Unique jazz band celebrates 20 years performing in Santa Barbara

The 20-year anniversary of a unique Southern California jazz band took place Saturday night in Santa Barbara.

The Ulysses Jasz band (spelled with an s) put on its weekly “American roots” show for a packed house at the James Joyce.

The band is made up of veteran musicians, some that travel from Los Angeles County to perform.

They play specially chosen standards from the 20’s and 30’s and are said to be the only group around that performs this type of show.

While there is no formal dance floor, it’s not uncommon for the guests to start tapping their shoes and cutting some moves.

Band founder Alex Marshall is on the banjo in the back row and is flanked by a trumpet, trombone, standup base, drummer and for some songs a singer dressed in vintage attire, Hanna

The group first began playing in 1998.