Forty Bands with Performances by Over 200 Musicians
Vintage Jazz – Swing – Big Band – Zydeco – Blues – Gypsy – Stride
Boogie-Woogie – Cabaret – Folk – Western Swing – Doo-Wop
Event Sponsors: Joan Evans Ahlf, Chuck Barnum, Gary Hoffman, Jan Queal
Jazz in the Schools Sponsored by: TBA
Sun Valley Jazz Festival 2019 Performers
Barnhart / Midiri Quartet
Sponsored by:
Jeff & Anne Barnhart, Joe & Paul Midiri-these four very gifted artists have made quite a splash around the country as a quartet. What a treat to witness their “magic” first hand.
You can expect humor, stories, and lots of top notch music from these four pros. Due to the festivals busy schedule we are only able to offer this show on a limited basis.
Video: I’ve Got Rhythm
Black Market Trust
Sponsored by: Bill & Terri Jones
The Black Market Trust is a five member jazz band based in Los Angeles. Since the 2012 release of their all instrumental debut album “The Black Market Trust,” a milestone in the genre of gypsy jazz, the band has gone on to record two more albums, maintain a busy touring schedule, and have their music featured on TV shows like the ABC television series “Happy Endings” and the Hulu original program “Casual.”
The band features the Django Reinhardt inspired gypsy sound of acoustic instruments, and infuses classics from the Great American Songbook with intricate vocal harmonies inspired by The Beach Boys, and other artists influential to the group. Their sophomore album “II” featured a Top Ten hit on the Adult Contemporary charts, a signature version of “Route 66”
Blue Renditions
Sponsored by: Glen & Sally Dillon
Blue Renditions features our 2006 Great Lady of Jazz, Dr. Sherri-Lynn Colby. Sherri, who hit the jazz scene at age 14 as the “Sirene of the San Joaquin,” has certainly grown up!
Sherri’s cabaret style allows her to establish intimate contact with her audience. Her maturity in life and music makes for sweet listening, with a bit of soul searching thrown in for good measure. Sherri’s husband Matt rounds out the group with a serious face…but watch for the imp-grin that flits across occasionally! Expect vocal jazz with synergistic instrumentation.
Blue Street Jazz Band
Sponsored by: Timothy Gee & Mary Kay Walker, Bill & Marti Upton
The Blue Street Jazz Band is one of the most innovative groups in traditional jazz. The band earned the reputation as The Bad Boys of Dixieland for their eclectic tastes in music. At any performance the audience is liable to hear various styles of music including swing, Mardi Gras, folk, marches, waltzes, Latin music, and hymns.
Uniquely, Blue Street Jazz Band touts four music educators: Dave Ruffner, a retired high school band director, Rick Canfield, a junior high school band director, Forrest Helmick, an elementary music teacher, and SherriLynn Colby who has her doctorate in Jazz History. Expect jet propelled traditional jazz with eclectic interludes.
Videos:
Bob Draga with Friends
Sponsored by:
This is a group that has become one of the favorites on the festival circuit the last couple years. Thanks, in part, to Mr. Draga’s twisted sense of humor and playing style. It’s always a good show with these very talented artists and we are thrilled to have them here in Sun Valley.
Bob is also a guy that really gets around (no pun intended) and you are likely to see him show up just about any place music is happening.
Video: ‘S Wonderful
Boise Straight Ahead
Sponsored by:
Boise Straight Ahead was formed in 1997. They love the big band sound and the uniquely American music that honors the many big bands that have played this music in the past. They have focused on playing community events in the Treasure Valley and have donated more than $55,000 in performance fees to local charities.
This all volunteer army is demonstrating at every opportunity their passion to keep this music alive and we all get to benefit from their hours of dedication. A must see if you love the big band sound. Faithful renditions of the Big Band Era. They are great for listening or dancing.
Bruce Innes Trio
Sponsored by:
Since Bruce’s traumatic accident in October 2014, he has been fighting the good fight and is really looking forward to performing at the festival this year.
