Photo by Ben Wilson
The Galvanized Jazz Band Plays Millpond Again
by Jean Hadley, Northford, CT
January 3, 1971 was the first time the GJB plaid Millpond Tavern in Northford.
After playing 34 years every Sunday night, Millpond closed in 2005. This was not only a huge disappointment for Freddy Vigorito and his band but also their fans.
For the past 17 years, the GJB has continued to play many gigs here in Connecticut, and for several years the band has been busy playing here in Hamden the third Sunday of each month. Also, the GJB has played Clearwater. Florida’s Suncoast Jazz Festival many times. They have once again been invited to play Suncoast’s November 2022 Festival. Make a reservation, support the band and OKOM.
When I heard the Millpond was being restored to its former New England beauty, I immediately called Freddy and asked his permission to call the owner; requesting he consider bringing back the GJB. Because of Covid, the opening was delayed a year or so. Finally, Millpond opened its doors Sunday, June 12th to 175 enthusiastic fans anxious to welcome back the GJB. The response was so great that the original Tavern venue could not accommodate all the people therefore, the location was changed to a much larger venue.
As the crowd gathered, one could hear the chatter and excitement of the fans.
The return of the GJB, seeing friends, reminiscing about old Tavern times brought back memories of the 51 years the GJB has been on the scene.
The evening started out with Bourbon Street Parade which brought out the parasols and, a very loud and cheering crowd. Parasols, a New Orleans tradition, always create a festive mood.
Freddy’s selection of songs provided a wonderful evening of entertainment. Songs like Basin Street Blues, Swing That Music and A Hundred Years (vocals by Jim Fryer) were delivered with wonderful artistry. It was especially touching to hear Jim’s rendition of A Hundred Years as this was Spiegel Willcox’s signature song. More wonderful numbers filled the air and dance floor. Memories of You, Memphis Blues, China Town, Tiger Rag and so many more to remind us that OKOM is still very much alive and well.
To the delight of the fans, Mark Vigorito (cornet) joined his dad on stage. This was a very touching experience for Freddy’s fans. We all remember when Mark was a youngster in the audience with his mother Linda. Tempus fugit!!
When Tom Palinko (drummer) hit the drums with Big Noise from Winettka, you could hear a pin drop. His artistry, on drums, is hard to duplicate. At his finish, the roar of the crowd was deafening.
Last but not least, as always we were entertained by our GJB icon Joel Schiavone.
With his trusty banjo, microphone and his vocals, Joel delighted us with his medley of familiar Sing Along tunes that the audience welcomed with strong voice and much appreciation. Who can forget You are my Sunshine, Bye, Bye Blackbird, Heart of my Heart and the many others that brought back memories?
The evening came to a close with Joel singing The Battle Hymn, When Day is Done and the band ending with Panama and The Saints. Parasols et al!!
A good time was had by all and now we are looking forward to another evening of wonderful entertainment by the Galvanized Jazz Band at the new and beautiful Millpond Gathering, Sunday September, 11, 2022. Please join us!
Fred Vigorito (leader…Cornet) Mark Vigorito (Cornet)
Russ Whitman (Clar…Sax) Noel Kaletsky (Clar…Sax)
Charlie Freeman (Piano) Jim Fryer (Tromb…Ufonium,)
Joel Schiavone (Banjo…Vocals) Art Hovey (Bass.Tuba)
Tom Palinko (Drummer)
Photos by: Joan Boutelle, Ben Wilson, Art Hovey