In April of 2007, after a 23 year hiatus, the Jazz Minors reunited in their hometown of Eugene to perform a sold-out show for the Traditional Jazz Society of Oregon.

The Jazz Minors were formed in 1973 when they inaugurated the Traditional Jazz Society of Oregon's youth program. Though based in Springfield Oregon, the members of the band traveled from all around the state. Founder Rusty Stiers, Dale Dial, and Mark Curry (all the tender age of 15) attended Thurston High school in Springfield. The other members hailed from a variety of Oregon bergs: Jon Brand (the oldest member at 17) from Churchill High in Eugene, Brad Roth (the baby at 13) from Corvallis, Lori Moritz (aged 15) from Junction City and Scott Wadsworth (aged 16) from Glide.

While the group's primary focus was on New Orleans Jazz, they also included hilarious stage antics, solo showcases and wild chorography.They gleaned their musical inspirations from such artists as Jelly Roll Morton, Bix Beiderbecke, Kid Ory and Louis Armstrong. In addition, they incorporated later traditional jazz artists such as Bill Allred, Kenny Ball, Max Collie and the Firehouse Five + 2.

In their inaugural year, The Jazz Minors crashed the first Sacramento Jazz Jubilee and created such a sensation that they were asked to headline the 1974 Jubilee. The Minors were greeted with sold out crowds and lines formed around the block for hours ahead of their shows. Over the next few years, The Jazz Minors developed a cult status. Their audience was dedicated - and growing. Record albums followed, balanced by a heavy gig schedule - not to mention their high school curriculum.

By 1977 the momentum was inescapable. Lori Moritz moved on when the demands of the performance schedule grew too great. Tim Cline, an extraordinary pianist, joined the band and brought a new and exciting dimension to their music. Their shows at the Sacramento Jubilee set records in attendance and album sales. Next up, was a trip to the White House to perform for President Carter. Summer found them on the road touring the country, headlining many sold out clubs, concert series and festivals. The band was an integral part of a PBS TV series covering the Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival.

In the middle of this whirlwind, Disneyland offered the band a summer on their artist staff. The pairing was a perfect fit. Over the next 6 years The Jazz Minors shared their music with Disney guests from around the world. The band was a hot commodity in the park, utilized in parades, shows, private parties and media events. They opened for such acts as Doc Severinson, Kool & The Gang, Pearl Bailey, The Pointer Sisters and Pete Fountain to name a few.

By 1984 the Minors had experienced inevitable personnel changes. Eric Messerschmidt had replaced Jon Brand on Tuba. The Trombone chair went through many changes; Tim Cline moved to Trombone and was replaced by pianist Seth Light. In 1981 trombonist Andy Martin joined but was soon replaced by John Allred. Tom Kubis took over Clarinet and Matt Johnson joined them on the drums. The last new member was Kevin Axt on Bass. In light of budget cuts and a change of Disney's artistic direction, the Jazz Minors broke up.

It had been 30 years since their sold out 1977 Tour when the reunion rumblings started. Jon Brand encountered the local TJSO President who suggested a reunion show. After tracking down the original members, Jon emailed the contingent and received a 100% favorable response. It was on! Tickets sold out almost immediately and on April 1, 2007 the Jazz Minors appeared at a concert produced by the Traditional Jazz Society of Oregon.

The extraordinary success of that show proved that bonds formed in their youth were still strong and their faithful audience was still clamoring for more. They decided to reunite and pursue the jazz they had loved so much as young men. The Jazz Minors now combine the youthful spirit of their glory days with thirty years of extraordinary musical experience.