Just like a gallery walk, what you see on paper is not all you're going to get at the Sun Valley Jazz Jamboree so it's worth doing a little planning and being a lot flexible to be able to partake of the spontaneous that comes with these five days. The artists aren't even here but the buzz is that there will be a proposal given to some unsuspecting lady at one of the venues.
All the performances are indoors to combat any challenging weather. Some encourage dancing while others are more mellow. Most have food and drinks available, but outside beverages are a no-go as is smoking. Prepare accordingly, you'll need your strength to make the most out of this weekend. A highlighter marker for planning would be handy too.
The acts listed here were provided by jazz organizers. A case of laryngitis or a missed airplane is always possible, so check the website at sunvalleyjazz.com for updates. The acts are listed alphabetically, but worth singling out is the presence of the U.S. Coast Guard Band. After years of being unattainable due to demand, the boys and a girl are back for a set both patriotic and energetic.
Big Bang Jazz Band
From Chilliwack, British Columbia the band incorporates elements from early New Orleans jazz, Dixieland and the host music of the '20s and '30s. This is highly energized, tight ensemble sound.
Bill Allred's Classic Jazz Band
From Orlando, Fla. Allred's is unique because it was born out of a desire to find, research and play some of the almost forgotten arrangements of early jazz bands. High energy jazz and swing with a fresh twist.
Black Stick
From Vancouver, B.C. this is a riveting grandfather and grandson team of clarinet players.
Blue Renditions
From Fresno, Calif. featuring the cabaret style of "Sirene of the San Jaquin," Sherri-Lynn Colby. This is local jazz with synergistic instrumentation.
Blue Street Jazz Band
This Fresno, Calif. band is jet-propelled traditional jazz with eclectic interludes.
Bob Draga
A guest artist from Largo, Fla., brings smooth, sweet clarinet and an unmistakable style.
Brady McKay
Guest artist from Sacramento, Calif., she was 2010's "Great Lady of Jazz" and sings crowd favorites.
Boise Straight Ahead
From Boise, faithful renditions of the Big Band era.
Cannibals Happy Jazz
From Denmark, these guys play traditional jazz.
John Cocuzzi
Guest artist from Sacramento, Calif. brings seamless melodies and a smooth touch on the keys, skins and bars.
Cornet Chop Suey
From St. Louis with its powerful two-trumpet frontline reminiscent of the Lu Watters Yerba Buena aggregation.
The Joe Fos Trio
Sun Valley favorite. A Duchin Lounge backbone with beautifully flowing piano, familiar tunes and possibly, Bob Draga.
Forever Plaid
A Sun Valley original. Charm, laughter and vocal harmony mixed with the innocence of days gone by.
High Sierra Jazz Band
From Three Rivers, Calif. brings true traditional jazz in its finest form.
High Street
From Boise, with special guest Danny Marona, a musician and comic who joins the animated band.
Ivory & Gold
From Mystic, Conn. is classical flute meeting jazz piano.
Jerry Krahn Quartet
From Nashville, Tenn. is swinging, intimate, rural and sophisticated guitar sounds.
Bruce Innes Trio
This mostly local band with seasoned veterans showing off their skill in American Folk and original music.
Kings of Swing
From Boise, they offer faithful renditions of Glenn Miller so close you'll swear he's been reincarnated.
Jim Fryer & the Usual Suspects
From Rye, N.Y. he'll play his eclectic mix of eccentric songs. Try typing that five times fast.
Le Jazz Hot
Is an act from San Francisco with well done swing and a not-to -be-missed monologue.
Louis Ford & His New Orleans Jazz Flairs
Here from the Big Easy, you'll be transported and experience a true New Orleans revival.
Meschiya Lake & Dem Lil' Big Horns
Also from Cajun country, this band is supposed to make smoke rise from the dance floor. Ms. Lake was honored as Best Female Performer, 2011 Big Easy Music Awards.
Midiri Brothers
From Mays Landing, N.J., gifted brothers who play almost every musical instrument known to man.
Cheryl Morrell and Alan Pennay
Sun Valley favorites teamed up on piano and vocals.
The Mike McCaffrey Trio
Laguna Beach, Calif. trio offers wonderful melodies, brilliant lyrics, engaging stories that cause memories and smiles.
Night Blooming Jazzmen
From Claremont, Calif. they're said to be familiar, humorous and to recall jazz in Mugsy Spanier style.
Paul Tillotson Trio
Of Sun Valley. This home boy and his band are a local favorite, especially known for bringing the unexpected to every show.
PBJ
On piano "Peanut" Paul Reed, trumpet "Butter" Brian Casserly and drums "Jelly" Jim Lawlor, three fellas with piano virtuosity, crooning vocals and sizzling trumpet.
Pieter Meijers Quartet with Brady McKay
These Los Angelenos raise the bar of lyrical standards to the way the originals performed them.
The Reynolds Brothers Quartet
Santa Ana, Calif. quartet are said to entertain audiences to tears, of laughter. There's a washboard in this ensemble and uses for the household item you've probably never envisioned.
St. Louis Rivermen
Bringing jazz from the midwest, they strike up the band and woo crowds with a sousaphone.
Sherri Colby's Racket Makers & Friends
Another New Orleans guest, expect to hear Preservation Hall- worthy music.
Titan Hot Seven
Nashville, Tenn. band born out of "The Jack Daniels Silver Cornet Band," traditional jazz with outstanding soloists and good humor.
Tom Hook
Guest artist from New Orleans, the original If a piano player were a one man band, this would be your guy.
Tom Rigney & Flambeau
Playing Cajun and zydeco, Rigney is a fiery, electrifying violinist/composer with musicians who were voted Best Cajun/Zydeco Band of 2004 by the West Coast Blues Hall of Fame. New Orleans grooves, heartbreakingly beautiful ballads and waltzes.
Updown Lowdown
They bring traditional jazz ala Oliver, Watters, Murphy and Barr, popping over from Seattle.
We Three
Hailing from three states Connecticut, Florida and Tennessee filled with superb showmanship, hilarious antics and great music.
Yve Evans
Guest artist from Palm Springs, in SoCal, moving vocals with a modern twist and a touch of humor.
Rob Verdi
Los Angeles brings sax magic at its best.
Jennifer Liebrum: jliebrum@mtexpress.com
Venue map courtesy E.B. Philips
