Two years later, in 1985, The Old Fashioners opened the 12th Old Style Jazzfestival in Enkhuizen.

In 1986, Enrst Hudig decided to leave the band after 12 years, and the remaining members decided not to replace him, as the tenor played by Jaap Ham was reed enough, and the number of gigs grew gradually.

The Old Fashioners in 1986

The band was invited to more and more jazzclubs and festivals and as a consequence the number of miles travelled grew as well.

In 1987 Auke Veenstra decided to leave the band after being offered to play in the English Brian Carrick Heritage Hall Stompers, an offer he couldn't refuse. The Old Fashioners made do with guests playing the banjo, and for a very short time with Luco Kruijff, of the Solid State Jazzband, with whom they played at the 15th Jazzfestival Enkhuizen.