Bruce and the guys will delight you with a large repertoire of original music and decades of experience entertaining satisfied listeners from all over the world. Don’t miss the chance to hear “Jack Daniels, You Lied to Me Again” or any number of other songs that will keep playing in your memories long after the festival is over. They are seasoned veterans showing off their skills in American Folk and original music.
Videos:
Carl Sonny Leyland Trio
Sponsored by:
Videos:
- “Leyland Boogie” Live at KDHX”
- “Chicago Breakdown”
- “Improvised Boogie Woogie”
- “Kansas City Southern”
- “It’s All Right Baby”
Carolyn Martin Swing Band
Sponsored by: Sean Atkins & Rexanne Ring
Carolyn Martin is a Western Swing Hall of Fame inductee, a Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame member, and a 2016 Ameripolitan Music Award Winner. Carolyn Martin has been described as “an astonishing singer”, “a remarkable voice”, a “singing sensation”, and “one of the finest western swing singers in the business, the dreamy-voiced Carolyn Martin.”
Carolyn’s recordings have won accolades – among them, Western Swing Album of the Year and Western Swing Song of the Year. Each of Carolyn’s last four CD’s spent months at the top of Western Way Magazine’s Western Swing Chart.
Videos:
Clint Baker’s Hot 5
Sponsored by:
Description coming soon!
Cocuzzi Quartet
Sponsored by:
John Cocuzzi swings! He knows how to captivate the listeners as well as keep the dancers on their feet. His audience rapport, along with the superb musicians found in his company, have set the standard for those who demand quality entertainment.
Kristy has a sultry voice that has thrilled audiences everywhere and was featured on vocals, sax, and clarinet with Big Tiny Little for almost 10 years. She has toured as lead alto, clarinet, and vocalist with the “Live Lawrence Welk Show” as well as being a member of the “Champagne Music Makers” at the Welk Resort in Branson, MO. Expect seamless melodies and a smooth touch on the keys, skins, and bars.
Videos:
Cornet Chop Suey
Sponsored by: Tom & IdaGay Nicolino, Barbara West
Cornet Chop Suey will give you an exciting jazz and swing show every time, presented with gusto and enthusiasm. With a century of songs in their repertoire, from the rags and Dixie of the early 1900s to contemporary jump, jazz and swing, their high-energy front line and powerful rhythm section produce an exciting new sound and approach that is a proven crowd pleaser.
Their powerful two-trumpet front line is reminiscent of the Lu Watters Yerba Buena aggregation.
Video: Amazing Grace
Yve Evans – Guest Artist
Sponsored by: Mary Evans
This irresistible lady can belt the blues one moment, and whisper and whine the next. Her impeccable vocal styling captures the imagination. Yve greets her website fans by saying, “Hello, I’m Yve Evans. Welcome to my world. Here in Evans-world we sing, dance and have a Great Time!” That about sums it up. Moving vocals with a modern twist and a touch of humor.
Videos:
Gator Nation
Sponsored by: Bryson & Judy Wallace
Jazz in the Square sponsored by:
Gator Nation is a hand-clapping, foot-stomping, high energy concert and dance band. With an instinct for survival, Gator Nation continues to adapt itself to its audiences, always with something fresh yet true to its calling. That calling is to represent the music of South Louisiana in all its forms, Cajun, Zydeco, and New Orleans style R & B. They have the talent and diversity to do so, to express the nuances that define the genres. The result is a remarkable show with so much variety and depth that at the end of the show, the Gator Nation Band leaves you happy and hollerin’ “the BEAT goes on!”
Videos:
Banu Gibson
Sponsored by:
Description coming soon!
High Street Party Band
Sponsored by: Bill & Marti Upton
When attending one of High Street’s performances, be prepared for anything. You could even end up as part of the act, or with someone in your lap! In other words, these guys give it all and they give it every time.
You don’t want to miss a moment. It’s likely, however, that you may hear something written sometime after 1945. But hey, with all the fun you’ll be having and the energy in the room… even if you do care, you won’t notice. Expect high energy with a rock and roll flare.
