New Ref has a gig Saturday, February 6.

But we cannot invite you.

It’s a private affair, and we’re glad to be there celebrating a significant corporate event.

It’s in Ann Arbor, and the cast of New Ref characters include:

Mark Sluiter, West Olive, trumpet

Keith DeWitt, Flushing, trombone

John Simpson, Lansing, clarinet/saxophone

Gary Stutsman, Charlevoix, tuba

Dave Kadwell, Grand Rapids, banjo/guitar

Rick Bryant, Millington, Drums

David Oppermann, Saginaw, piano/leader.

Bob Barcalow, Saginaw, sound tech/road manager

We’re bragging about this to remind you that we enjoy opportunities to perform in front of ‘by invitation only’ audiences.

Be sure to join us February 9th in Big Rapids (Cranker’s Restaurant) and February 26th (Saginaw on Stage)

NRB AT CRANKER’S, BIG RAPIDS, MICHIGAN FEB. 9

Optional Cajun Buffet at 5:30 PM  $15.00 pp

NRB on stage at 6:30 PM

Mardi Gras Party!
with (NRB) New Reformation Jazz Band (No additional chage)

Cast of Characters (AKA All-most All-stars)

Dave Tatrow, Otisville, trumpet
Keith DeWitt, Flushing, trombone
Dave Bennett, Waterford, clarinet
John Hill IV, Swartz Creek, drums
Gary Stutsman, Charlevoix, tuba
Dave Kadwell, Grand Rapids, banjo/guitar
David Oppermann, Saginaw, piano/leader

6:30 PM

231.796.1919 for reservations

REPEATING OURSELVES (Hey! You get to be our age, you’re allowed.)

February 9, 2016

Cranker’s Restaurant
213 S. State St. – Big Rapids

$15.00 pp for Cajun buffet at 5:30

then NRB at 6:30 PM (No additional charge. Seriously.)

Reservations Required. Limited Seating.

231.796.1919 for reservations

HOT BAND (NRB) WINS COLD BATTLE WITH ICE AND SNOW IN PETOSKEY

It’s Saturday, January 9. A major storm warning is in effect throughout Michigan. Normally it would be the normal to stay snuggled up at home. But wait! The New Reformation Band — also known as NRB — is scheduled to perform a much-anticipated first concert at Petoskey’s Crooked Tree Arts Center.

Would the seven extremely grown-up musicians be able to make the trek up the snow-covered lanes of I-75 and then challenge two-lane backroads to the historic auditorium? Could they do so in time for the performance? Will the dedicated jazz fans, and the quizzically curious, brave the elements?

At 7:30 PM the manager of the hall took to the stage to welcome a sold-out crowd – not a single empty seat — and invite from stage left the ‘well-seasoned’ Dave Oppermann, leader of the NRB. Murmurs could be heard as Dave sat at the piano without the six all-most stars. Sighing, he suggested he may have to perform single-handedly. The murmurs got louder, but Dave tried not to listen.

With a modicum of self-assurance, DW indicated he felt the rest of the boys were “in the area” and might be attracted to the stage lured by his emotional version of “Momma Don’t Allow No Jazz Boys Playing Around Here.” The ploy worked. As Dave played, appearing one at a time out of the darkness — to enthusiastic applause — were the six missing rascals.

2-1/2 hours later, the crowd was on its feet pleading for “just one more encore.” Using its usual ‘smoke and mirrors’ gimmickry, the NRB notched another victory on the show business scoreboard.

Days later, the band is still reaping the harvest of its efforts. Sue from Torch Lake emails:

”Dave, I was privileged to enjoy your concert at the Crooked Tree Arts Center last Saturday night. It was a great evening of musicality and humor. Nobody could walk away without a smile. Somehow you’ve managed to slow time, maybe even use it to your advantage. Loved every tune and minute of it. Thanks for a great memory.”

We can assume that there are dozens of similar letters on their way that have not yet been received due to postal slothfulness or misdirected email. But we take comfort knowing that if we are asked to make a valiant return to Petoskey, Sue of Torch Lake may likely be there to welcome us.

Thank you, Sue, and Petoskey.

Dave Oppermann, for the NRB

Mardi Gras! with NRB

6:30 PM

February 9, 2016

Cranker’s Restaurant
213 S. State St. – Big Rapids

$15.00 pp for Cajun buffet at 5:30

then NRB at 6:30 PM

Reservations Required. Limited Seating.

231.796.1919 for tickets

New Reformation Jazz Concert – 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM

CTAC Theater

461 Mitchell St.

Petoskey, MI 49770 

231-347-4337

Price: Members, $25; Non-Members, $35; Students, $10

The All Most All-Star cast:

• Trumpet: Dave Tatrow, Otisville MI
• Trombone: Keith DeWitt, Flushing MI
• Clarinet: Bud Bechtold, Bellaire MI
• Tuba: Gary Stutsman, Petoskey MI
• Banjo/Guitar: Dave Kadwell, Grand Rapids MI
• Drums: John Hill IV, Swartz Creek MI
• Piano/Leader: Dave Oppermann, Saginaw MI

 THE DIRECT LINK TO PURCHASE TICKETS

https://mynorthtickets.com/events/new-reformation-jazz-band