Hot Trad Jazz Society, Inc.

The music is loved by all ages and part of the fun is mixing with the various generations.

Hot Jazz Festival Info

Phone: 509-786-7977

Fax: 509-786-7236

E-mail: jazzbash@wineandhotjazzbash.org

In 1974 a hot jazz festival was organized in Sacramento California by Oregon resident, Bill Borcher.  The festival was unique as it featured Hot or Classic jazz (beginning jazz from its roots in New Orleans to about 1935)as opposed to festivals that were featuring modern jazz (cool), be-bop, mainstream, etc.   Other festivals of this type such as in Central City, Colorado were popular and showed that smaller festivals could  be successful.  Today, many festivals of this type have developed the  Sacramento concept and are now presented throughout the US and in many other parts of the world.  The Sacramento Jubilee has grown to be  the largest festival of its kind  and annually attracts between 100,000 and 200,000 patrons each Memorial Day holiday.

Typically, a hot jazz festival will feature 6 to 8 musicians.  Usually a front line of cornet (trumpet), trombone, reeds and a back line of piano, bass, drums and banjo/guitar.  Often the bands will feature a vocalist.  Dress for a festival is casual, though many patrons like to dress up in the dress of the 1920’s or 1930’s and 40’s.  Some like to bring and show off jazz umbrellas  and sometimes specialty items.

Dancing is a big part of a festival for many.  Anyone can dance a two step to the music or get more fancy with a fox trot, the balboa, fancy swing, the Lindy Hop or many of the dances popular in the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s.

To contact us: