BIOGRAPHY
The Dave Banks Big Band- This powerhouse 17 piece swinging big band is
based out of Akron, Ohio and is led by Ohio native and 20 year Las Vegas
veteran trumpet artist, Dave Banks. The band boasts of having the very top
players in the Northeast Ohio area. Dave fronts the band with his soaring trumpet reminding you of Doc Severinson, Harry James and Maynard Ferguson. This band will definitely make your event sparkle. Their repertoire ranges from original compositions to standard big band favorites. Featured vocalists have included Michael Sonata, Stan Davis, Mery White, Shannon Eller, Britni Tozzi, Helen Welch, Don Dasco, Sandra Montevideo and Ron Davis.
Their library of big band music includes hit songs arranged by the best writers in the business. They have played to packed houses at the Cleveland Bop Stop, The Akron BluJazz Club, the Packard Music Hall, Carousel Dinner Theatre, The Tangier Ballroom and The Kent Stage. They will travel the United States, Canada and Europe and are available for Cruise Ship bookings.
The Dave Banks Big Band provides the best in the Big Band sound. We play modern arrangements from the top new composers as well as well known standards from the great big band era. Our staff arrangers have written several pieces specifically for our band.
Our goal is to provide our audience with an exciting, uplifting evening of music, whether it is in a show, concert, reception or dance setting. We strive to challenge our musicians with the best music to play, while keeping the communication with the audience our priority.
The Dave Banks Big Band is currently scheduling bookings for its 2016-2017 season. We also plan to do concerts and clinics for schools to raise the awareness of big band music and jazz education. You can book us directly for your next event, show, wedding, party, dance, or convention by contacting us via email at dbanks1@neo.rr.com or calling 330-472-2512.
The Dave Banks Big Band Personnel:
Dave Banks, Leader, Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Vocalist
Don Turoso, Alto Saxophone-Former saxophonist with Paul Anka, Glenn Miller
John Orsini, Alto Saxophone-Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Glenn Miller Orch.
Bob Esterle, Tenor Saxophone- Glenn Miller Orchestra
Tommy First, Tenor Saxophone-Ernie Krivda Fat Tuesday Big Band
Dave Kana, Tenor Saxophone, Jamie Abersold clinician and Tenor great
Richard Willis, Baritone Saxophone-Formerly with the Carousel Dinner Theatre Orchestra
John English, 1st trumpet and leader, Special Request Orchestra
Erik Gimble, Lead Trumpet with Vaughan Weister's Famous Jazz Orchestra
Chris DeMarco, Director of Jazz, Cuyahoga Falls City Schools
Phillip Brice, Trombone- Las Vegas Showroom Veteran
Chas Baker, Trombone-Former Director of Jazz Studies, Kent State University
Pete Cumming, Trombone- Brass Instrument Specialist, United Musical Instruments
Scott Garlock, Bass Trombone- Director of Jazz Studies, Ashland University
Gary Twining, Bass Trombone- Formerly with Las Vegas Desert Inn Orchestra
Alex Hoyt, Piano-Playhouse Square pianist
Chris Conway, Bass, Special Request Orchestra
Aidan Plank, Bassist, Cleveland Jazz Orchestra
Jeremey Poparad, Bass and Guitar, Professor of Music, Kent State Stark University
Billy Joe Wiseman, Guitar, Los Angeles Session Musician
Mark Gonder, Drums-Featured drummer, Tommy Dorsey Orchestra,
Former Music Faculty at The University of Akron
Richard Moore, Drums, Porthouse Theatre Orchestra
Michael Sonata, Vocalist- Frank Sinatra Specialist
Shannon Eller, Vocalist, Barbara Streisand Specialist
Britni Tozzi, Professional actress and singer. Peggy Lee specialist
Don Dasco, Professional big band vocalist
Nicholas Brooks, Las Vegas Performer and Sammy Davis Artist
Dave Halston, Touring Sinatra Artist
Stan Davis, Sammy Davis Tribute Artist
Scott Brotherton, Dean Martin Tribute Artist
Sandra Montevideo, Vocalist, Liza Minelli specialist
Mery White, Recording artist and Akron's top R+B female vocalist
Mark Verabian, Las Vegas Dean Martin Artist
Drew Anthony, Las Vegas Dean Martin Artist