The Poudre River Irregulars in February 2008 (Left to right) Ray Leake (piano), Tim Clarkson (drums), Len Kellogg (trombone), Gene Libbea (bass), Bob Cooke (cornet), Rory Thomas (banjo), Clark Burnside (clarinet).

The Poudre River Irregulars are a colorful New Orleans and Dixieland jazz ensemble noted for their exuberant energy and sound musicianship. Drawing much of their inspiration from Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton, they play a wide variety of traditional jazz, from ragtime through the classics of the twenties and thirties up to early swing. Whatever they play, their music is always upbeat and joyful.

Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, this popular band plays for concerts, dances, and private engagements all over the Northern Colorado region. Their best-known gig is at Avogadro's Number, a hangout near the Colorado State University campus, where they play on the first Friday of each month to sellout crowds. See Gigs for current info about where you can hear them play.

They also have recorded four popular CDs – see CDs for details and a printable order form. For information about their musical style, plus CD samples and video links to other music from their gigs, see Music. And for candid snapshots, including a selection of historical shots dating back to the band's early days, see Photos.

About the name:   The Cache la Poudre River was named by early French explorers who stashed gunpowder at intervals along its banks. Its upper reaches now provide recreation for kayakers, rafters, and fishermen, while supplying water for Fort Collins and surrounding agricultural areas. The local pronunciation is "POO-der."

As to "Irregulars": when the band was forming in 1994, personnel changes were frequent and abrupt. The group has long since stabilized but keeps the name because it suggests the free and easy spirit of their music. (Think of a motley militia ready at a moment's notice to take on an engagement with deftness and high spirits.)

Leadership:   Cornetist Bob Cooke founded the band in 1995 and was its leader until December 2010, when he retired and handed over the reins (though he still plays cornet from time to time). Now trombonist Len Kellogg is the band's leader (head honcho, booking agent, and all-purpose go-to guy); you can contact him here.

• Leonard "Lenny" Kellogg (leader, trombone) has been playing the trombone since age 10 and says he plans to continue until he can get it right! He currently works for the Thompson School District in Loveland teaching 6-8 graders in band classes at Erwin Middle school. He has a Bachelors and Master's degree in music education and has spent many years in public education. Lenny has played with Your Father's Mustache band, The Pearl Street Jazz Band, and the Blu Jazz Band. He has subbed with everyone from the Queen City Jazz Band to the Hot Tomatoes, and joined the Poudre River Irregulars in 2007. "That was it," he says; "I've let things slide ever since."

• Clark Burnside (clarinet) is an exciting player who began playing Dixieland jazz in high school and was featured with the UCD Claim Jumpers (the University of Colorado's Dixieland jazz ensemble) at the Sacramento Jazz Festival.

• Gene Libbea (pronounced "Luh-BAY") (string bass) played with the Nashville Bluegrass Band for 10 years (when they got four Grammy awards). A versatile and widely experienced musician, he anchors the band with his powerful and rhythmic bass style and attention to harmonic details.

• Rory Thomas (banjo) is also a regular banjoist with Denver's Queen City Jazz Band (and has played with many other bands including Karla West's Goodtyme Jazz Band). Rory earns a living as a graphic printing specialist, and his significant other, Sandy, helps the QCJB with sales and public relations.

• Oscar DeZoto (drums) is an exceptionally versatile drummer. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, he played R&B, rock 'n roll, blues, and country (his first paid gig was at age 11). In college, he spent several years studying theory, composition, reading, and performance in all styles of jazz. Oscar credits Jazz Professor Fred Radke (ex Harry James lead trumpeter) as a mentor and friend who helped round out his versatility. Now some 20 years in Colorado, Oscar continues to play regularly in groups offering mainstream jazz, big band, swing, fusion, classic rock, and Dixieland. He says juggling all this is challenging and rewarding for his soul: "If it's musical and fun, I'm in."

The Irregulars are blessed with good friends from the traditional jazz community who are happy to come and sit it when regular members are gone, or when a fuller sound is needed, or just to add extra pizazz to a gig. Some of the great trad jazz musicians who have appeared with the band are:

BANJO:   Dennis Condreay, Joe Petrucelli, Jim Tracy, Ted Turner, Maury Walker

BASS:   Roger Barnhart, Dave Dale

CLARINET:   Lance Acker, Roger Campbell, Bill Pontarelli

CLARINET/SAXOPHONES:   John Bredenberg, Andrew Vogt

CORNET:   Bob Cooke, Rick Crandell

DRUMS:   Tim Clarkson

PIANO:   Mark Flory, Ray Leake, Hank Troy

SAXOPHONES:   Paul Burnside, Ken Levinson

TROMBONE:   Glenn Shull, Eric Staffeldt

TRUMPET:   Colton Crandell, Bob Jackson, Larry Lagerberg, Tony Pierce, Charlie Smith

TUBA:   Jim Calm

VOCALS:   Mary Buirgy, Wende Harston

GUEST JAZZ GROUPS:   Denver Jazz Club Youth All-Stars, Jazz Cookers

So, true to its name, the Irregulars' lineup is often in a state of creative flux, and it's always worthwhile to see who's in the area and might be sitting in with the band. As a patron at an Avo's First Friday gig remarked, "We never know what to expect, but it's always good!"