The Backwater Stompers Jazz Band

Joe Feager (Banjo)

A member of the St. Louis Banjo Club and presently the Music Director/Leader. Also affiliated with the St. Louis Banjo’s Youth Band as Music Director/teacher. Principle banjoist with the Mound City Three, Backwater Stompers, Gateway Dixie Stompers and The Riff Raff Jazz Band.

Brad Femmer (Piano)

A piano player for over 60 years that studied under Rose Oldani in St. Louis in the 50s and 60s.  Freelance solo pianist concentrating on ragtime and early Tin-Pan Alley music. Entertains at various venues over the years including volunteer entertainment for several nursing homes in and around the St. Louis area, and at the Missouri Veterans Home for the past 6 years.  Together with lifelong friend Pete Zimmer formed the Backwater Stompers which in addition to monthly performances at the Veterans Home has played at Cardinal Nation, the Missouri Athletic Club, and charitable events.

Glenn Meyer (Clarinet)

Glenn Meyer studied with Charles Camacho of the St. Louis Symphony. Glenn was a member of the St. Louis Ragtimers for over 10 years hosting many nationally known Ragtime and Jazz Festivals aboard the Goldenrod Showboat, during his tenure with the Ragtimers, Glenn also appeared with the band at many Jazz Festivals in the U.S. and Canada, and also TV shows one show being a special for BBC that was filmed aboard the Goldenrod. Glenn toured with Jean Kittrell’s “St. Louis Rivermen” playing Jazz Festivals all over the U.S. and Canada, such festivals as the Monterey Jazz Festival, and festivals in Sacramento, San Diego, Three Rivers, Eureka and Pizmo Beach, California, also appeared 12 years in a row at the Sun Valley Jazz Jamboree in Idaho.

JON WEISS (Tuba)

Jon Weiss is a versatile low-end specialist equally at home on upright bass or tuba, with deep experience in ragtime, traditional jazz, swing, and second line brass band music. With a career spanning concert halls, street parades, national festivals, and historic dance venues, Jon is known for his strong groove, musical versatility, and collaborative spirit. Equally skilled as a section player and improviser, he is a familiar face in the Midwest’s vintage jazz scene, having held long-running residencies and performing with numerous other acclaimed groups including The Gaslight Squares, Annie and the Fur Trappers, The Arcadia Dance Orchestra, Sweetie and the Toothaches, and Brassy McBrassface. His credits include notable festivals and venues such as the Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival, the Big Muddy Blues Festival, and live broadcasts on NPR affiliate KWMU.

With a rotating stable of vintage and specialty instruments—ranging from playable 19th-century tubas to custom-built novelties—Jon brings not only musical depth but visual flair to every project he joins. He contributes not just his musicianship, but a keen sense of historical style, authenticity, and professionalism that makes him a valuable addition to any ensemble.

BRYAN FOOTE (Trumpet/Cornet)

Bryan Foote is a St. Louis native brass artist and vocalist.  He maintains a busy and vigorous live-performance schedule and music lesson studio.  Known for bravura performances and a unique improvisation approach guided by his uncanny ear, Bryan strives to please the audience just as much as his fellow musicians with an unbridled zeal for high performance brass work and vocals.  Bryan’s artistry knows no genre or stylistic limitations, his creative approach is a universal fit for any kind of musical endeavor, and he is at home in the recording studio, on top luxury cruise ships, or anywhere musical artistry is called for and rewarded.

JON SIDDLE (Trombone)

Jon Siddle is an active freelance trombonist and private educator that performs with numerous groups across the St. Louis area and abroad. He has traveled all over North America performing jazz, Motown and popular music of the last several decades. Notable performance venues include the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN, the Graceland Soundstage in Memphis, TN and the Czech. Embassy and White House Easter Egg Roll in Washington, D.C.  He is a member of the Elvis Artists Showcase (EAS) Band, the official band for the Ultimate Elvis International Competition held in Memphis, TN every year sanctioned and organized by Elvis Presley Enterprises.

BRADLEY CURRY (Drums)

In addition to drumming for the Backwater Stompers, Bradley is the drummer for the Midwest Jazztette, and drummer/founder of Confluence Jazz, the house band for Kirkwood Performing Arts Center. Bradley was fortunate during the 1970’s and 80’s to have performed with many wonderful musicians, including Tom Barker, Philip DePoy, Eric Tagg, Eric Udel, Michael Stryker, and Bill Watrous. Since his return to music performance in 2019, Bradley is grateful for the mentorship and fellowship of the St. Louis music community, especially Mary Chapman, Kevin Gianino, Willem von Hombracht, Dave Black, and Joe Mancuso.