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Photo info: (from left to right) Jim Steele, Tuba, from North Ft Myers, Al Antonini, Trumpet, from North Ft Myers, Bob Anderson, Clarinet, from
North Ft Myers , Scott Layman, Trombone, from South Ft Myers and Gerry French, Banjo, from South Ft Myers |
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Eighteen months ago, Gerry French, the creator and
manager of the Dixie Ragtimers, suggested to the
Fort Myers Redevelopment Agency that if Dixieland
music was played on a regular schedule once a week it
could, with time and patience, create the same ambiance
visitors experience when they visit New Orleans.
Gerry suggested that a small (4-piece) strolling
version of his Dixie Ragtimers, known as the Dixie
Strollers, play while strolling down First Street in the
Downtown area every Friday night from 6:30 to 8:15
pm. Gerry emphasized that consistency (every week)
is the secret to creating the “ambiance” that exists in
New Orleans. Once you have established this ambiance,
the patrons will not only enjoy it but they will
expect it.
The Dixie Ragtimers began playing in 1992, and
the strolling version of the group, the Dixie Strollers,
started playing every Friday in the Downtown area
of the River District in October of 2005. Since that
date, they have missed playing on only six Fridays; all
because of weather.
An evening for the Strollers currently starts in front
of The Morgan House. The band then moves around
the corner to The Hide-a-Way on Dean Street. They
start playing on the street, but always end up inside
the restaurants playing several numbers. The next stop
is in front of the City Tavern, on the corner of Bay
Street, followed by a stop at the Spirits of Bacchus on
Hendry St.
At 7:30 pm the band migrates to the lobby of the
Florida Repertory Theatre located between Bay and
First Streets. The Dixie Strollers have never missed an
opening night at the Theatre! Their next stop is The
French Connection on First Street, playing to customers
sitting at the outside patio, followed by a stop
at Delicious Things, also on First Street. At 8:00 pm
you can usually find them at the Downtown Pizza
House on Hendry Street, followed by a final wrap-up
at either the Bar Association on Hendry or in front
of Patio 33 in the Patio de Leon. Their schedule
varies, but the sweet sound of Dixieland music can
be heard from Broadway to Jackson every Friday
night.
The Downtown Fort Myers River District is an evening
destination the entire family will enjoy. Make plans
to dine downtown on a Friday and enjoy the great
sounds of Dixieland! |
