Vine Street Syncopators

Charlie's Dixieland Jazz Concert

In honor of Charlie and Barb Schweighauser's Love of Music
Featuring the Vine Street Syncopators

UIS Studio Theatre
General Admission: $10; UIS Students and Children 12 & Under FREE (ticket required)
UIS Community Sounds Concert Series
Tickets: UIS PAC website

The Vine Street Syncopators are a five-piece group with a focus on performing improvised music primarily from the first half of the 20th century. Modeled after traditional jazz groups of the 1920s, this drummerless ensemble features music composed and/or performed by such early jazz luminaries as Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller, Jelly Roll Morton, “Kid” Ory, and many others. Its purpose is to perform and promote traditional jazz music for the entertainment and education of new generations of music lovers.

Performer Bios

Jeff Helgesen (trumpet) has been a prominent figure in East Central Illinois music circles for over forty-five years. He began playing trumpet professionally in local dance bands at the age of 15 and later studied music in the Jazz Division of the University of Illinois. During this time, he also worked as a freelance jazz and commercial performer and regional studio musician. In 1987, he joined the Ray Charles Orchestra, with whom he recorded and toured internationally until 1990.

Barry Wagner (trombone) started playing trombone in grade school. He developed a fascination with Traditional Jazz in junior high school, which led to a lifetime pursuit of playing and researching Original Jazz, the musicians, bands and the evolving styles through the years. His goal is to preserve this truly American art form and share it with listeners for their enjoyment and education.

Randy Salman (clarinet) has worked professionally with the Indianapolis Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, David Baker, Gunther Schuller, Quincy Jones, Tony Bennett, Joe Williams, Clark Terry, Louis Bellson, and many others. He is a member of the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra and has performed on programs at the International Association for Jazz Education Conference and International Clarinet Association Clarinetfest. 

Steve Meadows (banjo) is a singer/multi-instrumentalist. He performs solo with an acoustic guitar, and also with ensembles, including The Brass Junkies, The Corn Flakes, Broad Daylight, New Orleans Jazz Machine, and The Vine Street Syncopators. Steve was a touring member of Bones Jugs from 2016-2019. He holds a Masters of Music in Jazz Guitar Performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, teaches private lessons at the Community Center for the Arts (C4a) in Urbana, and is also part-time faculty at Danville Area Community College.

Josh Houchin (bass) has played over 5000 gigs, mostly in Illinois, including at local venues such as Robbie’s and Boone’s, but also at such far flung places as Tijuana, Toronto, and Key West. In addition to The Vine Street Syncopators, he is a member of The Boat Drunks, The Jaybirds, The B Sides, The Corn Flakes, and Django Wrangle. Josh lives in Urbana where he shares the love of music with his students at Community Center For the Arts.

When
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Location
UIS Studio Theatre
Event Type
Department