Ron Fink and the Rowdies are from the Dallas area. Anyone who has not heard this very special ensemble should make an effort to catch the June 11 performance. Most of the Rowdies are North Texas music educators, and all are really good musicians. They are spearheaded by three mainstays of past ATJS All-Star concerts: Bob Krenkel on reeds, Brian Standridge on trumpet and Gene LeBeaux on trombone. Banjoist Scott Whitfield is nationally-known, Kent Ellingson is a fine pianist, and Ron Fink holds the group together on drums. Special guest artist Dave Stoddard will round out the group on tuba.
Austin Traditional Jazz Society strives to bring in festival-level groups if possible, and the Rowdies have shown they are just that in their three previous concerts for the Society. This should be a notable Austin jazz event.
