This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the Lake of the
Ozarks Jazz Festival in Osage Beach, Missouri.  Many fine bands performed
including Climax, Chicago Six, Uptown Lowdown, Queen City Jazz Band,
Rhythm Rascals, and most notably, the South Frisco Jazz Band with our
esteemed MMD editor, Robbie Rhodes at the piano.

A number of people came from out of state to attend the festival, some
as far away as South Carolina, Ohio, and even Canada.  All of the bands
were superb, and demonstrated a variety of styles.

The South Frisco Jazz Band was as lively as advertised, and their
performances were much enjoyed by the audience.  This was the first time
that I had ever met Robbie and his delightful wife, Carole, and likewise,
it was the first time that I had ever heard Robbie perform.  He is a
natural at the piano; his fingers float over the keys, gently persuading
the notes out of the instrument.

Robbie gave featured performances of Pineapple Rag, Black and White Rag,
The Pearls, West Texas Blues, and King Porter Stomp.  It was quite a
treat!  Robbie played King Porter Stomp especially for Craig and Ellen
Brougher.  Yes, Craig Brougher, the talented piano technician was also
there, so the MMD was well-represented.  Craig and I did not have
sufficient time to talk but we did get to meet.

Besides playing with his own band, Robbie also performed with the Rhythm
Rascals, an "uninhibited" group who perform at Disney World in Orlando,
Florida.  Craig had a nice chat with Ralf Reynolds, the leader and
washboard player.  Their style is very different from South Frisco, but
Robbie proved that he could be a Rascal, too.  ;-)

Robbie's wife, Carole and I had a great time chatting and listening
to the bands.  She is a pleasant and engaging woman, and we enjoyed
ourselves tremendously.

After Friday and Saturday performances, two of the bands provided music
for Sunday morning jazz services.  South Frisco Jazz Band participated in
the regular Sunday service at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, while
Queen City, with its enormous-voiced singer, Wende Harston, performed for
an ecumenical service at the site.

It was a great weekend!  If you ever have the opportunity to attend a
Traditional Jazz festival, especially one where the South Frisco Jazz
Band is performing, do it!  You won't be disappointed.

Joyce Brite
Football scores:  #8 Kansas State 48    Kansas 16    Go Wildcats!

 [ Joyce was trying to listen intently to the bands, but nonetheless
 [ I know she was wondering how her own Kansas State football team
 [ was performing!  Thanks for the nice report, Joyce -- I'll blush
 [ politely now!  ;)   -- Robbie