Past Shows & Events
Saturday, November 2, 5-7pm
Past Shows & Events
21 st Annual Amelia Island Jazz Festival
Info: ameliaislandjazzfestival.com
Jazz Festival Dates
:
September 29 - October 6, 2024
Nassau County Council on Aging
Amelia Island Jazz Festival Presents
The Les DeMerle Band
featuring Bonnie Eisele
Friday, September 6, 6-8 pm
Berkman Pavilion & Memorial Garden
1901 Island Walk Way
Fernandina Beach, FL
Bebop, Blues & Beyond
Featuring the work of Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Billie Holiday & Ray Charles
The Les DeMerle Hittin' The Blue Notes Band
plus Bonnie Eisele - Vocals
Saturday, August 17 - 5-7 pm
Story & Song Center for Arts & Culture
1430 Park Ave
Fernandina Beach, FL
(904) 601-2118
Super excited to return to the 33rd annual
Chicago Drum Show Sat, May 18 and Sun, May 19 where I will be exhibiting and teaching at my Booth 171.
My dear friends and fabulous drummers
Bernie Dressel and Adam Nassbaum will also be presenting clinics at the show.
Following this very exciting show I will play a free Drum Clinic at Naperville Music on Mon, May 20 at 4pm followed by teaching at the store on Tues, May 21 and Wed, May 22.
To book private lessons contact Nate at 630-355-1404
A very special Chicago Performance of The Dynamic Les DeMerle Band featuring Bonnie Eisele and Chicago's finest! Paul Coscino - piano, Peter Lerner - guitar and Michael Staron - bass. The show takes place at Naperville’s very hip night club Go Brewing on Tuesday May 21, 7pm to 9pm.
Hoping to see many friends and fans at these exciting Chicago events. Don’t miss a beat! Come on out and dig all of the action. – Les
Celebrating Sinatra
A Man and his Music
The Dynamic
Les DeMerle Band
with
Bonnie Eisele
Saturday, April 13th - 5 pm
Story & Song Center for Arts & Culture
Big Band Bash
The 13th annual Benefit Gala – Dinner & Dance
The Dynamic
Les DeMerle Orchestra
featuring
Bonnie Eisele
Saturday, February 10
7 pm to 10 pm
A Jazzy New Year's Eve in Italy
The Dynamic
Les DeMerle Jazz Quartet
featuring
Bonnie Eisele
Sunday, December 31
5 pm to 7 pm
(904) 601-2118
The Dynamic Les DeMerle Jazz Quartet
Featuring Bonnie Eisele
with Ron Teixeira - piano
Al Dodds - bass
Heidi's Jazz Club
7 North Orlando Avenue
Cocoa Beach FL 32931
Thursday, December 28
7 pm to 10 pm
(321) 783-4559
“Dance & Jazz Party Cruise”
Join The Fun on the High Seas!
With the Dynamic Les DeMerle Little Big Band
featuring Bonnie Eisele.
Special events only for our exclusive group include Dancing and Shows nightly, plus a New Orleans Jazz Party, a Celebrating Sinatra Night, a VIP Cocktail Party, Meet and Greet the Band, and much more…
Don’t Miss a Beat! Contact Tom Pacena at Ahoy Cruises to book your cruise via email or phone (214) 761-1968 for this exclusive Les DeMerle Cruise Package.
A sensational Jazz Party Show featuring the
DYNAMIC LES DeMERLE BAND!
Dr. Bill Prince on sax, Doug Matthews on piano, and Les DeMerle on drums & vocals, along with the incredible Bonnie Eisele on vocals plus guests, promise an unforgettable evening!
From classic jazz to Latin, blues, and Motown, this party is poised to set the house on fire. Don't miss a single note of the excitement! Get your tickets today and be a part of this FUNTASTIC celebration.
