Paul Klemperer’s Festivus Celebration: The Performers
Paul Klemperer and The Festivians:
Bandleader Paul Klemperer discovered jazz at an early age, sneaking into smoky Boston nightclubs clubs by age 13. He studied with jazz legends Archie Shepp, Max Roach and Ray Copeland before moving to Austin in 1982 where he worked with such blues greats as Marcia Ball and members of the Fabulous Thunderbirds. Paul earned his master’s degree in Ethnomusicology at the University of Texas in 1991. His eclectic style reflects a wide range of influences from music around the world. He has toured nationally and internationally for over 25 years, and continues to divide his time between Austin and the road, bringing his soulful saxophone sound across the U.S., Latin America, Europe and Asia.
Peggy Stern’s music draws from European, American, Brazilian, African, Jewish, Irish, Cuban, and traditional jazz influences. After studying at the Eastman School of Music, and the New England Conservatory, she played extensively in California and New York. Peggy has worked and toured with many wonderful musicians: Lee Konitz, Diane Schuur, David “Fathead” Newman, Jay Clayton, Gary Peacock, Gene Bertoncini, Bud Shank, Red Holloway, Thomas Chapin, Machito, Puck Fair, Bobby Shew, Stanley Turrentine, Gerry Mulligan, Eddie Henderson, Emily Remler, to name a few. Now she has made Austin her home, and we’re happy to have her!
Dr. Utah Hamrick is a Lecturer in Jazz at the University of Texas at San Antonio, and is one of the most in-demand bass players in Austin. Utah has performed with such diverse talents as Houston Person, Bill Watrous, Butch Miles, Eddie Holman, Elaine Stritch, and Marilyn Maye. He performs regularly with Graham Reynolds and the Golden Arm Trio, and Will Taylor and Strings Attached.
Wayne Duncan‘s musical style was deeply influenced by the years he spent studying with drummer Joe Morello. In addition to the traditional drum set, Wayne has studied doumbek and tablas; diving into Middle Eastern, Persian, Eastern European, and West African music. Some of the artists he has worked with include: Willie Nelson, Ikey Owens, Cindy Cashdollar, Red Volkaert, Glover Gill, Robert Kraft, Arthur Brown, Joel Guzman, and many others.
San Antonio-born vocalist, conguero and bongocero Rey Arteaga has co-founded or played in some of the best Latin bands in Austin over the last twenty-two years (La Tribu, Son Yuma, Centzontle, Melecumbe, Sarah Fox and Joel Guzman, Charanga Cakewalk). He leads the Afro-Latin ensemble Son y No Son.
Guest Artists:
Guitarist Dave Sebree has performed throughout the US, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean. He is currently the leader of the Dave Sebree Band, which released a debut CD for Flying Fox Records in 2009. His previous ensemble, Native Sun, was voted “Best Jazz Band” for an unprecedented four consecutive years in the prestigious Austin Chronicle Readers’ Poll.
In his more than 30 years in the business, Dave has worked with such stylistically diverse artists as Double Trouble, Doyle Bramhall, Eric Johnson, Bob Schneider, Terry Bozzio, Martha Reeves, The Four Tops, Vallejo, Stephen Bruton, and legendary jazz trumpeter Clark Terry, to name a few.
Roberto Riggio is well-known in the Austin world music scene. He is known for his “oriental” touch on the violin, earning him a place on the national tours of legendary Arab artists Fairouz and Kazem Al-Saher. Most recently, Roberto toured as a member of Fathy Salama’s Cairo Egyptian Orchestra with Senegalese superstar Youssou N’Dour on the North American tour for the Grammy-winning album Egypt, premiering at Carnegie Hall. His range as an artist is not limited to oriental music, and he has worked with many singer-songwriters from Texas, including Alejandro Escovedo and Tucker Livingston, as well as session work and guest appearances with artists around the world.
The HotWax Soul Music Revue has been an Austin institution since 1986. The wonderful vocals of Rudy Williams, Joy Moore, Cicely Jones, and Judy Arnold, create rich harmonies in a “live celebration of classic soul music.”
Spike Gillespie is the critically acclaimed author of seven books and countless magazine articles. Her work has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Real Simple, GQ, Esquire, Elle, Smithsonian, National Geographic Traveler, Interweave KNITS, The Christian Science Monitor, Texas Monthly, The Dallas Morning News, and other publications. In 2006, Austin Chronicle readers voted her Best Author in Austin. Spike also provides commentary for Austin’s NPR affiliate, KUT.
The Diya Project is an Austin-based organization dedicated to creating experience through arts, entertainment, and active community engagement. Featuring Bollywood-inspired dance choreography, they are a high-energy troupe with a mission.