Holland & Coots Jazz Quintet
Sponsored by: Bryson & Judy Wallace
We are pleased to bring another new offering this year with world champion pianist Brian Holland & Grammy award-winning drummer Danny Coots. Holland and Coots will take you on a musical journey that radiates joyful bliss one moment and wistful lyricism the next.
These two guys have been tearing it up ever since they got together a few years ago and we know you will like what you see. You will hear hot ragtime, stride, boogie-woogie, blues, and jazz. Brian will also be featured this year on piano in the All Star band.
Video: Honky Tonk Train
Hot Jazz Collective with Jeff Barnhart & Terry Myers
Sponsored by: Bob & Connie Downen
Description coming soon!
Ivory&Gold®
Sponsored by: Anita Alf & Chuck Anderson and Janice Anderson
Praised by The L.A. Jazz Scene as a musical duo that can “draw out the beauty in the rich melo-dies and play the music…with taste, sensitivity, and a real affection for the idiom,”
Ivory&Gold® celebrates the greatest examples of American jazz, blues, ragtime, Broadway and hits from the Great American Songbook. Internationally renowned American musical performer and historian Max Morath calls Ivory&Gold® “musically flawless.”
Videos:
Kings of Swing
Sponsored by:
Dressed in their tuxedos the Kings of Swing add an air of 1940s elegance and style to every performance. The Kings are a 17-piece dance band that originated in 1944 under the direction of Gib Hochstrasser.
They have delighted the crowds here in Sun Valley since our first festival. Our Saturday night TRIBUTE TO GLENN MILLER Big Band is a favorite and always has a full dance floor.
Close your eyes and you will think Glenn is right here with us.
Videos: Compilation of Tunes
Midiri Brothers Septet
Sponsored by: Richard & Penny Weiss
Jazz Sunday Sponsored by:
Talk about gifted brothers! Between the two of them, Joe and Paul play almost every musical instrument known to man. They feature the music of what most people consider to be the best small Jazz group of all time — The Benny Goodman Sextet.
You might also catch a Lionel Hampton tune or two. Tight arrangements and musical excellence make them a must-see. Goodman and Hampton ala Midiri.
Videos:
Pearl Django
Sponsored by: Micki & Dan Chapin, Ross & Martha Jennings
With a performance history spanning more than two decades, Pearl Django endures as one of the most highly regarded Hot Club style groups working today. Although the band’s roots are firmly in the music made famous by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, its extensive repertoire includes traditional jazz classics and original compositions.
Pearl Django has performed at festivals, dances and nightspots throughout the U.S. and abroad. The band’s signature style is marked by pristine and dexterous string work, colors of Bal Musette, the steady pulse of rhythm guitar and an unmistakable swing that delights audiences of all musical sensibilities.
Videos:
Professor Cunningham & His Old School
Sponsored by:
Hot Jazz, Growling Horn, Grooving Rhythm – Professor Cunningham and His Old School is one of the most sought after groups on the international swing scene, performing around the world at major events and festivals. This award-winning New York based band performs the most swinging and grooving repertoire deeply steeped in the New Orleans tradition; from early jazz to early R&B in the aesthetic of Sidney Bechet, Fats Waller, Professor Longhair and even Fats Domino!
Formed and fronted by in-demand reedman and vocalist Adrian Cunningham – Australian native based in NYC, – Professor Cunningham and His Old School consists of some of the most energetic and accomplished musicians on the New York scene. It has been a regular hit in the NYC underground party and swing dance scene since it’s formation in 2012; performing at some of the world’s finest events- notably: Blue Note Jazz Fest (NYC), Snowball (Stockholm), Melbourne Intl Jazz Fest (Australia), CPLX (Copenhagen), Chase Festival (Heidelberg), Swing Crash (Como, Italy), Albany Jazz Festival.
Come get your dancing shoes out for this award-winning New York swing band!
Videos: At the Forum in Melbourne
Gary Ryan – Guest Artist
Sponsored by:
The well traveled and world-renowned funny man and banjo virtuoso will grace our stages this year. The owner of “Goofy Graphics” in Morro Bay, California.
