“Bunny” Berigan Jazz Jubilee

Sat., May 15^th, 2010

Although the “Bunny” Berigan Jazz Jubilee will only be held on one day this year, Saturday, May 15^th, 2010, from 2 to 5 PM. It will be a day to remember. Due to budget constraints the Jubilee had to scale back to one concert, but hopes remain strong that next year, 2011, will see the three day event back in all it’s glory.

Playing at the 2010 Jazz Jubilee will be the “Bunny” Berigan Memorial Band led by the famous Wisconsin musician, Rev. Allan Townsend. Rev. Al Townsend has been a mainstay of the Jazz Jubilee for quite a few years. He actually rescued it one year when it looked like the event would not take place in any manner by bringing his Wonderful World Jazz Band to Fox Lake for an afternoon of music after they had played for a church service in Madison, WI. Professionally the Rev. Al was the Pastor at North Presbyterian Church in La Crosse beginning in 1978. He and his wife Carla have three grown children, Peter, Karen, and John and they still reside in La Crosse in their retirement. The Rev. Al has created musical ecumenical jazz liturgies for community events, festivals, and church services.

The “Bunny” Berigan Jazz Jubilee will take place at the American Legion Hall in the center of Fox Lake. The doors will open at 12 noon and the Legion will be serving fantastic sandwiches and sides for the afternoon. Featured for the food will be a prime-rib sandwich and chicken sandwich that Legionaire, Louie Jordan, is famous for. The Legion Hall can accommodate 200 persons, so those wishing to make a reservation should call Julie at 920-928-6094. Cost of the concert is $20.00 per person.

Members of the “Bunny” Berigan Memorial Band along with the Rev. Al Townsend will be Don Chesebro on Reeds, Steve Clay on Bass, Chuck Chihak on Piano, Paul Erickson on Banjo and Guitar, Pete Runde on Trombone, and Tom Wirkus on Drums. All the musicians in this band are top-notch professional players that play with many different bands and even have bands of their own. They also regularly play other music besides the Traditional Dixieland Jazz that will be featured on May 15^th.

Available at the event will be beautiful polo shirts in different colors, T-Shirts, tote bags, and more featuring the “Bunny” Berigan imprint. The afternoon promises to be a wonderful tribute to the famous trumpet player from Fox Lake, “Bunny” Berigan, SO COME ONE COME ALL!!!!