The Riverboat Ramblers have been performing New Orleans Jazz, Bluegrass , Cajun, Calypso, Zydeco, Swing, and Mardi Gras party music throughout the United States since 1980. The Riverboat Ramblers performed for the Governor's Arts Awards, OPSAIL, Sunkin Garden Poetry Festival, Mark Twain Riverfest, Taste of CT, Taste of the World & hundreds of Community Concerts. The group was selected by the CT Commission of the Arts to perform for the CT State legislature on Arts Day and represented Connecticut at the national live airing of QVC Local.

 The Riverboat Ramblers' aggressive rhythmic style and outrageous humor attracts young audiences wherever they perform. The group presents over 150 youth celebrations and educational concerts annually, also representing the Eastern Connecticut Symphony at a variety of family events.

Riverboat Ramblers Personnel

 John Banker Vocals, Steel Drum, Banjo, Brass

While pursuing music degrees at Indiana University , John toured with top entertainers including Frank Sinatra, Henry Mancini and Mel Torme. After a one-year stint at Opryland in Nashville , Tennessee , John joined the US Coast Guard Band and in 1990 was appointed Music Director for the Coast Guard Academy. He has appeared on over 20 recordings, recorded numerous TV and Radio commercials and appeared on two National Public Radio artist features. John retired from the Coast Guard Academy in 1999 to become Director of Connecticut Entertainment, and Instructor at Wesleyan University and the Thames Valley School of Music. John is also a Stage Performer for the National Children's Musical Theater production "Patti's Green"

 Al LaPorte Vocals, Piano

Al LaPorte is one of Connecticut 's busiest pianists performing over 600 performances annually. Performing since he was 4 years old, Al is comfortable in all musical styles. Al is a staff piano instructor for the Thames Valley School of Music and Musical Director/Performer for the Children's Musical Theater production "Patti's Green" Al has appeared at major music festivals throughout the United States.

 Sherman Kahn Flute, Clarinet & Sax

Sherman Kahn has toured and performed with America 's most famous big bands including Sammy Kaye, Vaughan Monroe, Bob Crosby and Vincent Lopez. He has played in pit orchestras on Broadway and regularly appears with the New Haven , Bridgeport and Waterbury Symphonies. Sherm has degrees from Yale University and Columbia University and has recently retired as a music educator after serving in the Wallingford , Hamden and North Haven public school systems.

Sal Ranniello Drums

Sal Ranniello received his Bachelor of Music from the Hartt School of Music in Hartford, CT. Sal is a versatile drummer performing classical, jazz, Cajun, and rock. In 1992, he traveled as percussionist with the "Evita" World Tour. Sal currently performs with the Hartford Symphony and the Goodspeed Opera House and teaches at the Hartt School of Music.