Driftless Jazz Festival 2010

Viroqua, WI – May 28-31

Improvisation Workshop for all ages, all levels

Friday, May 28th at 7:30pm at Parrish Music (111 South Main Street Viroqua, WI (608) 637-7730).
This will be a workshop in the fundamentals of improvisation for all ages, all levels. Whether you sing or play an instrument, this workshop will engage everyone and provide a safe, fun environment for beginning improvisation. Come express yourself!

Jazz History 101: made fun!

Saturday May 29th at 10am at Parrish Music (111 South Main Street Viroqua, WI (608) 637-7730).
Jazz history comes to life via historical video and audio snippets put into context with just enough lecture to keep it interesting. Come see and hear the roots of modern American music and learn about the incredible musicians who made it happen.

Swingin’ at the Viroqua Food Coop

Saturday, May 29th from 12:30-3pm Bob Ockenden Trio at Viroqua Food Coop
Bob studied jazz guitar at the Southwest Guitar Conservatory in San Antonio. Texas and at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music in Milwaukee. He has worked in a variety of small ensembles, and has recorded two CD’s “Bob and Jack, What We do” with the nationally known and respected Jack Grassel and “The Dextet, Perchance to Dream”, a Twin Cities based Sextet performing original music.

Embrace Change: the Art of the Duo

Sunday, May 30th at 7:30pm at Greenman Music Hall (Main Street, Viroqua, WI)
Those of you paying close attention will notice this last-minute switcheroo. We still have a great line up of musicians. Check this out: Dave Cooper (trumpet), Tom Gullion (saxes), Bill Neil (piano), Nick Moran (bass) and Rich MacDonald (drums). We’ll start off with some powerful straight-ahead jazz. The second half will feature intimate, simplified jazz in the form of duos. We’ll mix and match these musicians and present a varied program of jazz standards, originals and reinterpretations. We’re excited to present this music and this new format. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door.

If you have questions or comments, please e-mail us at festival@fourthstream.net.

David Cooper, trumpet

David Cooper is widely recognized as one of the most versatile trumpets players in the Midwest.  His performing affiliations include the Madison Symphony Orchestra, the New Breed Jazz Quintet, The Art Blakey Tribute Band, and The Tim Whalen Nonet.  Performances have been with such renowned artists as; Doc Severinsen, Adolph Herseth, Kurt Elling, Wayne Newton, Lynn Harrell, Orbert Davis, Ben Sidran, Andre Watts, Bob Mintzer, Joe Williams, Ed Shaunessy, Clyde Stubblefield, Bobby McFerrin, Armen Donelian, Lew Soloff, Bobby Shew, Bob Newhart, Marie Osmond, Robert Goulet, among others.  Ensemble affiliations have included the Wisconsin Brass Quintet, the Milwaukee, Madison, Canton and La Crosse Symphony Orchestras, The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, The Dallas Brass, Walt Disney World, and the Aspen Jazz Ensemble. 

Don’t Quit Your Day Job

Bob Ockenden, guitar, David Edminster, tenor sax, Bjorn Villesvek, bass. Bob Ockenden, guitar, studied jazz guitar at the Southwest Guitar Conservatory in San Antonio, Texas, and at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music in Milwaukee. He has worked in a variety of small ensembles, and has recorded two CD’s, “Bob and Jack, What we do”, with the nationally known and respected Jack Grassel, and “The Dextet, Perchance to Dream”, a twin Cities based sextet performing original music. He also started and runs a website, Jazzman.com., serving independent jazz artists, providing a platform for exposure and distribution of their recorded material and schedules. When he is not pursuing his music, Mr. Ockenden pursues his career as a restoration specialist for antique clocks