Jeff Kane

Jeff Kane is the founder, clarinetist, music director, and leader of “The NOLA Jazz Band”.  The band was formed in 2014 for a “one-off” performance and has since played consistently and performed across Iowa and the US.  The band was the longest running act at The Des Moines Social Club, performing every “First Friday” to full houses for 4 ½ years until it’s closing in Fall 2018.

While growing up, Jeff was heavily influenced by his grandfather’s musical tastes, who lived with his family for many years in Denver, Colorado. During Jeff’s formative musical years, he was exposed to big band, New Orleans music, blues, and gospel music spinning on the home stereo, as well as the 70’s funk, fusion, and R&B he listened to on the radio. Jeff was fortunate to have a number of professional musicians as teachers/mentors during his middle and early high school years in Colorado. His family made a final move to Iowa during his last few years of high school.

While a music major at UNI (University of Northern Iowa) Jeff founded a New Orleans “Dixieland” band that was chosen from 80+ entrants as one of “three finalists” for a “National Battle of The Bands” at NAJE convention in Chicago – competing against New England Conservatory of Music, and Univ. of Colorado at Denver. Judges for the competition were Tommy Newsome of “The Tonight Show” band, and David Baker of Indiana University. Jeff later transferred to Drake University receiving both his bachelor's degree in business management and MBA from Drake University – while still gigging regularly.

Currently Jeff can be found playing music around town with many different musical groups as well as playing special music events for a number of churches in the metro. He also has his own music studio where he teaches late elementary and middle school clarinetists – helping them build a solid music base and have fun with the music!