E-Rag
Electronic Newsletter for EARLYJAS
Editor:  Phil Cartwright                           Editor@earlyjas.org
Front Page
Music Makers -- by Bill Irvin
Music Makers                                                April 2005                                  

   As an indication of their popularity and loyal fan following, the Earlville Jazz Band drew a large crowd on
March 20, 2005, to the EARLYJAS concert held at the American Legion in Hudson, OH. It would also explain
the band's astonishing 30 plus year gig at Kent’s Rusty Nail restaurant.      
     
   It's been said before, and bears repeating, they can hold their own against any other traditional jazz group
in the country. Their front line:Ted Witt, clarinet and alto sax; Al Kinney, cornet; Bruce Lehtinen, trombone.
The rhythm is Kyle Snyder, tuba; Rich Fawcett, drums; Bob Erdman, piano; and Bill Parthe on banjo and
smart remarks. Al, Ted, Bill, and Kyle all vocalize as well.  

   The program started with the band's signature opening tune "1919 Rag". As the afternoon progressed,
there were several entertaining interludes such as Lydia Hug’s vocal on "High Society".  The novelty tune
"Minnie the Mermaid" featured the trio of Bill Parthe, Kyle Snyder and Bob Erdman, with Kyle exhibiting his
vocal talents.

   Sister Jean Huling on piano, with husband Paul (also known as Laundry Fat) on washboard entertained
with several ragtime selections.

   Al Kinney’s vocal version of Louie Armstrong’s "Hello Dolly" is a classic!
Some of the other band numbers included "I’m Confessin", "Yellow Dog Blues" and "Radio”. They closed
with a rousing "Big Bear Stomp".

   The crowd agreed that the new venue and the Earlville Jazz Band made for a great session. Cathy, the
lady in charge of the kitchen has made a special effort to offer a wider selection of food. The food is
reasonable and very tasty so we should take advantage of it and support her.

   Jim Emert won the 50-50 raffle. Ruth Skidmore won the American Rag subscription.

   Oops! We didn’t get a current photo of Earlville. The one above includes Mark Kinney on drums and Dick
Petcher, cornet.
Earlville Jazz Band
Earlville Association for Ragtime Lovers Yearning
for Jazz Advancement and Socialization
EARLYJAS