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| Music Makers -- by Bill Irvin |
Ragtime Strutters -- January 29, 2006
The club kicked off its new concert season with the appearance of the
Ragtime Strutters based in Marysville, OH. It was their first time here and
they were a hit with the large audience. The group was formed 20 years by
leader and banjoist Dan Rice with numerous personnel changes over time.
They perform mainly in central Ohio at such events as the Rose Festival, Eaton
Car Show and the Red, White and Boom 4th of July celebration in Columbus.
Ragtime Strutters based in Marysville, OH. It was their first time here and
they were a hit with the large audience. The group was formed 20 years by
leader and banjoist Dan Rice with numerous personnel changes over time.
They perform mainly in central Ohio at such events as the Rose Festival, Eaton
Car Show and the Red, White and Boom 4th of July celebration in Columbus.
In opening remarks, band spokesman Jim Strouse said that Dixieland is fun music. He said the
Ragtime Strutters have fun playing it and hoped the audience has fun listening and dancing to it.
And they did!
The group was comprised of Dan Rice, banjo; Jim Strouse, trombone and vocals; Rick Dickerson,
trumpet; Don Smothers, clarinet; Dave Haney, drums; and Mike Grimes, tuba. They were joined
on the first set by Carolyn Rice’s pleasant vocals on several numbers such as “Whose Sorry
Now”.
The Ragtime Strutters featured several innovations such as trumpeter Dickerson’s whistling solo
(remember Elmo Tanner?) on “Sweet Georgia Brown”. The band invited the audience to sing
along with “You Are My Sunshine” and “When You’re Smiling”. Jim Strouse kiddingly
announced that the band had agreed to restrict gravel-voiced tubaist Mike Grimes to two vocal
solos. Mike belted out “Is It True What They Say About Dixie” and “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down
And Write Myself A Letter”.
During one break, Don Bonamer gave a tribute to long time member Otto Gramp who passed
recently. He told of Otto’s love of dancing and a rather lengthy but humorous anecdote about a
trip from Texas when Otto unsuccessfully tried to make a date with every female he encountered
for a dinner dance that evening in Cleveland.
The Strutters closed the session with the “Saints” as a tribute to well known Columbus area
drummer Glenn Kimmel who died recently.
Jan Irvin won the 50-50 raffle and Garry Geist won the American Rag Subscription.
Ragtime Strutters have fun playing it and hoped the audience has fun listening and dancing to it.
And they did!
The group was comprised of Dan Rice, banjo; Jim Strouse, trombone and vocals; Rick Dickerson,
trumpet; Don Smothers, clarinet; Dave Haney, drums; and Mike Grimes, tuba. They were joined
on the first set by Carolyn Rice’s pleasant vocals on several numbers such as “Whose Sorry
Now”.
The Ragtime Strutters featured several innovations such as trumpeter Dickerson’s whistling solo
(remember Elmo Tanner?) on “Sweet Georgia Brown”. The band invited the audience to sing
along with “You Are My Sunshine” and “When You’re Smiling”. Jim Strouse kiddingly
announced that the band had agreed to restrict gravel-voiced tubaist Mike Grimes to two vocal
solos. Mike belted out “Is It True What They Say About Dixie” and “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down
And Write Myself A Letter”.
During one break, Don Bonamer gave a tribute to long time member Otto Gramp who passed
recently. He told of Otto’s love of dancing and a rather lengthy but humorous anecdote about a
trip from Texas when Otto unsuccessfully tried to make a date with every female he encountered
for a dinner dance that evening in Cleveland.
The Strutters closed the session with the “Saints” as a tribute to well known Columbus area
drummer Glenn Kimmel who died recently.
Jan Irvin won the 50-50 raffle and Garry Geist won the American Rag Subscription.
| Earlville Association for Ragtime Lovers Yearning for Jazz Advancement and Socialization |
EARLYJAS