wil l is 2 :59

7. F L

�omas R . Paxton 2 :20

Voca l : Paul Scavarda 8 . O R C

George Bennard ( DP) 2 :46

C hris Barber

9 . J A L W T S H Eugene Monroe Bartlett 2 :46

10. I T G

C harles Aust in Miles 2 :42

11. D B T R American Spiritual 3 :35

12. A G

John Newton 2 :25

Voca l : �eresa Scavarda

Norm Hamlett

13. T

American Pat iot ic Song 0 :43

14. O D’ H R

Will Handy 2 :43

Producers: Dave and Cathy TatrowRecorded February 21-23, 2011

Recorded, mixed and mastered by David Brown for

DavidBrownSound, Winter Springs, Florida.

Cover Concept/Mix Consultant: Randy Morris

Graphic Design/Photography: Sally Bolle

Musicians: Dave Tatrow, TrumpetCody Henry, Trombone

Jim Snyder, ReedsRandy Morris, PianoPaul Scavarda, Banjo/GuitarFrank Steed, BassDick Maley, DrumsGuest Star: �eresa Scavarda, Vocalist

For more information, contact:Cathy Tatrow, Band Manager

WALLY’S WAREHOUSE WAIFS

[email protected] or phone (810) 631-4799

www.wallysjazz.comWith Special �anks to Ed and Betti Bailey!

We couldn’t/wouldn’t have done this without them.

With decades of experience in this music business, we have found

that booking the band to play for a funeral is one of the biggest chal-

lenges we face. �ere’s no way to schedule these events in advance. Oft

times, when we receive these calls, the band and/or musicians are sched-

uled somewhere else. For example, when one of our favorite fans, Evelyn,

passed we were in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on a Jazzdagen cruise.

When Jake’s family contacted us, we were in Florida and heading from

there to Oregon. And it’s always disappointing when we can’t be there

for our fans! So, several years ago, it occurred to us that we should put together a CD

of funeral tunes that could be used if we were unavailable. When Cathy

mentioned this to Dave, he immediately came up with its title, DEAD

BEAT and this project has been on the back burner until now.

As we contemplated the tunes that we should use for this album, we were

reminded that the choice of music for a funeral is really “A Celebration

of Life.” �e right music reflects a person’s personality, religious beliefs

and personal wishes. Dead Beat was recorded so that our fans (when the

time comes) have a nice choice of tunes ranging from the sublime to the

ridiculous.We know that you’ll find these tunes to be enjoyable and when needed,

be a way of conveying your last farewell to your loved ones – to make

your passing a little easier on your family and friends … and a way to

truly “Celebrate Your Life.”And remember … you can’t expect people to come to your funeral … if

you don’t go to theirs!

DEAD BEAT ACelebration of Life

Bar Code

www.wallysjazz.com

Seldom does a bandleader have the pleasure of handpicking a group of

world-class musicians to work with. Such is the case however, with the

latest version of the Waifs. �ese extraordinary musicians were selected

on the basis of their talent, extreme musical diversity, and their off-the-

wall, crazy sense of humor. A combination of attributes that few musi-

cians possess. With varied musical taste running from ragtime to rock ‘n

roll, I never quite know what to expect from these guys. For this reason,

we've featured everyone individually, as well as the band. We chose Eastern Sky Studios in Winter Springs, Florida based on

recommendations from our Florida musicians. And we're so happy that

we did! Recording engineer Dave Brown was a dream to work with; his

recording facilities are outstanding and he’s a genius at his art. Dave's

wife, Teresa, kept the gang nourished with wonderful home cooking and

her freshly baked cookies. We were able to not only record a lot of

music during the sessions, but packed on a few pounds as well, I suspect. My wife Cathy who manages the Waifs and co-produced this project

gave me strict marching orders concerning the recording. She said, "Go

in and just play, and don't think so hard about what you're going to do.

Jazz comes from the heart." �at sounded like great advice to all of us, so

the stage was set for a relaxed and enjoyable session. What we’ve ended

up with is a true representation of what my guys do best … improvise. �e Waifs have earned the reputation as one of the most eclectic and

entertaining jazz bands in the country. We had a great time recording

this CD and hope that you enjoy our labor of love. Dave Tatrow, AKA Wally

Rockin’ N Rhythm

Producers: Dave and Cathy TatrowRecorded February 21-23, 2011Recorded, mixed and mastered by David Brown for DavidBrownSound, Winter Springs, Florida.Mix Consultant: Randy MorrisCover Artwork: Kacey FansettGraphic Design: Sally Bolle

Musicians: Dave Tatrow, TrumpetCody Henry, TromboneJim Snyder, ReedsRandy Morris, PianoPaul Scavarda, Banjo/GuitarFrank Steed, BassDick Maley, Drums

For more information, contact:Cathy Tatrow, Band ManagerWALLY’S WAREHOUSE [email protected] or phone (810) 631-4799www.wallysjazz.com

With Special �anks to Ed and Betti Bailey!We couldn’t/wouldn’t have done this without them.

