Bands

Whether you need a big band or a quartet for your event, we have what you're looking for!
Take a moment and check out each of bands below; then, give us a ring and we'll help make
your event something truly special!

Artistic Jazz Orchestra (AJO)

The Artistic Jazz Orchestra (AJO), is a 19-piece jazz band which performs the music of the great Big Bands of the 1930's-1950's. AJO prides itself in authentically recreating the music of these great bands...including the music of Kenton, Basie, Miller, and so on.

The Artistic Jazz Orchestra consists of five trumpets, five trombones, five saxophones, piano, bass, drums, and a vocalist. The regular personnel consists of some of the greatest big band musicians in the area, including trumpeters Wes Orr, Erik Gimble, Ben Huntoon, Tim Perdue, and Phil Winnard; trombonists Vaughn Wiester, John Hall, Scott Garlock, Dave Leyerle, and John Walker; saxophonists Tom Reed, Rodd McFrederick, Chris Herald, Ralph Brown, and Jon Scott Allen; bassist Paul Martin, drummer Steve Scharr, pianist Lanny Gooding, and vocalist Jo Anne Kash.

If you enjoy the sounds the great Big Bands, AJO would be a wonderful choice for any event. The rate for hiring AJO is $1500 for a local engagement up to three hours (negotiable).  You can email the Artistic Jazz Orchestra at ajo@artisticjazz.com.


 

Stardust Dance Band

Stardust, our most popular band, is a 9-piece dance band composed of two saxophones, three trombones, piano, bass, drums, and a vocalist. Stardust plays the music of the 1930's-1950's, including hits from the Big Band Era; as well as popular jazz standards.


Stardust's personnel includes: Tom Reed (alto saxophone), Ralph Brown (tenor saxophone), Scott Garlock (trombone), Dave Leyerle (trombone), John Walker (bass trombone), Paul Martin (bass), Wally Richardson (drums), Lanny Gooding (piano), and Jo Anne Kash (vocalist).  Paul Martin, Tom Reed, and Wally Richardson serve as band arrangers.

This band is available for any event. The rate for hiring Stardust is $750 for a local engagement up to three hours (negotiable).  You can email Stardust at stardust@artisticjazz.com.
 

 

PM Jazz Combo

PM Jazz is the smallest of our three bands. The size of the band varies depending on the event for which it is playing.  PM Jazz is available in any format from two to seven musicians chosen from saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass, drums, and singer.


Some formats that can be used include a Piano & Bass Duo, a Piano Trio with bass and drums, a Quartet adding a vocalist or a horn (saxophone, trombone, or trumpet), a Quintet adding a vocalist or a second horn, a Sextet adding a vocalist or a third horn, or a Septet including three horns, vocalist, piano, bass, and drums.  This group will usually be made up of members of our larger bands Stardust and the Artistic Jazz Orchestra.

PM Jazz plays music from the 1930's - 50's: including jazz standards, hits from the swing era, and popular show tunes.  This band is available for any event. The rate for hiring PM Jazz is $250-$650 for a local engagement, depending on the size of the band hired (negotiable).   You can email PM Jazz at pmjazz@artisticjazz.com.