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The concept: Saturday Night Bath Band was created by Bassist/Composer/Vocalist Howie Rich in 1984, and consists of two bands, the most popular one being for young students.
Cultural performances began with local art festivals, highlighted by opening the Olympic Arts Festival in 1987, Barnsdall and McGroarty Art Centers and dozens of LA venues. Concerts for the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department began in 1987. The SNB youth ensemble began working in such clubs as Hop Singhs, Madame Wongs and Club 88. Our first juvenile hall concert was for “Dodger Day” at Los Padrinos in 1986, sponsored by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission. We have given nearly 500 interactive concerts at local juvenile halls, continuation high schools, and probation camps throughout the state, connecting directly with more than 24,000 young people. We can also provide an elementary school program called “A Quick 100 Years of Music”, that shows the musical progression from the blues created in America during slavery times, up to the present. City, County and State collaborations continue today.
A high-energy acoustic Dixieland & Swing ensemble can also be called for senior citizen centers and festivals. Joining Howie Rich in this acoustic "swing" ensemble are Delbert Charles Owens - clarinets and saxes, Markus Brox - drums, Al Vescovo - banjo and guitar, and Jo Alice Braswell – keyboards. Other great musicians complement this band.
The “youth” version of the band is in our 24th year of on-site concerts, visiting continuation high schools and detention facilities. We provide vital hands-on music therapy, and in recent years have given preference to pregnant teen sites. Music includes original Blues, Rock & Roll, Jazz, and Hip-Hop as well as traditional “old-school” compositions. Eight veteran recording and concert musicians include: Jo Alice Braswell – harmonicas, keyboard, and vocals, Kevin Holmes and Gerry Rothschild - guitars and vocals, Dave Holland - baritone & tenor sax and flute, Keith Scripps - congas/percussion, Mike Tulin – electric bass guitar, percussion and vocals, Markus Brox drums and vocals, and new member Lia Simone Braswell - drums. Contemporary influences are emphasized, and many referrals for arts study are provided. Brief, indoor, pre-concert art/painting slide shows add a creative visual element to the program that corresponds to the music. For the brave, the opportunity to join our performance, whether playing and instrument, singing, or rapping is encouraged. Between songs, band members describe the origins, mechanics, inventors, and famous players of their respective musical instruments. Students who remember 10 music things win a harmonica and/or stuffed animal. Copies of our own concise 38-page music handbook and three written educational prompts are given to all schools. Three 1-page questionnaires assess our impact. When funding is available, additional guitar, woodwind, brass, percussionist, or vocalists are added to the ensemble as necessary.