West End Jazz Band

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Jerry Tifft

A six-piece band.

West End Jazz Band

media release: The Madison Jazz Society begins the “final four” concerts in their last concert series by presenting the West End Jazz Band on Sunday, February 19.

President Linda Marty Schmitz stated, “The West End Jazz Band had been hired to perform at our April 2020 concert but COVID reared its ugly head.  We are so pleased that they are able to be with us at one of our final concerts.  Their repertoire and musicianship always amazes the audience.”

The West End Jazz Band recreates the classic music of the 1920s and 1930s, using original arrangements and instrumentation true to the era’s style.  The band’s repertoire consists of a broad representation of the music of this golden age. They feature the pure jazz numbers, the nonsense songs, the up-tempo tunes and the beautiful ballads.  The band's extensive book is full of great standards, obscure songs, as well the straight dance medleys and waltzes that reflect the romantic and sweet side of that era.  For over 35 year, the West End Jazz Band has recreated this classic music.

Originally, most of the members of West End were from the west side of the Chicago, from which the band takes its name.  The band now includes the best musicians in the country for this genre no matter where they are from.  Members are Mike Bezin (the band’s founder), cornet; Leah Bezin, banjo; Frank Gualtieri, trombone; Eric Schneider, reeds; Dave Bock, tuba and Andy Schumm, drums.

The concert will be held at the East Side Club, 3735 Monona Drive, Madison, from 1-4 PM, with doors opening at 12:30 AM.  Ticket price: $15-MJS members; $20-non-members and those age 18 & younger-free.  More information is available on the Society’s web site, www.madisonjazz.com or by calling 608-850-5400.