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On July 3, 1968, Toledo’s Cakewalkin’ Jass Band began performing
at Tony Packo's Café,
and continued to entertain crowds there for almost 33 years (except for a
short time in 1980 and 1981, when the band was featured at Lulu's Storyville Saloon in the Old Towne annex of Southwyck Shopping Center). They later played weekly gigs at Ragtime Rick’s First Draught, Murphy’s Place, and Ragtime Rick’s Second Edition. Ray
Heitger – leader and clarinet player – is the only original
member of the band, although most of the current group has been together over
20 years. The Cakewalkin’ Jass Band has performed at
numerous Jazz Festivals from coast to coast, including an unprecedented 17
years at the Bix Beiderbecke Memorial
Jazz Festival in Davenport,
Iowa. They have also
played concerts for over a dozen Jazz Clubs. Check
their Website for more information: |
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CAKEWALKIN' JASS BAND Toledo, Ohio |
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Ray Heitger, clarinet, leader Dave Kosmyna, cornet Russ Damschroder, trombone Betsy Grafing, banjo Jim Fagnano, drums “Ragtime Rick”
Grafing, piano Bob Miller, string bass Nicole Heitger, vocals |