Ro c k i n’ N

R h y t h m

WALLY ’S WAREHOUSE WAIFS

Bar Code

Ro c k i n’ N R h y t h mTitle

Composer Time1. T C

Mel Stitzel 4:06

2. L AHarry Owens, Vince Rose 4:55

3. DHarry Akst, lyrics by

3:20

Vocal: Frank SteedSam M. Lewis, Joe Young

4. R' I REllington, Carney, Mills 4:20

5. I C' G SVernon Duke, Ira Gershwin 4:20

6. R RGeorge L. Cobb

2:46

7. I W N T T YCody Henry

4:52

8. W M D C H Dave Franklin, Cliff Friend 6:39

Vocal: Randy Morris 9. SSanto, Johnny, Ann Farina 3:21

10. T JErskine Hawkins, Bill Johnson, 3:45

Vocal: Dick MaleyJulian Dash, Buddy Feyne

11. O NJohn W. Green, Edward Heyman 2:59

Banjos: Paul Scavarda & Randy Morris 12. T V T YRay Noble

3:54

13. F O F TByron Gay, Marco H. Hellman 2:15

Vocal: Frank Steed 14. M MVasily Soloviev-Sedoy

4:25

15. T R/Y SNick LaRocca, Harry DaCosta/ 4:12

James Q. Rich, Boots Randolph

Page 3: Big Band Comes to GDJS

Page 3

Thanks to pro pho-tographer and member Wally Lubzik for the unforgettable photo of Mike, Ray Heitger on clarinet, Bob Seeley on piano, and Kerry Price on vocals (above). Other performers pictured are (clockwise from top): Bill Bolcom and Joan Morris on piano and vocals, Kenny Stokes on vocals, Betsy Grafing on banjo, Bill Jackson and Brian Newsome on banjo, Bill Genson and Eric Mannering on brass, Bob Miller on bass, John LaBrecque on piano, Nikole Heitger on vocals and Mike Pryzbylski on piano (photos by Sally Bolle).

Over one hundred fans and friends of Mike Montgomery came by to sing, play, cry, share stories and laugh in memory of Mike Montgomery at a recent event in his honor at Shield’s of Southfield, sponsored by the GDJS. Ray Heitger’s Cakewalkin’ Jass Band of Toledo and Kerry Price organized a great cross-section of talented musi-cians to pay tribute to Mike. Of special note were Bill Bolcom, internationally reknown Pulitzer Prize-winning com-poser and his singer wife, Joan Morris. For more information on Bill and Joan, please visit www.bolcomandmorris.com.

Aside from the CJB and those listed by their photos below, other musicians in attendance were Hans VonBernthal, Jon Greenawalt, ‘Sister’ Kate Ross, Ron Brown, Elma (Dixiebelle) Tronianko, Ron Brown, Violet Brooks and Pat McCarroll. Certainly one of the highlights of the day (although there were many) was the last tune with Kerry Price’s touching vocal rendition of “My Buddy.” A beautiful, Steinway Essex piano was donat-ed by Tim Hoy of the Steinway Piano gallery (we paid for shipping and tuning only); a Bose sound system was donated and set up by Bill Jackson; special seating and food accommodations were organized by Judy Valdez of Shield’s and her staff; and all monies collected were donated to “The Stearns Collection” of the University of Michigan which was a pet project of Mike’s. Thanks to everyone who came out and contributed to such a wonderful day. We thought Mike loved it. n

A Tribute Mike Would Have Loved

Page 4: Big Band Comes to GDJS

Page 4

25101 TELEGRAPH ROAD (AT 10 MILE), SOUTHFIELD, 48033, 248-356-2720$10 COVER • FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT EMILY LAURA AT 248-855-1342 OR SALLY BOLLE 248-813-0328

WE LOVE OUR MEMBERS AND PATRONS WHO MAKE THESE CONCERTS POSSIBLE! SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2011 PATRONS: ROBERT AND DOROTHY AMIS, PETER AND BARBARA BECKER, CHUCK

AND MARY BONTEN, ROGER DeME YERE, DIXIEBELLE, DAVE FALVAY, JUDY FULKERSON (FULKERSON SPEAKER REBUILDERS), LINDA GATES, DON GOSS, ROD GOODYEAR, GARY GREENFELDER AND ALEKSANDRA MIZIOLEK , BOB HILTON, DOUG AND SUE JACOBS,

KERRY TOWN CONCERT HOUSE, MARCO KNAPP AND JIM STERN, WALLY AND ROSEMARY LUBZIK , MARGE’S BAR, JACK MOLLOY, CLIFF AND AILEEN MORRIS, BRIAN AND LISA PELTON, BOB AND JEAN PET TIGREW, KERRY PRICE,

TOM RODGERS, NANC Y SALDEN, JOHN SOTIR, ARTHUR STONE, C ATHY AND DAVE TATROW, PEGGY AND SAM TUNDO, TOM SAUNDERS, AL AND BARBARA VIRZI, and CLEM WALDMANN.

Future 2011-2012 Jazz at Shield’s Concerts

FEBRUARY 4GEORGE SINNOTT

NORTH OAKLAND DIXIELAND BANDFEBRUARY 18

RAY HEITGER’S CAKEWALKIN’ JASS BAND

MARCH 3DAVE TATROW AND FRIENDS

MARCH 17DAVE BENNETT

QUARTETAPRIL 7

PAUL KELLER AND FRIENDS

�e Millionaires Big Band

Mark Your Calendar ...come and enjoy an afternoon of the Detroit area’s finest classic jazz, dixieland and swing musicians!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Featuring Special Guest Garfield on Vocals

Under the Direction of Bob Connor

DECEMBER 3DAVE BENNETT

QUARTETDECEMBER 17

BILL MEYER AND FRIENDS

JANUARY 7, 2012CARL CAFAGNA AND

THE CREOLE KITCHENJANUARY 21

MARGE’S BAR BAND

APRIL 21RAGTIME RICK AND THE

CHEFS OF DIXIELANDMAY 5

RON KISCHUK AND THETARTARSAUCE TRADITIONAL JAZZ BAND

MAY 19JERRY MCKENZIE’S JUST JAZZ

WITH DAVE TATROW & ?JUNE 2

PAUL KLINGER AND EASY STREETJUNE 16

GEORGE BENSON AND BARBARA WARE

Page 5: Big Band Comes to GDJS

Page 5

reception at the Blue Pointe on Warren and Cadieux (until all hours of the evening). The Blue Pointe is located at �7�3� E. Warren Avenue at Cadieux, Detroit 48224-2228. Phone (3�3) 882-3653.

