SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - The Greenhaven Pocket Farmers Market (GHP) welcomed The New Traditionalists to the Aug. 3 market for the first of two performances this month. The group was established in 1989 and is a youth honor band sponsored by the Sacramento Jazz Education Foundation. The ensemble will also perform Sunday, Aug. 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the farmers market, in the Elks parking lot at 6446 Riverside Blvd. 

The band is composed of high school-age musicians selected each year by audition. The 2025-2026 auditions will be held this September.

Over the years, the youth band has produced alumni who have gone on to become outstanding professional musicians and educators. In combination with other Jazz Education Foundation programs – like the Teagarden Jazz Camp and Teagarden Jazz Festival (teagardenjazzfestival.org) – The New Traditionalists are an integral part of the Foundation’s educational offerings.

The band rehearses weekly and performs at the Sacramento Hot Jazz Jubilee, other festivals across California and in many local establishments.

Mike Duffek, who is the secretary of the Sacramento Jazz Education Foundation Board of Directors, said, “Members of the band learn improvisation, cooperation, leadership, performance etiquette and a love of traditional jazz.”

Greenhaven Pocket Farmers Market Chair Vic Cima said, “I, and all the GHP shoppers, were really impressed with the TNT band. I am very excited they are coming back on Aug. 24.”

Cima also emphasized, “SacJEF works with professionals to repair and refurbish instruments for well-deserving students!” To donate an instrument or make a donation, contact the Jazz Education Foundation at [email protected] or call 916-571-5533. 

Exalted Ruler Rob Moore said, “This is a worthwhile charity for Elks 6 to support.”

Duffek, who is also president of the Sacramento Youth Band Parents Association, noted that TNT will have an information booth at both market performances. The band will be playing traditional jazz: from Louis Armstrong to Ella Fitzgerald.

Duffek is a lifelong resident of Sacramento County. He attended local area schools and began playing trumpet at age 11.

In 1973, he joined the Sacramento Youth Band and performed in the Junior Marching Band, Senior Marching Band and Jazz Band. He was drum major for the Senior Marching Band for five years.

A 1978 graduate of Kennedy High School, Duffek, as a sophomore, performed with JFK’s marching band under the direction of Nick Angiulo in the 1976 Bicentennial Parade in Philadelphia.

Duffek also performed in the Concert Band at Cosumnes River College, then moved on to Sacramento State University, where he earned a degree in Communication Studies. He is recently retired from the California Prison Industry Authority.

Duffek loves working with these outstanding jazz students and has been involved with the Sacramento Youth Band for over 50 years.

Bob Williams, The New Traditionalists’ director, said, “Playing at the Greenhaven Pocket Farmers Market helps these young musicians thrive: giving them the tools, mentors and stage time they need to keep early jazz music alive. It’s a free and fun jazz experience, and these teenagers bring a new twist: a Venmo app for tips!”