Yosemite Jazz Band

It all began in 1993 when The Yosemite Jazz Band established its roots in the mountain community of Oakhurst, California, located near Yosemite National Park. Berl Howell, the band's fearless leader, approached reed man Ted Strauss and drummer Jim Kirin about forming a traditional jazz band. Gary Smalz came on board with other local musicians and it wasn't long before the band was rolling. In the summer of 1994, the newly formed band began its performances at the Oakhurst Pizza Factory, which has since become an annual tradition. The band quickly gained a loyal following and many gigs ensued.

The band added more local musicians over the years, including Pat Mierkey on trombone, Jeff Gurule on banjo and guitar, James Mierkey on piano, and Larry Vaccaro on tuba. The band is sounding it's best yet.

As you plan your trip to Yosemite National Park and find yourself in the Oakhurst area, please stop by and see us. The band performs every Thursday night at the Pizza Factory from 6:30 PM through 8:30 PM, from May through September. Enjoy a pizza, the warm Summer evening, good company, and our traditional jazz sounds.

The band's repertoire includes an entertaining blend of Dixieland jazz, early swing, gospel, and traditional jazz favorites. The Yosemite Jazz Band performs for dances, county fairs, weddings, funerals, parties, church events, grand openings, and many other functions. No matter what your function or event, an entertaining performance by the Yosemite Jazz Band is sure to please.

Highlights of our Performances

The Pizza Factory in Oakhurst

Fresno Dixieland Society

Sierra Traditional Jazz Club in Three Rivers

Modesto Traditional Jazz Society

Monterey Hot Jazz Society

The Central Coast Hot Jazz Society, aka The Basin Street Regulars

Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society

The Sounds of Mardi Gras with the Fresno Dixieland Society

Blue Street Jazz Band's 25th Anniversary Celebration

The Mother Lode Hot Jazz Party in Jackson

Derby Downs for the La Feliz Guild of Children's Hospitals of Central California

Wonder Valley Ranch Resort and Conference Center

Coarsegold Elementary School Country Fair

Oakhurst Elks Lodge

4th of July "Best Seat in the House BBQ" at The Pines Resort in Bass Lake

Jazz on the Lake at The Pines Resort in Bass Lake

Jazz on the Greens at River Creek Golf Course in Ahwahnee

Mountain Heritage Days at Fresno Flats Historical Park in Oakhurst

Patriotic Celebration Concert with the Oakhurst Community Band

Mariposa Club of the Yosemite Democrats

True Value Hardware Grand Opening in Oakhurst

Madera Ford Mercury Grand Opening

Madera Office Depot Grand Opening

Madera District Fair

Mariposa County Fair and Homecoming

California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles



	You are visitor number:	*High energy, enthusiastic style of traditional and Dixieland jazz music for any event that encourages audiences to stomp their feet, clap their hands and sing along.*

	It all began in 1993 when The Yosemite Jazz Band established its roots in the mountain community of Oakhurst, California, located near Yosemite National Park. Berl Howell, the band's fearless leader, approached reed man Ted Strauss and drummer Jim Kirin about forming a traditional jazz band. Gary Smalz came on board with other local musicians and it wasn't long before the band was rolling. In the summer of 1994, the newly formed band began its performances at the Oakhurst Pizza Factory, which has since become an annual tradition. The band quickly gained a loyal following and many gigs ensued. The band added more local musicians over the years, including Pat Mierkey on trombone, Jeff Gurule on banjo and guitar, James Mierkey on piano, and Larry Vaccaro on tuba. The band is sounding it's best yet. As you plan your trip to Yosemite National Park and find yourself in the Oakhurst area, please stop by and see us. The band performs every Thursday night at the Pizza Factory from 6:30 PM through 8:30 PM, from May through September. Enjoy a pizza, the warm Summer evening, good company, and our traditional jazz sounds. The band's repertoire includes an entertaining blend of Dixieland jazz, early swing, gospel, and traditional jazz favorites. The Yosemite Jazz Band performs for dances, county fairs, weddings, funerals, parties, church events, grand openings, and many other functions. No matter what your function or event, an entertaining performance by the Yosemite Jazz Band is sure to please. Highlights of our Performances The Pizza Factory in Oakhurst Fresno Dixieland Society Sierra Traditional Jazz Club in Three Rivers Modesto Traditional Jazz Society Monterey Hot Jazz Society The Central Coast Hot Jazz Society, aka The Basin Street Regulars Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society The Sounds of Mardi Gras with the Fresno Dixieland Society Blue Street Jazz Band's 25th Anniversary Celebration The Mother Lode Hot Jazz Party in Jackson Derby Downs for the La Feliz Guild of Children's Hospitals of Central California Wonder Valley Ranch Resort and Conference Center Coarsegold Elementary School Country Fair Oakhurst Elks Lodge 4th of July "Best Seat in the House BBQ" at The Pines Resort in Bass Lake Jazz on the Lake at The Pines Resort in Bass Lake Jazz on the Greens at River Creek Golf Course in Ahwahnee Mountain Heritage Days at Fresno Flats Historical Park in Oakhurst Patriotic Celebration Concert with the Oakhurst Community Band Mariposa Club of the Yosemite Democrats True Value Hardware Grand Opening in Oakhurst Madera Ford Mercury Grand Opening Madera Office Depot Grand Opening Madera District Fair Mariposa County Fair and Homecoming California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles




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