On Shrove Tuesday, March 8, 2011, the sounds of traditional jazz provided by the Occasional Jazz Ensemble filled St. John’s Episcopal Church in Essex.  As has been their custom, a free will offering was collected at the concert.  This year, it supported Sister Cities Essex Haiti.   A jambalaya of music was provided by Phred Mileski, vocals; Ed Birch, trumpet and trombone; Jos Konst, saxophone; Jim Goodwin, bass; Trevor Davis, drums; and Scott Konrad, leader and pianist.

They performed a  program combining favorite Dixieland selections from the Great American Songbook standards for which the group is known through its work at area clubs and charitable functions.A good time was had by all for a good project!  Thanks to all who attended and contributed and a particularly warm thank-you to the members of the Occasional Jazz Ensemble and the Parish of St. John’s Church.