Sisters Jazz Festival is a hit

High Street swings at the big tent during the Sisters Jazz Festival. photo by Tim O'Neal The weather was chilly but the music was hot at the 13th Sisters Jazz Festival (SJF) last weekend, September 17-19.

The festival has grown more eclectic over the past few years, expanding from Dixieland to cover a broader palette of jazz styles. The formula seems to be working.

Festival chairman Tom Worcester said that the festival was "musically... just an outstanding performance. Without question the best line-up we've had."

The Dan Balmer Quartet was an example of the festival's new face. The noted Portland guitarist performed at the Bronco Billy's stage to good-sized crowds that were highly receptive to his original compositions.

Balmer was, well, jazzed to be performing in Sisters. He told his audience that his family has long owned a vacation property in Camp Sherman.

"I've been coming here all my life," he said.

Another festival newcomer was High Street. The band offered a lively combination of jazz, swing and jump blues that pleased the dancers in the crowd. The band was also visually dazzling, with each member decked out in a bright colored zoot suit and fedora.

Cornet Chop Suey trumpets their jazz sound. photo by Tim O'Neal

Old favorites like Chicago Six and Bill Allred made return appearances and virtuoso pianist Michael Kaeshammer and his Michael Kaeshammer continued to dazzle the festival audience with playing that is as emotionally stirring as it is technically proficient.

Kaeshammer also participated in a show-highlight three-piano performance at Sisters High School (see story, page 4).

The festival remains pleasing to veterans of the jazz festival circuit.

George and June Dimick of Lincoln, California, were drawn to the festival by the zydeco band Gator Beat, whom they had seen at festivals in Sacramento and San Diego.

The couple visited Central Oregon for the first time last month for a Redmond RV convention.

They decided to hang around, making a quick trip to the coast before returning for the festival.

"You have a good turnout for a little town," June said.