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Dixieland Monterey’s Musician-of-the-Year (2009):
Pieter Meijers
 Pieter Meijers, born in the Netherlands, began musical training at age six. He played in a concert band with his father as the conductor. While a student in Amsterdam he became a regular at the Dutch trad jazz scene, but he quit playing Jazz to complete his studies.
He continued concert band activities and became a conductor in 1967. In 1968, with his doctorate in nuclear chemistry and physics complete, he came to New York to pursue research. Soon he started playing jazz again. Pieter was the leader of the Isotope Stompers on Long Island. He also performed in musicals as a musician and later as musical director.
In 1981 Pieter came to LA and within one year he joined the Nightblooming Jazzmen. He was their reed man for 13 years. For a few years he worked free lance in several bands as a guest and in 1998 Pieter was asked to become a permanent member of the High Sierra Jazz Band. He has been the leader of this band since 1999. He is also the leader of the highly successful PIETER MEIJERS QUARTET that has toured the world featuring great vocalists such as Rebecca Kilgore, Ruby Wilson, Nina Ferro, Paulette Pepper and Brady McKay.
In addition, Pieter has become a frequent featured artist at jazz festivals and jazz cruises. He has performed all over the world with some of the most famous bands and musicians. He has more than 20 recordings to his credit. Pieter's artistry in music is lyrical, often hard-driving but always with technical brilliance. His improvisations are innovative and daring, and his humor brings enjoyment on stage and off. Pieter maintains a position as Senior Conservation Scientist (contract) at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
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Pieter Meijers, born in the Netherlands, began musical training at age six. He played in a concert band with his father as the conductor. While a student in Amsterdam he became a regular at the Dutch trad jazz scene, but he quit playing Jazz to complete his studies.