A fun night with the Raspberry Jam Band at Union Mine

This ensemble of accomplished and versatile musicians will complete the series of six community concerts for the 2012 concert series with a rollicking good fun program.

Formed in December 2005 and expanded in 2011, the Raspberry Jam Band has become part of the ragtime scene in the Sacramento and Sierra Foothills and Bay Area.

The band has participated in the Ragtime Corner of the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee, the West Coast Ragtime Festival, the Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society, Music for Humanity, Music on the Divide, and the Sutter Creek Ragtime Festival as well as many other venues and the Mother Lode Ragtime Society meetings.

Interested in playing diverse works from classic ragtime to contemporary works, the group's byword is variety. Eclectic in nature, the Raspberries especially seek out obscure or seldom performed rags and early jazz.

They also like to feature the works of various contemporary composers including those of pianist, Tom Brier. The addition of slide whistles, kazoos, costuming and props add an element of whimsy to the performances. Often featured is "The Sign Lady," who announces the numbers in unique and interesting ways.

Brier has been playing the piano since he was 5. At age 14, he was the youngest pianist to perform at the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee’s Pianorama.

Julia Riley has been playing flute since the third grade except for a 20-year leave-of- absence while she raised four children. One of the original members of the Raspberry Jam Band, she organizes the practice sessions, makes up the programs and is the financial manager of the band.

Kitty Wilson, percussionist for the Raspberry Jam Band, assembled her own washboard almost 20 years ago. She has performed at multiple music festivals and is well-known among ragtime musicians.

Bob Fry is a retired Navy veteran. He performed with multiple groups during his military career.

Doug Davies plays multiple instruments. He plays string bass and clarinet with the Raspberry Jam Band but also plays guitar and flute and multiple other instruments. Doug is a music teacher as well as performer.

John Massey is a retired elementary school teacher. He is a well-known local guitarist with several CDs to his credit.

Shawn McCoy is vocalist for the Raspberry Jam Band.

Cheryl Woldseth is a teacher in the Grass Valley area.

To join the El Dorado Community Concerts Association and enjoy these magnificent world-renowned performers and performances attend the annual membership drive in May.

The annual membership drive is Tuesday, May 15 through Saturday, May 19 at the El Dorado Arts Council ArtSpace, 459 Main St. in Placerville, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information on membership and availability of limited tickets at the door call Normadene Carpenter 530-622-4218