High Energy Dixieland & Traditional Jazz
The Yosemite
Jazz Band
About us
30 Year Legacy
It all began in October of 1993 when the Yosemite Jazz Band established its roots in the mountain community of Oakhurst, California, located just outside of Yosemite National Park.
Berl Howell, our band’s founder, approached Teddy Strauss, Jimmy Kirin, and other local musicians about forming a traditional jazz band. It wasn’t long before the band was rolling along.
In May 1994, the newly formed band began performing at the Oakhurst Pizza Factory, which has since become an annual tradition. The band quickly gained a loyal following and many gigs ensued. The Yosemite Jazz Band added more local musicians over the years, including James Mierkey, Jeff Gurule, Elva Gurule, Les Nunes, and Pete Scaffidi. The band is thrilled to add Bonnie Otto to our line-up as an alternate piano player for out-of-town festivals.
The band has recorded five albums over the years: two studio albums, “Will Play For Food” (2000) and “Ain’t Got A Lousy Dime” (2005); and three live albums, “Tell ’em Joe Sent Ya”, “The Next Stage” and “The Music Goes Round and Round” comprised of performances recorded at the 2011, 2014 and 2015 California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles, respectively. The Yosemite Jazz Band performs for jazz club dances, county and state fairs, jazz festivals, weddings, funerals, memorial services, parties, family reunions, conferences, church events, and grand openings. The band has performed the Sounds of Mardi Gras Festival in Fresno each year for over 15 years.
After almost 30 years, Berl handed his leadership role in 2023 to Jeff, who will no doubt bring a new perspective to the band. Our current band line-up is the most exciting and entertaining version of the band yet!
As you plan your trip to Yosemite National Park and find yourself in the Oakhurst area, please stop by and see us. The band performs every Thursday night at the Pizza Factory from 6:30 PM through 8:30 PM, from May through September. Enjoy a pizza, the warm summer evening, good company, and our traditional jazz sounds.
Upcoming Performances
The Yosemite Jazz Band performs at Traditional Jazz Festivals, Jazz Society Sunday Sessions, and other events throughout the year. Our calendar page offers a complete list of upcoming performances.
Local Jazz
The Pizza Factory –
Join us for “Happy Thursdays” at the Oakhurst Pizza Factory. The band performs on Thursday evenings from 6:30pm to 8:30pm through the Summer. Enjoy a nice summer evening with a delicious pizza, good company, and our traditional jazz sounds at the patio.
* September 28
40120 CA Highway 41 in Oakhurst
The Elderberry House –
Join us on select Sundays at Oakhurst’s five start hotel, the Chateau du Sureau. From 5:00pm to 8:00pm through the Summer, the band performs outdoors at their beautiful garden terrace. What a wonderful place for an evening of Traditional Jazz while enjoying a signature cocktail and a variety of classic bar bites. Dinner at the Elderberry House is truly a memorable experience.
No reservations are required, but reservations are highly recommended for experiencing dinner at the Elderberry House.
Call (559) 683-6800 for more information.
* October 1 & 22
48668 Victoria Lane in Oakhurst
Oakhurst Fall Festival 2023 –
The Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce hosts this three-day annual fundraising event from October 6 through 8 at the Oakhurst Community Park. The band will perform on Sunday, October 8 from Noon to 3:00pm at the Gazebo. The Chamber charges an admission of $5.00 per person for all three days, which my be purchased at the event or from local vendors. Children 5 and under are free.
* October 8 from Noon to 3:00pm
On the Road
Basin Street Regulars Hot Jazz Club
Sunday, October 29
1:00pm – 5:00pm
Pismo Beach Veterans’ Memorial Hall
780 Bello Street in Pismo Beach
More Info | Directions
The Sounds of Mardi Gras 2024
Friday – Sunday
February 9 – 11
DOUBLETREE HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER
2233 VENTURA STREET in Fresno
More Info | Directions
MEET THE BAND
Yosemite Jazz Band Members

