[Dixielandjazz] SoCal Jazz in the 50's

[Jim Kashishian]

The Beverly Caverns has been mentioned several times in this thread.  Due to
the greats that played there, some could get the impression that this was
some sort of grand Hollywood night club.  

The BC was far from that!  A relatively small bar with a simple entrance.
Stage in the far corner, and a bar at the opposite end.  Not all that many
tables around, if I recall.  It was more of a dive than a fancy joint.

I don't know how, but I got in there the 3 nights a week I wasn't playing
(*) even though I was underage (meaning in California, under 21).  Great
memories.  Mostly Teddy Buckner & band, but also heard FH5+2 and even
once...Kid Ory with Mutt Carey.

(*)  I was at the Rouge Et Noir in Seal Beach at that time (1958/59) which
was a beatnik coffee house that didn't serve liquor...with the South Frisco
Jazz Band.  By the way, Vince Saunders (banjo from the SFJB) was recently in
Madrid.  He was on his way to play a festival in Portugal. We had a great
reunion first at my house, then for dinner, and a long night at the jazz
club where my band was playing.  If anyone is interested in having a picture
of the two of us together at my place, send me a note. (Vince looks great!
Hadn't seen him since 1969 or thereabouts!!)

Jim