Just Playn Dixieland
Gail E Sonnesso M.S.
Executive Director
The GEM Center, Inc.
Where Group Respite is Therapeutic for both our Participants, and their Families.
(252) 480-3354
| The Band Dec 2010 ORIG - 3455 |
"Just Playn Dixieland" is a musical group that enjoys playing the type of music first popularized by New Orleans Dixieland bands in the 1920's and 1930's. Probably the most famous musician emanating from that era being Louis Armstrong whose mentor, Joe "King" Oliver, wrote many of the tunes popular at that time. The musical characteristics of this music involve a strong one or two trumpet melody embellished by a clarinet playing intricate counter melodies and a trombone providing a third counter melody. Sometimes a saxophone was added to the front line and the lead instruments were backed with a rhythm section composed of drums, banjo, piano and tuba or bass fiddle. The musical sound is a happy one that is difficult to listen to without tapping your feet or wanting to dance. Even the moaning blues melodies evoke a rhythmic feeling of energy that make you want to sway with the melody. This style of music has come in and out of public favor over the years and is currently still enjoyed at various musical festivals throughout the United States and Europe as well as in New Orleans where it is performed by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
"Just Playn Dixieland" is composed of local musicians who range in age from 14 to 84 and share a love of getting together and producing the joyful sounds reminiscent of the roaring 20's and Mardi Gras parades. They are Dock Sawyer, Gage Clawson and Les Bunnell on trumpet, Paul Lesiewicz on saxophone, Leah Wingenroth and Jose Valle on clarinet, Gary Clark on trombone, Chris Jolly on drums, Barbara Clark on banjo, Bob Fielder on tuba, Hunter Sanchez on piano, Rosie Fielder on auxiliary rhythm and Laura Tillett on washboard. For more information about the band contact Gary Clark at 261-5270.
Special guest musician, Dr. John Sanchez on trumpet, along with members of the Dixie Do-Daz will be performing with "Just Playn Dixieland" on Friday, April 29th at 7 PM at the Baum Senior Citizen Center in Kill Devil Hills where the band will be participating in a fund raiser for The GEM Center a community based 501 (c) (3) non-profit providing caregiver education, support and advocacy, for families facing Alzheimer's disease and the Nags Head Lions Club who provide support for people with visual problems. If you would like more information about the GEM center please call Gail Sonnesso @ 480-3354