Featured Next Generation Jazz All-Star
ELVA GURULE │ Trumpet
Elva first began performing with the Yosemite Jazz Band as a young child singing her favorite traditional jazz songs with the band. In 2018 and to the surprise of her dad, she took a strong interest in playing the trumpet. Elva is a natural on the trumpet, playing beyond her years to where she soon began performing regularly with the band. Her passionate playing impresses audiences whenever she performs.
While attending Yosemite High School, Elva actively performed in the high school jazz band, wind ensemble and marching band. She had also performed in the County Honor Bands, which included the jazz band, orchestra, concert band, and featured soloist. Elva would also perform in a local rock/pop band with her dad, Jeff.
Elva has played in many venues with the Yosemite Jazz Band, including the Fresno Sounds of Mardi Gras and the Monterey Jazz Bash by the Sea festivals. She is currently studying Music and Jazz at Loyola University in New Orleans. The band is proud to showcase such a promising young talent.

JEFF GURULE, Band Leader and Emcee - Banjo & Guitar
Jeff joined the Yosemite Jazz Band in the summer of 2001 as plectrum banjo and guitar player. With little experience at the time with four-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 his 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 Don Van Pelta, Brad Roth, Lee Floyd and others.
Jeff plays his guitar and five-string banjo in a number of other bands, performing many different genres of music that include bluegrass, pop, rock, blues, and country. Most notably, Jeff sings and plays his five-string banjo with the Sugar Pine Band, performing two nights a week over the Spring and Summer at the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad.

BERL HOWELL, Band Founder - Trumpet & Cornet
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 STRAUSS, Reeds
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 Orchestra caught his ear, which prompted him to take-up the tenor saxophone just to play Jazz.
Teddy earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from Humboldt State University with an emphesis in Music. He has performed in musical production pit bands, traditional jazz bands, symphony orchestras, clarinet choirs, college and university bands, and community concert bands. His resume’ include performances with the Bakersfield Municipal Band in Bakersfield, California, and the West Hawai’i County Band in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. He is 30+ year member of the Oakhurst Community Concert Band.
His raspy singing voice and energetic playing style contribute greatly to the Yosemite Jazz Band performances.

JIMMY KIRIN, Percussion
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, 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 MIERKEY, Piano
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 teaches music at the local schools and theater at Yosemite High School. He is involved with numerous musical projects taking on the roles of musician, arranger, musical director, and recording engineer.

BONNIE OTTO, Piano
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.

LES NUNES, Trombone
Les began playing trombone with the Yosemite Jazz Band in 2020, where his musical talents contribute greatly to the band. Les has a deep musical background and is a well-respected musician in California’s Central Valley.
As a music educator of 35 years, he taught at Clovis High, Clark Intermediate, Roosevelt School of the Arts, Bullard High, and Sunny Hills High Schools. He has served as an adjunct instructor at California State University -Fresno, Fresno Pacific University, Fresno City College, and West Hills College.
Les is accomplished on trombone, euphonium, guitar, bass and vocals. He has performed as an artist locally and statewide with the After Dinner Mints, The Hal Magnie Big Band, Fire and Rain, Banda Libertade De Valle, Rumba 32, The Jazz Composers Orchestra, The Happy Time Jazz Band, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Frankie Valli, Bobby Vinton, Kaye Starr, Gloria Gaynor, The Who, Gladys Knight, Andy Gibb, Melissa Manchester, The Guy Lombardo Orchchestra, Stars of the Lawrence Welk Show, and many others… including the Yosemite Jazz Band. He has also performed overseas in Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Germany, South Africa and Swaziland.