Saturday, November 4•5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
2023 Amelia Island Jazz Festival Headliners!
Manhattan Transfer - Thursday October 5th, 7:00pm
Néstor Torres - Friday October 6th, 7:00pm
Tierney Sutton Band - Saturday October 7th, 7:00pm
Jump, Jive & Wail / Swing Night - Wednesday October 4th, 7-10pm
Jazz Festival Dates: October 1 - 8, 2023
Drum Camp
with Les DeMerle
June 26th 27th & 28th
Arts Alive Nassau Bldg
96072 Chester Rd
Yulee, FL 32097
Chicago Drum Show
The Dynamic Les DeMerle
Booth 171
Saturday & Sunday
May 20 & 21 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Kane County Fairgrounds - St Charles, IL
The Dynamic
Les DeMerle Jazz Quartet
featuring
Bonnie Eisele
with
Evan Rea - Piano
Michael Staron - Bass
Tickets: Go Brewing
1665 Quincy Ave, Suite #155
Naperville, IL 60540
Tuesday, May 23rd - 7-9pm
(630) 864-5258
SPECIAL DRUM STUDENT PERFORMANCE
Saturday, April 1st at 3 pm
Pocket Park at 207 Centre St. (Next to Amelia Coffee)
Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach, FL
Join me with my Arts Alive Nassau Drum Students, the "Drums Are Fun Kids", from Yulee Elementary School and Callahan Intermediate School at a Special Event featuring the young drummers playing various rhythms in solo and group demonstrations. The grand finale will showcase everyone with me including some of my private drum students from Arts Alive Nassau in a spontaneous jam session improvising on New Orleans-style second line Mardi Gras grooves.
C'mon over, and support all the kids - Drums Are Fun!
Hope to see you there!
Les
The Dynamic
Les DeMerle Jazz Quartet
featuring
Bonnie Eisele
with
Doug Matthews - Piano
Ricky Revelo - Bass
Breezy Jazz House
1402 San Marco Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Friday, March 31st - 9pm to Midnight
(904) 204-5299
The Dynamic
Les DeMerle Jazz Quartet
featuring
Bonnie Eisele
with
Daniel Tenbusch - Piano
Thomas Milovac - Bass
Heidi's Jazz Club
7 North Orlando Avenue
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Friday, January 27th - 7:00pm to 11:00pm
( 321 ) 783-4559
New Year's Eve in Paris
The Dynamic
Les DeMerle Jazz Quartet
featuring
Bonnie Eisele
Saturday, December 31st - 5pm to 7pm
(904) 601-2118
Tickets at: Story & Song Bookstore
Jazz Spirit of Christmas
The Dynamic
Les DeMerle Jazz Quartet
featuring
Bonnie Eisele
Saturday, December 3rd - 5pm to 7pm
(904) 601-2118
Tickets at: Story & Song Bookstore
Les DeMerle Birthday Jazz Party
The Dynamic
Les DeMerle Jazz Quartet
featuring
Bonnie Eisele
Friday, November 4th - 5pm to 7pm
(904) 601-2118
Tickets at: Story & Song Bookstore
Amelia Island Jazz Festival 2022
October 2 - 9
Tickets: ameliaislandjazzfestival.com
The Dynamic
Les DeMerle Jazz Quartet
featuring
Bonnie Eisele
with
Doug Matthews - Piano
Thomas Milovac - Bass
Breezy Jazz House
1402 San Marco Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Friday, September 23rd - 9pm to Midnight
(904) 204-5299
Bebop, Blues & Beyond
Saturday, September 17th 5pm - 7pm
The Dynamic Les DeMerle Band with
Bonnie Eisele - Vocals and the
Hittin' The Blue Notes All Star Horn Section
Story & Song Book Store - Bistro
(904) 601-2118
Dear friends and fans,
I am deeply honored to have been nominated in the Jazz Category of the 2022 Modern Drummer Readers Poll. Its been an incredible journey for me to play, teach, present clinics all over the world and continue to perform with my various sized bands for over 60 years. If you have enjoyed my playing, my music and recordings, and teaching and clinics please consider voting for me at this link moderndrummer.com/rp
The deadline to vote online is midnight EST on July 31, 2022.
Many of you have followed my career since 1967 when I first appeared on the Jazz scene in NYC with Lionel Hampton and the 70s with Harry James where I replaced Buddy Rich along with my cutting-edge "Transfusion" band. Others might be new fans who recently heard me at my annual Chicago Drum show presentations.
New or Old fans I appreciate you all for always inspiring me to reach the next level as a professional musician.
