Helen Daley

Jazz, that is. The sweet popcorn treat Cracker Jack was first produced in 1893, just about the same time jazz started. Before the branding of Cracker Jack, it was slang for something really great or awesome. That is exactly how the Crackerjack Jazz Band can be described. The band members, led by tubist Chuck Stewart, are among the Phoenix area’s finest and most seasoned professional Dixieland Jazz musicians; Roy Calhoun on drums, Gary Church on cornet, Joe Hopkins on clarinet, Ernie Landes on trombone, Matt Mooney on banjo and Cheryl Thurston on piano.

The Cracker Jack slogan, “The More You Eat The More You Want,” could be changed just a little to apply to Dixieland jazz, “The More You Hear The More You Want.”

Come and join the fun at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort, One San Marcos Place, in Chandler on March 19, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Cost is $15 for ACJS members; $20 non-members (become a new member on the 19th and get in free; yearly membership $35 couple, single $25). For more information, go to www.azclassicjazz.org or call 480-620-3941.