Andy MormileLongtime Detroit music fans will remember clarinetist Andy

Mormile, who recently passed away; his memorial service was held recently. Andy, who had not played professionally for many years, was a favorite among local bands and nationally-reknowned bands. Spending his later years teaching clarinet, Andy will be remembered as a brilliant player and a fun and tender-hearted guy. Recordings of Andy can be found at various places online, playing with such noted musicians as Gene Krupa, Marcus Belgrave, Eddie Metz and other locals of note.

Byron TaylorThe Plymouth Elks Lodge #�780 and the friends of Jazz @ The Elks would like to remember Byron Taylor, the inspiration behind the Jazz @ The Elks. Byron was born on March �8, �936 and passed on September 23, 20�� after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Byron was a drummer for years in the Detroit area and a former Secretary-Treasur-er of the Federation of Musicians. Early in 20�0, with the assistance of Johnny Trudell, Byron worked with the Elks to start the jazz events that have now grown to capacity attendance and an annual outdoor jazz festival. He will be missed by all. n

Last Tuesday, Leo Rea’s “Real Deal Big Band” played The Recovery

Room (across from Henry Ford Hospital, how perfect) in Warren. Cover charge is $5, and there’s a stage, dance floor and reasonable food/bar available. The venue telephone number is 586-754-7�3�, so you might check with them for information about when they will play again. Leo will advise if this will be a continuing event and we will let you know.

Every Monday, the great Paul Keller Orchestra plays at Zal Gaz Grotto, in Ann Arbor. On most Monday evenings, Paul features his student outreach program, bringing in high school and college jazz bands who perform during the second set. There is no one who does a finer job of student outreach than Paul Keller! On a recent Monday evening, Paul collaborated with the Albion College Jazz Band, which was terrific. A young, female vocalist travelling with the band has a brilliant future in music! Paul also allows members of these bands to sit in with his orchestra during the last set and it’s always a fun jam. The PKO Orchestra turns 22 years old this year. For more information

about the band and schedule, please visit www.pkorecords.comThe Rhythm Society Orchestra is a �5-piece dance band special-

izing in true vintage swing music, and usually a dance floor available. Their sound is heavily influenced by Count Basie and Harry James. Their vocalist, Paul King, describes his style as “a mixture of Mel Torme, Joe Williams and Frank Sinatra – with a dash of Cab Callo-way thrown in.” This band performs often in our area; for a complete listing please visit their web site at http://rhythmsociety.net

R.J. Spangler and Planet D Nonet (nonet is a musical group con-sisting of 9 people, pronounced know-net) is one of the busiest swing bands around, and has a very eclectic schedule but is often found at the Cadieux Cafe (http://cadieuxcafe.com) or the Harbor House (www.harborhousemi.com). Also visit their web site at: http://www.myspace.com/planetdnonet

We try to have many of these events listed but visiting their web site is often the best place to find out where to find them in your area. n

Big Band

Terrace Inn Jazz Weekends 2012 Schedule

Call now to reserve your space for this always sold-out event!May Weekend Wally’s Warehouse Waifs, Date TBD

September 8-10, 2012 Cakewalkin’ Jass Band and Dave Bennett Quartet

Terrace Inn, Bay View, Michigan (near Traverse City) 1-800-530-9898 www.TerraceInn.com

Our Condolences (continued from page 1)

(continued from page 1)

Congratulations to Midge Ellis who was inducted into the Livonia Hall of Fame last month for her incredible contribution to jazz over the years. She received proclamations from the State of Michigan, County of Wayne and the City of Livonia, several bouquets of flowers and a standing ovation from the audience. Remember all of those years she brought the big bands to Clarenceville from �968 into the 80’s? And think Michigan Jazz Festival. Thanks from all of your musician friends and fans, Midge (Ma Jazz). Well deserved and long overdue!

Midge has been a long-time supporter of this jazz club and her encouraging comments, almost on a weekly basis, are always a source of inspiration. Between Midge, and our own wonderful Emily Laura, we have “Ma Jazz” and the “Queen of Jazz.” We should all aspire to make such powerful contributions to the jazz community as they have. Thank you, ladies! n

Midge Ellis Inducted IntoLivonia Hall of Fame

Central Illinois Jazz Festival Bus Trip with Wally’s Warehouse Waifs

Join Dave and Cathy Tatrow and the Waifs for a rollicking bus trip to the 37th Annual Central Illinois Jazz Festival in

Decatur, Illinois. Round-trip transportation on a deluxe Blue Drive City Club motor coach. February 2-5, 2012, Patron

Package $449 per person, based on double occupancy, includes breakfast. Price includes admission to all concerts, reserved seat-ing in Holidy Hall, Get acquainted party on Friday afternoon,

Friday swing dance, Dinner and dinner show on Saturday evening, souvenir badge and acknowledgement in the program.

