March 2006: This was the first time that the "CanAmGer" Jazz Band (CANadian, AMerican. GERman Jazz Band, see History section) did its annual tour in Florida. The band has done this every March now for 12 years as of the time of this writing (2017) and is scheduled again for March of 2018.
May 2007: The "CanAmGer" Jazz Band travels to Germany to play at the Dresden International Jazz Festival and then do a tour in Germany.
2008. In 2008 the "Coast to Coast Jazz Band" was established (see History) with Al Smith on cornet, John Skillman on clarinet, Gordon Moore on trombone, me on banjo, Larry Nusser on piano, Sid Townsend on bass, and Stan Mulder on drums. Also, in 2008, I started playing with "Tom Barrett's Dixieland Allstars" band, a local group in Bradenton. This led to my meeting Betty Comora (see History section) and we have been doing piano/banjo duet gigs ever since.
January 2009: It was about this time that I began playing every Tuesday from 1-3 p.m. with "Skip's Dixie Mix" at the Friendship Center in Sarasota. These are very good musicians, and it stretches me musically because they play lots of non-Dixie tunes including rhumbas, waltzes, cha-chas, and so forth for the dancers.
January 2010: The fledgling Coast to Coast Jazz Band does a "Jazz Sea" cruise in the Caribbean aboard the Celebrity cruise ship Equinox.
November 2010: Because the usual jam leader, John Skillman, is unavailable, I lead the jammer group on a Jazz Fest at Sea cruise to Panama aboard the MSC Poesia. Helping me in a big way are Phil Stone (tuba, trombone, cornet) and Sid Townsend (bass).
November 2011: I cancel my participation as jammer co-leader on the MSC cruise to New England because of my wife's illness.
November 2011: The Coast to Coast Jazz Band participates in the Chandler Arizona Jazz Festival. Phil Cartwright does an admirable job subbing for me on banjo.
November 2012: Because the usual jam leader, John Skillman, is unavailable, I lead the jammer group on a Jazz Fest at Sea cruise aboard the MSC Poesia. This time it is my good buddy Phil Stone assisting along with our very faithful volunteer and all round good guy, Dr. Jim Gover on tuba and bone.
December 2013: Because John Skillman, the usual jammer leader is once again unavailable, I, along with Gordon Moore on trombone, lead the jammer group on a Jazz Fest at Sea cruise in the Caribbean aboard the MSC Divina. Once again, our trusty volunteer, Dr. Jim Gover is there to help in a big way.
March 2013: My first gig as banjoist with the Buck Creek Jazz Band at the Redwood Cost Music Festival in Eureka, CA.
June 2013: My second gig with the Buck Creek Jazz Band at America's Classic Jazz Festival in Olympia, WA.
February 2014: With the Buck Creek Jazz Band at the Fresno Dixieland Jazz Festival in Fresno, CA
June 2014: With the Buck Creek Jazz Band at America's Classic Jazz Festival in Olympia, WA.
September 2014: With the Buck Creek Jazz Band at the Summit Jazz Festival in Denver, CO.
October 2014: John Skillman and I, along with Dr. Jim Gover lead the jammers aboard the MSC Divina on a Caribbean jazz cruise.
January 2015: With the Buck Creek Jazz Band for a "Jazz Sea Cruise" in the Caribbean aboard Holland America's ship, Ryndam.
February 2015: Performed with the Buck Creek Jazz Band at the Heart ‘n Soul of Jazz event at Pinehurst, NC. The featured artist is Tierney Sutton (7-time Grammy nominee) and her band from California.
November 2015: John Skillman and I, along with Dr. Jim Gover lead the jammers aboard the MSC Divina on a Caribbean jazz cruise.
November 2016: With the Buck Creek Jazz Band at the San Diego Jazz Festival.
December 2016: John Skillman and I, along with Dr. Jim Gover lead the jammers aboard the MSC Divina on a Caribbean jazz cruise.
Summer 2017: Been playing occasionally on Saturday night with the jazz band at Slates Restaurant in Cape Coral. Organized by trombonist Herb Bruce. Some great players including Mark Petty (trumpet), Jim Snyder (clarinet), Jim Syoen (tuba), and Don Mopsick (bass.)
January 7-17, 2018: I will be playing with the New Orleans Nighthawks on a Holland America jazz cruise in the Caribbean. For more information contact Jazz Sea Crusises.