When Deano Assunto decided it was the right time to form a tribute band to recognize his father, grandfather and uncle, he approached his friends Ryan Burrage and Jim Syoen. Ryan was, and is, the leading reed man in New Orleans, and a scholar of New Orleans Jazz. Jim was a television personality in Fort Myers Florida, but also a musician and a lifelong fan of the Dukes of Dixieland. In their first band meeting, it was discovered that Lexie Assunto, Deano’s niece, had an interest in joining the band, to sing the songs that her Aunt Betty taught her to sing as a child. Lexie’s Aunt Betty, who was also Freddie Assunto’s wife, recorded and performed with The Dukes, billed as “The Dutchess.” With this core group in place, The Assunto Dukes have had the honor of working with some of the best musicians, not only in New Orleans, but across the country,…… musicians that have been thrilled and honored to play the music, and preserve the legacy of The Dukes of Dixieland.
Ryan Burrage — Clarinet
Born and bred in New Orleans, Ryan Burrage has been the leading Traditional Jazz clarinet man in New Orleans for several years. Ryan studied with the great Jacques Gauthe, and has great respect for all of the virtuoso clarinetists who have come before him. Like so many of the great jazz clarinetists, Ryan has a very distinctive style and tone that elevates every band he performs with.
Jim Syoen — Tuba, Vocals
Jim also moonlights as a meteorologist as WDSU-TV, and was an award winning television personality in Florida for several years before moving to New Orleans to help spearhead The Assunto Dukes. Legend says that Jim’s father Fran marched him around the house as a colic baby to The Original Dukes of Dixieland recordings. As a “front man”, he is immensely proud to lead the way on stage for this group of outstanding and enthusiastic New Orleans musicians. Jim also produces the children’s television show, Mister Tuba’s Funtime Band, which can be seen below.
Lexie Assunto — Vocals
Lexie is the granddaughter of Frank Assunto, and was taught to sing this style of music as a child by her Great Aunt Betty Owens, who performed and recorded with The Dukes of Dixieland as “The Duchess.” Not only does Lexie sing all of her aunt’s songs, but she sings them in the SAME KEY! Her lineage is obvious from the moment she takes the stage, as she is a true natural, and the “shining star” of the band.
Jack Pritchett — Trumpet, Vocals
Jack received his bachelor’s degree in music education from Loyola University in 2007, and is now a fixture on the New Orleans Jazz scene. He has performed with Deacon John and Los Po Boy Citos, and is featured with several New Orleans Jazz groups, including The Assunto Dukes. He is not only a great lead horn player, but a strong vocalist and excellent showman. His exuberance for the music and his natural sense of humor makes him a perfect fit with The Assunto Dukes Tribute.
Zach Wiggins — Piano, Vocals
Dr. Zachary Wiggins is a pianist, singer, arranger, and educator. Having been introduced to the New Orleans style of playing from some fantastic mentors out west, he developed a love for traditional jazz piano styles which eventually brought him to the birthplace of jazz. In 2021 he finished a doctorate in music history, writing about the challenges of teaching New Orleans jazz in college jazz programs, and striking a respectful balance of ethics and tradition in jazz cultures. Ask him more about it if you are interested! He enjoys continuing to grow as a musician and diving deeper into the New Orleans experience.
Ben Herrick — Trombone
Originally from Ohio, Ben is currently completing his masters degree at LSU. Even at his young age, Ben has played bone in a number of traditional jazz groups. Ben truly understands the importance and the role of the tailgate trombone, which makes him such a natural fit with the Assunto Dukes.
L.G. Sullivan — Drums
L.G. Sullivan is one of the most popular musicians and people in New Orleans. Born and bred, he has played with bands of all styles for several years. As well as being a great drummer, L.G. is also an accomplished sailboat captain. L.G,’s sense of humor and winning personality make him a favorite on every bandstand. He is very excited to be playing the music of The Original Dukes of Dixieland (1947-1974) and The Assunto family, and if you buy him a cocktail, he might even tell you what the “L.G.” stands for.