Who are the Modern Riffs Players?
This Connecticut-based group showcases a unique, high-energy blend of experienced musicians and exceptionally talented young people. Performances are tailored to deliver the right combination of Jazz, Classic Rock and Swing that bests suits each individual audience. A CD and a full song list is available upon request. Check out our Upcoming Events for upcoming gigs - we have played at the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz, the Manchester Band Shell, The Hoop City Jazz Festival, and numerous private and public venues (including town concerts, fairs, restaurants and fundraisers).
AUDITIONS
We presently are looking for a keyboard player. We are always looking for new talent for "down the road" as our seniors graduate each year. Please feel free to contact us if you have interest in joining the band as positions open due to graduation.
For more information, please contact Bruce at saxshooter@aol.com
The Original Modern Riffs Players: October 2008
Pictured Above (Left to Right): Front: Nick, Bruce, Matt, and Kim. Rear: Molly, Emma, Anne and Eileen. And of course, THE 2007 STANG...
And as College and Other Pursuits Beckon Each Year, The Modern Riffs Has Welcomed New Players - But We Always Love our Reunion Gigs!
The Modern Riffs Players: July 2010
Pictured Above (Left to Right): Front: Eileen, Molly, Anne, Alexandra, and Emma. Rear: Greg, Bruce, Kim, Matt and Nick. This picture includes Greg and Alexandra, who joined after the original group was formed. It’s also the last picture for 3 of our charter members who have moved on – Molly, Emma, and Nick.
The Modern Riffs Players: February 2011
Pictured Above (L to R): Bruce (alto sax & leader), Corinne (trombone), Connor (drums), Eileen (vocals & flute), Anne (trumpet), Alexandra (tenor sax & keyboard), Greg (guitar), Kim (bass guitar), and Matt (keyboard). It’s also the last picture for another 3 of our charter members who have moved to college - Eileen, Alexandra & Matt. This picture includes new members Corinne and Connor.
The Modern Riffs Players: October 2011
Pictured Above Rear Row L to R: Greg (guitar), Corinne (trombone), Alisha (vocals), Annie (trumpet), Kim (bass and co-leader), Bruce (sax & co-leader). Front Row L to R: Connor (drums), David (vocals) and Nathan (keyboard). This picture includes new members Alisha, David and Nathan.
The Modern Riffs Players: April 2012
Pictured Above Rear Row L to R: Greg (guitar), Corinne (trombone), Roz (trumpet), Ryan (tenor sax), Alisha (vocals), David (vocals), Nathan (keyboard), Kyle (drums) and Connor (drums). Front Row L to R: Greg (guitar), Bruce (alto sax and co-leader) and Kim (bass and co-leader). This picture includes new members Roz, Ryan and Kyle.
The Modern Riffs Players: May 2013
Pictured Above Rear Row L to R: Greg (guitar), Nathan (keyboard), Bruce (alto sax and co-leader), Ryan (tenor sax), Kyle (drums) and and Kim (bass and co-leader). Front Row L to R: Roz (trumpet), Alisha (vocalist) and Corinne (trombone).
The Modern Riffs Players: January 2015
Front Row (L to R): Adam Busa (trombone); Ryan Masotti (keyboards); Justin Gurry (guitar) & Bruce Phelps (co-leader and saxophone). Middle Row (L to R): Jacob Ouellette (drums); Aaron Ouellette (trumpet). Back Row (L to R) Alyson Litwin (alto saxophone); Mari Larcheveque (trumpeet); Brianna Tracy (vocalist); and Kim Dubois (co-leader and electric bass). Not pictured Ryan Litwin (tenor saxophone).
The Modern Riffs Players: January 2017
Kneeling (L to R): Bruce Phelps (co-leader and saxophone) and Kim Dubois (co-leader and electric bass). Standing (L to R): Jacob Ouellette (drums); Aaron Ouellette (trumpet), Dawson Bertrand (alto saxophone); Erica Day (vocalist); Ethan Peutzer (drums); Garrett Masotti (keyboard)); & Joel Earhart (trombone).
The Modern Riffs Players: March 2019
Kneeling (L to R): Kim Dubois (co-leader and electric bass) and Bruce Phelps (co-leader and saxophone). Standing (L to R): Mia Bell (drums); Liam Calhoun (guitar); Caelyn Calhoun (vocals and flute); Bernie Odoy (keyboard and saxophone); Andrew Munroe (saxophone) & Joel Earhart (trombone). Not pictured Teresa Hooker (flute and vocals).
The Modern Riffs Players: October 2019
Kneeling (L to R): Bruce Phelps (co-leader and saxophone) and Kim Dubois (co-leader and electric bass). Standing (L to R): Teresa Hooker (vocals and flute); Mia Bell (drums); Bernie Odoy (keyboard and saxophone); Caelyn Calhoun (vocals and flute); Liam Calhoun (guitar); Andrew Munroe (saxophone) & Joel Earhart (trombone). Taken at our final gig at the Waterford Ballroom before the Ballroom closed a week later.