PETE SCAFFIDI, Bass
Peter Scaffidi began performing with the Yosemite Jazz Band in 2023. His musical career began as a teenager performing with his parents – big band lead trumpeter and CBS staff musician Ralph Scaffidi, and jazz guitarist pioneer Mary Osborne.
He’s played bass for various name bands and artists, including The Les Elgart Big Band, Rock and Roll legend Chuck Berry, and Michael Feinstein to name a few. Peter has performed with the Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra for 11 years, the Tulare County Symphony as a section bassist, and the Bakersfield Symphony for 33 years as the co-principal bassist.
Peter studied privately with Peter Mercurio at the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara and with premier bassist and arranger John Clayon in Los Angeles. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from California State University, Fresno in 1985. Since then, he’s been involved in music education throughout Central California. His experiences range from private lessons to being orchestra director for elementry and high schools, and bass coach at Bakersfield College and California State University, Bakersfield.
Peter is a much-in-demand session musician for performances in Jazz, big band and pop styles, and musical theater. Among Peter’s credits are performances with Mickey Rooney, Barry McGuire, Harold Land, and the Lawrence Welk Show Alumni and Center Stage Productions of “Beauty And The Beast”, “West Side Story”, “Big River”, “Hello Dolly”, “The Music Man”, “Wizard Of Oz”, and “Godspell”.
Currently, Peter keeps busy… playing with the Yosemite Jazz Band, Diamonds After Dark, Sunnyside Big Band, Sunnyside Dixieland Band, Real Jazz, and Shades of Jazz. Peter also performs weekly at the Oak Hills Church in Clovis.
yosemite jazz band through the years
Photo Gallery
Oakhurst Pizza Factory June 8 2023
L-R: Teddy Strauss, Berl Howell, Jimmy Kirin, Pete Scaffidi, Les Nunes, and Robert Bennett
Monterey Jazz Bash 2023
L-R: Bonnie Otto, Les Nunes, Berl Howell, Pete Scaffidi, Jeff Gurule, Elva Gurule, Jimmy Kirin, and Teddy Strauss
YJB Combo at the Elderberry House-New Year’s Eve 2022-23
L-R: Elva Gurule, Trumpet; James Mierkey, Piano; Jeff Gurule, Banjo & Guitar; and Ron “Bear” Murray, Bass Ukelele.
Fresno Sounds of Mardi Gras 2022
L-R: Teddy Strauss, Bonnie Otto, Less Nunes, Jeff Gurule, Elva Gurule, Berl Howell, Marshall Gentry (guest), and Sigal Cossman
YJB Combo at Papa’s Place 2019
L-R: Kevin McHatten, Percussion; Teddy Strauss, Reeds; and Jeff Gurule, Banjo & Guitar.
Sacramento Hot Jazz Jubilee 2018
L-R: Amy Moonsong, Bonnie Otto, Jeff Gurule, Pat Mierkey, Jimmy Kirin, Berl Howell, Daniel Green, and Teddy Strauss
California Mid State Fair 2016
L-R: Pat Mierkey, Jimmy Kirin, Berl Howell, James Mierkey, Jennifer Janine, David Quinday, Teddy Strauss, and Jeff Gurule
California Mid State Fair 2012
L-R: Jeff Gurule, Pat Mierkey, “Curly” Vacarro, Berl Howell, Teddy Strauss, James Mierkey, and Jimmy Kirin
YJB 2005
L-R: Jeff Gurule, Pat Mierkey, Jimmy Kirin, James Mierkey, Teddy Strauss, Larry Vacarro, and Berl Howell
Aint Got A Lousy Dime (2005)
Larry Vacarro, Berl Howell, Teddy Strauss, Jimmy Kirin, James Mierkey, Pat Mierkey, and Jeff Gurule
The Pines at Bass Lake July 4 2003
L-R, Front: Pat Mierkey and Jimmy Kirin. Back: Berl Howell, Teddy Strauss, Jeff Gurule, Lauren Callan, and Betty Callan.
Will Play For Food (2000)
“Banjo” George Smith, Berl Howell, Teddy Strauss, Jimmy Kirin, Pat Mierkey, and Lauren Callen
Oakhurst Pizza Factory 1996
L-R: George Izzet, Berl Howell, Maggie Izzet, Pat Mierkey, “Banjo” George Smith, and Jimmy Kirin (not shown)
Events
Have Us Play
Your Next Event
High energy, enthusiastic style of traditional and Dixieland jazz perfect for any event. Our live music is sure to get your guests stomping their feet, clapping their hands and singing along!

Fill out our contact form or email us at booking@yosemitejazzband.com to discuss booking details and general inquiries. Thank you!