Big Band Blast

The Big Band Blast will be a re-creation of the 1939 Big Band Battles at Carnegie Hall. Both bands will set up on stage. The Cape Ann Big Band will perform first. Then the Brian Thomas/Alex Lee Clark Big Band will take the stage for a set. The show will end with both bands playing a couple of songs together. Players from each band will take turns soloing.

About BT ALC Big Band
Since the group’s formation in 2011, BT ALC Big Band, led by trombonist Brian Thomas and trumpeter Alex Lee-Clark, has reshaped the depiction of the big band ensemble. By employing the traditional instrumentation of 5 saxophones, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones and rhythms section reminiscent of Duke Ellington and Count Basie while infusing funk, soul and hip hop, BT ALC Big Band has created an undeniably unique sound they dub Big Band Funk.

About Cape Ann Big Band
In just a short span of time, the Cape Ann Big Band has become one of the most sought after ensembles in the North Shore and Greater Boston area selling out 23 consecutive shows at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport, Ma. The Band was formed in December of 2010 when director Carlos Menezes Jr. teamed up with friends and fellow musicians Paula Burns, Shawn Lowe, Mike Lentini, and Rick Geraghty to discuss the potentials of starting up a 17-piece big band. What was once a dream quickly became reality when Menezes found the roster full in just a week’s time. Driven by the talents of local musicians, the Cape Ann Big Band prides itself in performing to entertain and connect with its local community. This is a group that truly operates as a family. This diverse big band entertains and delights audiences with danceable music infused with blues, swing, New Orleans second lines, soul, and rock n’ roll.