Southern Fried Jazz Band

When veteran trumpet player Don Edwards decided to organize the Southern Fried Jazz Band, he selected musicians who were exceptional jazz players as well as seasoned performers. Having played for some of the best names in the music business, his standards were very high. Some of the highlights of his career include serving as lead trumpet with the bands of Hal McIntyre, Ray Anthony, Billy May, Ralph Marterie, Buddy Morrow, and Charlie Spivak. Following the Big Band era, Edwards spend fifteen years in Vegas performing in stage shows with Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Sarah Vaughan, the Rat Pack and numerous other artists. In addition he backed some of the finest names in jazz, including Louis Armstrong, and the World's Greatest Jazz Band. With his background, it was only natural that he handpicked the finest talent he could find to make up the Southern Fried Jazz Band.

SPECIAL EVENTS:
When not on tour, the Southern Fried Jazz Band meets the needs for a wide variety of special events. Some of these include Mardi Gras parties, festivals, corporate events and conventions, fund raisers, political rallies and private parties. Mixing its exceptional talent for reading the crowd with its ability to belt out the traditional Dixieland jazz music of New Orleans with amazing ease and gusto, the band never fails to create a festive atmosphere that excites the crowd and leaves it wanting more. As needed, it includes vocalists, and can also perform standards and more contemporary music for dancing as well as background dinner music.

REGULAR SHOW:
The regular Southern Fried Jazz Band show depicts the evolution of early jazz in America, from the levees and cotton fields of Louisiana up the Mississippi to the early jazz clubs in Chicago. Classic Dixieland tunes blend with the narration and colorful anecdotes of leader Don Edwards, allowing the audience to share in an experience that is an important part of America’s past, present and future. As leader of the band, Edwards has an uncanny knack for stretching his musicians well beyond their imaginings “on the job.” One of his fans recently observed that “he operates his band like a well-oiled machine.” In addition, he makes sure each of its members enjoys some time in the spotlight. A master of timing and showmanship, Edwards manages to translate each performance of the Southern Fried Jazz Band into an experience to be remembered long after the band has left the stage. From its opening number to its grand finale, the audience is mesmerized.

CHRISTMAS SHOW:
The magic and excitement of the holidays come alive as the Southern Fried Jazz Band rings in the season with much loved Christmas tunes. Instrumentals mix with vocals in a delightful, well-paced performance that inspires young and old alike. The show reaches its peak as the audience singing with the band during the grand finale.....And the whole family heads for home filled with the Christmas spirit.

FOURTH OF JULY & MEMORIAL DAY SHOWS:
The Southern Fried Jazz Band creates its own fireworks as it performs patriotic songs with a Dixieland flavor that cause the crowd to erupt with applause, sing along with the band, or both. Special tribute is paid to the Armed Forces as the band plays the theme song of each branch of service. It’s a true flag-waving experience that leaves the audience with a renewed spirit of patriotism.