Cakewalkin’ Jass Band Donates Band Memorabilia to Library
(Released August 2, 2011) – Historical items from the Calkwalkin’ Jass Band were recently donated to the Library Local History department’s Toledo Jazz Archive. A News Conference featuring a special concert by the Cakewalkin’ Jass Band is scheduled promptly at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 10 in the McMaster Lobby of Main Library, 325 Michigan St.
Ray Heitger, founder of the band organized in 1967, said he selected the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library for this donation to document an important part of Toledo’s musical history. Donated materials include photographs, newspaper articles, props, posters, banners, fan letters, old music notes, buttons, records and national jazz magazines.
“I thought since (Cakewalkin’ Jass Band) was a band based in Toledo, we would give our memories back to the Toledo public,” said Heitger, who plays clarinet, soprano saxophone and vocals for the band.
Mike Lora, Local History Special Collections Coordinator, said this recent donation represents an important contribution of authentic New Orleans style repertoire. He added that Cakewalkin’s Toledo presence has included a longtime run at Tony Packo’s Café; gigs at various jazz clubs, festivals, funerals, weddings and parties; seven albums; radio and TV appearances, and published articles in newspapers and magazines such as the Jazzologist and The Mississippi Rag.
The Cakewalkin’ Jass Band still performs throughout the region consisting of eight members and an instrumentation of banjo, string bass, piano, cornet, clarinet, drums, trombone, and vocals.
NOTE: For additional information visit toledolibrary.org, or call Local History and Genealogy Department at 419.259.5233
Press Release Contact Name: Rhonda Sewell
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Organization Name: Toledo Lucas County Public Library