Although DIXIELAND DIRECT performs with as many as seven musicians, the nucleus of the group is a quartet. Fashioned after the Swing and Dixieland styles of Benny Goodman and Pete Fountain, DIXIELAND DIRECT features Henning Hoehne on clarinet, with Bob Boguslaw on piano, Dallas Smith on bass and Mike Flaherty on drums. Dixieland Direct has been performing together for almost two decades. Along with being featured on numerous recordings, members of DIXIELAND DIRECT have been featured at major jazz festivals and have toured extensively throughout the United States and abroad.

Focusing on musicianship as well as entertainment, the band combines humorous lyrics and a dose of bandstand shtick to make a fun-filled and enjoyable time for all audiences. The band is uniquely complemented with its own arrangers and an extensive library of over 500 arrangements. The collection includes arrangements from the early Scott Joplin Rags, Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller, Cole Porter and Duke Ellington...to name just a few.

Whether for a concert, a private party, funeral procession, grand opening or reception, MIKE FLAHERTY'S DIXIELAND DIRECT JAZZ BAND can perform with any size band or combination of musicians to fit your budget and taste.

In addition to sample audio available on our Music page, please take a moment and watch the band's latest performance at the Kennedy Center's Millenium Stage. Past Kennedy Center performances are available here.