The Dixie Ramblers
This traditional New Orleans style group plays Dixieland jazz with a beat for dancing. Songs include Tiger Rag, Muskrat Ramble and When the Saints Go Marching In as well as Roaring Twenties numbers like Ain't She Sweet and I Can't Give You Anything But Love.
The mix can also include Scott Joplin ragtime like Maple Leaf Rag and early 20th century numbers like Ace in the Hole and Sidewalks of New York. They can also do the big band classics, from Tommy Dorsey's Sunny Side of the Street to the songs of Glenn Miller and Duke Ellington.
The
full band includes trumpet, trombone, clarinet, keyboard, bass and
drums. The group is also available as a strolling trio with trumpet,
banjo and tuba.
The Ramblers played for Mardi Gras at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Tequesta. They did a party for the Wellington Aero Club at a residential clubhouse, and a benefit for the U.S. Aerobatic team at Lantana Airport, pictured at right.
They once led a wedding procession, complete with horse-drawn carriage, down A1A in Delray Beach. The photo at top was taken just before the procession began.
The
band has played for Fourth of July celebrations at Holy Spirit Episcopal
Church in West Palm Beach.
They did a New Orleans funeral at a Ft. Lauderdale church, entering slowly as they played Just a Closer Walk With Thee, and in the traditional manner, a rousing version of The Saints as they marched out.
Ted played for years with The Gentlemen of Jazz, the Dixieland group led by his father, Vic Knight. He was always learning from Dad, even while leading groups of his own. Above left, the Ramblers in 1981. From left to right: Phil Hodes, George DeCarolis, Alan Knieter, Larry Ruda (seated), and Ted Knight.