Ottawa Wine and Jazz fest lineup includes Buddy Rich Band

The spirit of Buddy Rich will be alive and well onstage at Ottawa’s 2 Rivers Wine & Jazz Fest in June.

The Buddy Rich Band is being continued by his daughter, Cathy Rich, and her husband, Gregg Potter, who will headline the event’s opening night from 8 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 7.

Buddy Rich, a jazz drummer and bandleader, is considered to be one of the most influential drummers due to his technique and speed. Whether you’re new to Buddy’s music or a veteran fan, the band will be playing tunes fresh and exciting for all ages.

Festival Music Coordinator Kevin Chalfant spoke with Cathy Rich and Potter, who were full of laughs and smiles when talking with festival organizers Wednesday morning during the musical lineup announcement.

“I’m really excited,” Chalfant said of the lineup. “I think we’ve taken some leaps and bounds this year, and that was kind of by design.”

The event, which is in its ninth year, takes place Friday, June 7, to Sunday, June 9, at the Jordan block on Main Street, between Columbus and La Salle streets in downtown Ottawa.

Cathy provides the vocals and Potter manages the drum in the 15-piece band, which also incorporates some “alumni” who played with Buddy Rich.

Buddy, a musical prodigy who began performing as early as age 2, died in April 1987 at age 69.

Potter said attendees can expect the same style of music, with some modern flair.

“We’re basically doing what Buddy did. We play his charts the way he played them,” Potter said.

He noted that Buddy was known to record music of The Beatles and The Doors while those groups were still recording.

“He was all about moving forward. It’s very modern,” Potter said.

Jokingly, he suggested there wouldn’t be any Justin Bieber or Katy Perry covers.

“You never know,” Cathy was quick to add with a chuckle.

Cathy estimated this incarnation of the band has been playing for six years. She said they decided to go into the studio “on a whim” and record a couple of tunes. Within an hour of the music being on Facebook, she received a call from an agent.

“And we've been working ever since, so I guess people like it,” she added with a smile.

Mayor Bob Eschbach said he expects they’ll be well received in Ottawa as well.

“We have a really good crowd that seems to be appreciative, and your listeners are not only from Ottawa but throughout the suburban and Chicago area,” he said.

Sarah Marie Young, whom Chalfant described as a “sensational” duet performer who was lauded by festival attendees in the past, will open for The Buddy Rich Band from 5 to 7:15 p.m.

Jazz and blues singer Dee Alexander will be the headline performance the following day from 8 to 10 p.m Saturday, June 8. She will be preceded by guitarist Hans Luchs from 3 to 5 p.m. and the Milwaukee-based Ethan Keller Group from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The final day’s festivities consist of The Duet Book from noon to 2:30 p.m. and Abigail Riccards from 3 to 5 p.m on Sunday, June 9.

Widespread interest

Ottawa Tourism Center Executive Director Curt Bedei and Heritage Corridor President and CEO Bob Navarro also were on hand to detail the advertising for the event.

Cathy mentioned that she had seen it advertised in a Playbill in Chicago, much to their excitement.

Bedei said the event is on track to meet last year’s attendance, and many rooms already have been booked at local hotels.

“The amount of interest this event receives from outside the area is incredible,” he added.

Organizers issued a reminder that the best way to ensure a lobster dinner awaits attendees on arrival is to order a lobster ticket in advance.

Tickets are available at City Hall, 301 W. Madison St., or the Ottawa Visitor Center, 1028 La Salle St.

Tickets and more information also are available online at ottawa2riverswinefest.com.

Ottawa 2 Rivers Wine & Jazz Fest 2019 schedule

Friday, June 7

5 to 7:15 p.m.: Sarah Marie Young

8 to 10 p.m.: The Buddy Rich Band

Saturday, June 8

3 to 5 p.m.: Hans Luchs

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Ethan Keller Group

8 to 10 p.m.: Dee Alexander

Sunday, June 9

Noon to 2:30 p.m.: The Duet Book

3 to 5 p.m.: Abigail Riccards