[Dixielandjazz] One of those Unknown Dixieland Bands <grin>

[Steve Barbone]

Unless you live in the Tampa Bay - St. Pete, Florida USA area, you've
probably never heard of this band. There are MANY Dixieland bands like them
in the USA in all sorts of cities and towns that we never hear about also.
How many Dixieland bands in the USA exist?

Does anyone know? I would guess at least 1000. Heck, I think we have at
least 15 in the greater Philadelphia Area that dabble in Dixieland. And I
come across references to Dixieland bands, like the one below, from places
like Hot Springs Arkansas, Sapulpa Oklahoma, and various other hotbeds of
OKOM every day.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone


Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Band schedules 4000th gig

By SUZETTE PORTER - Wednesday, July 25, 2007 - Tampa Bay Newspapers

TREASURE ISLAND ­ The Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Band is celebrating a special
event on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 6:30 to 9 p.m., in the Beach Room of the Bilmar
Beach Resort. The performance is not an ordinary gig ­ it will be the band¹s
4000th gig, which is ³no doubt a record,² according to the Suncoast
Dixieland Jazz Society.

The organization plans to present a plaque to the band leader Paul O'Connor
during the evening.

The Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Band started playing occasionally in 1963 before
starting its career of steady performances in 1967. Rush Baltz, a trombone
player and Dixieland jazz fan, started the band, and 25 local musicians have
been among its members throughout the years.

Today¹s band leader is trombonist Paul O¹Connor. He has been a member of the
group for the past 30 years. Other current members include Roger Athans, the
bands drummer for 34 years; Frank Thompson, pianist for 25 years; Burt
Kempe, on clarinet for eight years; plus Bobby Tess, trumpet, and Lohn Lamb,
bass, members for five years.

The Bilmar Beach Resort is at 10650 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island.