Berl is the founder and original leader of the Yosemite Jazz Band.  Berl began playing traditional jazz in the California coastal community of Ventura where he performed with the Volunteer Dixieland Fire Brigade and The Untouchables Jazz Band.  Soon after relocating to Bass Lake, Berl began performing with the Oakhurst Community Concert Band and formed the Yosemite Jazz Band.  Today, Berl resides in Coarsegold where his enrichment of life continues through music, especially through traditional jazz.  His extreme soulful playing and good-hearted enthusiasm is inspiring to both the band and the audience.

Teddy, co-founder of the Yosemite Jazz Band, has been playing clarinet nearly all his life.  In high school, the sounds of the Count Basie Band caught his ear and prompted him to take up the tenor sax just to play jazz.  Teddy has performed in musical pit bands, traditional jazz bands, symphony orchestras, clarinet choirs, and community concert bands throughout California, including the Oakhurst Community Concert Band.  Teddy’s raspy singing voice and energetic playing style contribute greatly to Yosemite Jazz Band performances.

Jeff joined the band in the summer of 2001 as plectrum banjo and guitar player.  With little experience at the time with 4-string banjo, the Yosemite Jazz Band and supportive fans provided an encouraging environment for Jeff to grow as a jazz banjo player.  This nourishing environment combined with Jeff’s passion for music and learning has resulted in Jeff blossoming as a traditional jazz musician and a newfound leadership role in the band.  Jeff’s energetic playing style has been influenced by plectrum banjo greats such as Don Van Pelta, Brad Roth, and Lee Floyd.  Jeff plays guitar and 5-string banjo in a number of other bands, performing many different genres of music including bluegrass, pop, rock, blues, and country.  Most notably, Jeff sings and plays 5-string banjo with the band Sugar Pine who perform two nights a week in the spring and summer at the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad.

The “Drummer-Man” is a Yosemite Jazz Band founding father and charter member. Originally from Joliet, Illinois, Jimmy performed with numerous bands in his youth throughout the Chicago area, including the one in the above photo. Jimmy’s love for traditional jazz once led him to participate in the World’s Largest Band at the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee for listing in the “Guinness Book of World Records”. Jimmy performs with the Oakhurst Community Concert Band where he can be seen in the back row pounding on a variety of percussion instruments. His Chicago-style rhythm is fundamental to the Yosemite Jazz Band’s beat.

James joined the Yosemite Jazz Band in 2002 as a piano player.  James began playing music and singing early in his life as a result of his parents’ dedication to music.  He started out playing drums when he was six years old and soon began playing the piano. James has an extreme interest in all forms of jazz music, especially traditional jazz. His enthusiasm in theater has segued toward directing and producing musicals and performing on stage at the Golden Chain Theater in Oakhurst, where he also serves on their Board of Directors. James has many talents, as he is a music teacher at the local elementary schools and is involved with numerous musical projects, taking on the roles of musician, arranger, musical director, and recording engineer.

Bonnie Otto first began playing with the Yosemite Jazz Band in 2018 at the Sacramento Hot Jazz Jubilee.  Bonnie has become a regular alternate piano player for the band at festival performances.  Bonnie is no stranger to the trad jazz scene and played in the Sacramento area for many years and is well-regarded as a musician and arranger for a number of bands. Her stride-style playing is highly energetic and a joy to watch. The Yosemite Jazz Band is always thrilled to have Bonnie join the band for selected performances.