Music
Don Vappie

Born in New Orleans, Don's versatile background of playing funk, rhythm and blues, and pop music enhances his unique perspective on music and performance. In 1995 he formed the Creole Jazz Serenaders, performing classic jazz from the 1920’s through the 1940’s. As one reviewer wrote, “(Don Vappie & the CJS) ... remove the barriers of time… making the music fresh for today’s audience.”
The CJS recording, “Creole Blues” was played on international flights as part of Delta Airline’s Inflight Entertainment and was named of Offbeat Magazine’s “100 Essential Louisiana CD’s.” “In Search Of King Oliver” was the subject of a Public Radio International Broadcast radio series that celebrated Joe “King” Oliver’s music. This led Glen Pitre, film producer/writer, to make Don & CJS a part of his film “The Scoundrel’s Wife.”

In addition to his work as a producer, composer and arranger, Don has performed and recorded with Terence Blanchard, Benny Waters, Doc Cheathum, Peggy Lee and continues to be a regular guest with Wynton Marsalis and The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra as well as guest artist at numerous festivals and venues worldwide.

"Milly came up with the idea," Don said when asked how he got involved with the film. "There are so many musicians in my family, it seemed a good story to tell. She and I tossed it around and decided we would go ahead with it."

Don sees educating people about his Creole music and his Creole heritage as important, but even Creoles can't always agree on what the term means, and growing up with his background wasn't always easy.

"Creole was a divisive term. It implied that a person was willing to 'pass for white.' Somehow it was as if a person was turning their back on one life to have another. I knew it was more than that, but this was the reality of the day."

In their efforts, Don and Milly saw a need and an opportunity to promote the rich Creole musical past.

"The CJS was a way for me to play music beyond the 20 – 25 song repertoire we play for tourists. Milly and I were both fascinated with Creole music and the variety of bands in New Orleans in the 1920's. They all had their own sound. We expanded the CJS repertoire to include music from later bands and bands outside New Orleans that had New Orleans sidemen. In addition, we included Creole music from the Caribbean. Our latest release includes original music as well."

Though the film follows Don, he doesn't want to be viewed as the center of the story.

"I hope it educates people to the uniqueness of the region and they don't just view it as a Katrina film. Though I am the main character, the story is much bigger than any one person.”