Rush Baltz, a trombone player and Dixieland Jazz fan, originated the Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Band in 1963. In December 1967 in became a steady job in the Beach Room of the Bilmar Beach Resort, 10650 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island.

August 1 marked the 4000th performance at the resort for the band, which has supplied steady work for 25 musicians during the past 40 years. The Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Society presented a plaque to band leader and trombone player Paul O?Connor, who has been with the band for 30 years.

The current band consists of the following members: Roger Athans, drummer, 34 years; Frank Thompson, piano, 25 years; Burt Kempe, clarinet, 8 years; Bobby Tess, trumpet, 5 years; and, Lohn Lamb, bass, 5 years