2021 In Memory of....

Here is a list of entertainers and sponsors who have passed on since our last festival in 2019. Let’s remember them this weekend……

Patricia Puzzo was born in Yarmouth, Maine and moved to NSB in 1975. She was a homemaker and enjoyed walking the beach, going out to dinner and music. Along with her son Peter, they were Jazz Fest sponsors since 2007.

Fred Case (clarinet, soprano sax and leader) started saxophone lessons at the age of nine, and then clarinet at the age of thirteen. At age 18, he became the youngest member of the United States Marine Band (“The President’s Own”) in Washington D.C., performing regularly for numerous administrations of seven presidents.

In Florida, he performed with the Walt Disney World Band and for many years led the Goodtimes Dixieland Jazz Band based in Winter Garden. He first appeared at the Jazz Festival with the Stetson University Big Band doing a tribute to Benny Goodman in 2008. Fred and the band entertained at the Jazz Festival three times, 2012, 2013 and 2016.

Matt began his studies in trumpet, composition and jazz studies at the University of Central Florida, graduating with a dual-specialty Bachelor of Music Degree in 2006. During that time he began his career as a freelance trumpet player and arranger. This eventually led to a long stint with the bands of Walt Disney World. Additionally, Matt started subbing in the trumpet section for the Sam Rivers RivBea Orchestra, which began an interest in experimental and avant-garde music. Matt and his band performed at the Om Bar during the 2012 NSB Jazz Fest.

While in the Daytona area, she and husband Lee played as a duo and with many local bands and musicians: Sal Ronci, Joe Mose, Susan Hounsom,Harry Burney, E.T. Swing band (St. Augustine), Bobby Branca, Sid Blair, Gil Surette and Shelly London’s big band plus many others. She played at Traders with Bobby Branca during the 2002 festival.

Freelance bassist Rick Richolson was born in NewPort Arizona and moved to Florida in 1989. He performed with the Harry James, Tommy Dorsey and Mantovani Orchestras. In Central Florida, Rick played with Warren Parrish, Rick Fay, Jacqueline Jones, Michael Lamy, Joe Mose and Marc Monteson among others. He played at several NSB jazz festivals and loved playing Brazilian jazz.