Events

The Washboard Wizardz present musical comedy floated on a sudsy foundation of clean rhythm and old-fashioned fun. Hot vocals, clarinet, and kazoo bubble over the washboard, while the guitar, bass, and banjo shine the time below. Call it hillbilly jazz, vintage washboard fun with an upbeat twist of today. The quartet's repertoire grows from 1920's roots, with salutes to the musical mayhem of the Washboard Rhythm Kings, the Hoosier Hot Shots, and a mess of Memphis jug bands. They've also added tunes of today to the mix, including originals and a wink to Elvis, all bathed in washboard style. With more than 25 years of performance experience at fairs and festivals, the Washboard Wizardz usually keep the music, and the crowd, under control. As they are happiest when seeing an audience grinning, laughing, and tapping their toes, it's no wonder the Wizardz are happy all the time. Featured vocalist and boardist Steve Drivon played trombone and sang with The Glenn Miller Orchestra. That qualified him to play slide whistle with the Wizardz. Hanging upside down, guitarist and banjoist Kurt Abell appeared many times on the Gong Show as "Count Banjola." That's why he knows the banjo forward and backwards. Reedist "Blackwood Tom" Schmidt has worked with Sourdough Slim and Backwoods Jazz. That's why he wears the moniker "King of the Cowboy Clarinet." Bassist Bill Reinhart is the leader of the Washboard Wizardz and the Port City Jazz Band. » read more

Moon Trent, The Autis Toole and Helen Million come hear music and poetry at this all-ages free event!! » read more