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| 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 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.
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