For more information and reservations call Cathy Tatrow at 8�0-3�-4799. For more information on this great festival, visit

www.JuvaeJazz.com, and info about Wally’s is available at www.WallysJazz.com

Page 6: Big Band Comes to GDJS

Page 6

WhERE’S ThE JAZZ? – ongoing And SpEciAl EvEnTS For more extensive schedules including out-of-town concerts, please visit the musicians’ respective web sites. Send information via e-mail information to Sally Bolle: [email protected] Don’t forget to check the “Jazz at Shield’s” schedule on another page of this newsletter to see many of these fine musicians playing for our GDJS concerts. If you would like to be included in our daily e-mail jazz blasts, call Sally at (248) 8�3-0328.

Baker’s Keyboard Lounge For complete schedule, visit their web site, 20510 Livernois, Detroit, (313) 345-6300, www.bakerskeyboardlounge.comBlue Pointe Restaurant Every Saturday, Muer/Kowalewski/Shermataro Jazz Trio at the Blue Pointe, 17131 E. Warren Avenue at Cadieux, Detroit 48224-2228. 7-10 p.m., great food, no cover, complimentary parking attendant. Phone (313) 882-3653. Also can e-mail: [email protected]

Cliff Bell’s 2030 Park Avenue at W. Adams, Detroit, Phone 313-961-6422. Various jazz groups in a beautifully-restored martini bar. For more information visit www.CliffBells.comDetroit Groove Society 11-13, Sunday, The Detroit Groove Society presents the Gerald Clayton Trio. The concert is at the home of Andrew Rothman, 6650 Torybrooke Circle, West Bloomfield, MI 48323. 4 p.m. (please be there by 3:30 p.m.). Admission is $40 for adults and $15 for students, two sets of music. Please advise Andrew if you would like to attend at 248-703-6301.

Dirty Dog Jazz Café Every Wednesday-Saturday, 97 Kerchival, Grosse Pointe Farms, 313-882-JAZZ (5299). $10 cover charge. Live piano bar and great jazz groups. Please call the venue for exact schedules or visit www.DirtyDogJazz.com. Dining American and Tapas style. Jager’s Castle Rock Every other Monday Nov 14, 28, Dec 12, 26, the Gary Greenfelder Orchestra, Reservations (586) 493-9910. 7-10 p.m. The Gary Greenfelder Orchestra is a high energy swing band that plays exciting arrangements of music from the 30s through today, including the music of nearly every big band and swing band. www.GGMusicEntertainment.com. Great for dancers, Jager’s has a large dance floor, good food at reasonable prices with no cover. Every other Monday (7-10 p.m.) will be Lynn LaPlante’s LL7. Nov 21, Dec 19 Every other Thursday, Nov 24, Dec 1, 22, 8-11 p.m. Gary Greenfelder’s GQ Jazz Ensemble. Jager’s Castle Rock, 43785 N. Gratiot Avenue, Clinton Township, MI 48036, Reservations (586) 493-9910. The group plays a variety of standards and jazz from 1900s to today. www.GGMusicEntertainment.com“Jazz Forum” Series at Grosse Pointe Unitarian Church 12-7 – The Jazz Forum Series, Memories of WWII, the songs that cheered and consoled us, with the Masters of Music small band let by Ron Kischuk on trom-bone, John Trudell on trumpet, Russ Miller on reeds, Gary Schunk on piano, Jeff Halsey on bass, Roger Schupp on drums and Judie Cochill on vocals. 8 p.m., will be held on Wednesday at Grosse Pointe Unitarian Church, 17150 Maumee, at St. Clair, two blocks east of Cadieux, between Jefferson and Kercheval. $13 paid in advance by mail, $15 at the door. Check with Jim and Trenna Ruffner to see if tickets are still available at (313) 885-0232.Kerrytown Concert House 12-9, Friday, CD Release Concert for the Paul Vornhagen Trio, 8 p.m., Featuring Paul VornHagen, saxophone/flute/vocals; Phil Kelly, piano and Kurt Krahnke, bass. 12-10, Saturday, “Can’t We Be Friends? – A Holiday Gift from Bolcom & Morris” with William Bolcom, piano; Joan Morris, mezzo-soprano, 8:30 p.m. 12-11, Sunday, “All About the Trio,” Jazz and Conversation with the Ellen Rowe Trio Featuring Special Guest Ingrid Jenson. Ellen Rowe on piano, Ingrid Jenson, guest trumpet, Paul Keller on bass and Pete Siers on drums. 4:30 p.m. 12-30, Friday, Randy Napoleon Sextet Concert and CD Release Party, Randy Napoleon, guitar; Josh Brown, trombone;, Justin Walter, trumpet; Duncan McMillan, B3 Ham-mond organ; Ben Jansson, tenor saxophone. 7 & 9 p.m., Kerrytown Concert House, 415 North Fourth Avenue, Ann Arbor, 734-659-2999, www.kerrytownconcerthouse.com

Marge’s Bar and Grill 2nd and 4th Thursday, 7-10 p.m., the jazz tradition continues with The Marge’s Bar Band. Jim Wyse, leader and clarinet, John Trudell on brass, Chuck Moss on trombone, John Hammer on piano, Bill Bolle on bass, Bob Pinterich on drums. Dixieland and jazz standards “done right!” Great food in a legendary, casual hockey-bar environment. Second and fourth Thursday’s, 7-10 p.m., 15300 Mack Avenue, Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230. Mack at Beaconsfield. Phone 313-881-8895, www.MargesBar.comPlymouth Elks Lodge, Jazz At The Elks The Plymouth Elks Lodge #1780 in Plymouth has Jazz @ The Elks in a beautiful club setting on the 4th Tuesday of every month from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. There is a $5 donation and for more information, please call 734-453-1780 or email: [email protected]. The Lodge is located at 41700 Ann Arbor Rd., Plymouth. 11-22, Tuesday, Paul VornHagen Quartet with Paul VornHagen on sax, Kurt Kranke on bass, Pete Siers on drums and Chuck Shermetaro on keyboard. 12-27, Tuesday with Ron Kischuk and Friends with Ron on tombone, Marion Hayden on bass, Gary Schunk on keyboard and the wonderful Judie Cochill on vocals. Happy Holidays to Everyone and we want to thank all the wonderful people and organizations who have made Jazz @ The Elks such a wonderful program.

