Editor, Webmaster: Phil Cartwright Editor@earlyjas.org
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September 2005
It was probably the need for a brief escape from today’s tragic news as well as the
outstanding line-up of bands that resulted in the clubs' most successful festival ever this
year. There was record breaking attendance all three days. The financial report is not
completed but it should be impressive.
It was probably the need for a brief escape from today’s tragic news as well as the
outstanding line-up of bands that resulted in the clubs' most successful festival ever this
year. There was record breaking attendance all three days. The financial report is not
completed but it should be impressive.
All of the bands were well profiled in our last newsletter, so we will just provide an overview and
highlight here.
The festival opened Friday night with welcoming remarks by Wayne Vetter. The first band was the Eagle
Jazz Band. While everyone felt the loss of Ralph Grugel, "Sister Jean" Huling did a commendable job of
fronting the band. In Ralph’s 'memory, she told a few of his style of jokes, explaining that if the audience
didn't groan she hadn't told them correctly.
The Eagle Band’s performance for the Sunday morning gospel service was inspirational. A delightful
surprise was the appearance of 11 year old vocalist Cassie Kahr. The young lady is a member of Jean and
Paul Huling’s church. Her accolades include singing at an Indians game and winning a Disney competition.
Ray Heitgers' Cakewalkin' Jazz Band, organized in 1967, continues to be a favorite of the fans. It could
almost be called the Heitger Family Band, with daughter Nicoles' great blues style vocals and this years'
appearance of son Duke. Dukes' trumpet work has made him a national and international star. While his
home base is New Orleans (his home is intact, but he lost his car), he is on the road much of the time. He
also played with other groups during the festival.
The Titan Hot 7 is in constant demand for festivals coast to coast. They are unique in many ways,
including their natty sport coats and slacks. They are superb musicians who play in a tight style with
precision. They also have a humorous side: In one set, they played lying on their backs and not missing a
beat.
This was the the first appearance of the St. Louis Stompers at our festival and hopefully not the last. They
are great entertainers who play in a high-energy, upbeat style. One of their selections was a humorous
piano solo and vocal by Dave Majchrzak doing a parody of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" relating to
diet and weight loss.
We are fortunate to have the first-rate Toll House Jazz Band in our backyard. Since being formed in
Columbus in 1989 by banjoist and leader Mike Evans they have established a reputation for great jazz
performances. They brought their wide talents to the festival where the fans enjoyed pianist Larry
Nussers' famous ragtime style, as well as vocals by Mike and trumpeter Phil Stone. The bands' swinging
tempo brought the dancers to their feet.
Another crowd pleaser was the Federal Jazz Commision. Their music is smooth syncopation, and the
occasional bass sax played by Henning Hoehne adds another dimension to their sound. Some nice plunger
mute was done by cornetist and leader Marty Frankel. One of their fun selections was “Nobody’s
Sweetheart Now” where the vocalist used a megaphone a la the "20's" Rudy Vallee style
In conclusion, EARLYJAS is deeply appreciative of the support of the fans, including our many Canadian
friends, the festival committee, special contributors and volunteers from both the club and the Summit
County Kidney Foundation.
highlight here.
The festival opened Friday night with welcoming remarks by Wayne Vetter. The first band was the Eagle
Jazz Band. While everyone felt the loss of Ralph Grugel, "Sister Jean" Huling did a commendable job of
fronting the band. In Ralph’s 'memory, she told a few of his style of jokes, explaining that if the audience
didn't groan she hadn't told them correctly.
The Eagle Band’s performance for the Sunday morning gospel service was inspirational. A delightful
surprise was the appearance of 11 year old vocalist Cassie Kahr. The young lady is a member of Jean and
Paul Huling’s church. Her accolades include singing at an Indians game and winning a Disney competition.
Ray Heitgers' Cakewalkin' Jazz Band, organized in 1967, continues to be a favorite of the fans. It could
almost be called the Heitger Family Band, with daughter Nicoles' great blues style vocals and this years'
appearance of son Duke. Dukes' trumpet work has made him a national and international star. While his
home base is New Orleans (his home is intact, but he lost his car), he is on the road much of the time. He
also played with other groups during the festival.
The Titan Hot 7 is in constant demand for festivals coast to coast. They are unique in many ways,
including their natty sport coats and slacks. They are superb musicians who play in a tight style with
precision. They also have a humorous side: In one set, they played lying on their backs and not missing a
beat.
This was the the first appearance of the St. Louis Stompers at our festival and hopefully not the last. They
are great entertainers who play in a high-energy, upbeat style. One of their selections was a humorous
piano solo and vocal by Dave Majchrzak doing a parody of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" relating to
diet and weight loss.
We are fortunate to have the first-rate Toll House Jazz Band in our backyard. Since being formed in
Columbus in 1989 by banjoist and leader Mike Evans they have established a reputation for great jazz
performances. They brought their wide talents to the festival where the fans enjoyed pianist Larry
Nussers' famous ragtime style, as well as vocals by Mike and trumpeter Phil Stone. The bands' swinging
tempo brought the dancers to their feet.
Another crowd pleaser was the Federal Jazz Commision. Their music is smooth syncopation, and the
occasional bass sax played by Henning Hoehne adds another dimension to their sound. Some nice plunger
mute was done by cornetist and leader Marty Frankel. One of their fun selections was “Nobody’s
Sweetheart Now” where the vocalist used a megaphone a la the "20's" Rudy Vallee style
In conclusion, EARLYJAS is deeply appreciative of the support of the fans, including our many Canadian
friends, the festival committee, special contributors and volunteers from both the club and the Summit
County Kidney Foundation.
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