St. John’s Riverboat Jazz Band: A Legacy of Dixieland Jazz

St. John’s Riverboat Jazz Band, based in Visalia, is a traditional Dixieland jazz ensemble with deep local roots. Established in 1996, the group grew out of the College of the Sequoias’ Tule Basin Jazz Band after the course was discontinued. Founding members Frank Cardoza, Mario Marquez, and Jason Hughes—along with Dennis Mack, Erik Dewhirst, and Buddy Heise—carry forward the spirit of classic Dixieland jazz while infusing it with their own high-energy style.

Meet the Band Members

Mario Marquez – Clarinet

A founding member of St. John’s Riverboat Jazz Band, Mario Marquez brings a warm, expressive clarinet sound that helps define the group’s signature style. His passion for traditional jazz and commitment to preserving Dixieland music in the Central Valley have made him a cornerstone of the ensemble since its earliest days. Mario graduated from Fresno Pacific University with a bachelor’s degree in business. He serves as an adjunct faculty member in the Music Department at College of the Sequoias. Additionally, he is the store manager at White’s Music Center in Visalia. His musicianship, leadership, and steady presence continue to shape the band’s identity and spirit.

Frank Cardoza – Trumpet

Frank Cardoza has been playing the trumpet on and off for the past 40 years. A graduate of Golden West High School in Visalia and California State University, Fresno, he now spends most of his days serving as the Network Administrator for Woodlake Unified School District. Frank was there when St. John’s Riverboat Jazz Band first took shape—and, as he likes to joke, he’ll probably still be around when it meets its inevitable demise. His dry humor and steady musicianship have been a defining part of the group since day one.

Jason Hughes – Drums

Jason Hughes graduated from Golden West High School and College of the Sequoias. He has spent more than 30 years behind the drum set. He has taught percussion at high schools throughout Delano, Visalia, and Woodlake. Currently, he serves as the percussion instructor at Woodlake High School, where he loves working with students and helping them grow as musicians. In addition to his work with St. John’s, Jason performs with the Move On Down Brass Band and is also an accomplished French horn player. When he’s not gigging or teaching, he’s a devoted family man whose positive energy and steady rhythm are central to the band’s sound.

Dennis Mack – Banjo

A Dinuba native, Dennis Mack is a multi-instrumentalist with a lifelong dedication to music education. He holds a degree in Music Education from Fresno State University and spent nearly 40 years teaching band, orchestra, choir, and general music across five school districts in Tulare and Kings counties—including 20 years with Visalia Unified. His broad musical expertise and deep roots in local music communities make him an essential part of the band’s rhythm and character.

Buddy Heise – Tuba

Buddy Heise (“Hellacon”) brings more than 60 years of tuba experience to the band. A graduate of Fresno Pacific University, Buddy taught music for 40 years and has performed with the Harrisburg Symphony, Tulare Symphony, and King's Symphony. He has also instructed groups, including the Muskrat Ramblers and the South Winery Street Paraders. His lifetime of performing, teaching, and mentoring adds depth, warmth, and authenticity to the band’s sound.

Erik Dewhirst – Trombone

Erik Dewhirst is a Central Valley trombonist from Reedley whose musical roots began with the Reedley High School River Rats. After studying Music Education at CSU Fresno, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as a trombonist, serving 15 years as a featured soloist. Following his Marine Corps career and freelance work in San Diego, Erik returned home and now leads five elementary band programs and the jazz program at Clovis North High School. He performs with the Joe Lenigan Band and the Fresno Jazz Composers Orchestra. He appears nightly with the San Diego Zoo’s “Chameleons” Band throughout the summer. Playing with St. John’s is significant to Erik, as it reunites him with his former Reedley band director, Buddy Heise.

The Band's Musical Journey

Blending traditional Dixieland standards with lively, crowd-pleasing favorites, the St. John’s Riverboat Jazz Band delivers the timeless sound of classic jazz with a fresh and distinctive twist. Their performances are a celebration of jazz history and a testament to the enduring appeal of this genre.

The band plays at various local events, ensuring that the spirit of jazz remains vibrant in the community. They have become a beloved fixture at festivals, bringing joy and entertainment to audiences of all ages. Their commitment to music education and community engagement is evident in their outreach efforts, which aim to inspire the next generation of musicians.

A Commitment to Tradition

The St. John’s Riverboat Jazz Band is dedicated to preserving the rich tradition of Dixieland jazz. Their performances not only entertain but also educate audiences about the history and significance of this musical style. They often share stories behind the songs they play, creating a deeper connection with their listeners.

As they continue to perform, the band honors the legacy of jazz while also embracing new influences. This balance of tradition and innovation keeps their music fresh and exciting. It also allows them to reach a broader audience, ensuring that jazz remains relevant in today's musical landscape.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the St. John’s Riverboat Jazz Band is more than just a musical group; they are a vital part of the local cultural fabric. Their dedication to jazz and the community is evident in every performance. I look forward to seeing how they will continue to evolve while staying true to their roots. Their passion for music and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly keep the spirit of jazz alive for many years to come.

If you want to experience the magic of jazz, be sure to catch the St. John’s Riverboat Jazz Band at their next performance. You won't want to miss the chance to hear their unique sound and witness their dedication to this timeless genre.