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THE DIRTY RIVER

JAZZ BAND

Traditional Jazz from the Heart of Texas

          The Dirty River Jazz Band is a traditional style jazz band hailing from San Antonio, Texas. The first band members originally met at Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas; where most of them studied music. After a concert put on by San Antonio’s own Jim Cullum, Chris Alvarado and Kris Vargas decided to put a similar group together. Their first public performance was under a gazebo on the square of downtown Seguin where they instantly started turning heads. They have gone on to perform at swing dance events, weddings, corporate events, private parties, and a number of venues around the United States.

          The band is managed by Drummer, Vocalist, and Arranger Chris Alvarado, who also handles bookings. The band is led on stage by Cornetist Kris Vargas and backed by Ian Anderson (Trombone), Nick Brown (Clarinet), and Dan Walton (Piano), Tyler Jackson (Banjo/Guitar), Edwin Brown (Tuba), and Sarah Ulloa (Vocals)! This group can be heard on their newest album entitled “LIVE & KRAZY” which was recorded in January 2019 at Jazz, TX. The Dirty River Jazz Band’s sound closely emulates The Jim Cullum Jazz Band who has helped mentor the members of the band. Other similar artists include: Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, Kid Ory, Fats Waller, Turk Murphy, Lu Watters and many others. With everyone in the band being a music educator, the goal of the band is to bring high energy and expertise to a style of music that some have forgotten. The roaring 20’ are coming back around and The Dirty River Jazz Band is the future of traditional jazz in Texas.

Orchestra

The Dirty River Orchestra

1920's - 1940's Big Band Jazz

     Our Orchestra offers two different configurations of the group, including a full 15 piece big band as well as a smaller 10 piece band. The band closely resembles the sounds of The Chick Webb Orchestra, Ella Fitzgerald and her Famous Orchestra, Jimmie Lunceford and his Orchestra, Fletcher Henderson, Early Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman and many others of the period. The Dirty River Orchestra has played a number of swing dancing events, private events, and wedding! This band is the perfect fit for your next classy swing era party!

Small Groups

Small Groups

We can accommodate any event and budget!

The Dirty River Jazz Band takes pride in accommodating any event and any budget thrown our way, which is why we offer many different sizes of bands all specializing in early Jazz! Including, but not limited to:

  • The Dirty River Quartet

  • The Dirty Rio Trio

  • Duos, and even Solo Piano

If you have a special request for a certain group or instrumentation please let us know and we will make it happen!

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