Dwight B. Shaw
March 16, 1931 ~ December 28, 2007
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Dwight B. Shaw II, 76, a prominent jazz musician, passed away Dec. 28, 2007, from cancer which he had been battling for nine years. Dwight was honored with the Pueblo Music Award, in 2001, and the Alice Award, in 2007, by the Pikes Peak Jazz & Swing Society. He was well known for his facile, creative trombone playing. His passion, however, was the Big Band Era. He helped keep the Era alive by forming a Big Band that he directed and played in, and by building and managing a massive library of jazz charts. He was a consummate musician who was loved by listeners and highly respected by fellow musicians. He will be sorely missed.
He is survived by his longtime partner and caregiver, Cher Robeda; his ex-wife, Dorothy Shaw; his two daughters, Cynthia Shaw Simonoff and Jessie Shaw, both of New York City; and his sister, Betty Hegler and her family.
There will be no viewing. Funeral service, 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4, 2008, in the Montgomery & Steward Chapel and a reception to follow in Montgomery Steward Banquet Hall. The family requests no food or flowers. Memorials may be made to 'The Dwight Shaw Big Band Fund' through Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, 1317 N. Main St., Pueblo, Colo. 81003. Online condolences, MontgomerySteward.com
I did not know Dwight…and only know Betty casually from the costume shop and the Polka dances…but their father delivered all my children…so I’ve always felt sort of connected. My friends Alan and Perc’an Polivka and I will attend the band fund raiser Thursday night. I’m sure Dwight will be there in spirit. God bless you all in your grief.
I’ll always remember the first time I saw Dwight play – it was at an SJE (Symphonic Jazz Ensemble) concert. From that moment on, I would always know Dwight as the coolest, hippest and most talented bone player around. I was honored to be a part of the SJE and share the stage with such a charasimatic and passionate performer. He brought a lot of joy and happiness to many people by keeping the big band sound alive for many years. He was defintely one of the great ones.
The music world and southern Colorado has lost a true talent.
When I met Dwight, I did not know his history, and hearing him speak, I thought “How can he play?”. In about 2 seconds of playing with him in the Rocky Mountain Jazz Experience, I thought, “Man, I wanna be like Dwight!” Heaven’s got a great BIG band now. Godspeed and God rest you, Dwight.
I cared for Dwight for many years. He was a good patient, and a very good man. We will miss him.
I’d like to offer my sincere and heartfelt condolences to Dwight’s family members. He will be sorely missed by his many friends. I had the pleasure of having Dwight on my band in 1951 at Riverside Ballroom in Estes Park. We were a college band out of Greeley,just getting started, and thrilled to have the Estes Park job. Most of the musicians worked days at various jobs, and played 3 nights a week at Riverside. We lived in the “Band Cabins” behind the ballroom,which was an experience in itself. Dwight played excellent
trombone, and was a real addition
to our band. He was a real believer
in the big band movement,something he kept doing the rest of his life.
Dwight received the Alice Award from PPJASS in February 2007 the second year in the history of the award where 76 member musicians had the opportunity to nominate and elect a fellow member/musician. This prestigious crystal award is given to an area musician who exhibits not only a high degree of musical talent and experience, but also possesses those intangible attributes that can only be described as “class” and indeed Dwight had “class!” He will be sorely missed. With our deepest sympathy,the Pikes Peak Jazz And Swing Society.
My sincere condolences and heart felt best wishes for Dwight’s family. Although I only knew Dwight for a short time, I was impressed with his dedication to jazz and his kind open attitude towards life. The community has lost a wonderful man and creative artist. We played together in the Rocky Mountain Jazz Experience that rehearses at Russell middle School in Colorado Springs.
Dwight’s memory with continue to live through the sweet, rich sounds of Big Band music.
Hello Cynthia and family,
I’m very sorry for the loss of your father. As soon as I read his name, I knew he was your dad. I’ve thought about you often over the years and hope all is well, in other respects. I’ve never forgotten how you surprised me at my wedding…33 years ago!! I’ve just retired from 30 years of teaching. Would love to catch up.
Again, my deepest sympathies.
Shelby