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April Mae’s June Bug Brass Band serves up a rich New Orleans Musical Gumbo! Starting with a roux of Mardi Gras celebratory brass band music, hot swing for heat, peppered with June Bugs’ roots music. Robustly spiced with the jubilant brass flavors of slide trombone and saxophone; “Catfish” Dave on banjo and cigar box guitar, fueled by the pumping rhythm section of sousaphone-tuba, drums, and frottoir-washboard. Sweetened with honey vocals of April Mae – You can’t help but answer the call of the second line!

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Lead Vocalist, Frottoir, Kazoozaphone

April Mae has regularly performed in New Orleans including multiple appearances on WWOZ New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Station, The New Orleans Cigar Box Guitar Festival, as well as many illustrious music venues on Frenchman Street with April Mae & The June Bugs.

She’s performed at the prestigious Cajun “Black Pot Festival” in Lafayette, Louisiana and provided opening support for BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, Wanda Jackson, Imelda May, The Neville Brothers, Washboard Chaz and has performed with Pete Seeger.

Banjo, Cigar Box Guitar, Vocalist

Known as “Catfish” for his on stage antics and hilarious catfish impression, his playfulness and talent showcase his abilities as a true entertainer. Deeply rooted in his guitar playing, honed over a professional career spanning over thirty five years. As multi-instrumentalist with April Mae & The June Bugs “Catfish” has co-fronted and entertained audiences across the eastern seaboard and the Deep South, including Texas and Mexico. He also enjoys playing mandolin, traveling and is principal bus driver of “The Boogie Bus” their award winning veggie oil powered Tour Bus.

Sousaphone, Tuba

Some say that Jimmy Parker is on a mission from God to bring respect to the Sousaphone. Others say his brain has been affected by too many high velocity Sousaphone spins. Either is a plausible reason for his slightly abnormal affection for the instrument. His rapid-fire articulation, five octave range, multiphonics and imaginative bass lines bring uniqueness to April Mae’s June Bug Brass Band. “Rock n’ Souza” indeed!

Over the years, Jimmy has played with some of the finest musicians locally and internationally, having toured in Europe and throughout North America. From jazz artists Phil Woods and Bill Watrous to performances with the Four Tops and Rebirth Brass Band, including touring for over 10 years with the West Philadelphia Orchestra (WPO).

Drummer, Percussionist

Musician, Producer, Engineer, Healer. Raised by two wonderful, supportive musicians in Vineland, NJ, Tony has been performing music in the greater Philadelphia area since 1983. From the age of eleven he has shared the stage with incredible musicians such as Charlie Gracie and Bobby Rydell. Heavily influenced by many and varying styles and cultures within music, he has been able to play in just about any musical situation. Tony has studied drum set and world percussion with many teachers worldwide and also studied Jazz at Rowan University.

Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone

Working in the Philadelphia metropolitan area and New York City for many years, Bill first appeared at Musikfest with the Doug Markley Band playing jazz fusion back in the 1980’ and more recently with “haZy cosmic jive” the premier David Bowie tribute band. In addition to April Mae’s June Bug Brass Band, Bill’s numerous appearances and recording credits include Big Daddy & the Fender Benders, Jahil, Sonoma Sound, Little Friends, Will Paynter, Brian Kors, Main Street, Tommy Hoe, Brad Thorton and many others.

Trombone, Trumpet

A popular trombone and trumpet player in the city of Philadelphia and the surrounding area for the past twenty-three years, Larry’s expertise as a professional musician includes playing various styles such as classical, jazz, R&B, blues, salsa, and brass band music. Including engagements in Canada, Mexico, and Germany and performances with such artists as Johnny Pacheco, Lalo Rodriguez, Jon Faddish, Claudio Roditi, and Johnny Rivera.

Perkins Center for the Arts hosts April Mae’s June Bug Brass Band

* Advance Tickets SOLD OUT *

“I’m very excited to bring in this very unique concert” Bryan Williams, conservatory and music manager for Perkins Center for the Arts, Moorestown, NJ

April Mae: “(New Orleans) has a long-standing tradition of brass bands, music specific to Mardi Gras and to the Mardi Gras Indians – we are drawing on and inspired by that pool of music.”

“It feels so good to get back to playing,” she marveled… “There’s nothing like being in a physical space with people and having that energy that goes back and forth between the audience and a performer.”

Mae describes that back and forth as magical.

“You give out your love and your art, and then they give energy back to you.” “I feel that music and the arts are always a healing path. It’s always time well spent.”

[ …access full article here ]

Source: The Sun Newspapers, “A band focuses on Mardi Gras – Perkins Center hosts April Mae’s June Bug Brass Band by Christine Harkinson, February 8, 2023.

April Mae’s June Bug Brass Band performs at festivals, performing arts centers, Mardi Gras events, exceptional music venues and private concert engagements.

Notable appearances include:
2023 * SOLD OUT * Perkins Center for the Arts, February 10th
Mardi Gras Celebration with April Mae’s June Bug Brass Band

French Quarter Fete, New Orleans festival at James Charles Winery & Vineyard, Winchester, VA

From 2014-2017 April Mae’s June Bug Brass Band reigned at the annual Mardi Gras Ball during the event’s tenure at South Jerseys premier blues venue, Red Hot & Blue.

To view upcoming shows &/or previous show history, select “Upcoming” or “Past”

after clicking [ … this link ] to our Bands In Town show profile.

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April Mae’s June Bug Brass Band broadcasts via April Mae & The June Bugs social channels, they are listed below.

[ YouTube Playlist ] for April Mae’s June Bug Brass Band

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