The REAL Dukes Band History
Although The REAL Dukes are a relatively new group, the organization's roots date back to the late 1940's to the Original Dukes of Dixieland that was established by Frank and Freddie Assunto.  Original Dukes History!

In February 1974, with the passing of Frank Assunto, the Original Dukes of Dixieland had come to an end.  Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, there was a young 12 year old accordion player growing up and performing classic old Italian favorites for his family.  That accordion player was me, Mike Marois.  Over the next several years I would hang up the accordion and pick up the trumpet and ultimately the tuba.  Throughout high school I played with my father's group "The New Bullmoose Party Band" and performed several times with Papa Jac as a guest artist with that group.

For those of you who don't know my relationship to the Assunto family it is this, my mother, Francis Jean Assunto-Marois was Frank and Freddie's youngest sister.  That would make Papa Jac and Mama Jo my Grandfather and Grandmother.   When I was playing old Italian favorites on the accordion it was mainly for Papa Jac and Mama Jo.

I have traveled all over this country performing with several top names in the Dixieland genre and even performed for the Walt Disney Company for a few years.  Over the years I have performed with many fine musicians.  It is from this immense pool of talent that I have built this band based on the musicians that I feel closely resemble the Original Dukes of Dixieland.