About The Band

Firecracker Jazz Band: Electrifying Performances Since 2003

Since 2003, Firecracker Jazz Band has captivated audiences with electrifying performances at street corners, secret speakeasies, nationwide jazz festivals, and prestigious venues like Bonnaroo and the Kennedy Center. Based in the vibrant musical hub of Asheville, NC, our shows are explosive, fun-soaked experiences that breathe new life into traditional jazz.

Revitalizing Traditional Jazz with Unbounded Energy

Firecracker Jazz Band revitalizes jazz, transforming it into the people’s music once again. Our jubilant and vigorous performances pay homage to early 20th-century jazz pioneers, including the spirited sounds of Dixieland and New Orleans. We proudly carry the torch lit by legends like Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, and Bix Beiderbecke, ensuring that the legacy of pre-war jazz heroes continues to shine brightly.

A Celebration of Music and Joy

Our dynamic approach not only honors the past but also brings jazz to a new generation of enthusiasts. Each performance by Firecracker Jazz Band is a celebration of music and joy, making every show an unforgettable experience.

Derrick Spivey

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Je Widenhouse

Je has been traveling the world and playing professionally for several hundred years […]

Jason Krekel

Jason Krekel loves strings! He loves banjos and guitars especially and employs them to great […]

Gary Rodberg

Gary’s been playing reeds for half a century. Althoughhe is newer to the AVL music scene, he’s played JazzFestivals from coast to coast and internationally. Gary’splayed with Red Archer and his Bowmen, the BrahminBellhops, Evergreen Classic Jazz Band, One Leg Up andthe longest stint with Ray Smith’s Paramount Jazz Bandof Boston with whom he recorded […]

Earl Sachais

Earl “The Pearl” is a founding member of the band and former music instructor and New York City hired gun […]

Andrew J. Fletcher

Playing a high energy style of stride piano loaded with generous dashes of Jelly Roll Morton, Fats Waller and […]

Mike Gray

Bio goes here.