Bare Bones Trombone Quartet performs live at the Liverpool Public Library. © 2025 Sophia Braun
LIVERPOOL, N.Y. (NCC News) — In celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, the Bare Bones Trombone Quartet is proving that jazz is not just history, but a living, breathing part of Central New York culture.
Libraries are typically known as quiet places of study, but the Liverpool Public Library is transformed into a stage the quartet calls home.
The group’s performances feature traditional jazz tunes, a lesson in music history and plenty of laughter.
“Live music is the best,” said self-proclaimed band “roadie” and frequent concert attendee Donna Lamica. “Without that, you just listen to the radio and everything, and CDs are okay, but live music. Can’t beat it.”
The quartet is celebrating its 30-year anniversary of making music together. The group’s name, chosen by their director, reflects their unique style.
“At the time, when we were starting up our group, there were a few trombone groups like ‘Lazy Bones,’ ‘Hip Bones.’ I thought, well gee, how about Bare Bone?” said Bare Bones Trombone Quartet director and musician James Lamica.
While attendees tap to the rhythm, wave their hands or just listen — the message behind the music is clear. Musicians of all ages fill the audience, sharing in the band’s value of keeping traditional jazz alive.
“And we’re here to continue to preserve jazz, continue to play it, continue to do this,” said James Lamica.
The Bare Bones Trombone Quartet is preserving a legacy, one performance at a time.
While future performances are dependent on the health of members, two trombonists have recently been welcomed to the group to substitute in when necessary. The band shows no sign of stopping and are aiming to continue their monthly performances at the library.
AUDIO TRANSCRIPT: Old souls blow life into traditional jazz
Sophia Braun: When it comes to jazz music, Liverpool resident Donna Lamica says that there is only one way to listen.
Donna Lamica: Live music, you can’t beat it.
Braun: That’s why every month, Donna Lamica goes to the Liverpool Public Library not to check out books, but to check out jazz. The library is the home stage for the Bare Bones Trombone Quartet, which Donna Lamica’s husband is the director of. The group’s performances are filled with traditional jazz licks.
Braun: A little bit of music history,
Event emcee: The early history of jazz was really for the common people,
Braun: And lots of laughter. The message behind the music is clear. Musicians of all ages continually make up the audience. Band director James Lamica says that these audience members share the value of keeping jazz alive.
James Lamica: We’re here to continue to play it, to continue to do this.
Braun: The quartet is preserving a legacy, one performance at a time. Sophia Braun NCC News.