[Dixielandjazz] Oldest Jazz Bands still playing

[Stephen G Barbone]

I'm with you, Ed, The Bobcats seem to be the oldest at 75, and still  
swinging.

There is also the Salty Dogs Jazz Band, founded in 1947 at Purdue  
University, which is still in playing today. Some personnel have  
changed, however drummer Wayne Jones has been with them since the  
beginning, pianist John Cooper has been there about 50 years, Tubist  
Mike Walbridge about 51 years, Cornetist Lew Green for about 45 years,  
Banjoist Jack Kunci about 42 years, trombonist Tom Bartlett about 42  
years. Clarinetist Kim Cusack often plays with them, but I am not sure  
when he first did so.

Anyway, as a band, they are wonderful and, perhaps they lead the pack  
in continuous longevity of players, all more than 40 years,  
experience, in the  same band.

See http://saltydogsjazzband.com/calendar.html for their current  
festival schedule.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone

www.myspace.com/barbonestreetjazzband