Mike Vax Big Band

Featuring alumni from the 1952-1978 Stan Kenton Orchestra, the Mike Vax Big Band performs some of Stan Kenton Orchestra’s best music along with fresh new material written by members of the band. Mike Vax was a trumpet soloist in the Stan Kenton Orchestra until leading the band after Kenton passed away to keep his music alive. The masterful Mike Vax leads his band to a sharp, swinging jive with explosive brass, saxophone, and solos by some of the best improvisers around. With a musical variety ranging from the swing era to the present, the repertoire continues to grow throughout the country. The goals of the big band are to perform meaningful music, talk about the importance of the jazz heritage in America, bring jazz music to young people, and to offer audiences a relaxed, entertaining atmosphere.

Saxophones:Kim Richmond, Pete Gallio, Keith Kaminski, Alex Murzyn, Joel Kaye

Trumpets:Mike Vax, Dennis Noday, Carl Saunders, Steve Huffsteter, Don Rader

Vocals: Scott Whitfield and Ginger Berglund

Sound, Setup and Recording Director:Dr. Dave Clements

Trombones: Roy Wiegand, Scott Whitfield, Dale DeVoe, Mike Suter, Kenny Shroyer

Piano: Bob Kafka Bass: Chris SymerDrums: Gary HobbsLatin Percussion: Dee Huffsteter

Road Manager: Tom HuthRecording Producer: Norm Tompach