Blue Street Jazz Band

The Blue Street Jazz Band has been a major force on the Dixieland jazz circuit for over 40 years. Blue Street began in Fresno in 1983. Leader Dave Ruffner can be found playing his trombone almost every night on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. The fabulous Nate Ketner on reeds is one of the most in demand reed players on the circuit today. Jason Wanner, the bands pianist can often be found playing for Disney in Southern California or teaching at jazz camps around the world. Sam Rocha on bass and tuba is probably the hardest working man on the festival circuit. He is a regular with Tom Rigney as well as the first call bassist for many other groups. The band showcases the wonderful singing of the “Siren of the San Joaquin” – Ms. Sherri Colby. Matt Bottel on banjo and guitar carries on the the line of great plectrum players from Eddy Peabody through Eddie Erickson. He also happens to be married to the lovely and talented Sherri Colby. Rick Canfield on Drums has been the heartbeat of BlueStreet since 1986. Original songs and creative arrangements are the hallmark of the band. Although traditional jazz is the cornerstone on which the band was built, the band earned the reputation as “The Bad Boys of Dixieland” for their eclectic tastes in music. At any given Blue Street performance the audience is liable to hear various styles of music including swing, Mardi Gras, folk songs, marches, waltzes, Latin music, and hymns. The band has performed feature sets devoted to the music of Kid Ory, Jelly Roll Morton, Sidney Bechet, the History of Jazz, or Louis Armstrong. Audiences particularly enjoy Blue Street’s Sunday morning gospel programs.

Blue Street has played every major jazz festival in the United States and has performed in Canada, Mexico, and Europe as well. The band has recorded twenty-four top selling albums.

Website: www.bluestreetjazzband.com