I thank you so much for considering a vote in support of my 2022 Modern Drummer Readers Poll nomination.
Wishing you all the BEST.
Les
The Dynamic
Les DeMerle Jazz Quartet
featuring
Bonnie Eisele
with
Daniel Tenbusch - Piano
Michael Santos - Bass
Heidi's Jazz Club
7 North Orlando Avenue
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Friday, June 17th - 7:00pm to 11:00pm
( 321 ) 783-4559
Reservations & Tickets
Chicago Drum Show
The Dynamic Les DeMerle
Booth 171
Saturday & Sunday
May 21 & 22 10:00am to 5:00pm
Empire Open Mic Tuesdays
The Dynamic Les DeMerle Quartet
Featuring Bonnie Eisele vocals
Tuesday May 24 7:30 pm
Arts Alive Drum Camp
with Les DeMerle
June 6, 7, & 8
10:00am - noon
Ages 9 and Up
Arts Alive Nassau
96072 Chester Rd
Yulee, FL 32097
Sign up now!
kimrust.artsalive@gmail.com
Call: 904-310-9243
Register due May 27th
Swingin’ Jazz Wine and Dance Party
The Dynamic Les DeMerle Band
Featuring Bonnie Eisele with
Doug Matthews - Piano
Ricky Ravelo - Bass
and special guests
Saturday April 23, 7:00 pm to 10:00pm
Courtyard by Marriott
2700 Atlantic Ave Fernandina Beach FL 32034
Tickets ameliaislandjazzfestival.com
The Dynamic Les DeMerle Jazz Quartet
featuring Bonnie Eisele with
Daniel Tenbusch - Piano
Thomas Milovac - Bass
Heidi's Jazz Club
7 North Orlando Avenue
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Friday, March 18th - 8:30pm to 11:30pm
Saturday, March 19th - 5:00pm to 7:30pm
( 321 ) 783-4559
Reservations & Tickets
The Dynamic
Les DeMerle Jazz Quartet
featuring
Bonnie Eisele
with
Doug Matthews - Piano
Dennis Marks - Bass
Breezy Jazz House
1402 San Marco Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Friday, March 25th - 9pm to 12am
(904) 204-5299
The Dynamic Les DeMerle Jazz Quartet
featuring Bonnie Eisele with
Daniel Tenbusch - Piano
Thomas Milovac - Bass
Heidi's Jazz Club
7 North Orlando Avenue
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Saturday, January 22nd - 7pm to 11pm
( 321 ) 783-4559
Reservations & Tickets
The Dynamic Les DeMerle Jazz Quartet
featuring Bonnie Eisele
Breezy Jazz House
1402 San Marco Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Friday, October 29th - 9pm to 12am
(904) 204-5299
The Dynamic Les DeMerle Jazz Quartet
featuring Bonnie Eisele
Breezy Jazz House
1402 San Marco Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Saturday, July 17th - 9pm to 12am
(904) 204-5299
July 4th - A Jazz Tribute to Independence Day
Sunday, July 4th 2pm & 5pm
The Dynamic Les DeMerle with Bonnie Eisele
Story & Song Book Store - Bistro
Saturday April 3, 9pm to 12am
Breezy Jazz House
The Dynamic Les DeMerle Jazz Quartet
Featuring Bonnie Eisele
CD release Jazz Party
1402 San Marco Blvd
Jacksonville FL
Saturday May 1, 6:30 pm to 10pm
Amelia Island Jazz Festival
Big Band Bash
Dinner Dance, Benefit Gala
The Dynamic Les DeMerle 17 piece Orchestra
with Bonnie Eisele
Omni Hotel and Resorts
39 Beach Lagoon Rd
Fernandina Beach FL
May 15 and 16, 10am to 5pm
Chicago Drum Show
Les DeMerle Clinics and Drum Lessons
Kane County Fair Grounds
525 S Randall Road
St Charles IL
Join us New Year’s Eve at Story & Song
Jazz Spirit Of Christmas Show
Saturday Dec 19 with a matinee performance
at 2pm
and an evening performance at 7pm EST.
$25
Story & Song Bistro on Amelia Island
1430 Park Avenue, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
(904) 601-2118
We will also swing in the New Year with a special show
New Years Eve In Paris, 5pm to 7pm EST on Thursday 12/31.
