On Sunday night March 20th, once again Aunt Chilada's was full to capacity.  This Sunday was very special (thanks to Butch and Leigh Butterworth,) the stage was graced with the one and only Jeff Barnhart.

What a great night! Jeff was in rare form. He had never played Aunt Chilada's. He sure brought in the crowd, there wasn't a seat in the place. He energized the band and pushed them to do their very best.

Jeff's career started at age 14, however, I would venture a guess that he was tinkling the ivories long before his 14th birthday. 

The Galvanized Jazz Band was a great influence on his career and during his young and tender years, played with the GJB to the delight of many Millpond Tavern patrons.

Jeff has continued to delight his audiences here, around the country and abroad.  He exhibits an outstanding ability and energy, on piano and vocals, concentrating on ragtime, jazz, swing and Tin Pan Alley.

Yes, Jeff is real hot!!!  No wonder he has a band called the Titan Hot Seven. 

The evening opened with Jeff singing "I'm Sorry I Made You Cry" - Clesi & Morse and made famous by Fats Waller.

Next came "Hiawatha" - Neil Maret 1901.
This song was named for Hiawatha, Kansas not Longfellow's poem.  Ha! Bet you didn't know this.

As the evening progressed, Cynthia Fabian gave us her interpretation, as only Cynthia can do, "I Almost Lost My Mind" - 1950.  Remember Pat Boone?  His rendition was the best selling version in 1956.

Tom Artin (trombone) gave us a haunting performance of "Star Dust", followed by something on the lighter side by Joel Schiavone - "Lu Lu's Back in Town."
Joel on banjo and vocals with the help of Russ Whitman on clarinet.

To the delight of the dancers, the band kept them swinging.  It was great to see so many dancers. 

Between Jeff and Bob Bequillard (who has not been available as often,) they electrified not only the audience but the band as well.  Wow!  What a great evening.  Thanks to all the guys in the band.

Here is a list of songs Freddy pulled out of his "derby hat" and some I had not heard in a very long time.

Jubilee
Working Man's Blues
*The Jail House Song
My Heart
Closer Walk
Big Butter & Egg Man
Stevedore Stomp
1919 March
When I Lost You

*The Jail.......Jeff dedicated to Noel and Marty for having moved to and from Florida.  Hmmmm?

Many more great numbers were delivered.  In fact, I counted 22 ending with Jeff singing "Happy Trails."

What a wonderful evening with dedicated  fans and a great band.  Like wine, the band gets better all the time.

Galvanized Jazz Band at Aunt Chilada's, 3931 Whitney Ave. Hamden, CT 06518 203-230-4640