Cakewalkin’ Jass Band from Toledo with Nicole Heitger on vocals
Ray Heitger Clarinet, soprano saxophone, vocals. Born Beaver, Pennsylvania. Self taught. Started playing at age 19 June 1963. To Toledo in September 1965. June 1967 organized “Dixieland 5 1/2”. Disbanded after six months. Organized CJB in December 1967. Married; Elizabeth. Four children; Duke (a cornetist), Renee, Andrea, Nicole (a vocalist). Mathematics instructor at Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio.
Dave Kosmyna Cornet, vocals. Born, Toledo, Ohio. He became interested in music at a very early age. While a student at the University of Toledo he dreamt up Chuck Taylor & the Dixie Squid. He has since played with countless other groups and is currently the cornet player for the Climax Jazz Band in Toronto, Canada and a quartet, NOPA. He teaches at Ohio Northern University.
Russ Damschroder Trombone. Born Elmore, Ohio. Started trombone fifth grade. Plays with Genoa American Legion Band. Eb tuba. Married; Debbie. Three children. Librarian at University of Toledo.
Betsy Grafing Banjo. Born Toledo, Ohio. Started taking banjo lessons in January 1975. Started performing at Shakey’s in April 1975 with Ragtime Rick. Also performs at Ragtime Rick’s Second Edition with Rick. Married; Rick. Two children.
Buddy Lopez Drums. Born Toledo, Ohio. Played drums in high school marching and concert bands. Started in 1976 playing with wedding bands, a show choir, a dance company, and musicals. Entered traditional jazz through the CJB in 1988. Electrician during the day.
Rick Grafing Piano. Born, Brooklyn, NY. Started on piano about seven years old. Started playing at Shakey’s Pizza in Toledo in 1973. Went on to play and manage the Shakey’s in Fort Wayne, IN until 1979. Played and managed at Olde Towne in Toledo until opening Ragtime Rick’s First Draught (his own place) in 1981. Now runs Ragtime Rick’s Second Edition. Married to Banjo Betsy.
Bob Miller String bass. Born Detroit, Michigan. Began playing guitar professionally at age fourteen. Has played washboard, banjo, and string bass with the CJB. Now a professional musician and tax preparer during the tax season.
Nicole Heitger Vocals. Born Toledo, Ohio. Has formal training in voice and ballet. Began singing with the CJB at about age sixteen. Was featured with Tommy (tuba) Saunders’ band in Decatur 1993. Also sings for weddings.