Wind Jammer's played last night for the good folks in Vermilion.  We were the feature act for the annual "Vermilion BBQ Chicken Dinner & Street Dance".

It was a beautiful night.  Clear skies.  OK, a slight threat of rain that we all willed away.  I uploaded a dozen snaps of our band and some of the folks having a great time.  Both dancers and listeners.  Life is good just laying on the grass or sitting on the deck overlooking the lake.

The Wind Jammers Big Band played a 50th wedding anniversary tonight.  We had a GREAT time.  All at the party had a GREAT time.  They were there with the sole purpose to have F.U.N.  It is such a contrast to the Swing City Band.  Its the difference between "play"    and  "WORK"   .

As a band, we just enjoyed each other.  We were there to have fun.  Not there to become the best big band in Cleveland.  We might not have the level of musical expertise, but this band has heart and sole. 

Click on "Life in a Big Band"  and hear a clip of the Wind Jammers....

04/27/05 (9:00pm) I was called last night, the Wind Jammers gig for Saturday night was cancelled.  The party is still a go, but the hall was much to small to fit a big band & the dancers.  Garth (band drummer and coordinator) asked if I would be willing to do this gig as a combo.  I said yes....

Now we need to pull everything together between than and now.  I'll call Becky to see if she would like to sing.  Looks like we'll have: drummer, bass, guitar, reed player and vocalist.  Other possible guys: trombone, 2nd reed player.

It's going to be interesting, I'm working Saturay for Ford (production is scheduled for this weekend.)  Than after work, get it all together for the trip to Sandusky. 

Tonight Dick & I will meet to pull together a set list.  Becky did agree to sing, so I need to get her the list of vocal charts. 

o4/28/05 (5:30pm) I got a call from Garth.  Now the complete gig is off. 

Last minute anouncement. The Wind Jammers Big Band willl be playing in Sandusky. The Black Tie Dance Studio is putting on free swing dance lessons from 3 - 7 pm. Than the WJBB comes in at 7 pm for 2 hours of big band music. The band found out about this at last nights rehearsal. Short notice, but all were happy and available to play. Hoping for a large turn-out.

Last night at the Wind Jammers practice, Dana sat in on the trumbone.  He added a much needed voice to that section.  We are having a hard time keeping a stron bone section.  Good work Dana. 

The sax section's sound gets better at every practice.  We did a little sectional work on Ole Cape Code.  Great arrangement.  Plus a couple of Stan Kenton charts, wow.

Last night we had our practice in the Vermilion Bowling alley/lounge.  Our regulars were there plus an "old" director and his wife.  Had a good time.  This is the second practice with our new conductor.  He does a great job.  While he conducts, he plays the trumpet.  Man he has the chops.  The band is starting to get some more consistancy.  I hope Jeff stays with us for a long time..

I was right about the Kingston gig.  We were well received.  I had a chance to ham it up.  I love Benny Goodman's "Lets Dance".  We played that, and I wailed.      Our "regulars" from the Bowling Alley were there.  They are our most loyal fans.  They call me the "Amherst Kid".

One bit of bad news, I dropped my clarinet mouthpiece.  A peice broke out of the tip.  Oh well, time to look for another mouthpiece. 

I talked to my "new" boss.  Looks like my transfer is being held up until May 1st.  Maybe I can arrange some "sick days" to vist the new digs before that.  Also, my boss is forwarding some material for me to bone up on until this magic day happens.  I can't believe they are going to string me out like this. 

Tonight the Wind Jammers is playing for a Kingston nursing home in Vermilion.  This is in place of our normal "Bowling Alley" practice.  The bowling alley crowd is always small.  It's nice to play for a larger group, plus they really love this style of music.