The Potomac River Jazz Club at 50

In the beginning, it was about “fun and games”. At least that was what trombonist Al Webber is reliably reported to have said when he talked to bandstand pal Tom Nieman about bringing people together to enjoy jazz. It was the fall of 1970, a historically turbulent time “featuring” the divisive Vietnam War, hippies, the breakup of the Beatles. It was the Me Decade. People talked about “going to the gig,” and “spazzing out.” They collected pet rocks (full disclosure, this writer had some and they may still be in a hidden corner). Sadly, Louis died in 1971, was deeply mourned, but the music never stopped. Traditional jazz was in revival times with legions of enthusiastic fans who danced at hotels, restaurants, festivals, and back yard soirees. Prodded by super jazz fans Fred and Anna Wahler, Webber and pianist Niemann concocted a social group they dubbed The Potomac River Jazz Club where fans could congregate to enjoy and support local bands. Coconspirators were kazooist John “Fat Cat McRee” (Manassas Jazz Fest impresario), trombonist Hal Farmer, and washboarder/broadcaster George Mercer, each coughing up fifty bucks for stationery and such. They comprised Alexandria’s Ragtime Band, cleverly named after the northern Virginia city across the Potomac River from the nation’s capital. Bratwursthaus in nearby Springfield, VA was the first venue for the band.