Duke Heitger

Duke Heitger continues a family tradition in the music business. His father Ray, who plays clarinet, has led the Cakewalkin' Jass Band at Tony Packo's in Toledo for an impressive number of years on a steady gig that began in 1968.

Duke started on cornet as a child and was playing professional jobs at age twelve. He traveled to Detroit to play with other jazz bands while still in his teens. His travels broadened as he played jazz festivals across the country with his father's band.

When not playing he managed to squeeze in a Bachelor Degree in Geology and is finishing his Masters at the University of New Orleans. He moved to New Orleans in 1991 to play with Jacques Gauthe's Creole Rice Jazz Band.

Since his move to New Orleans his travels have taken him to Europe many times including tours of Hungary, Switzerland, France, Norway and Germany. He was featured in "Tornado of Trumpets" with Dick Hyman in New York City's 92nd St. Y Jazz in July series.

Other credits include a couple of appearances on A Prairie Home Companion with Butch Thompson. He also has worked numerous times with the JCJB at the Landing as well as James Dapogny's band. He joined Banu Gibson's Hot Jazz in 1993 and currently is still a member.

Duke's exposure to masses is attributed to the success of the Squirrel Nut Zippers Hot recording in which he is featured. This CD sold over one million copies earning him a platinum record. He just finished recording his own record for Fantasy and has recently released Duke Heitger's Steamboat Stompers on GHB.

He currently leads his band in New Orleans and can be heard daily on the Steamer Natchez.