I just returned from what is hoped to be the first annual Dixieland event on the Steamboat Natchez in New Orleans. On Wed. 7-8 four bands gathered for an evening performance:

Duke Heitger Steamboat Stompers
Banu Gibson and New Orleans Hot Jazz
Jim Cullum Jazz Band
Dukes of Dixieland

Natchez did not cruise that night, but remained tied up at the dock. ( There is some musical advantage not to cruise--avoid the noise and vibration of the motors and paddlewheel.)

Bands alternated with one band playing on upper deck and another playing on the middle deck. The event went from 5:30-10:30.

Jim Cullum's band was in town with a group of travelers scheduled for their trip on one of the Delta Queen Riverboats. I saw friends Linda and Mike Foley of Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society. There were about eight of us from the Jazz Society of Pensacola who came over for that event.

There were drinks available, of course, and an adequate and reasonably priced buffet available.

Cullum's band included-cornetist leader Jim Cullum, pianist Jim Turner, clarinetist Ron Hockett, bassist Don Mopsick,trombonist Kenny Rupp, banjoist/tenor guitarist Howard Elkins, and a young hot drummer Mike Waskiewicz.

Vocalist-tenor guitarist Banu Gibson's band included visiting pianist John Sheridan, trumpeter Connie Jones, trombonist Rick Trolsen, bassist James Singleton and drummer Jeff Juliano. Banu's husband Buzzy Podewell and New Orleans bassist Tom Saunders joined Banu on her last set.