MusiciansdAvE BEnnETT Dave is out doing festivals for most of November and December.

12-3, Saturday, The Dave Bennett Quartet featuring Dave on clarinet and piano, Jack Molloy on piano and sax, Bill Bolle on bass, and Doug Cobb on drums, play for the Greater Detroit Jazz Society, Shield’s of Southfield, 1-4 p.m., $10 cover, 25101 Telegraph Rd., (North of 10 Mile Rd.) Southfield, 48076, 248-356-2720. For complete schedule visit www.DaveBennett.com

RicK BRYAnT / pRoFESSoR WRighT And FRiEndS (off until Fall) Every Saturday, Professor Wright and Friends play jazz, blues (and laughs) at the Players Inn, 3040 N. State Rd., Davison, MI 48423, Phone (810) 653-6408, 7-10 p.m., Professor Joe Wright on tenor sax and flute (teaches jazz at UM Flint), Stu Selesky, guitar and vocals, Jim Bach, electric bass, Mike Manzardo on keyboard and vocals and Rick Bryant on drums.

JAMES dApognY – phil ogilviE’S RhYThM KingS (p.o.R.K.) Every Sunday, 5-8 p.m. at Phil Ogilvie’s Rhythm Kings, led by James Dapogny and Chris Smith, ten-piece band playing music of Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, Duke Ellington, Fletcher Henderson and other inventors of the big band. LIVE! at PJs, 102 S. First Street, Ann Arbor, MI. Dance floor, good menu. Free Sunday parking in the city lot across the street. $7 general admission, $5 students and seniors. Phone (734) 623-1443, www.liveatpjs.com

ToM hAlM 11/20, Sunday, 3-7 pm, Eagles Club in Howell, The Blue Notes Jazz Band play special tribute to trombonist, James Harwood (last living member of the original Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band). Club is located at 141 Schroeder Park Drive (near I-96 and D-19 exit). Good food and drinks at very reasonable prices. $5.00 cover. Contact: Tom Halm at (517) 881-6488 or [email protected]

John hAMMER TRio 11-19, Saturday, The John Hammer Trio will perform at Peabody’s in Birmingham. John on piano; Bill Fierst on drums and vocals, and Dan Pliskow doing songs from the Great American Songbook. 8-11 p.m., 34965 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, MI 48009-0931, Phone (248) 644-5222.

RAY hEiTgER / cAKEWAlKin’ JASS BAnd For complete schedule visit www.RayHeitger.com

pAUl KEllER Every Monday. The Paul Keller Orchestra at Zal Gaz Grotto, 2070 W. Stadium Boulevard (between Liberty and Stadium) in Ann Arbor. 7:30-10:15 p.m. On most

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WhERE’S ThE JAZZ? Monday evenings, Paul features his student outreach program, which is outstand-ing. Phone (734) 663-1202, great food, reasonable drink prices, safe, free parking, no steps, $10 cover. For complete local schedule of Paul’s extensive schedule visit www.pkorecords.com

Ron KiSchUK / TARTARSAUcE TRAdiTionAl JAZZ BAnd 12-7, Wednesday, Ron Kischuk’s Tartarsauce Traditional Jazz Band with Ron on trombone; Johnny Trudell on trumpet, Marion Hayden on bass and Bill Cairo on drums. 6:30-9:30 p.m., reservations recommended. $5 cover, food and drink spe-cials. TV’s Grand Event, 2651 W. Jefferson Avenue, Trendon, MI 48183, 34-671-5676, [email protected]

pAUl KlingER / EASY STREET JAZZ BAnd Every Tuesday, Paul Klinger’s Easy Street Jazz Band plays dixieland and traditional jazz with special guest artists from 6-9 p.m. at Zal Gaz Grotto, 2070 Stadium Boule-vard (between Liberty and Pauline) in Ann Arbor, MI. Call 734-663-1202. $10 cover. Guest appearances and a great lineup of Paul’s obscure tunes!

hUgh lEAl – SpEAKEASY TRio 12-3, Sunday, The Speakeasy Quartet featuring Ray Manzerolle, saxophones; Mike Karoub, cello; Hugh Leal, guitar with two special guests Bill Meyer, piano and Detroit gospel vocalist Carl Temple perform a Christmas Swing and Gospel Concert, 2:30-4:30 p.m., Art Gallery of Windsor, 401 Riverside West, Windsor. Tickets in advance $15, AGW members $12, at the door $20. 519-977-0014

JERRY McKEnZiE’S JUST JAZZ – niKolA’S Nov 17 Shahida Nurullah - vocals Nov. 24 Thanksgiving – No Jazz!

Nikola’s, 25225 Telegraph Road, Southfield, 48034, 248-355-4695. 7-10 p.m., Jerry ‘s group appears on the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th Thursday of each month. Great food!

