Forty Bands with Performances by Over 200 Musicians
Event Sponsors: AARP Idaho, Bob & Annette Anderson, Chuck Barnum, Boeing Gift Match Program,
Susan Bousquet, Kay Douglas, Jerry Drake, Ted & Darlene Dyer, Barbara Kruse, Floyd & Phyllis Fortuin,
Liz & Skip George, Philip Glassey, Ralph & Marge Hafer, Monte & Kay Hill, Peter & Sally Jarvis, Ray & Mary Jerland,
Warren & Diana Mitchell, Patricia Kay Moor, Ruth & Dennis Newman, Karen Pederson, Lloyd & Joyce Plank,
Jan Queal, Lynda Sanders, Trailing of the Sheep, Nettie Trenk, Jerry & Andrea Weinberg,
William & Mary Alice Wilson
Jazz in the Schools Sponsored by: Flora J. Henningsen, Bonnie Steele
Vintage Jazz – Swing – Big Band – Zydeco – Blues – Gypsy – Stride
Boogie-Woogie – Cabaret – Folk – Western Swing
The performers listed below are from the 2018 jazz festival.
Barnhart / Midiri Quartet
Sponsored by: Ray & Mary Jerland, Jim & Doris Van Olst
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: Micki & Dan Chapin, Ross & Martha Jennings, Randy & Stephanie Klopfleisch, McKellar Family Farms, Don & Juanita Robb, Phil & Melinda Sander
Jazz in the Square sponsored by: Atkinsons’ Market
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”
Black Swan Classic Jazz Band w/ Marilyn Keller
Sponsored by:
Marilyn Keller sponsored by: Maryann Andonian, Jim Perkins
Black Swan is a versatile group with the ability to tastefully and softly caress an intimate room, fire up a large hall and keep the dancers cutting a rug. Black Swan delights in entertaining as well as educating its audiences with authentic renditions of the music of noteworthy early jazz figures such as Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, King Oliver, Duke Ellington, Fletcher Henderson, Hoagy Carmichael, Fats Waller, Turk Murphy, Eubie Blake, Scott Joplin and others.
You will hear a strong mix of music performed by few other bands, originals by members of Black Swan and many popular favorites you know and love.
Videos:
Blue Renditions
Sponsored by: Sally & Glenn Dillon, David & Ursula Hinson, Dick & Nina Snyder
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: Joan Evans Ahlf, Pat & Perry Cantwell, Timothy Gee & Mary Kay Walker, Bob & Rebecca Mitchell, Kaye & Mike Naeve, Don & Juanita Robb, Bill & Marti Upton, Wilson & Louise Williams
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: Leila & Roger Deal, Marilyn McAuley, Leonard Scheffler, Yvonne Swanstrom
Clarinet Clambake Sponsored by: Barbara Queal
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: Jack & Bonnie Kirk
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:
Carolyn Martin Swing Band
Sponsored by: Sean Adkins & Rexanne Ring, Nancy & Wally Goodwin, KR Properties LLC, Don & Juanita Robb
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:
Cocuzzi Trio
Sponsored by: Donna (Finidori) & Joseph Allenwood
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: John Henderson, Jim & Emma Hoffman, Peter & Becky Langhus, Merrick Family, 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: Elizabeth Bales, Wesley Bales, Chad & June Bolender, Dr. Tom Crais, Roger & Leila Deal, Monica Harris, Peter & Laurie Hingtgen, Mary Evans, Marlin & Nancy Icenogle, Lou & Bud Kennedy
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: Patty Evans Bradley, Bill & Sharon Daley, Rex & Marilyn Dorman, Louisa Moats & Steve Mitchell, 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:
High Street Party Band w/Brian Casserly
Sponsored by: Rex & Marilyn Dorman, Jim & Janice McGeachin
Jazz in the Square sponsored by: Atkinsons’ Market
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
Sponsored by: Gerald & Betty Kyle
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
Ivory&Gold®
Sponsored by: Anita Alf & Chuck Anderson, Rick Fisher (in memory of Mary Jane Fisher), Bob & Barbara Grabowski, Bob & Lynne Nicholson, Jim & Doris Van Olst, Maryann Wilson
Silent Movies w/ Jeff set Sponsored by: Glenda Cheeseman, Diane Thach
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:
Joe Smith & The Spicy Pickles
Sponsored by: Walter & Anne Hayden, Roger & Darlene Meyer, Osgood Army (Charlotte Thompson, Marian Osgood, Jean Iverson, Sonnie Kirtley), Wilson & Louise Williams
Joe Smith and the Spicy Pickles Jazz Band is a Denver-based vintage jazz band devoted to revitalizing swing music and dance. This small group style band packs a punch of power, personality, and wit into each show, intriguing generations new and old with the beloved charm of big band swing from the 1930’s-1940’s.
This nationally touring group plays 100+ shows each year across the US. The Spicy Pickles have recorded two full length albums, and 2 EP’s to date, with their third full length studio album Gin & Moonlight scheduled for a September 2017 release. The band’s 2014 music video “Movin’ Groovy” won 1st place at the Seattle Jazz Dance Film Festival.
