[Dixielandjazz] Hermann's Firebrigade Band

[Ken Mathieson]

Hi Folks,

Buzz Blatherwick doctorjazz29 at msn.com wrote:

 > Can someone on the list provide me with information on
> Hermann's Firebrigade Band from Germany.
> I think they came to California in the 1990's for the Jazz Jubilee

Sorry I can't help with your info, but I can confirm that they playes Sacto in the 1990s and stayed at the Orleans Motel along with a number of other foreign bands. I was there with Fat Sam and recall (just) some very rowdy nights in the bar with all the visiting nutters. On the final night of the festival, more drinks than usual were taken and, at chucking-out time, the Fat Sam guys were heading back to the motel, when we  heard a rumpus coming form the pool. Closer inspection revealed a fully-clad bunch of Hermann's guys in a human pyramid about four storeys high in the middle of the pool, all still in band uniform and all still clutching large beers. The inevitable collapse ensued with much wailing about beers being diluted with pool water (no chance of a refill) and nobody sparing a thought for the poor early morning bathers.

Cheers,

Ken Mathieson