The stage is set for the 2025 Bix Beiderbecke Jazz Festival; July 31, Aug. 1 and Aug. 2 at the Rhythm City Casino in Davenport. With the same band lineup as in 2024—which drew an overwhelmingly positive response from festival patrons—plus an additional band and a new guest artist, this year’s Bix Jazz Festival may even outshine last year’s event!
The 2025 Bix Festival performers are:
Chicago Cellar Boys: Led by Andy Schumm, this red-hot jazz sextet plays a wide-ranging repertoire from Scott Joplin to Jimmie Noone.
Jazz-O-Maniacs: Leader and multi-instrumentalist T.J. Muller leads a seven-piece band that pays tribute to the “Riverboat Jazz” performed on the Upper Mississippi in the 1920s.
New Wonders: Mike Davis is the leader of this outstanding septet which specializes in the music of Bix Beiderbecke, Red Nichols, Miff Mole and their musical associates.
El Dorado Jazz Band: Washboardist Hal Smith’s ensemble pays tribute to the Southern California band of the 1960s that played New Orleans style jazz with a unique sound.
Bix Youth Band: Directed by Steve Little, the band includes young jazz musicians from around the Quad Cities who have demonstrated a real passion for classic jazz.
Graystone Monarchs: Davenport-based drummer/percussionist Josh Duffee leads this big band which performs authentic arrangements from the 1920s and 1930s.
Paul Asaro and his Rhythm: Pianist Paul Asaro is an internationally-renowned stride pianist and his septet plays (and sings) vintage songs that swing.
New in 2025:
Mortonia Seven: Under the keyboard direction of Kris Tokarski, this seven-piece group performs the music of Jelly Roll Morton and other New Orleans pioneers.
Special Guest: Miss Jubilee … One of the premier Blues vocalists of the 21st Century.
Jazz Fans who arrive before the Festival’s official start may want to attend the concert on Wednesday, July 30 at the Knoxville Tap (8716 Knoxville Rd., Milan, IL; 6 pm start). The Bix All-Stars – with Mike Davis, Andy Schumm, David Boeddinghaus, Josh Duffee and others – will perform. Reserved seats are $20, including meal. Contact Josh Duffee (563) 650-3403 or jgoldkette@msn.com for reservations.
On Thursday, July 31 at 3 pm, the Putnam Museum will present a concert by Colin Hancock’s Jazzologists—with Colin, Brandon Au, Natalie Scharf, Kris Tokarski, Jacob Alspach, Mikiya Matsuda, and Gina DeGregorio. (1717 W. 12th St., Davenport)
The Friday morning riverboat cruise aboard the Celebration Belle was a resounding success last year. The Bix Jazz Festival is bringing it back in 2025. The cruise, which includes music by T.J. Muller’s Jazz-O-Maniacs, a dance floor and a lunch buffet, departs Moline at 11 am on Friday, Aug. 1. Call (309) 764-1952 for information and reservations.
On Saturday, Aug. 2, The Mortonia Seven will play at Bix Beiderbecke’s gravesite in the Oakdale Memorial Gardens (2501 Eastern Ave., Davenport). The concert begins at 10 am.
The regularly-scheduled performances at the Rhythm City Casino will take place from 4-10:45 pm on Thursday (45-minute sets); noon to 9:45 pm Friday (60-minute sets) and 11 am to 10:15 pm Saturday (60-minute sets). Note: Part of the income from the tickets sold for Thursday night’s session at the Rhythm City Casino goes to the Bix Jazz Society’s Youth Education Fund. This fund helps cover the cost of the Bix Youth Band’s instruction and their performances around the Quad Cities.
Additional partnered events will take place on Sunday, Aug. 3 following the completion of the Bix Jazz Festival:
Bix Jazz Service: Sun., Aug. 3, 9:30am…First Presbyterian Church (the Beiderbecke Family’s church), 1702 Iowa St., Davenport, IA. Music by Jeff Barnhart and Friends.
Concert – Sun., Aug. 3, 2-4pm…Sound Conservatory, 504 17th St., Moline, IL. Music by Dave Bennett, Jeff Barnhart, Steve Pikal and Josh Duffee.
Silent Movie Screening – Sun., Aug. 3, 6 pm…Figge Art Museum, 225 W. 2nd St., Davenport, IA. Music by Jeff Barnhart and Josh Duffee. Presented by Truth First Film Alliance.
Presenting the 2025 Bix Jazz Festival Official T-Shirt
Designed by former Bix Jazz Society Board Member Bruce Walters and Band Advisor Hal Smith, the t-shirt celebrates the 100th anniversary of the recording of “Davenport Blues” by Bix and his Rhythm Jugglers, Bix’s first record as bandleader. This beautiful shirt will be available at the Bix Jazz Festival. After the festival it may be ordered through the society’s website.
For the latest news concerning the 2025 Bix Beiderbecke Jazz Festival, information regarding tickets, sponsorship opportunities, hotel reservations and membership in the Bix Beiderbecke Jazz Society, please visit www.bixsociety.org.
Hal Smith is an Arkansas-based drummer and writer. He leads the El Dorado Jazz Band and the
Mortonia Seven and works with a variety of jazz and swing bands. Visit him online at
halsmithmusic.com
