West Market
Street Stompers
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The West Market Street Stompers are (l-r):
Dave Klingman -
clarinet
Lonnie Ragan - piano
Charlie Niehoff
- trumpet
Doug Finke - leader, arranger, trombone
Greg Walker
- guitar and banjo
Bruce Morrow - drums
Sonny Stephens - bass |
The West Market Street Stompers were a
fixture at the Jazz Factory in downtown Louisville from early spring of
2004 until its recent closing in March of 2008. Ken Shapero, owner
of the Jazz Factory, created the whole idea, which was supported weekly
by the regulars and supplemented by tourists and passers-by drawn in by
the fun. Bandleader Doug Finke took it from there with the music.
Contrary to what their name may suggest, the band is not your textbook
Dixieland band sporting striped costumes and a book of musical cliches.
The Stompers are first-call musicians in Louisville, veteran players
with an interest in all kinds of music and who share in their love for
"happy music" and the good times at venues like the Jazz Factory. Their
Dixieland recalls the high-spirited, high-swinging performances of the
legendary groups of the 1930s, 40s and 50s that included class players
like Eddie Condon, Jack Teagarden, Bobby Hackett and Louis Armstrong and
His All-Stars.
The West Market Street Stompers are a versatile and swinging four-beat
band whose repertoire stretches from the very early years of jazz right
through the mid-20th century - from Joe "King" Oliver and Jelly Roll
Morton to Duke Ellington and a seemingly endless treasure of American
popular and jazz composers. And jazz's humbler beginnings haven't been
overlooked.
A typical Stompers performance might include the experience
of a spontaneous New Orleans "Second Line", complete with decorated
parasols, or even some unscheduled swing dancers. On other occasions the
Jazz Age comes alive with snappy tunes from the 1920's, Charleston
dancers, period costume contests and Prohibition Era themed events, such
as the band's annual winter nod to the Repeal of 1933. Sometimes it's hard to
tell who is having more fun. the performers or the listeners!
Click Here to see photos from the Bootleggers Ball 2010!
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Bearno's By-The-Bridge
2nd and Main in Downtown Louisville
Low cover, free parking, top drawer Italian food, extensive bar
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Sterling Entertainment LLC,
10411 Glenmary Farm Dr.,
Louisville, KY 40291
Phone/Fax: (502) 762-1200
E-mail
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