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A good band can make it look so easy and The Bois d' Arc Dixieland Band not only make a rather complicated style of traditional Dixieland music look easy, they also make it look like a lot of fun. The Bois d' Arc Dixieland Band entertained a crowd of approximately 100 music lovers Saturday afternoon at The Woodmoore Assisted Living Community in Bonham and at times the band seemed to be having as much fun as their delighted audience.
On this particular day, the band consisted of Russell Armstrong (banjo/vocals), Ben Scarborough (bass), Jim Deaton (clarinet), Conrad Bauschka (trumpet), Dick Eckstein (trombone), Bob Deuell (drums) and Dave Barton (piano).
Armstrong is familiar to residents of Bonham because he graduated from BHS in 1978, although he was a drummer at the time. Deuell is also a familiar name, however most North Texans know him better as State Senator Bob Deuell. But the considerable reputations of all these musicians precedes them.
Each performer in the line-up has remarkable skills and the crowd broke into applause dozens of times as each talented musician took turns leading the band through an interesting collection of Dixieland and gospel favorites.
This band formed in 1996 after Armstrong watched a Dixieland band perform at Disney World. Back home in Commerce, Armstrong tapped the outstanding musicians in the music department at A&M-Commerce and the band was ready for its initial performance at the Bois d' Arc Bash later that same year.
Although there have been a few changes in the line-up over the years, The Bois d' Arc Dixieland Band has been entertaining at concerts, political rallies, private parties, community celebrations, assisted living centers and nursing homes. The band has even been requested to perform at funerals.
Traditional Dixieland bands feature the trumpet, clarinet and trombone backed by a rhythm section. On this day, Bauschka, Deaton and Eckstein were nothing short of outstanding on those respective instruments.
Fans of Dixieland music will get their next opportunity to see this special group on July 19 at the Delta County Women Republican Rally and, as their name would imply, The Bois d' Arc Dixieland Band will be onstage at the Bois d' Arc Bash in Commerce on September 27.
For more information about the band, visit their website www.thedixielandband.com
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