The Dirty River Dixie Band - Swing That Music! (2018)

The Dirty River Dixie Band is a traditional style jazz band hailing from San Antonio, Texas. The first band members originally met at Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas; where most of them studied music. After a concert put on by San Antonio’s own Jim Cullum Chris Alvarado and Kris Vargas decided to put a similar group together. Their first public performance was under a gazebo on the square of downtown Seguin where they instantly started turning heads. They have gone on to perform at weddings, corporate events, private parties, and a number of central Texas venues such as: Jazz TX, Sam’s Burger Joint, The Esquire Tavern, Luna Jazz Club, The Austin Traditional Jazz Society, Bar 1919, Boardwalk Bistro, The Cove, The Texas Theatre, and many others. They have also been featured at Music Festivals such as: Jazz’SAlive 2017, The 2016 & 2017 Texas Jazz Festival in Corpus Christi, The 2016 NOLA Texas Food & Music Festival, 2016 & 2017 San Antonio Oyster Bake, 2015, 2016 & 2017 San Antonio Deco District Art and Music Fest, and Numerous events at San Antonio’s Historic Market Square. They are the winners of the 2015 Network for Young Artists’ Battle of the Bands, as well as first runner up in the same competition in 2014.

The band is managed by Drummer, Vocalist, and Arranger Chris Alvarado, who also handles all bookings. The band is led on stage by Cornetist Kris Vargas and backed by Ian Anderson (Trombone), Anthony Guzman (Clarinet), and Trevin Roming (Piano) who have all been with the band for the past 2-3 years. Recently Tyler Jackson (Banjo/Guitar), Edwin Brown (Tuba), and Sarah Ulloa (Vocals) have been added to the bandstand bringing their musical stylings and added energy with them! This group can be heard on their newest album entitled “Swing That Music!” which was recorded in January 2018. The Dirty River Dixie Band’s sound closely emulates The Jim Cullum Jazz Band who has helped mentor the members of the band. Other similar artists include: Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, Kid Ory, Turk Murphy, Lu Watters and many others. With everyone in the band being a music educator, the goal of the band is to bring high energy and expertise to a style of music that some have forgotten. The roaring 20’ are coming back around and The Dirty River Dixie Band is the future of traditional jazz in Texas.