1981
John Weatherwax
Junkyard Jazz
In 1981, the club manager at the Elks Club posted a notice on the bulletin board inviting any members who had musical instruments to bring them with them to form a musical group. Responding to this first invitation were John Weatherwax, trombone, Sherman Yacher, banjo, and John Heitmeyer, accordion.
Soon other musicians heard of this weekly jam session, celebrating Dixieland jazz and traditional jazz, and a regular, popular source of entertainment was born for club members. Among those joining the regular jam sessions was Clyde Bysom who has been playing music in Lawrence since 1929! John and Clyde met in 1936 and began playing music together while attending the University of Kansas.
Together for more than 24 years, Junkyard Jazz has provided countless musicians the opportunity to rediscover and to maintain “their chops.” During these years, Junkyard Jazz has changed venues five times, and today still plays to original fans every Thursday night at American Legion Liberty Post 14.
In addition to serving as Mayor of Lawrence from 1957-1961, John Weatherwax continued to support many activities in Lawrence by adding music to the festivities. Junkyard Jazz has helped the Chamber of Commerce open new businesses, entertained residents of local retirement homes, supported fundraisers such as the Cottonwood Open and the Penny Jones Golf Classic, played in the annual KU homecoming parade and served as the official band of the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade since it beginning in 1988. Junkyard Jazz also became the official band of Lawrence’s Sesquicentennial, performing at the kickoff for the Sesquicentennial Year, in the Sesquicentennial Parade, at the Closing Ceremonies at Sesquicentennial Point and at Lawrence’s 151st Birthday Celebration!
Step Sponsored By: Junkyard Jazz Fans