Congratulations
25 Years
1987 - 2011

Twenty five years ago, David Greenberg had a vision.  His enthusiasm and love of Dixieland music was brought to the lovely village of Essex, David's hometown, in the form of the Great Connecticut Traditional Jazz Festival.

The festival was produced for seven years, on the Essex Steam Train  grounds.  Usually two venues were located at the property, one venue on the Witch Hazel site, and perhaps three in the Industrial Park.  All were within walking distance of each other and none ever blew another venue off the stage with stray sounds.

Later the festival was moved to Moodus in deference to the listening public.  At Bob Johnson's Sunrise Resort, they would be able to obtain on-the-premises sleeping accommodations.  David retained the leadership for several years at Sunrise, and then he turned the management of the Festival over to Joel Schiavone. 

Joel produced a rousing and flamboyant production a the Palace Theatre in New Haven, signifying that the "key" was passed from David to Joel.  The festival continued to thrive and grow under the directorship and tutelage of Joel Schiavone.  At one point, under Joel's leadership, the festival moved to Guilford for one or two seasons.  Size of the venue and other factors played into why the festival returned to Bob Johnson's Sunrise Resort.

In the meantime, the late Joe Bombaci and his wife Shirley, decided to to ignore all the problems inclement weather brought to the present site and continue the tradition that David Greenberg so brilliantly started, under the new name "Hot Steamed Jazz Festival".  Joe's inspiration lives on under the guidance of his wife Shirley, The Board of Directors and its many dedicated volunteers.

Presently, we are blessed with two festivals:  The Hot Steamed Jazz Festival here in Essex and The Great Connecticut Traditional Jazz Festival (no longer in Moodus) continuing at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel in Meriden.

Festivals like these exist for the benefit of the people who support OKOM (our kind of music) true Americana music.  These festivals provide opportunities for younger generations who may or may not be musically inclined but who may simply enjoy listening.  As in the case of adults who support our festivals.

This year, support the Hot Steamed Jazz Festival whose proceeds benefit THE HOLE IN THE WALL GANG (www.hotsteamedjazz.com and The Great Connecticut Traditional Jazz Festival whose proceeds benefit HORNS FOR KIDS (www.greatjazz.org).

Continued success takes people working together, sharing a common vision to achieve something of value and to last for a time long enough to unite generations and continue the well-being of our festivals.  Remember, it all started here.  Let's keep it going for another 25 years (and beyond.)

Jean Hadley
Hugh Fairman