Photos
Munger primarily played jazz on his tenor saxophone, but crossed over into other musical styles such as rock, blues, and reggae in his long career. He was one of the icons of Olympia’s jazz scene.
Wednesday’s benefit will help pay medical, funeral and other expenses incurred while his wife, Susan Amberson, cared for him. Compounding the family’s tragedy, their home was burglarized during Munger’s recent stay in the hospital.
The benefit will feature performances from many of the bands Munger played with, including The Bob Nixon Tribute Big Band, The Steve Munger Septet, Sour Owl and Hurts Like Hell.
“We’re going to have a hundred musicians there, so we might do a jam of some sort,” said organizer Danielle Westbrook. Attendees are invited to bring food for a potluck. A separate area will be set up in the club so those younger than 21 can attend.
Munger’s daughter Jacquelynn Stahl is in the process of moving from Indiana to Olympia with her husband, and won’t be able to attend the benefit. But she said she’s heartened by the thought of so many musicians gathering to remember her father. “That’s what he would have wanted,” she said.
Munger performed until mid-November, Stahl said. His early retirement was hard on him, she said. “He missed his saxophone. (Just before he died) he took it out and put it together and looked at it and didn’t try to play it. He wanted to see it.”
Munger was born June 4, 1959, in Whittier, Calif., and started his musical career as a teen. He performed at weddings, bar mitzvahs and other opportunities to make money. He eventually played with the innovative and renowned Stan Kenton Orchestra.
Munger moved to Olympia in 1980 as a full-time musician. He played at numerous Olympia venues, ranging from The 4th Ave Tavern to the Washington Center for the Performing Arts. During his decades in the South Sound, he performed with many groups, including swing dance band The Hot Five, blues band Sour Owl, funk dance band The Brown Edition, Obrador, the Steve Bentley Trio, and his own jazz band, the Steve Munger Group.
Craig Sailor: 253-597-8541
craig.sailor@thenewstribune.com
