Eddie Piccard and the Busch Brothers take to the Uptown Theatre stage on Friday, November 10th @ 7:30pm with their show “Meet Me In New Orleans”.

Jazz has been called “the truly American art form.” Growing out of the rhythms and cultures of New Orleans it has spread over the world, bringing joy to listeners on many continents, in many cities. And here in eastern Iowa we have our own jazz legend—Eddie Piccard. Eddie and his band will be performing in Mount Vernon on November 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Uptown Theater in the First Street Community Center. The program—Meet Me in New Orleans— will include many Dixieland favorites. Eddie has always loved Dixieland music. He started out on the trombone and became familiar with New Orleans jazz early in his career.

Eddie Piccard grew up in eastern Iowa, and began playing music on his grandmother’s piano. He left for larger venues in Chicago, Florida and on the west coast. But he came back to Iowa in the 1980s and has become a jazz icon in eastern Iowa since returning to his home state. Iowans remember fondly the jazz club Eddie and his wife Dallis opened on Mount Vernon Road in the 1990s. But Iowans weren’t the only ones to frequent Eddie’s place. Travelers from other states came to this club for the chic décor and the unforgettable nights of music. Jazz musicians stopped by, too, after finishing up a gig in the area. The club was forced to close because of road widening. Eddie now plays regularly all over eastern Iowa, as well as in the Chicago area and the Twin Cities.

Eddie and the musicians play hot traditional favorites, classic Dixieland, and cool Latin tunes. The group features Eddie on piano and vocals, Tim Crumley on drums, Rich Martin on vibes, and Dave Richter on bass. This year the group will be joined by the Busch Brothers, popular Dixieland instrumentalists from Wisconsin. “We all love playing in Mount Vernon,” Eddie says. “And this group always brings full energy to the stage.”

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Rich Martin’s career began in college where he was a drummer and a vibist. He took an extended break from performing to teach at Cornell College. But the music called him back and he began sitting in with Eddie’s trio fifteen years ago, while still teaching. He is now a full-time member of the group.

Dave Richter comes from Dubuque to perform in Meet Me in New Orleans. He is well-known in northeast Iowa as an accomplished guitarist, bassist, and banjo player. He performs in Iowa, Wisconsin, and the Chicago area.

Tim Crumley performs frequently with the Eddie Piccard Jazz Quartet, as well as a number of regional ensembles, including Ashanti, The Rusty Johnson Group, and the John Shultz Trio. Tim is a lyrical and sensitive drummer who is always engaged and engaging.

TICKETS:  $15 and can be purchased at Bauman’s Clothing Store.

Patrons are welcome to bring a favorite beverage and purchase a Community Center cup.