The balldrop will take place at 6pm { 12am Paris time }
Seating is limited so please reserve your tickets today.
$50
Please make reservations to join The Les DeMerle Jazz Trio with Bonnie Eisele Vocals, Doug Matthews multiple pianos and special guests for these exciting holiday events.
Amelia Island Jazz Festival 2020
Monday Oct 5 - 5pm to 6pm
AIJF 2020 Virtual Jazz Festival Sponsor Party, Rat Pack Happy Hour
Invitation Only for Bronze Saxophone Sponsors and above
Sponsorship info at AIJF website.
Hosted by Les DeMerle, Bonnie Eisele and AIJF Board member the Hip Mixologist - Chris Twiggs,
Live Streamed from the Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, Amelia Island
Tuesday Oct 6 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Jazz Drums Virtual Educational Program. Drummers of all ages and styles.
In association with George’s Music Jacksonville Beach, Florida - Free livestream event.
Featuring Les DeMerle and Joe DeRenzo
Wednesday Oct 7 - 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Jazz For Seniors Presentation Hosted By Amelia Island Council on Aging. Virtual Jazz Rhythm Class with Les DeMerle
Visit www.nassaucountycouncilonaging.org
Friday Oct 9 - 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Virtual Headlining Concert, “A Salute To The Duke”
Tickets at AIJF website https://www.ameliaislandjazzfestival.com/
The Dynamic Les DeMerle Jazz Quartet featuring Bonnie Eisele with Bill Prince Sax, Trumpet, Clarinet and Flute, Doug Matthews piano and Ernie Ealum Bass
Plus Special Guest 2020 AIJF Scholarship winner Janae Yates
Live Streamed from Story & Song Bookstore Bistro, Amelia Island
Saturday Oct 10 - 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Virtual Headlining Concert, “To Satchmo With Love”
Tickets at AIJF website https://www.ameliaislandjazzfestival.com/
Featuring Longineu Parsons Trumpet and Vocals and the Les DeMerle Jazz Trio with Bonnie Eisele and Special Guest 2020 AIJF Scholarship winner Janae Yates.
Sunday Oct 11 - 10:00am to 12:00pm
NPR WJCT Electro Lounge Jazz Brunch Radio - 89.9 HD4
also online at https://www.wjct.org/jaxmusic/electro-lounge-radio/
Features Highlights of 17 years of Amelia Island Jazz Festivals with performances by David Sanborn, Delfeayo Marsalis, Nestor Torres, Steve March Torme, Bria Skonberg, Houston Person, the Les DeMerle Band and more.
Hosted by AIJF Artistic Director-Les DeMerle, and WJCT’s David Luckin
Greetings Friends,
I hope you and your family’s are all well and keeping it all together. I want to let you know that this Saturday July 4 at 2 pm, I will be presenting a free Drums Are Fun Preview on Facebook live.
I will play, and talk and demonstrate several exercises on the AE practice drum, Craviotto Drums, cymbals by Zildjian and more, and will also give a shout out to all of our friends and fans from Rob Cook and Rebeats Chicago Drum Show plus Steve Maxwell and David Victor of Craviotto Drums and Sarah Hagan of Zildjian and Michael Bean and Abby of AE Drums Michael Anderson of Stick Stuff Jane Lindberg and Marjorie Meder of Arts Alive Nassau and more.
I will finish the Talk/ Demonstration by playing an improvised Drum Solo on my Craviotto Red Sparkle Jazz Kit to create some musical fireworks for July 4th.
Please see our post later today on my facebook fan page and ask everyone to share, and spread the word by inviting all of your friends to tune me in this Saturday July 4th at 2pm.
There is nothing we need more of in the world today that positive rhythm, I hope my little contribution this Saturday brings some joy and happiness to all that check me out.
You all are the first to know about this, and I will put out a full explanation later today on my face book fan page and Instagram.
Looking forward to my first live session promoting our Drums Are Fun Summer Camp Preview, The Summer Camp. will take place on July 13, 14 and 15 1 pm to 3pm for Kids and July 20, 21 and 22 for Adults.
