NEWS

February, 2012

January was a blur, with lots of great music and a lot of fun. I wish it was possible to replay the whole month!

In February, I am looking forward to a first: Being a sideman for Katie Cavera! Strange as it may seem, in the 10+ years I have known Katie, this month will mark the first time I have played under her baton. She is replacing George Probert as a featured guest at the Fresno Mardi Gras Dixieland Festival, leading an All-Star band on the 9th and appearing as a guest throughout the festival weekend with various bands. In addition, she will play guitar and sing with Ray Skjelbred and his Cubs. I will also play with Ray's hot combination and with Bob Schulz's Frisco Jazz Band.

Shortly after the Fresno festival, I will head for the Live Music Capital of the World -- Austin, Texas! It is always a pleasure to work with the wonderful musicians in Austin, and on my next trip I will be privileged to play with Erik Hokkanen's Laboratory, the East End Arcadians, Albanie and her Fellas and Aunt Ruby's Sweet Jazz Babies (please check the Schedule page for details).

Aunt Ruby's Sweet Jazz Babies

In the middle of my stay in Austin, I will fly to North Carolina for a one-nighter with Tim Laughlin, Connie Jones and the New Orleans All-Stars which, for this special occasion, will include my old friend John Sheridan on piano.

At the end of the month, the New El Dorado Jazz Band journeys north to Oregon, for an appearance at the Seaside Jazz Festival. We are all anxious to play as a band again, and the Seaside weekend will be the first time that our new "Live in Chattanooga" CD has been available on one of our gigs!

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope to see you in Fresno, Austin, Seaside or perhaps Spindale, North Carolina!

-- Hal