Helen Daley

Dixieland music, one of the earliest styles of jazz, was developed in New Orleans at the start of the 20th century and then spread throughout the country by those early musicians. Dixieland music is created when an instrument, usually the trumpet, plays the melody of a song and the other instruments improvise while still harmonizing around the melody. Dixieland style played an influential role in the development of swing, rhythm and blues and early rock and roll.

According to The Free Dictionary, a hotshot is defined as: “Slang, A person of impressive skill and daring, especially one who is highly successful and self-assured…Informal, an important person or expert, especially when showy.”

So, what is a Dixieland Hotshot? Trumpet player and bandleader Dan Reed. He never disappoints an audience. Every performance is a show with hot, danceable music. The rest of the Hotshots are all fabulous musicians.

It is appropriate that the Arizona Classic Jazz Society is celebrating Jazz Appreciation Month with Dan Reed who will take to the stage at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort on April 17 with his Dixieland Hotshots to demonstrate all the fun created by Dixieland jazz. Dan’s belief is that above all else, music must be fun.

The Crowne Plaza San Marcos is located at One San Marcos Place in Chandler. Cost is $10 for ACJS members; $15 non-members (become a member on the 17th and get in free; yearly membership $35 couple, single $25). For more information go to www.azclassicjazz.org or call 480-620-3941.