Virtual Drum Camp - $80.00 for 3 days
Drums Are Fun For Kids
July 13th, 14th, 15th 2020
1 - 3 pm
Drums Are Fun For Adults
July 20th, 21st, 22nd 2020
1 - 3 pm
Registration and more info:
ldmm@bellsouth.net • 904-277-7942
Virtual Drum Camp participants will need to install the video conferencing Zoom software to their home computer.
Amelia Island Jazz Festival
Big Band Bash
Sat Sept 5
Omni Hotel and Resort
Amelia Island FL
Featuring
The Dynamic
Les DeMerle Orchestra
With Bonnie Eisele
Amelia Island Jazz Festival
Oct 4 to Oct 11
Les DeMerle Jazz Quartet
John Pizzarelli Trio
Ken Peplowski
Trio Caliente
The Spare Rib Six
UNF Jazz Ensemble 2
And more
Purple Tie Gala
Featuring the Les DeMerle Jazz Trio
Osprey Village
48 Osprey Village Dr
Amelia Island FL 32034
Nov 7, 6pm to 830 pm
Tickets www.osprey-village.com
904 432 1185
Amelia Island Jazz Festival Preview Luncheon
It's Party Time, New Orleans-Style!
"All That Jazz" Lunch and Jazz Festival Preview
with The Dynamic Les DeMerle Quartet
Sunday, September 22nd at 1 pm
To set the mood for this festive program at Story & Song Bookstore Bistro, you’ll be treated to scrumptious food and potent drink “N’Awlins-style” while video clips of the Jamil Sharif Trio appearing in the film version of the Ray Charles story are rolling in the background.
Don’t miss a beat … it’s party time New Orleans-style.
Tickets for this special show/luncheon are $45 and may be purchased at Story
& Song or by calling
(904) 601- 2118. Space is limited, so get your tickets now.
1430 Park Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Drums and Rhythm Summer Camp
Monday - Wednesday
July 8-10 and July 15-17
New Vision Congregational Church
96072 Chester Rd
Yulee, FL 32097
To register contact arts.alive.nassau@gmail.com
904 310 9243
Amelia Island Jazz Festival
Oct 6 through 13
Sunday Oct 6 th Free Concert featuring
University of North FL Jazz Ensemble 2
Amelia Park , Amelia Island
Monday Oct 7
Jazz Festival Sponsors Party
The Les DeMerle Jazz Quartet
with Bonnie Eisele
The Lakeside 649 Amelia Island Pkwy
Amelia Island FL
Tuesday Oct 8
Jazz and Wine Tasting
Les DeMerle Trio
Story and Song Bistro
Amelia Island FL
Wednesday Oct 9
Jump Jive and Wail Swing Night
Les DeMerle Little Big Band featuring Bonnie Eisele
Tha Sandbar and Kitchen
Amelia Island FL
Friday Oct 11
Headlining Concert
Jamil Sharif with the Les DeMerle Jazz Quartet
The Fernandina Beach Golf Club.
Amelia Island FL
Sat Oct 12
Headlining Concert
Delfeayo Marsalis with the Les DeMerle Jazz Quartet
The Fernandina Beach Golf Club
Amelia Island FL
Sunday Oct 13
Dixieland Jazz Brunch
The Spare Rib Six
The Lakeside
Amelia Island FL
Nov 17, 2019 to March 29 2020
Harmony Of The Seas Cruise
Jazz On 4 Club
the Les DeMerle Jazz Quartet
with Bonnie Eisele
Recent Events
Amelia Island Jazz Festival
Mother's Day Big Band Bash
The Dynamic Les DeMerle Orchestra
featuring Bonnie Eisele
Sunday May 12th
Omni Hotel and Resorts
Amelia Island, FL 32034
Tickets at www.ameliaislandjazzfestival.com
Chicago Drum Show
Odeum Expo Center
1033 N Villa Ave
Villa Park, IL 60181
May 18th & 19th
Les DeMerle Booth 158
Private lessons and clinics
Past Events
The Dynamic Les DeMerle Jazz Quartet
featuring Bonnie Eisele
Oasis of the Seas, Jazz on 4 Night Club
Dec 9, 2018 through April 7th, 2019
Here is the first photo of my new band taken at Jazz on 4 on the Oasis of the Seas.
