Shanghai Woolies to bring big band to life at BBR

To say "The Shanghai Woolies play Big Band music" doesn't do justice to the many influences that permeate this eight-piece ensemble from Portland. Performing at the second concert of the Live at the Ranch summer concert series on Sunday, August 21, the Woolies not only bring the big band music of the 1920s and '30s to life, they also pay homage to the greats of the day such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Paul Whiteman, Tommy Dorsey, and the swing of Benny Goodman.

Back in the winter of 1999, Pink Martini trumpeter Gavin Bondy was looking to start a new band that would satisfy his love of many styles of music including early American jazz. By 2004 they released their debut CD "Jungle Nights."

"I had an opportunity to see the Woolies at the My Own Two Hands auction a couple of years ago," said Black Butte Ranch concert coordinator Katie Williams, "and since that time I've wanted to have them out here for a show. People are going to be very impressed when they hear them."

The CD was released to an enthusiastic crowd at the Aladdin Theatre in Portland. Not long after, National Public Radio took notice and put the third track "Concerto for Trumpet" on their Open Mic website. It wasn't too long after that the track received one of the highest public ratings ever.

James Rodgers, of Victory Review-NW Roots magazine said, "Though the Brian Setzer Orchestra and others have paved this road, the fanciest, coolest machine on the highway is The Shanghai Woolies."

Since the CD release the Woolies have been busy taking their unique sound to communities all over the northwest including such prestigious venues as Portland's newly refurbished Crystal Ballroom, the Portland Art Museum, and at Portland's most notable jazz club, Jimmy Mak's.

There have been numerous personnel changes in the band over the years. The current line-up consists of Gavin Bondy on trumpet, brother Clark on sax, Ben Medler, trombone and vocals, Tyson Schmidling on lead guitar, the versatile Nick O'Donnel on guitar, banjo, and vocals, Bernardo Gomez, upright bass, Joe Haegele on drums, and Khilmony Downs on vocals, who most recently replaced Mel Kubik, who left to pursue a solo career.

The final concert in the series will be held Labor Day Sunday, September 4 with Seattle's Motown-inspired Soul Jelly, and blues sensations The Ty Curtis Band.

Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.BendTicket.com or at the Welcome Center at Black Butte Ranch. For more information call Katie Williams at 541-595-1510.