Plainsong: Correction: www.Stillwaterriverboats.com is the correct website for the Banjo Barons and Dixie Barons bands mentioned in my June column.  

Best wishes to veteran union activist, long-time Twin Cities Jazz Society mainstay and drummer Russ Moore who was recognized for his 40 years of union service upon his retirement recently and is profiled in the July/August issue of Duet, newsletter of Twin Cities Musicians Union Local 30-73 American Federation of Musicians of the U.S. and Canada, by Local 30-73 president Brad Eggen, www.tcmu.com.

Minnesota's Mouldy Figs were scheduled to play July 11 in downtown Minneapolis as part of Macy's "Day of Music for Every Ear" kicking off the Minnesota Orchestra's Sommerfest, (612) 371-5628, gpappas@mnorch.org; (612) 371-5641.

Life on the Mississippi: At "press" time, members of Minnesota's fabled Hall Brothers Jazz Band and internationally renowned Minnesota film restorer and archivist Bob DeFlores, Bloomington, Minn. (see feature story elsewhere this issue) were preparing to explore the commercial possibilities of two 1969 Hall Brothers Jazz Band/Twin Cities Public TV concert tapes totaling about 30 minutes that were given to HBJB mainstay cornetist Charlie DeVore, St. Paul, Minn. after the concert. According to HBJB charter member Butch Thompson in a June 24 e-mail, the personnel included himself, clarinet; DeVore, cornet, vocals and MC; Russ Hall, trombone; Stan Hall, piano; Mike Polad, banjo; Bill Evans, bass, and Doggie Berg, drums. --- "the lineup at The Emporium of Jazz (Mendota, Minn.) in those days," Thompson recalled. "The films were shot on a set with tables and chairs like a nightclub. Some of the old Emporium regulars are recognizable at the tables."

DeVore gave the tapes to DeFlores about three years ago, said DeFlores in a June 24 telephone interview, adding that he has cleaned them up and improved their quality. DeFlores said that if he and the HBJB get the OK from TPT to use them, he will transfer them to DVD format. However, he emphasized, as did Thompson, that there is no guarantee the tapes will be made available to the public anytime soon or ever, pending possible discussions with TPT officials which were being explored at "press time."

Meantime, there still is time to register for the Great River Jazz Fest, La Crosse, Wis, (just down the Mississippi from the Twin Cities) Aug. 8-10. It offers a rare opportunity to hear a reunion of the Hall Brothers band (though sadly missing drummer Doggie Berg who died June 25 -- see notice elsewhere in this issue), plus The Bourbon Street Boys; the Great River Brass; Great River Reeds; Mary Louise Knutson's Trio; Reuben Ristrom's Quartet and The Wonderful World Jazz Band, www.lacrossejazz.com; 800-873-1901.

DeFlores also revealed that he is working with Kathryn Crosby, widow of Bing Crosby, to put together a new road show whereby she would sing and narrate some of Bing's classic films. Such a show -- similar to about a dozen she has done in recent years, according to DeFlores -- sold out a Minneapolis theater quickly online last year. If the show is created, there's a good chance, DeFlores said, that some Minnesota musicians who have already worked with Mrs. Crosby would be invited to participate.

DeFlores also said that he soon will present new project ideas to Bloomington, Minnesota's Normandale College with which he is associated including interviewing traditional jazz and ragtime authorities. Stay tuned for further developments on all of these busy and intriguing fronts.

July 2008 issue | © 2008 The Mississippi Rag

P.O. Box 19068, Minneapolis, MN 55419.