Dick Barnes is our organizer and Jam Session
leader. He received his degree in Trumpet from
the University of Washington and has played
professionally in everything from symphony
orchestras to small combos. He helped publish
NW Jazz Profiles magazine and was their Jam
Session reviewer for years, travelling from
Portland to Vancouver B.C. to take part in and
write about Jam Sessions and jazz musicians in
the Northwest.
Our drummer, John Lester, has had to bow out
of the Jam Sessions for health reasons.
Fortunately Ray Carega was available and has
stepped in to take his place. Ray is a New
Jersey native who became serious about music
in middle school, going on to receive his
degree from the John J. Cali School of Music at
Montclair State University. He played regularly
in the NYC and NJ areas until joining the Navy
Fleet Band, allowing him to perform in Europe,
Africa, and the Middle East. He is now with the
Navy Band Nortwest and stationed in
Silverdale. We are lucky to have Ray join us
“oldsters” and bring his expertise to Chaos Bay
to share with young musicians.
Derick Polk grew up on the south side of
Chicago and received his music degrees
from DePaul University and Northwestern
Illinois University. He performed and
conducted with jazz groups outside the U.S.
while with the military. Derick plays both
Bass and Tuba and now resides in
Bremerton where he is a member of the
Bremerton WestSound Symphony and
director of their Youth Jazz Ensemble.
Michael Deak is not only a reknowned Jazz
pianist but an award winning composer. He has
won composition prizes in classical music as
well as jazz compositions for vocals and
instrumentals. He has been playing
professionally for nearly 60 years, much of that
as part of the Los Angeles music community.
Michael moved to Gig Harbor a decade ago and
has spent most of his time since writing. Michael
has a wealth of musical experience and
knowledge to share with young musicians.