Bill MEYER Thursdays, 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. – Bert’s Market Place, 8:30-12:30 p.m., Open jam session with the new RGB Trio featuring Ralphe Armstrong on bass, drummer Gayelynn McKinney and Bill Meyer on piano. Cover $3, free parking, great food. 2727 Russell in the Eastern Market, (313) 567-2030. www.BertsEntertainment.com. 12-17, Saturday, Bill Meyer on piano with Michele Ramo on violin and guitar, Bill Hart on trumpet, play for the Greater Detroit Jazz Society, Shield’s of Southfield, 1-4 p.m., $10 cover, 25101 Telegraph Rd., (North of 10 Mile Rd.) Southfield, 48076, 248-356-2720. Every Thursday through the end of the year except Thanksgiving, “Prohibition and All That Jazz” Bus Tour of historic Detroit Sites. Includes a visit to the stunning new Virgil Carr Jazz Center and several historic locations. The tour ends at Berg’s Marketplace in the Eastern Market where you can catch Bill Meyer and the RGS Trio, guest singers and musicians performing each week. You can call Linda at 248-353-8687 for more info. Come along or get a group together and join the tour. Check out the web site:

http://www.feetonthestreettours.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=43:prohibition-and-all-that-jazz&catid=3:upcoming&Itemid=6

MillionAiRES Big BAnd 11-19, Saturday, The Millionaires Big Band, featuring Garfield on vocals, play for the Greater Detroit Jazz Society, Shield’s of Southfield, 1-4 p.m., $10 cover, 25101 Telegraph Rd., (North of 10 Mile Rd.) Southfield, 48076, 248-356-2720. 11-23, 12-30, Wednesday, The Millionaires Big Band, featuring Garfield on vocals, Thanksgiving and Holiday party at Callahan’s Music Hall, 8-midnight, $5 cover, 2105 South Boulevard, Auburn Hills 48326, 248-858-9508, www.atcallahans.comgEnE pARKER Tuesdays 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Mutts at the Oliver House, Gene Parker Jazz Trio with Jeff Halsey, bass and Damen Cook, vocals/drums, http://www.theoliver-housetoledo.com Wednesdays 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Degage Jazz Café – Gene Parker Jazz Jam, Gene Parker and Friends, www.historiccommercialbuilding.com/degage.html Thursdays 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Stella Blue, Archbold, Oh, Gene Parker Jazz Quartet with George Chumura, guitar, Jeff Halsey, bass and Damen Cook, Drums/vo-calwww.stellabluearchbold.com

The Inn, Ada Oh, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., On the campus of Ohio Northern University, Alternating between trio and single every other Friday during the summer. Call me for the schedule. 419 345 4480 cell, www.innatonu.com Holiday Inn, Perrysburg, Oh, Jackson Square Atrium, Exit 193 off route 75Sunday’s, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (brunch), duo, www.hifq.com

plAnET d nonET (9-piece swing band)/RJ Spangler Please visit their web site at www.myspace.com/planetdnonet and on Facebook.Authentic swing music from the 20s/30s, standards and blues from the 40s. 11-20, Sunday, Planet D Nonet with RJ Spangler at The Blue Goose Inn, 28911 Jefferson Avenue, St. Clair Shores. Special guest, vibraphonist Dr. Richard E. Tapert. 11-27, Sunday, RJ Spangler Trio at “Soul Jazz Sunday, Cadieux Café, 4300 Cadieux Rd., Detroit http://cadieuxcafe.com 9:30 p.m., 313-882-8560, www.cadieuxcafe.com. Please visit web site for their Soul Jazz Sunday series schedule.

KERRY pRicE 11-18, Friday, 12:30-1:15 p.m., Kerry Price with her monthly program with sing-along at the Mahany-Meininger Senior Center in Royal Oak (3500 Marais, near the ROHS). $2 at thedoor. This month’s program is “Thanks for November”a look at all the important events that we celebrate in November. “Anything Goes” at the Dakota Inn on 3rd Thursdays, great sing-along with Kerry, Dakota Inn on John R. just north of McNichols (6 Mile) Detroit. Good German food and drink, Lighted, guarded parking lot, reservations recommended, 313-856-9722. Call Kerry for questions on 248-549-2057 or e-mail: catch [email protected].

JohnnY TRUdEll 11-17, Thursday, Johnny Trudell Quintet, 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at the new Empire Restaurant. Johnny’s quartet will include Ray Tini on bass, Billy Cairo on drums and Chuck Shermetaro on piano, plus a guest artist each week. Sit-ins are welcome; he hopes to have a jam session environment. The time is 7-10 p.m. at the new Empire Restaurant, 52963 24 & Van Dyke, Shelby Twp., 48136. http://empire-lounge.com Dinner reservations are recommended, 586-884-6495.

RAgTiME RicK And ThE chEFS oF diXiElAnd Ragtime Rick advises that he will probably be taking over the Strongsville Jazz Festival next year and moving it to Toledo! Stay tuned for more details. For their playing schedule, please visit their web site: www.chefsofdixieland.com

gABBY RoSolino And FRiEndS Some Wednesday’s (please call for exact schedule), Gabby Rosolino and Friends at Allen’s River House in Mt. Clemens, 6-10 p.m., 240 N. River Road near Gibralter Trade Center, phone (586) 649-7291. Good food and reasonable prices. Gabby on flugelhorn and vocals, Ron Rosolino on bass, Tom Ploeger on sax, Dennis Decello on drums and Gerry Neeley on keyboard and vocals

pETE SiERS And loS gAToS Salsa Wednesday (last Wednesday of Every Month) 9:30 p.m., Salsa lessons avail-able earlier in the evening, $10 cover, full kitchen, 1/2 off select wines. Vinology, 110 South Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

cRAig STRAin 11-13, Sunday, The Broadway Project, production and musical arrangements by Craig Strain. Joy Manor Banquet Hall, 28999 Joy Road, Westland, MI, 586-924-6866. $28 Hors d’oeuvres, Cash Bar, VIP Seating $25, Singers: Michele Marszalkowski, John Martin, Kim Lang, and Brent Davin Vance. Orchestra: Flute, Tracy Kash Thomas; Violin, Michele Ramo; Cello, Bud Zenzen; Guitar, Rick Davis; Piano, Bill Meyer; Bass, Craig Strain; Drums Bill Cairo.

