The California Gold Rush Band
The California Gold Rush Band is an accurate portrayal of brass bands that were active in California during the time of the great gold rush. That era began with the discovery of gold by James Marshall at Sutter's Mill in January, 1848, and stretched through about 1889.
The band was formed following a visit to the historic gold mining town of Columbia, California by co-leader and alto hornist Les Benedict. Les found numerous references to a brass band tradition in Columbia, including an old photograph of the Columbia Cornet Band. Further research has unearthed an extensive heritage of brass band music in the Mother Lode.
A typical performance showcases overtures, virtuostic solos, humorous vocal pieces, and other music of the times, coupled with a light historical overview, delightfully presented by co-leader and Eb cornet soloist, Steve Charpie. A great deal of this literature has not been heard for well over a century! The concerts are historic, interesting and exciting to hear and observe, and they disclose the secret that bands were plentiful and popular in gold rush California.
The California Gold Rush Band plays genuine 19th century brass instruments from the extensive collections of the band members. These instruments attract a crowd of exuberant audiences who want a close-up view of these magnificent horns.
The band is active with concerts, lecture/demonstrations, balls and living history programs. Since its inception, the band has appeared three times at The Great American Brass Band Festival in Danville, Kentucky, at brass band festivals in Michigan and South Dakota, twice at the Custer's Last Stand reenactment in Hardin, Montana, and at Illinois State University, Univ.of California Irvine, Cal State Fullerton and other universities and museums.