MOLINE, Ill. — It's a musical birthday bash fit for a Quad City legend.
The public is invited to the Bix Beiderbecke Birthday Bash on March 9 and 10 for a weekend of live music, food, conversations and the return of a piece of history instrumental to Bix's musical journey.
It will also celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Bix's first records made with The Wolverine Orchestra for the Gennett label in Richmond, Indiana back in 1924.
It all kicks off on Saturday, March 9 with a conversation with Dr. Charlie Dahan and Bob Jacobsen. This will be from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Davenport Public Library's Eastern Branch, located at 6000 Eastern Ave.
Then the big celebration takes place on the actual day of Bix's 121st birthday, March 10 from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Viking Club of Moline at 1450 41st St.
The Graystone Monarchs, a regional group made up of 10 professional musicians from around the Midwest specializing in 1920s-style music, will be performing.
As a special treat, they'll play Don Murray's music with his own tenor saxophone. Murray was a talented jazz musician and best friend of Bix. The saxophone in question was used to record Murray's records in the 1920s. This will be the first time since 1929 that this instrument has been used to perform.
"This event is one that shouldn't be missed by the community," Josh Duffee, member of the Graystone Monarchs and a local historian/musician, said.
You can purchase your tickets here. There are a few levels:
- $25 general admission for the public
- $15 general admission tickets for Bix Museum, Catfish Jazz Society and Bix Jazz Society members
- $50 VIP tickets
VIP tickets include a meal as well as meet and greet opportunities. General admission ticket holders may also purchase a meal for $10 at the door, although you are encouraged to indicate that you will be buying a meal to help with food preparations. You can do so, for no cost, when purchasing your ticket.
Duffee and Bix Beiderbecke Museum Director Nathanial Kraft joined The Current on News 8 to discuss the upcoming festivities. You can view the full interview in the above video.
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