Skip Parsons was born in Albany, New York in March of 1936. He attended school in several districts throughout that area and began to play clarinet at the age of 9. At 12 he played his first dance job which eventually led to many more. In high school he took a fancy to the sound of early jazz. Here he led and played in some dance gigs. In 1956, following several Sunday jam sessions, Skip formed the Riverboat Jazz Band. The group caught on and began to travel the college and night club circuit. In 1963 and 64 New York bound, the group found itself aboard the Oslofjord, pride liner of the Norwegian-American Lines, including shows with comedian Jackie Leonard. Later years of the 60's brought about concerts with some jazz celebrities - Cutty Cutshall - Jimmy McPartland, Wild Bill Davison and several others. Radio and TV became a reality too with people like Woody Herman, Mary Ann Mobley and Jack Smith. During the 70's Skip continued to front the band as well as doing appearances with Pee Wee Ervin, Bobby Hackett, Ed Hubble, Russell Moore, Vic Dickinson and several engagements with a band fronted by Doc Cheatham. 1970'S concerts with the Riverboat Jazz Band saw additional jazz players Joe Muranyi, Bobby Pratt, Jack Maheu, Will Alger, Spiegel Wilcox and Kenny Davern. Some other groups Skip has played with include: those with Ed Hubble, Tom Saunders and Spanky Davis.

Skip started the 80's by bringing the Riverboat Jazz Band to Lake Placid Winter Olympics employment by ABC Sports which projected the Riverboat Jazz Band sound literally around the world on international TV.
Skip was organizer of the Great Northeastern Traditional Jazzfest 1978 and 1979. An only and very successful event of its type to be in the Tri City Area. Several top artists to participate in the Greenville event were Pee Wee Ervin, Chris Griffin, Ed Hubble, Johnny Mince, Bob Wilbur, Kenny Davern, Cliff Leeman, Dick Wellstood, Major Holley, Bob Pratt, Joe Muranyi, Doc Cheatham and Salt City Six.

Skip's desire to promote Jazz functions led to the organization of the Lake George Hot Jazz Party & Cruise which began in 1979. Now a 3 day festival the party has promoted Skips appearances playing with Doc Cheatham,, Ed Polcer, Ken Peplowski, Joe Muranyi,, Spanky Davis, Stan McDonald, Jimmy Andrews, Tom Artin, Natalie Lamb and more.

Festival appearances include Waterloo, Newport at Saratoga and Ottawa International.

Later on into the 80's Skip began to promote some smaller groups too from trios and swing quartets to quartets to full size jazz bands keeping the faith of early jazz alive. His commitment continues into the 90's with a busy schedule of Park & gazebo concerts, Festivals and jazz venues throughout the Northeast.

Skip is available for Guest appearances and regular gigs too!!