Video: Royal Garden Blues
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
Sponsored by: Richard & Penny Weiss
Jazz Sunday Sponsored by: Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood
Benny Goodman set Sponsored by: Walter & Anne Hayden, Edward & Betsy Tapper
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:
NNU Jazz Revival
Jazz Sunday Sponsored by:
The NNU Jazz Revival is one of two premier jazz ensembles at Northwest Nazarene University, performing for audiences from the Flying M Coffee Garage in downtown Nampa to the Sun Valley Swing and Dixie Jazz Jamboree.
Led by Dr. Casey Christopher, Revival plays the Blues, New Orleans styles, standards, and vintage favorites.
Videos:
Paris Washboard Superswing
Sponsored by: Dr. & Mrs. Perry Binder
Paris Washboard and Super Swing Project merged in 2017. Louis Mazetier (piano), Daniel Barda (trombone), Charles Prévost (washboard), Jérôme Etcheberry (trumpet) and Alain Marquet (clarinet) are united by an exceptional musical complicity, a flawless rhythmic connivance, virtuosity and a lot of humor.
There were already two musicians common to both formations: Louis Mazetier and Daniel Barda himself. Louis Mazetier, perhaps the best stride pianist in the world, brings his musical culture, his incredible touch, and a touch of madness.
Everything revolves around his amazing game generating an immense harmonic richness. Daniel Barda, trombone, has long been named the best French specialist in the “New Orleans” style, and is also a conductor, arranger, flutist and classical pianist. With more than 150 albums on the clock, he is always so deep and playful!
Gary Ryan – Guest Artist
Sponsored by: Ibby Malarkey Brooke
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: Phil & Melinda Sander
Sherri Colby sponsored by: T’s & Temptations
Ladies Sing sponsored by: Sandy & Ollie Smoot
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:
Sun Valley Jazz All Stars
Sponsored by: Ted & Louise Arnold, Nate & Lynda Bachman, Merrick Family, Phil & Melinda Sander
Brady McKay Sponsored by: Marlene Graham
Bob Shulz Sponsored by: John Tweeten & Frances Frye
Cynthia Sayer Sponsred by: John Tweeten & Frances Frye
Bob Williams – Trombone
Cynthia Sayer – Banjo / Guitar
Danny Coots – Drums
Bob Schulz – Trumpet
Bobby Durham – Bass
Brian Holland – Piano
Rob Verdi – Reeds
Brady McKay – Vocals
For years we had wanted to assemble a “Directors’ Choice” band and it worked so well for us last year, we decided to keep the act and add a few new faces. We expect this to be a real “barn burner” again. We really don’t know what may happen, but there will be great music and everyone will be highly pleased with the entertainment.
Terry Myers Quartet w/ Jaimie Roberts
Sponsored by: Nate & Lynda Bachman, Janice Eichler (in memory of Larry Eichler), Doug & Sherri Wickman
Terry Myers – Saxaphone
Randy Morris – Piano
Jaimie Roberts – Vocals
Danny Coots – Drums
Jay Mueller – Bass
Playing with big bands has been a major part of Terry Myers’ career. For over 20 years he led his own big band tribute to Benny Goodman. He also led the Artie Shaw Band on one short tour. Since 2012 he has led the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra.
Sun Valley jazz goers will remember him as part of the Bill Allred Classic Jazz Band, which appeared many times at this festival.
Also from Florida it is our pleasure to welcome the amazingly delightful Jamie Roberts on vocals! Joining them is the talented Randy Morris on piano, and Danny Coots on drums to complete this powerhouse quartet. These folks bring a very long list of musical credits to the table and we know you will find them to be very popular.
Tom Hook & The Terrier Brothers
Sponsored by: Roger & Leila Deal, John Gofman, Monica Harris, Karl & Susie Kessler, Rey & Cinda Vertrees, Kit Worthington (in memory of Doris Worthington)
Returning again this year to amaze and delight all comers is the Original BIG Dog himself, of the Black Dogs Jazz Band fame. If a piano player could be a one man band, Tom would be your guy.
You can never tell who may drop in to play, as you will see, it’s too much fun to pass up when you have the chance to take the stage with him. What’s Swamp music?
Tom Rigney & Flambeau
Sponsored by: Michael & Beverly DeChevrieux, Don & Ellen Easterbrook, Carol & Len Harlig, 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:
Two Tone Steiny & The Cadillacs
Sponsored by: Jan Matthews
Jazz in the Square sponsored by: Atkinsons’ Market
Mark “Steiny” Steinmetz is a blues singer, songwriter, and harmonica player. A California native who has spent considerable time traveling the country, developing his own style of performing his own original blues music that sets him apart. Steiny has surrounded himself with a host of seasoned blues veterans who provide a perfect mix of blues, classics and original tunes.
Two Tone Steiny & The Cadillacs is a high energy west coast blues band. It is a special event every time this highly polished group hits the stage, bringing their own brand of jumping, swinging, harmonica-driven Chicago style blues. This award-winning band has carved a name for themselves by recording and performing their own original music, while staying true to the blues roots that shaped their individual style.
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:
Yale Whiffenpoofs
Sponsored by:
Every year, fourteen senior Yale men are selected to be in The Whiffenpoofs, the world’s oldest and best-known collegiate a cappella group. Founded in 1909, the Whiffs began as a senior quartet that met for weekly concerts at the famous Yale tavern.
Today, the group has become one of Yale’s most celebrated and hallowed traditions. Charming young men crooning delightful harmonies.
Videos: