C-U Jazz Crusaders

The C-U Jazz Crusaders stole the show at the opening of our Fabtech Int. and AWS Welding Show on November 11, 2007. As the largest welding and fabrication event in North America more than 30,000 people visit this conference, so we wanted the halls buzzing before we opened those doors. The event was held at the McCormick Place in Chicago. Well, thanks to the C-U Jazz Crusaders we got that and much more. We were thrilled with the band’s memorable sound and talented musicians. Each instrument stood out from the rest and radiated melodic energy throughout each and every hallway. Not only was the band’s suggested song choice excellent, luring hundreds of eager listeners directly to the band’s stage, it also sparked just the right mood and excitement at the start of our most important annual conference. Dave Dickey and his band are amongst the most pleasurable team with which to work. They made the logistical set-up a breeze, providing our operations managers with diagrams of their stage and specific power needs. Setting a band stage can be a little frightening when you are unaware of instrument and power lingo, but Dave made it simple and we are thankful that he could help to make the process smooth and care-free. Not only will I recommend this band to each of our partners and even personal friends, but we will undoubtedly call on them again when we are in need of musical talent. Thank you to C-U Jazz Crusaders for making this show opening one of the most memorable and electrifying in our 50-year history.
- Adrienne Zalkind, public relations and marketing communications for A.W.S

Hearing well-performed jazz music here in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois has been greatly responsible to Dave Dickey's efforts as a jazz trombonist and educator. I've heard him perform and lead several different groups in various venues with much pleasure. Dave's group, the C-U Jazz Crusaders, offers all the facets of jazz styles the Crusaders performed, and they give an evening of entertaining listening. The musicians are extremely talented, offering solos that leave a listener in awe. Their musical techniques add high quality listening to the C-U Crusaders, which makes the evening even more delightful. - Jody Trisler, Jazz Promoter