If you play an instrument, you're welcome to sit in for a set or so with Joyful Jazz, the popular ensemble that performs regularly on Friday evenings at the Riverside Cafe in Ellsworth.

"It's a great opportunity for musicians to network their talents," says Bruce Cassaday, who plays brass with the group. "We're quite informal and will welcome anybody who shows up with an instrument. The fact that we're jamming every Friday evening is something of a well-kept secret in these parts.”

Appearing regularly with Bruce are Lynnette Woods, Brian Dyer Stewart, and Steve Rapaport. Ms. Woods plays percussion, Steward plays piano, while Rapaport is on bass.

Cassaday says the current group has been together for three years although he and Stewart have played together in various venues for at least 16 years.

Musicians who have appeared with the group at one time or another include Rob Collins, piano; Don Carmichael, bass; Betty Denniston, piano; Don and Otho Knowles, bass; Hugh Bowden, guitar; and John Mastrovito, sax.

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