THE AIN'T NO HEAVEN SEVEN LEADS THE CHARGE INTO OUR NEW YEAR ON JANUARY 18!
The old standby, “this band needs no introduction ...” is an especially fitting way to present this January’s featured attraction. Co-founded by our president Dr. Terry Rogers, the Ain’t No Heaven Seven (ANH7) was initially comprised of six physicians and a tuba-playing marine engineer. After 42 years, its personnel has changed, but two of the original physicians and the engineer carry on.
Terry leads the band, playing alto and soprano saxophones. Dr. David Gilbert plays piano, as he has since the band’s beginning. Tuba player Al Rustad is the band’s third founding member. For years, Al also has led the Cornucopia Concert Band, recreating the sounds of summer concerts as our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents may have heard them.
Al’s brother Ron is the eighth member of this nominally seven-piece band. Our society first heard Ron playing clarinet with the well-remembered Rainier Jazz Band in 1977 before ceding his chair to George Goldsberry. “The move worked out great,” he recalls, “George was a gas. I had sung a few songs with the Rainier band before George came aboard, and afterward my numbers increased to the point where I became a full-time vocalist.”
Join us for live Dixieland style jazz music (Jan 18th 2026) at the Elk’s Lodge in Ballard WA.
Gene Silberberg, the timekeeper on banjo, is also a doctor, but of Economics rather than Medicine. A retired UW professor, he plays piano and violin, and arranges lead sheets for the band. He also plays bluegrass fiddle and directs his own ragtime and stringband ensembles. (To learn more, check out the article on page 4 of this issue, where Gene shares highlights of his career in music.) For several years, Andy Hall substituted on piano and trombone as needed, but lately he has settled into roles as the band’s regular trombonist and specialty vocalist. Steve Wright serves similar multiple-duty functions on reeds and cornet. Mike Daugherty returns on drums, as he has for the past 10 years.
The ANH7 crew never fails to bring an enjoyable afternoon of wonderful music for dancers and listeners alike. Come and join us at the Ballard Elks, 1 to 4 p.m. on the 15th. And please invite a friend or two. Remember, youngsters under 21 are admitted free, if accompanied by an adult. Everyone is welcome!
WHERE: Ballard Elks Lodge, 411 Seaview Ave. NW, Seattle, WA.,
Plenty of free parking; great view & dance floor; snacks, coffee, and other beverages available.
WHEN: January 18, 1–4 p.m.
ADMISSION:
PSTJS members, $15
Non-members, $20
Free admission for those under 21 who accompany a person paying admission.