Left to Right: Daniel Tenbush - Piano, Bonnie, Les & Kenny Phelps - Bass
The Les DeMerle Jazz Quartet
The Les DeMerle Horn Section - Oasis of the Seas
Left to Right
Juan - Alto Sax, Devin - Tenor Sax,
Les and Alex - Trumpet
2018 Amelia Island Jazz Festival
Oct 7
Amelia Island Jazz Festival
Jazz in the Park with the FSU Jazz Ensemble 1
2pm to 4pm
Amelia Park between 14th and Citrona
Amelia Island FL 32034
Oct 8
Amelia Island Jazz Festival
Sponsors Party
7pm to 9pm
Les DeMerle Jazz Quartet
Horizons Restaurant
5472 First Coast Hwy
Amelia Island FL 32034
Oct 9
Amelia Island Jazz Festival
Wine Tasting and Jazz
6pm to 8pm
Les DeMerle Trio
Amelia Island Wine Company
4924 First Coast Hwy Suite 1
Amelia Island FL 32034
Oct 10
Amelia Island Jazz Festival
Jump Jive and Wail Swing Night
7pm to 10pm
Les DeMerle Little Big Band
Featuring Bonnie Eisele
Sandbar and Kitchen
2910 Atlantic Ave Main Beach
Amelia Island FL 32034
2018 AIJF Headliners
Henry Johnson
Janis Siegel
Oct 12
Amelia Island jazz Festival
Headlining Concert Fernandina Beach Golf Club
Les DeMerle Trio featuring Henry Johnson
7pm to 10 pm
2800 Bill Melton Road
Amelia Island FL 32034
Oct 13
Amelia Island jazz Festival
Headlining Concert Fernandina beach Golf Club
Requinte Trio
featuring Janis Siegel of the Manhattan Transfer
Les DeMerle Jazz Quartet featuring Bonnie Eisele
7pm to 10pm
2800 Bill Melton Road
Amelia island Florida 32034
Nawlins Dixieland Jazz Brunch
Spare Rib Six
Horizons Restaurant
11am and 1pm seatings
5472 First Coast Hwy Amelia Island FL 32034
Les DeMerle & Bonnie Eisele
Check back for more live dates!
Bonnie Eisele and Les DeMerle with the 2016 / 2017 AIJF Jazz Scholars.
Hi Guys,
We want to thank you very much for representing the AIJF at our Jazz Art scholarship event.
You both played great and Bonnie and I and our board of directors are very proud to have you as our 2016 and 2017 scholars.
Keep up your great work and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family’s.
Les
- Past Events -
28th Annual Chicago Drum Show - 2018.
Les checks out a show banner with a photo jamming along side fellow drummer Steve Maxwell.
Les with Danny Seraphine, the original drummer for the band Chicago. Dom Famularo and David Frangioni stop by to visit Les and check out his amazing booth at the show.
Valentine's Big Band Bash - Salute to the Bands.
Nestor Torres with the Dynamic Les DeMerle Jazz Trio wailing at the 2017 Amelia Island Jazz Festival.
14th Annual Amelia Island Jazz Festival
October 8 to 15, 2017
Festival headliners Néstor Torres, Roseanna Vitro,
Trio Caliente & The Dynamic Les DeMerle Bands
featuring vocalist Bonnie Eisele.
ameliaislandjazzfestival.com
The inimitable Les DeMerle, Bonnie Eisele, and the entire Amelia Island Jazz Festival team are at it again, presenting the 14th annual Amelia Island Jazz Festival from October 8 through October 15 at venues across the island. Featuring outstanding jazz music in a variety styles, including swing, bebop, Dixieland, big band, Latin, and contemporary, the week-long festival hosts world-class headliners as well as fresh, up-and-coming young talent.
Other Past Events Include:
May 20 & 21
Chicago Drum Show - Odeum Expo Center
Booth 175 - "The Jazz Corner of the World"
1033 N Villa Ave, Villa Park, Illinois 60181
For details call: 989-463-4757
Official Les DeMerle / 2017 Chicago Drum Show T-Shirt