Bert Barr was the founder and leader of the Uptown Lowdown Jazz Band which reigned in the North West for decades with its signature "Seattle Sound". When he died in April it was clear that the band could not go on without him. But fans of their specific style of West Coast Revival Jazz will have one more chance to hear the band play under that name.
America's Classic Jazz Festival is back this year after a hiatus and a highlight will be a tribute to Bert Barr and the final performance of Uptown Lowdown. And yes you can plan on hearing one of their signature Apostles of Sax sets featuring Uptown Lowdowners with friends from other groups in a bass sax extravaganza.
The 28th America's Classic Jazz Festival, sponsored by the Greater Olympia Dixieland Jazz Society, will be held June 27-30th in Lacey WA. The festival is back after their usual location on Saint Martin's University campus was unavailable last year. This year they have expanded RV accommodations and the festival will feature four stages, three dance floors, and a lineup that doesn't miss a beat.
Top bands from across the country are on board including Black Swan with Marilyn Keller, Toledo's Cake Walkin' Jass Band, CanUS, Chicago's Fat Babies, Denver's Queen City JB, Wolverines JB,, Tom Rigney's Flambeau, Josh Duffee's Graystone Monarchs, Grand Dominion, and from closer to home Ray Skjelbred, and Washington Stat