dAvE TATRoW / WAllY’S WAREhoUSE WAiFS 9-15, Thursday, special guest with Jerry McKenzie’s Just Jazz. Please see Jerry. For a complete schedule, visit www.WallysJazz.com

BARBARA WARE 11-12, Saturday, vocalist Barbara Ware with Cliff Monear on piano, will perform at Peabody’s in Birmingham. 8-11 p.m., 34965 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, MI 48009-0931, Phone (248) 644-5222 11-17, Thursday, vocalist Barbara Ware with Cliff Monear on piano, 1 p.m., Jewish Community Center, 15110 West Ten Mile Road, Oak Park, MI 48237.

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Return Postage Guaranteed

To our jazz-loving friends:

c/o Bill Bolle6625 Aurora Drive

Troy, Michigan 48098

cakewalkin’ Jass Band Returns to packo’sBy Dave Mesrey

After �0 long years in exile, Toledo’s legendary Cakewalkin’ Jass Band took a trip down Memory Lane last month and found itself back onstage for a special one-night engagement, making its triumphant return to Tony Packo’s Cafe.

On Thursday, September 8, clarinetist Ray Heitger and the gang treated a packed house to another foot-stompin’ night of hot New Orleans jazz in the iconic restaurant where they’d once been the house band for 30 years.

With the ownership of Packo’s now in dispute, Tony Packo II thought it only appro-priate to bring back the CJB for perhaps one final performance. The band kicked things off, appropri-ately, with its theme song, “Cakewalkin’ Babies From Home.” And from there on out, they didn’t skip a beat. Late in their second set, they even took their customary cakewalk into the bathrooms.

When asked if he’d be

interested in a regular gig at Packo’s again, Heitger didn’t hesitate. “I’d come back in a heartbeat,” he said. “This is the place to be.”

While both the Cakewalkin’ Jass Band and Tony Packo’s are Toledo institutions, Packo acknowledged the uncertainty of his restaurant’s fate. But he realizes that, no matter the outcome, his longtime ties with Heitger can-

not be broken. “I don’t know if I’ll serve hot dogs at Ray’s funeral or if he’ll play [clarinet] at mine,” he said. “But neither of us is in any hurry.”

Editor’s note: If you’d like to see video footage from this fun concert, Dave Mesrey posted a very cool 8-mm-type video of “Cakewalkin’ Babies From Home” on YouTube. The link is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nt-KdKGsbk. My video clips of Ray singing “Ol’Green River” are at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMDaGOdj0Bw, and Nikole singing “What a Little Moonlight Can Do” at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GscVh2Dp5Dc

Above, Tony Packo chats with the band on a break during a packed-house return of the CJB to his famous Toledo restaurant.

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Join oR REnEW hERE! The greater detroit Jazz Society 2012 Membership Application PLEASE CHECK ANNUAL DUES SELECTION: $20 SinglE $30 coUplE $100 pATRon (individUAl oR BUSinESS)

PLEASE CHECK HERE: RENEWING MEMBER or NEW MEMBERAll REnEWing MEMBERS All dues are payable by January 31, 2012 (unless you joined in October through December of 2011). Our dues are extremely reasonable when compared to other jazz clubs around the country, and we’re requesting your dues in January to continue the fine entertainment you now enjoy.

nEW MEMBERS onlY joining January through April will pay the full amount of dues. Members joining May through August 31 pay 50 percent of dues for 2012. NEW members joining October through December pay full amount of dues but membership is valid through December of 2013.

name(s) plEASE pRinT lEgiBlY

Address city and State Zip code

Telephone cell

E-Mail: date:i prefer to receive the JAZZ ScEnE via e-mail in a digital Acrobat pdF format. i do not need a hard copy in the mail. (All members with a valid e-mail address will receive this option unless they opt out. Please note, this option requires a valid e-mail address – it will be your responsibility to notify us if your e-mail address changes!)

i would love to be a member of the gdJS Ambassador club and assist with concerts and the summer jazz picnic, in promotion of the club, etc. give me a call!

***Please remit new and renewal membership applications, along with your check payable to “GDJS” or “Greater Detroit Jazz Society,” to Bill Bolle, 6625 Aurora Drive, Troy, Michigan 48098. ALL correspondence for the club should be mailed here.***

The gREATER dETRoiT JAZZ SociETY is a registered LLC (Limited Liability Company) under the laws of the State of Michigan. Our mission is to encourage the performance, preservation and perpetuation of Classic Jazz, Dixieland and Swing, and nurture this type of music as an American art form. Activities of the club include organizing and presenting jazz concerts and jazz-related activities throughout the year. One hundred percent of your dues money and profit from our concerts go to promote live jazz in this area! The JAZZ SCENE, a publication of the gREATER dETRoiT JAZZ SociETY, is published six times a year. A hard copy is mailed to all members and, in addition, a PDF file of the newsletter mailed to those members with valid e-mail addresses. Members may opt out of receiving a hard copy by mail. Your membership dues cover this newsletter, expenses of the concerts, and notification of special events via e-mail blasts.

