[Dixielandjazz] When Dixieland Rocked.

[Stephen G Barbone]

On Dec 31, 2008, at 6:13 PM, Marek Boym wrote:

>>
>> Steve Barbone wrote (polite snip)
>> A memory circa 1950 - by Thad McArthur - (The Central Plaza was in  
>> NYC)
>
> I remember things like that from Poland, albeit slightly later,
> something like 1954-55.

> We didn't get Red Allen and a million-chorus Saints, but the
> description reminds me of the Acker Bulk concert in Wroclaw
> (pronounced Vrotzlav).

> But then, we had jazz bands at school parties.  Those were the days!
> They had a drawback, too: they were LONG ago, and we're not quite as  
> young anymore.

Happy New Year Marek:

The College Circuit in the Eastern USA had many school parties with  
Dixieland and Swing jazz bands in the 1950s also. It was a happy time  
for those of us who spent weekends touring and performing at them.

That scene, though not quite as boisterous, is still here for some  
bands and kids. While the bands may not be so young, the kids and the  
enthusiasm they have for the music are. Barbone Street is lucky in  
that sense, performing every year since about 1995, many gigs for  
young people.

In 2008, In addition to our "older audience" gigs, we did gigs for  
young people at several Colleges, about 10 weddings, numerous swing  
dances, some local jazz festivals (which draw young people),  numerous  
public park concerts and street festivals etc, etc., etc.

And, as you know, in Europe a young fan scene for OKOM still exists. I  
was astounded at the reception we (Tom Wiggin's band, The New Orleans  
Ambassadors) got in Eilat Israel 2 years ago, mosh pit and all, with  
audiences of about 3000 mostly young people for each of 2 concerts. To  
say nothing of the young audience at the jam session that ran till dawn.

IMO, there is nothing better than performing jazz in front of an  
audience of young people that holler and clap for more. Especially, if  
like Dixieland Band (the horse) Bob Ringwald and me, one retired to  
stud years ago and by now have forgotten what that fuss all about.  
<grin>

Cheers,
Steve Barbone
www.myspace.com/barbonestreetjazzband