After Midnight
Denver
www.aftermidnightjazzband.com
Now well into their third decade, this incredible group continues to deliver its spot-on sound of the Benny Goodman Sextet along with equally authentic renditions of Artie Shaw, Woody Herman and other greats of the Swing Era. They’ve been thrilling Evergreen audiences ever since their initial appearance in 2006, and it is always a pleasure to welcome them back.
Carl Sonny Leyland Trio
Southern California
www.carlsonnyleyland.com
One of the most popular groups ever to perform in the Festival, this trio always has audiences cheering with its range of boogie-woogie, blues and barrelhouse. Their repertoire goes from familiar to original to total improvisation (“Let’s just do something in G”) and frequently includes very entertaining lyrics. But how can just three musicians generate so much energy?
The Chicago Cellar Boys
Chicago
www.chicagocellarboys.com
Formed in 2017, the Cellars Boys take special pride in the authenticity of their interpretation of the classic jazz and hot dance styles of the 1920s and 30s. They also enjoy looking the part, adding another dimension of authenticity. They have weekly gigs in and around Chicago, plus frequent private events, and we’re fortunate that they could fit Evergreen into their calendar. You’ll be glad they did!
Espresso!
Boulder, CO
www.espressoswing.com
Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli made gypsy jazz a mainstay in the clubs of 1940s Paris. Taking its lead from those two legends, this exciting group adds a serious dose of American Swing, and the result is a unique and thoroughly entertaining sound. They made their Evergreen debut last year, and inviting them back was an easy decision.
Jeremy Mohney & His Band
Boulder, CO
www.facebook.com/jeremymohneymusic/
Making their Evergreen debut this year, this swingin’ group has rapidly captivated dancers throughout the Rockies and across the country. Club patrons, dancers and festival audiences all enjoy their refreshing take on the classics of the 1920s-40s. When they’re not on tour, they hold forth Tuesdays at Boulder’s No Name Club and make frequent appearances at the Mercury Café in Denver. It’s a pleasure to welcome them.
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Hal Smith’s El Dorado Jazz Band
Searcy, AR
www.halsmithmusic.com
The original El Dorado Jazz Band performed in southern California in the 1960s, delivering a distinctive sound that set the band apart from other traditional jazz groups of the era. The current EDJB, led by jazz historian Hal Smith on washboard (true El Dorado) and featuring Festival favorite Jeff Barnhart on piano and vocals, is sure to replicate that original sound right down to the last note.
Holland-Coots Swingin’ West
Nashville
http://shanesmohawk.com/hollandcootsjazzquintet/html
For the 2022 Festival, Brian Holland and Danny Coots tapped into their enormous hometown talent pool and put together a group providing a special Nashville take on Western Swing. From their opening set, the only question was who was enjoying the music more – band or audience? They’re back for 2024, and you can try to answer that question yourself.
The Hot Tomatoes Dance Orchestra
Denver
www.hottomatoes.com
OK, dancers, hit the floor! One of the top swing bands anywhere is back this year with their authentic re-creations of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman and other greats of the Swing Era. Formed in 1982, the band has always consisted of top musicians, many having performed with such big names as Ella Fitzgerald, Woody Herman, Harry “Sweets” Edison and many others. If you’re not dancing or toe-tapping, you’d better check your pulse!
The Queen City Jazz Band with Wende Harston
Denver
www.queencityjazzband.com
This local treasure has been thrilling audiences on both sides of the Atlantic for well over 60 years. Their big New Orleans sound was born in a smoky Lakewood roadhouse in 1958, and the band has grown to become one of the premier groups anywhere. Likewise, Wende Harston is regarded as one of today’s standout jazz vocalists, reminding many of a modern-day Bessie Smith. Their Sunday gospel service is not to be missed.
Your Father’s Mustache Band
Denver
www.mustacheband.com
A mainstay of the Denver jazz scene for over 45 years. the band traces its origin to the Father’s Mustache Club in the mid-1960s. Following 10 raucous years, the club closed, and the band reorganized in 1975 and includes several of those musicians! As a special treat, we’ve arranged to bring their longtime vocal favorite Mary Kelly out of Florida retirement for a guest appearance. Enjoy!
Something Doin’
The Big Little Ragtime Band
Denver
That wonderfully distinctive, syncopated sound from the early 1900s, Ragtime is generally regarded as a forerunner of jazz. It pre-dates recorded music, but its immense popularity was evidenced by sheet music sales in the millions. With dedicated authenticity, Maurie Walker and his friends bring this important genre to the Festival, revisiting the work of such greats as Scott Joplin, Ernest Hogan and even Jelly Roll Morton.
Double 88's
Brian Holland, Carl Sonny Leyland, Jeff Barnhart
In addition to the great bands appearing this year, the Festival will present several sets of dueling pianos featuring the three mega-talents listed above. Each will play at least once with each of the other two in what will likely be some of the most memorable sets of the entire weekend. Three superb musicians and two grand pianos in the acoustically marvelous Center Stage. This is going to be special!
