Johnston Station Jazz Band Swings into Summer Season

If you've ever attended the Johnston Farmers Market, Green Days or a neighborhood party in Johnston, you've likely heard the Johnston Station Jazz Band.

For 10 years the community band has been playing lively tunes for every occasion.

The band got its start in 2002 when Jack Hauser and Perry Beeman collaborated with the city of Johnston to fill a musical void.

"More or less since then we've met every Thursday to practice at ," said Hauser. "Except when they remodeled, then we moved to the council chambers at City Hall."

The band, which consists of about 20 people, provides audiences with sounds of the 1930s, '40s and '50s.

While the band has been playing at Java Joes throughout the winter, they kick off the summer season on May 22 with the first Johnston Farmers Market.

The band was named in honor of those Johnston senior citizens who still hold on to the memories of the "good old days" before the original unincorporated community know as "Johnston Station" became the incorporated city of Johnston.

The band also breaks off into a combo band to alternate monthly performances at Java Joes in Des Moines.

"We have a multi-person group, a cross selection, but everyone is united by music, all professions and livelihoods, we're all united for one reason," said Steve Kuntz.

Over the years the band has grown in popularity, even being asked to play at neighborhood events.

"People that hear us, like us," said Christy Wilkins, co-director of the band. "Many are pleasantly surprised after they hear us.

"We just like to have fun."