Junkyard Jazz was formed in 1981 at the Elks club in Lawrence, Kansas when the club manager Reggie put this notice on the bulletin board:
"Thursday Night, musicians bring your instruments!"
That first night John Weatherwax (1920-2008), Sherman Yacher, and John Heitmeyer showed up with trombone, banjo, and clarinet! The rest is history. Each week brought additional players. No charts—just the memories of musicians that had grown up with the music of the 1930s and 40s, many playing to put themselves through college. Most had early, positive experiences with public school music education. Many served in WW II together, thus creating a natural group of fans, longing for the dance music of this era.
Musicians from all over Northeast Kansas have come to enjoy the opportunity to play the jazz standards and dance tunes popular for generations past. They come from Topeka, Kansas City, Ottawa, Garnett, Emporia, and even farther just to relish the opportunity to play together!
In addition to entertaining the members of the Elks and American Legion clubs, the band plays for many other events in the community, including parades, business openings, fund raisers, weddings, anniversaries, and memorial services.
In 1988, Junkyard Jazz became the official band for Lawrence's St. Patrick's Day Parade and has played in every parade since. In 2013 Junkyard Jazz was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame
Through the years Junkyard Jazz has welcomed young musicians, giving them the opportunity to experience the history of jazz with players who idolized and imitated the jazz greats of the swing era.
Musicians, fans, dancing, and socializing have combined to sustain this group for many years! Such groups are hard to find, so don't miss the fun!