Greater Detroit Jazz SocietyEmily Laura – Public Relations

Chuck Moss – Concert Booking ManagerRicki Atkinson / Jay Cornett – Newsletter Distribution

Bill Bolle – Treasurer / LegalNancy Blake / Picnic Chairperson, Ticket Sales

Membership CardsAmbassador Chairperson – TBD

Concert Support: Pat Elliott, Suzanna Kain, Lee Lindsay, Mary Ann Garback, Ricki Atkinson, Jay Cornett , Kathy

Lee, Brian Pelton, Nancy BlakeSally Bolle – Newsletter Design / Editor /Promotion

([email protected])Bill Knowles – Director Emeritus

We’re grateful to the friends and musicians who contribute articles, artwork and photos for our newsletter. We thank you

for your time and expertise. If you’re interested in providing an article or have questions regarding the club,

please give me a call at 248-813-0328 or e-mail me at: [email protected].

All photos by Sally Bolle unless otherwise noted.

We love our members and patrons who make this Jazz Society possible. Special

thanks to our Patrons:

RoBERT AND DoRoThy AMiS, PETER AND BARBARA BECKER, ChuCK AND MARy

BoNTEN, RoGER DeMEyERE, DixiEBELLE, DAVE FALVAy, FuLKERSoN SPEAKER

REBuiLDERS (JuDy FuLKERSoN), LiNDA GATES, DoN GoSS, GARy GREENFELDER AND ALEKSANDRA MizioLEK, DouG AND SuE JA-

CoBS, KERRyToWN CoNCERT houSE, MARCo KNAPP AND JiM STERN, WALLy AND RoSE-

MARy LuBziK, MARGE’S BAR, JACK MoLLoy, CLiFF AND AiLEEN MoRRiS, BRiAN AND LiSA PELToN, BoB AND JEAN PETTiGREW, KERRy

PRiCE, NANCy SALDEN, ToM RoDGERS, ToM SAuNDERS, JohN SoTiR, ARThuR SToNE,

CAThy AND DAVE TATRoW, PEGGy AND SAM TuNDo, AL AND BARBARA ViRzi, AND

CLEM WALDMANN.

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Dear Greater Detroit Jazz Society Members,

In January 20�2, we will have had the pleasure of running this organization for two years. It has been a lot of fun, a ton of work, but all con-sidered, a labor of love for us. We have had an opportunity to make many new friends, meet some of the friendliest and enthusiastic jazz lovers in the Detroit area, work with and hire the “best-of-the-best” local musicians and hopefully, provide you with outstanding entertainment in a casual environment at reasonable prices.

We are an all-volunteer organization and we have the finest group of volunteers anywhere. When we began this endeavor of transitioning from the Windsor Detroit Jazz club, the GDJS was set up as an LLC in order to ensure that everything was done legally. With Bill Bolle as the treasurer, not a penny has been wasted. Our expenses are primarily postage, ink, paper, supplies and musicians wages. We now pay the musicians more than in the past because, not only do we hire the best and they are worth it, but their travel expenses have risen and music jobs for them are often more scarce. We want them to enjoy playing for us and feel adequately compensated.

However, in 20�� we lost money. When August came and our annual jazz picnic and pig roast was to take place, the event had to be subsidized by Chuck Moss and Bill Bolle or it would not have happened. And we still need to pay them back.

We’re losing money for two reasons, and we want you to be aware of those reasons so that you can be a part of the solution if this organization is to continue.

Dues Structure I have spent the last few weeks researching other jazz clubs around the country. There are many, and in conclusion, we feel that we have one of the best organizations around. We need a web site but that is in progress. However, our dues structure is significantly “behind the times.” Effec-tive immediately for 2012 (this includes all members except those who joined from October through now of this year) dues will be $20 for a single membership and $30 for a couple. The additional category of Patron will remain at $100. (Please note, if the new dues structure is not affordable for you, we understand. We would rather keep your membership than lose you, so if the old rate is what you need to pay, send us the 2011 amount.)

There seems to be some confusion about when dues are payable. Since January 2010 when we took over the club, all dues for renewing members are payable in the month of January. Dues for 20�� are still trickling in that were payable in January 20��! So let’s start fresh again in January 20�2; if you are an existing member, your 20�2 dues, at the new rate, will be payable during the month of January in 20�2. If you’re one of the members who just mailed in this year’s dues, remember, they were due in January 20�� and they are due again in January of 20�2. We will not be mailing a statement to you, this letter and application form is your statement. In the future, members 30 days past due will be dropped.

Dues Structure We need 80 people in attendance at each Shield’s concert to break even. Since taking over the club, we have more than doubled our member-ship. Including couples, we now have over 700 members! To think that we can’t get 80 people to attend a concert on a Saturday at Shield’s is surprising; however, that has been the case in the past year. For this organization to continue, we must at least be in a break-even situation. That means YOU need to come out and join us! Bill and I have agreed to do this for one more year. We have discussed with you and among ourselves who you would like to hear. Our new schedule is included in this newsletter, and although some of your favorites have yet to be scheduled for 20�2, those leaders and bands hired by Chuck Moss reflect what you have asked for.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your loyalty, friendship, membership and support. If you are one of our many volun-teers, know that we could not do this without you and thank you. Please let us know your thoughts on the direction of the club. It is YOUR organization and your input is important to us. If you have questions, please feel free to call me at (248) 8�3-0328.

Sally Bolle (On behalf of Bill Bolle, Chuck Moss and Emily Laura)