These are the featured bands as of March 20, 2008. More will be added as arrangements are finalized.

BED
www.bedjazz.com
BED is the humorous acronym formed by the names Becky, Eddie, and Dan, three close friends who formed a new jazz group with an appealingly-classic-jazz sound. Vocalist Rebecca ("Becky") Kilgore, guitarist/banjoist/vocalist Eddie Erickson, trombonist Dan Barrett, and bassist Joel Forbes have worked in many different groups over the years, both on stage and in recording studios. All four are well known to international jazz audiences through their jazz party and festival appearances, and many recordings.

Audiences quickly fall in love with this group, not only for their musical talent, but also for their ability to connect with an audience through their personal warmth, sharp wit and delightful sense of humor. Treat yourself to nothing but good vibes coming from these sets!

Blue Street Jazz Band
www.bluestreetjazzband.com
The Blue Street Jazz Band has been one of the most innovative groups in classic jazz, performing classic jazz, blues, gospel and swing for over 18 years. Original songs and creatively conceived arrangements have been their hallmark, along with the musical expertise displayed by each individual member. Founded by Forrest Helmick and led by Dave Ruffner, former Dixieland Monterey Musician of the Year, Blue Street is unique in that they have three music educators in their line-up. Teaching youth clinics and performing educational shows is a large part of their mission.

The band showcases the singing of the "Siren of the San Joaquin," Ms. Sherri Colby, and although classic jazz is the cornerstone on which the band was built, they have earned the reputation as "The Bad Boys of Dixieland" for their eclectic tastes. They are known for their fast-paced, energetic, fun-filled performances that leave audiences dancing in the aisles.

High Sierra Jazz Band
www.highsierrajazzband.com
Lead by Pieter Meijers and his clarinet, this long-time band with its new sound is a hot West Coast style jazz group, and is still going strong after being a huge hit here in Monterey for the past four years. The band celebrated 27 years together in October and still features the original rhythm section of Bruce, Stan, Earl and Charlie. The band's sustained success is a combination of experience, a book full of fine tunes, and Pieter Meijer's dedicated leadership. Their hard-driving West Coast sound, bolstered by the clean alpine air in Three Rivers, California, always fills the room. Our advice is to get there early!

Ivory and Gold
Originally designed as a duo comprised of flautist Anne Barnhart and pianist/vocalist Jeff Barnhart, Ivory and Gold expands to a trio whenever possible to include Grammy-award winning Nashville jazz percussionist Danny Coots. As either a duo or trio, Ivory and Gold promises a unique and diverse musical experience drawing from 350 years of music.
As a duo, Anne and Jeff Barnhart bring much variety to their performances, due in large part to their rapport and their diverse backgrounds. Each holds a master’s in music, but Jeff has concentrated on the American forms of music such as ragtime, jazz and Tin Pan Alley, while Anne’s expertise lies in classical flute literature. They will be concentrating on ragtime, jazz and Broadway this time around. Audiences experience a sonic treat as flute and piano weave seamlessly through the ages, trading melodic and accompaniment ideas in a unique combination.
Ivory and Gold is currently enjoying a busy performing schedule in concert halls and festivals, ceremonies and private engagements. Most recently, they have played to standing ovations in such diverse places as Sun Valley, Idaho, Evergreen and Denver, CO, Sedalia, MO, Medford and Seaside, OR, Clearwater, FL, Victoria, BC and numerous California events including festivals and parties in Mammoth Lakes, Orange County, Monterey, Pismo Beach, Three Rivers and Eureka. Ivory and Gold also performs each year at the prestigious Keswick and Bude Jazz Weeks in England.
For more information about Ivory and Gold’s appearances or recordings, please visit www.jeffbarnhart.com.