Fellow Jazzers, for this month, I have for you a popular Bay Area band that’s getting more popular all the time! Their music is truly infectious. The more you hear them, the more you’ll look for them at jazz festivals, or wherever, to see if they’re on the list. Tom really has one “sweet” band. I heard them 6 times last year; every time was fantastic!

Tom Belmessieri has played trumpet since he was 9, and has been involved with music since then! His father used to play music of the 20s, 30s and 40s, so he grew up appreciating it.

Brian Cardello, trombone. He had watched bands at Disneyland with his dad; he played his first Dixieland band in high school At Cal Poly, he started the “Sticks Strings & Hot Air Band”.

Alan Close, clarinet. A San Diego State graduate, he taught music in Southern Humboldt county for 3 years. Alan retired 1995 from the Richmond Schools.

Steve Bradbury, tuba. Played at Cal Poly, including marching, brass, brass quintets, symphony and, of course, DIXIELAND!

Rich Owens, piano. Believes in the importance of keeping jazz alive by maintaining memberships in local jazz societies. Rich is on the South Bay Jazz Society Board of Directors.

Bill Cooper, banjo. “When you’re tired of banjo, you’re tired of life”, says “Banjo” Bill Cooper !!!

Adam Roderick, drums. He loves and has studied many instruments ... trumpet, piano, sax, guitar, drums! Adam has played with Tex Allen and Peter Mintun. Joined FCSJB in 1994.

I’m SURE this band will be a RRCP. (Real Redding Crowd Pleaser)