He is no stranger to Sun Valley or the festival circuit. We are thrilled he will be joining us again this year with fine banjo skills and lots of merry making!
Don’t miss his “Story time” set. Watch for him. He may show up anywhere!
Sherri Colby’s Racket Makers & Friends
Sponsored by:
Sherri Colby’s New Orleans Racket Makers Jazz Band harbor some of the finest young musicians playing early jazz in New Orleans Today. The Racket Makers’ music will have you dancing and swinging all night long.
Just take a listen and you will hear their love for the old songs and styles that invoke the spirit of New Orleans jazz. Inspired by their love for the tradition, the Racket Makers’ energy is infectious and the music goes right to the heart of the matter. Let’s have fun! Classic New Orleans jazz reminiscent of Preservation Hall.
Videos:
Side Street Strutters w/ Meloney Collins
Sponsored by: Micki & Dan Chapin, Myra Friedman
The Side Street Strutters have been busy presenting formal concerts, symphony pops programs and student outreach programs since 1983. They entertained guests at the Disneyland Resort for 22 years and are proud to present “Shiny Stockings,” a new show featuring the vocal stylings of Meloney Collins.
Together, the Strutters and Ms. Collins borrow from their extensive repertoire of beautifully crafted arrangements, colorful costumes, tap dancing, exciting showmanship and musicianship to create a performance which breathes new life into melodies popularized by the great songstresses of the Golden Age of Jazz. A most enjoyable, rewarding musical experience!
Videos:
Tom Rigney & Flambeau
Sponsored by: Lynn & Nancy Hurley, Bill & Diane Kinsinger, Bill & Marti Upton
Tom Rigney, a fiery, electrifying violinist / composer, joins forces with some of the finest musicians on the San Francisco roots music scene to form Tom Rigney & Flambeau, a band that generates enough heat and energy to ignite a dance floor or lift an audience to its feet.
Tom Rigney & Flambeau were voted Best Cajun / Zydeco Band of 2004 by the West Coast Blues Hall of Fame. Cajun and Zydeco two-step, low-down blues, funky New Orleans grooves, and heartbreaking beautiful ballads and waltzes.
Videos:
The U.S. Coast Guard Dixieland Jazz Band
Sponsored by:
The United States Coast Guard Dixieland Jazz Band was organized in 1970 to perform classic jazz, blues, and rags with a “New Orleans” flavor. The Band appeared at prestigious Traditional Jazz Festivals in Sacramento, California; Sun Valley, Idaho; and Washington, DC. The six-member group has also performed on numerous radio and television broadcasts across the nation, including CBS News This Morning and Fox and Friends.
The Dixieland Jazz Band has entertained audiences across America and around the world.
Video:
We Three
Sponsored by: Bob & Lynne Nicholson, Bill & Karen Turner, Ron & Carolyn Willis
If you have never been able to get in the door at a We Three set, it’s no surprise. While you never know what you’ll see (OR hear!) the entertainment is non-stop. This ever popular trio has more fun than should be allowed by law, and before you know it, they will have won your heart, too. Not to be missed. Superb showmanship, hilarious antics, great music.
We Three is a combination of great wit, unexpected antics, and a cacophony of delightful music. If you are in need of some good belly laugh time then be sure to catch this act!
Video:
Young Bucs
Sponsored by:
THE YOUNG BUCS continue to take the stage and entertain people who have come to expect their oldies favorites!
The Young Bucs Doo-Wop Band have been playing 50’s and ‘60’s Rock and Roll, jukebox favorites for 15 years. They feature a high energy show with authentic tributes to Dion, Elvis, Ricky Nelson, the Diamonds, The Del Vikings, Ben E. King and the Drifters, the Marcels, the Beach Boys, Sam Cooke and many more.
The style and themes of the music from the doo-wop era are classic and timeless. Audiences of all ages continue to be entertained as The Young Bucs bring it to life.
The above artists are scheduled to appear. Schedule is subject to change without notice.