[Dixielandjazz] Keith Clark, Our Friend

[BudTuba at aol.com]

This is to inform listmates that our clarinetist, Keith M. Clark, has passed 
away after a 4 month (known) battle with cancer.  He was enthusiastic about 
the future right to the end and kept his chops in shape for a return to the 
band.  Keith was also a 44 year member of  S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A  (Barbershoppers) and 
was in two national prize winning quartets over the years.  I had talked with 
Keith about his early musical years and he reflected on his early 1950's days 
out of high school playing up and down the east coast of Lake Michigan.  Many 
of his musical comrades went on to nationally known touring bands, but he 
turned down the opportunity to raise a family. 

Keith moved to New York State, initially in Syracuse, in the 1960's and later 
to Rochester, and played a duo/trio with his pianist friend, Al Saia, since 
the 1970's.  He started with the Smugtown Stompers in 2001 and added an 
enthusiastic dimension to our presentation with clarinet, soprano sax, and vocals.  
We will sorely miss him and I would appreciate any personal remembrances to be 
sent to me offline so I can pass them on to his wife, Joan. 

Bud Taylor
Smugtown Stompers
Rochester, NY
Traditional Jazz since 1958