Editor, Webmaster:  Phil Cartwright       Editor@earlyjas.org
Music Makers -- by Bill Irvin
March 2007
   Holy Smoke!  The Chefs of Dixieland were really cookin’ at the
EARLYJAS concert on Sunday March 25.  Happily, they traded
their culinary skills to deliver a gourmet musical feast.  
  They are a high energy, hard driving group in the authentic jazz
style.
  The group was organized by pianist “Ragtime Rick” Grafling in 2003 shortly after his
Toledo club closed.
  A large crowd turned out and were rewarded by a great performance.  Most of us had
not heard them before but we hope to hear them again.  
Outfitted in white chef’s jackets and tall hats, the band doesn’t take itself too seriously and
had as much fun as the audience.
  “Ragtime Rick” is a great MC and told hilarious jokes between tunes.  Trombonist Kevin
Shope’s antics also kept the audience smiling.  The band enjoyed themselves so much they
had to be reminded to take a break after their first hour and half set.
  In addition to Rick and Shope, other members were Betsy Grafling, banjo; Jan Mudica,
reeds; John Grafling, trumpet; Ted Dickerson, drums; and Gene Giesige, bass.
Some of their tunes were:  “New Orleans Shuffle”, “Indiana”, “Tin Roof Blues”, and
“Panama”.  They also played “Hindustan” that featured drummer Ted Dickerson on a
vigorous, lengthy solo.
  It was great to see Donna and John Townsend both looking healthy.  Donna was
presented with the Past President plaque and John won the 50-50 raffle.  Bruce Gordon
won a free American Rag subscription.
Earlville Association for Ragtime Lovers Yearning
for Jazz Advancement and Socialization
EARLYJAS