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Founded in 1973 by Clyde Berhardt, a blues singer who also holds the distinction of being King Oliver's trombonist, and jazz aficionado Al Vollmer, the Harlem Blues and Jazz Band has as its main mission to keep significant side-men of the Classic Jazz Period working and not forgotten. The continued quality of this group has caused the band to be declared a National Treasure and one of the most authentic Swing Bands playing today. The band has performed at Lincoln Center in NYC, the Ordway Theater in Minnesota, countless Jazz Festivals, as well as main venues in Europe, including the American Embassy and Tchaikovsky Hall in Moscow, Russia.
A documentary about the Harlem Blues & Jazz Band entitled "The Last Of the First" was screened at the Tribeca Film Festival in NYC several years ago, and won an award for best documentary at the Newport International Film Festival in Rhode Island.
Come celebrate with us as we hear stories from the band’s travels, and tales from the swing era and even before! |
