New Orleans Jazz Club of Northern California

The Creole Jazz Kings Dating back to 1986, and combining the experience of 12 plus years of steady Wednesday night gigs brings a lineup of experienced players. The Creole Jazz Kings come to entertain and dazzle with their well-spiced joyful jazz served hot with a dash of blues. The group has performed at jazz festivals both here and abroad. We played an annual Mardi Gras tour in Mazatlan for ten years around Carnival time. We are very busy annually playing at many Central and Western California jazz societies, retirement homes, private parties, and corporate events. Material includes early jazz masterpieces from Armstrong, Morton and Ellington, along with New Orleans revival and New York pop tunes. Every song, every solo, and every vocal comes from the heart.
Current Lineup:
Bob Sakoi- Trumpet: During his years as a Las Vegas Trumpeter Bob Sakoi backed stars including Mickey Finn, Tony Bennet, Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin. In our more local area he has been a member of Fulton St, 12th Avenue and Cell Block.
Brian Richardson- Trombone & Vocals: Brian Richardson on bone is a real English Lord and has a rich history of playing jazz in the early Barbary Coast era of San Francisco among the likes of Turk Murphy, Lou Waters and Bob Scobey.
Bob Embry-Clarinet/ Sax: Joining us since 2020 we are delighted to have Bob Embry on reeds, occasional piano and vocals. As a Navy dependent he grew up in Virginia, England, Massachusetts, Kansas and Oklahoma. After moving to California in 1981 and working in radio for a few years he had a 31 year career as a school band and orchestra teacher. He has been a long time member of the Blue Street Jazz Band, The Royal Society Orchestra and the Cell Block 7 JB.
Steve Leipelt- Banjo: Our Banjoist Steve Leipelt saw Eddie Peabody on Ed Sullivan and was bitten by the banjo bug in elementary school. After taking 10 lessons, 6 months later he began playing Shakies Pizza. Having played the Red Garter, Cannery Row and other top clubs, in 1985 he put aside the banjo and began singing and directing Barber Shop choruses until we found him and dragged him back to the banjo.
Joe Runnels – Drums: Joe Runnels on drums is the heart beat of the band. An original member of CJK, except for occasional subs we have never had another drummer. He is active in many jazz groups, shows, musicals and is Principal Percussionist with the Modesto Symphony.
Becky Sharp – Vocals / Trumpet: Becky Sharp was an Original Member of CJK on trumpet and now the retired Sylvan Music teacher is back to join us as lead vocalist. Becky can also be seen playing trumpet on some of our special tunes.
Keith Baltz- Tuba &Vocals, leader: Wild Man with a tuba Keith Baltz lights up Bourbon Street annually during the French Quarter Festival in New Orleans every April and is a member of many varied bands.