We welcome The Rivertown Vintage Jazz Band to our stage for the first time and invite you to listen to their music and dance to it on our big dance floor. The band is from all over Northern Michigan and isdedicat ed to the performance and preservation of New Orleans style, vintage jazz. Their repertoire of this timeless music ranges from the late 1800’s through the 1940's.

We welcome The Rivertown Vintage Jazz Band to our stage for the first time and invite you to listen to their music or better, to dance to it on our big dance floor.

The Rivertown Vintage Jazz Band is a group of like-minded individuals dedicated to the performance and preservation of New Orleans style, vintage jazz. Their repertoire of this timeless music ranges from the late 1800’s through the 1940’s. Sharing a passion for this music is what brings them together from all over Northern Michigan.

Lately, there has been resurgence in this music, also known as Trad Jazz. Originating in New Orleans, it was also known as Hot Jazz. In most of the major cities today, you can find young musicians playing this vintage music with passion and fire, attracting listeners and dancers alike. The below musicians have been performing this music since the 60’s and bring a lot of skill and excitement to their performances.

Doug Houseworth (Alanson): Trumpet/valve trombone & vocals. Growing up at the knee of his Ragtime Grandma, he developed a love of the lively Ragtime rhythms and syncopations of Traditional Jazz. He studied music at MSU, and has been part of a number of big bands and small combos in Northern Michigan.

Susan Houseworth (Alanson): Banjo and vocals. She began performing music in high school as part of a folk trio. Noted for her impeccable ear and stylized vocals, it was an easy transition for her to join husband Doug’s Rivertown Jazz Band. Her rock steady banjo playing lays down a great foundation.

Jim LaCross (Alpena): Clarinet/soprano/tenor saxophone. Jim studied jazz at Berklee School of Music in Boston. He later toured the country doing USO shows. Jim played for over 20 years in the Petoskey/Ch arlevoix area in a variety of venues. He is equally at home playing clarinet in a Traditional Jazz setting, or as a big band vocalist doing Sinatra standards. He offers a special treat for listeners with his impersonations of Louis Armstrong, singing jazz classics. Jim is always a crowd pleaser.

Eric Dunckel (Harrisville): Upright Bass. Eric grew up in Ossineke, Michigan; after high school he worked his way out to the Pacific Northwest, married the love of his life and obtained a musical education. Returning to his roots, he bought a farm in Alcona County in 1994. A chance meeting with a lovely old Kay Upright Bass re-ignited Eric’s Muse, and he’s been playing the low notes ever since.