Ragtime Ramblers West Coast Trad "Dixieland" Jazz
Dave Ivaz
Plectrum banjo virtuoso & multi-instrumentalist Dave Ivaz is a dual US-Canadian citizen originally from Chicago. Dave has performed with artists ranging from Martha Reeves & the Vandellas to The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, jazz vocalist Nancy Wilson, the Fifth Dimension and more. Dave is a performance veteran of major festivals including The Vancouver International Jazz Festival, Milwaukee Summerfest, Lollapalooza and state fairs throughout the US. Dave’s Dixieland expertise spans Broadway musicals, the Wrigley Field Chicago Cubs Band and numerous recordings. Dave also designed the popular 1990’s strolling Dixieland Band program for Chicago’s famed Navy Pier and is a respected music educator in British Columbia.
Jim Hopson
The Ragtime Ramblers West Coast Trad Jazz Band is sub-led by Jim Hopson. One of Vancouver’s premier brass players, Jim is a prolific composer, arranger, and educator. His work crosses every genre and includes performances and recordings all over the world. Jim is a first-call arranger throughout BC, with His arrangements featured on recordings, TV, and in films. Jim’s recordings/compositions are available on Bandcamp and at PhonosMusic.com.
Saul Berson
Saul Berson is a respected Vancouver woodwinds wizard and composer. Saul has performed with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, at The Vancouver International Jazz Festival and is known as leader of the critically acclaimed Saul Berson Quartet and the band Caviar & Lace. An in-demand private music instructor and school saxophone clinician in Metro Vancouver, Saul believes in giving back to community and performs often at hospitals, senior homes and neighbourhood houses. Saul has performed throughout Canada, Europe, the Mideast and South Africa releasing 5 CD’s in the process.
Sam Shoichet
Hailing from Victoria, BC, Sam Shoichet is considered one of BC’s top upright and electric bassists covering every genre. Known for “doing it all” with style and a smile, Sam has performed with international recording artists including Herb Ellis, Michael Buble, Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, The Buena Vista Social Club, Hugh Fraser, John Korsrud, Gabriel Mark Hasselbach, Brandon Isaak, Lily Frost and others. Sam also fronts the Bluesberries, an educational and interactive blues band for children and preteens, and is an accomplished vocalist who sings in multiple languages.
