Helen Daley

With the outdoor temperatures ranging in the hot category, the music will be even hotter as the Arizona Classic Jazz Society presents Howard Miyata playing trombone with 52nd Street Jazz Band at their June 22 jazz party. While sitting or dancing in air-conditioned comfort, you will be taken back to the Roaring ‘20s, into the Swing Era of the 1930’s and the Dixieland Revival of the 1940’s.

Howard considers 52nd Street the best “house band” he’s ever heard. Their name pays tribute to 52nd Street in New York City, once considered “Swing Street” because so many jazz clubs were located there.

Howard has played trombone with the High Sierra Jazz Band since 1989 and is also the tuba player in the Au Brothers Jazz Band. The three Au brothers are all horn players and credit Uncle Howard for their appreciation of traditional jazz. Howard recently retired as director of bands for the Gilroy Unified School District in California.

The smile on Howard’s face lights up every room he enters and he is well known for the facial expressions that accompany his vocals, especially The Yama Yama Man. He was honored as Musician of the Year at Dixieland Monterey in 2013.

The party takes place on June 22 from 1:00–4:00 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort, One San Marcos Place, Chandler. The cost is $10 ACJS members; $15 non-members (become a member on June 22 and get in free; yearly membership is $35 couple, single $25).

For more information go to www.azclassicjazz.org or call 480-620-3941.