Bob Draga (1947–2025)

Clarinetist Bob Draga, a beloved mainstay of the traditional jazz festival circuit, passed away on September 23, 2025, on his 78th birthday. Known for his impeccable musicianship, sharp wit, and engaging stage presence, Draga was widely regarded as one of the most entertaining figures in the world of classic jazz.

A native of Florida, Draga began playing clarinet at age 11 after his father insisted he forgo his first choice, the trombone. Largely self-taught, he developed a fluid, expressive tone often compared to Benny Goodman and Irving Fazola, though he considered himself an acolyte of Pete Fountain. After joining a local Dixieland group in Clearwater in 1969 and leading a swing quartet a few years later, he joined Bill Allred’s Reedy Creek Jazz Band in 1979. In 1981, he co-founded the Garden Avenue Seven with vocalist Paulette Pepper, performing together for more than two decades. Their 1983 debut at the San Diego Jazz Festival quickly led to a string of West Coast bookings, and their mix of polished musicianship and humorous repartee soon made the band festival favorites nationwide.

During the 1990s, while still fronting the Garden Avenue Seven, Draga co-led the Draga-Vax Connection with trumpeter Mike Vax and trombonist Steve Yocum. By the late 1990s, he was part of the Titan Hot Seven, an offshoot of the Mr. Jack Daniel’s Silver Cornet Band. They briefly became one of the most popular acts on the festival circuit. Later came the enduring trio We 3, with Jeff Barnhart and Danny Coots, a festival favorite into recent years.

Drage was named Emperor of the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee in 2010 and performed widely on Jazzdagen Cruises, bringing his blend of virtuosity and showmanship to audiences around the world. Deeply committed to jazz education, Draga served as a clinician for the Traditional Jazz Youth Band Festival in Sacramento from 2008 on and inspired a scholarship fund in his name to support young clarinetists.

In recent years, Bob Draga remained a festival fixture and in-demand guest clarinetist. He continued working cruise gigs, for both JazzFest at Sea and Jazzdagen. He played the Hot Jazz Jubilee as recently as 2023 and appeared annually at Monterey’s Jazz Bash by the Bay, including featured sets with Marc Caparone’s Sierra Stompers, We 3, and was slated to lead his long running group, Draga’s Dragons, at the 2025 edition. His exuberant humor, generous mentorship, and unmistakable sound made him one of the most beloved figures in the traditional jazz community.